SEC ISSUES CAMPAIGNING RULES FOR GHMC ELECTIONS

The State Election Commission (SEC) on Sunday issued a set of rules for campaigning for the upcoming elections to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Among others, the guidelines said vehicles used for the campaign must have permission from the deputy municipal commissioner (DMC).

The SEC said star campaigners would require permission from the GHMC commissioner. No campaign would be permitted without permission; if anyone went ahead, campaign materials would be seized.

On polling day, only one vehicle would be permitted inside the premisses of the stations and the DMC would have to give permission. Permission would be granted only for campaigners abide by the traffic laws.

During the campaign, there cannot be no more than two vehicles and they would have to maintain a 100-metre gap between themselves. Government vehicles cannot be used for campaigning.

It said loudspeakers can be operated between 6 am and 10 pm. They cannot be used near hospitals, schools, educational institutions, courts, and places of worship; they must be used at least 100 metres away from them.

Printed flexis, banners, and posters must have the name of the publisher along with his or her address, the SEC said.

● ON POLLING day, only one vehicle would be permitted inside the premisses of the stations and the DMC would have to give permission. Permission would be granted only for campaigners abide by the traffic laws.