Seven-phase poll in UP, officials to crack whip on code violators

To be used at all 163,331 polling booths, adequate central forces will be deployed across state

LUCKNOW: Chief electoral officer (CEO), UP, L Venkateshwar Lu on Sunday said the model code of conduct (MCC) had come into force in the state with the Election Commission announcing the schedule for the Lok Sabha election.

District magistrates and superintendents of police of all the districts had been directed to enforce the code of conduct strictly and take action against those who violate it, he said at a press conference here.

Lu said the by-poll to the Nighasan assembly seat in Lakhimpur Kheri district will be held along with the Lok Sabha election.

Polling in the state will be held in seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19 from 7am to 6 pm. However, in the Maoist-infested constituencies of Chakia, Duddhi and Robertsganj, polling will be held from 7am to 4pm. The counting of votes will be done on May 23, he said.

Adequate Central Paramilitary Force (CPMF) personnel will be deployed across the state for holding a free and fair election, the CEO said.

Voters cannot use voter slips as identity card to exercise their franchise, he clarified, adding that the Election Commission has announced 11 documents that can be used as ID proof for voting. Adequate security arrangements will be made at critical polling stations and vulnerable hamlets identified by the commission in all the constituencies, he said.

District magistrates have been made returning officers in 67 Lok Sabha constituencies and ADM-rank officers have been made returning officers in the remaining 13 constituencies, he said.

The Election Commission has decided to use VVPAT at all 163,331 polling booths. A technical examination of VVPAT machines has been conducted.

On the union law ministry’s suggestion, the Election Commission has amended Form-26 (affidavit) that is submitted by a candidate with nomination papers. A candidate will have to give five-year details of his assets as well as

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Polling in the state will be held in seven phases on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19 from 7am to 6 pm. However, in the Maoist-infested constituencies of Chakia, Duddhi and Robertsganj, polling will be held from 7am to 4pm. The counting of votes will be done on May 23 L VENKATESHWAR LU , Chief electoral officer Uttar Pradesh

those of his family members and dependents in the country and in foreign countries, he said.

In view of a Supreme Court order of September 25, 2018 the candidates will have to submit details of pending criminal cases. The candidate will inform his political party about the cases and the party, in turn, will put the details on its website. The details of the candidates facing criminal charges will be also carried in media, he said.