Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 30: Majority of 158 nomination papers, filed by the candidates for 26 seats of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, were found in order during scrutiny of the documents held today separately by the Assistant Returning Officers of all 26 constituencies.
“Due to communication gap, reports from some of the remote and far off constituencies were still pouring in. However, the reports received from most of the segments have indicated that almost all 158 nomination papers, filed by the candidates of various political parties and Independents, were in order,” official sources told the Excelsior.
The detailed report of scrutiny of documents will be received by tomorrow afternoon,” they said.
On last date of filing of nomination papers yesterday, 69 candidates had filed papers taking total number of candidates to 158.
A total of 158 candidates including 131 in the Council constituencies falling under Leh Assembly segment and 27 in Nubra Assembly constituency had joined the electoral battle for Leh Council elections. The candidates can withdraw their nominations till October 2. Election for all 26 seats will be held on October 17 while the counting of votes will take place on October 23. The entire election process would be completed by or before October 28.
Out of a total of 158 candidates, Congress has fielded highest number of 26 followed by BJP 24, People’s Democratic Party and National Conference eight each and newly formed New Ladakh Movement (NLM) 16. Rest were Independent candidates, who have joined the fray from different constituencies of the Council.
Meanwhile, the District Election Officer (DEO) Leh has constituted seven Flying Squads in Leh district to check violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and carryout videography of all major election rallies.
An official handout issued by Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Prasanna Ramaswamy, who is Election Authority for the polls said it is mandatory for all political parties and independent candidates to follow the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in letter and spirit till the election process is over. He said one of the main requirements of the MCC is that proper permissions be obtained for organizing public meetings and rallies.
“Permissions are also to be obtained for using motor vehicles for campaigning/ electioneering purposes and the permissions have a prescribed format which should be displayed on the windshield of the vehicles for information of all concerned,” he said.
“Whereas the enforcement of the MCC has so far been very lethargic and instances have been reported where political parties have organized rallies and processions without the proper permission. This has the potential to vitiate the entire election process and immediate steps are required to check this unhealthy practice,” Ramaswamy said.
He added that no rallies/ public meetings of a political nature shall be permitted in the district without proper permission which has to be produced for inspection on demand by Government servants like Magistrates and police officers/ personnel at the venue of the rally/ public meeting.
“No vehicles shall be used for electioneering/campaigning/ loud announcement without the proper permission shall be displayed on the windshield of the four wheeler vehicles in a way visible to all concerned. In the case of two wheelers, such permissions need not to be displayed but should be produced on demand for inspection,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
He added that public premises and Government structures like government buildings, electric poles, road dividers etc shall not be defaced by posters, flags and banners and private structures shall be used only with the prior consent of the owners.
“Loud announcements shall not be carried out without permission and in any case in the vicinity of schools, hospitals and old age homes. In any case no such announcements shall be carried out before 10 am and after 6 pm.
“Liquor, cash (even paltry amounts), food and consumer goods shall not be distributed by any organization without prior information to this office. This applies to Non Governmental Organizations also,” the DC Leh said.
The MCC shall be in force in the whole of Leh district till the LAHDC elections are over and enforced in letter and spirit by all magistrates and the police department and they shall have the authority to seize any vehicle and stop any rally/ procession if it is found that they are in contravention to this order or to the MCC.
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