New Delhi: The Election Commission, while announcing the schedule for polls to five states, said the cVIGIL application should be used by voters to report any incident of violation of the model code of conduct.
With the EC announcing the dates of elections to Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, the model code of conduct comes into force from Saturday.
Uttar Pradesh will go to polls in seven phases from February 10 to March 7. Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa will vote on February 14 and Manipur will vote on February 27 and March 3. Counting of votes will be done on March 10.
READ | Election Commission Announces Schedule For Assembly Polls In Five States - Check Dates Here
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the EC had zero tolerance towards misuse of government machinery for elections.
He also encouraged the people to use cVIGIL app to report any abuse of election machinery like violation of model code of conduct.
"Our cVIGIL application should be used by voters to report any incident of violation of the Model Code of Conduct, distribution of money & freebies. Within 100 minutes of complaint, ECI officials will reach the place of offence," Chandra said.
Sushil Chandra also said that Suvidha app had been developed for all political parties and candidates contesting polls for online nomination.
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"Optional facility of online nomination has been given to candidates. We would like candidates to use this so that physical contact is reduced," he said.
On candidates with criminal cases, Chandra said the political party should explain why the person was selected despite criminal records.
"It is mandatory for political parties to upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases selected as poll candidates. They will also have to give a reason to select the candidate," CEC Sushil Chandra said.
He also said that the election expenditure per candidate had been increased to Rs. 28 lakh for Manipur and Goa, and Rs. 40 lakh for the remaining three States.