DEO calls an all-party meeting in Tirunelveli to discuss how to implement MCC effectively

A meeting of all parties was called in the collectorate here on Monday by District Election Officer-cum-Collector KP Karthikeyan, in the presence of City Police Commissioner Pa Moorthy and Superintendent of Police N Silambarasan, to discuss the effective implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC) in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

During his speech, Karthikeyan informed the political party leaders about the permissions needed for campaigning and said, “Politicians should only use decent words during campaigns.” The printers’ information, including the shop’s phone number, should be shown on the campaign wall posters. Prior to running advertisements in newspapers, on television, radio, or on social media, political parties need get approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. In order to utilize amplifiers during public meetings, prior authorization must be obtained. Information on the start and finish locations of political demonstrations should also be shared with the police department.”

The DEO said that no place of worship ought to serve as a platform for political campaigning. “Parties shall not, without previous permission, erect flagpoles or banners, plaster posters, or write slogans on privately held lands, buildings, compound walls, or vehicles. There should be no party flags, insignia, or other campaign collateral visible close to polling places. It is not recommended to use amplifiers—movable or immovable—before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. Parties must to abstain from running ads in news outlets and avoid from disparaging their rivals on social media, according to the DEO.

Attending the conference, AIADMK cadres expressed worry over the 24,000 purportedly fraudulent votes in the Tirunelveli seat. Later on, the collector also convened a conference to inform the proprietors of pawnbrokers, printing presses, lodges, and marriage halls about the current MCC standards.