CHENNAI: A day after issuing the schedule for bypoll to RK Nagar Assembly constituency, the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday tightened the screws to ensure a free and fair election.
Door-to-door campaign by candidates and their supporters can be held only between 9 am and 5 pm. The Commission is considering to further bring down the duration for door-to-door campaign.
Soon, Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti will hold discussions with Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan through video-conferencing on the arrangements being made for the by-election.
Replying to queries from reporters, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajesh Lakhoni said paramilitary forces would be on patrol at night to check money distribution. Further, election offices of candidates can be set up only in places permitted by EC.
“The Commission has temporarily banned trade using tokens to prevent its misuse to distribute money and other allurements to voters. Those who violate this will be arrested,” the CEO said.
Since identity cards are being distributed to residents for their two-wheelers and four-wheelers, those who are from outside RK Nagar should specify reasons for entering the constituency. If unauthorised vehicles are found, they would be seized and would be released only after polling is over.
