ECI ISSUES AMENDED GUIDELINES FOR THE LAST 48 HOURS ENDING WITH POLL CAMPAIGN

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 2, 2017: In continuation with the instructions issued earlier regarding the last 48 hours ending with the on-going campaign for the Punjab Assembly Elections, the Election Commission of India has issued amended guidelines in this regard.
Disclosing this here today, District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Mr.Ravi Bhagat said that all the advertisement for the prospect of the candidates or the political party during the last 48 hours will be restricted. According to the renewed guidelines all the electronic media advertisement, including the bulk SMS, IVRS and social media have been completely banned for broadcasting during the last 48 hours ending with poll i.e. starting from 5pm of 2nd Feb 2017 to 5 pm of 4th Feb 2017. He said that all the print media ADVT to be published during the last 48 hours have got to be certified by State level MCMC, if it is general party propaganda for the entire State. He however, said that if this is for the prospects of the candidate, then the district level MCMC would certify.
Adding further Mr. Bhagat said that all the political parties and the media have been advised to follow the directions strictly as per the renewed guidelines of the ECI. Referring to the guidelines issued earlier regarding the plying of two wheelers, Mr. Bhagat said that according to the fresh guidelines there would be no restrictions on the movement of two wheelers by the common public and earlier instructions was for the use of vehicles by candidates on the day of the poll.