Cooperate in Implementing the Model Code of Conduct and the Entire Election Process

District Election Officer Bhushan Gagarani’s Appeal at a Meeting with Political Party Representatives Regarding the 2024 Assembly General Elections

Mumbai : The Assembly General Election 2024 has been announced, and the administration has made all necessary preparations. To increase voter turnout and ensure maximum citizens participate in the voting process, the entire administrative machinery is making special efforts as per the Election Commission’s directives. For these efforts to be successful, cooperation from all political parties is essential. Political parties should also collaborate at their respective levels and support the administration in implementing the Model Code of Conduct and the election process, stated District Election Officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Mr. Bhushan Gagarani.

A meeting was held today (October 16, 2024) at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters with representatives of political parties from the Mumbai city and suburban districts in the context of the Assembly General Election 2024. He was speaking at that time.

Present at the meeting were Additional District Election Officer and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional District Election Officer and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional District Election Officer and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini, Additional District Election Officer and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, Additional District Election Officer and Mumbai City District Collector Mr. Sanjay Yadav, Additional District Election Officer and Mumbai Suburban District Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar, and various other officials.

District Election Officer Mr. Bhushan Gagarani informed the meeting that the program for the Assembly General Election 2024 has been announced for the 288 seats in Maharashtra. Since October 15, 2024, the Model Code of Conduct has also been in effect throughout Maharashtra. It is essential for everyone to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct. The administration has begun actions to immediately remove all banners, posters, stickers, and advertisement boards as per the Representation of the People Act, 1995. All political parties are expected to cooperate in this matter. Political parties should only place banners, posters, etc., in locations where permission is granted, and after obtaining the necessary approvals, Mr. Gagarani mentioned.

He further stated that the low voting percentage in urban areas is a matter of concern for the Honorable Election Commission. Special efforts are made to increase voter turnout in every election. This year, too, various measures and public awareness campaigns are being conducted as per the directives of the Honorable Election Commission. Eligible voters who have not yet registered can do so by submitting a six-digit application until ten days before the last date for candidates to file their nomination papers for the election. According to this regulation, voters can register their names until October 19, 2024. Similarly, the same process and timeline apply for name corrections and modifications, Mr. Gagarani informed the meeting.

While providing information about the “Know Your Polling Station” campaign, Mr. Gagarani stated that polling stations have been streamlined after the Lok Sabha Election 2024. After this process, polling station level officials (BLO) are reaching out to every family and voter to provide written information about the polling stations where there have been increases and changes. The “Know Your Polling Station” campaign is being conducted extensively. Political parties should also ensure that they are aware of this and gather information about changed polling stations to relay it to voters, Mr. Gagarani urged.

Additional District Election Officer and Mumbai Suburban District Collector Mr. Rajendra Kshirsagar mentioned that while efforts are being made to increase voter turnout, essential minimum facilities such as drinking water, seating arrangements for voters in line, and sanitation facilities will be ensured at every polling station. Special care is being taken to prevent any inconvenience to voters at polling stations. Separate meetings will be held at the level of election officials regarding the actions to be taken, which will provide detailed information about nominations, election programs, voting machinery, and other issues, Mr. Kshirsagar added.

After hearing the thoughts and suggestions presented by representatives of political parties, District Election Officer Mr. Gagarani concluded by stating that there are provisions regarding expenditure limits and opening accounts for election expenses under Sections 77 and 78 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Additionally, there are provisions regarding printed posters, banners, etc., under Section 127A. Section 128 provides for maintaining the confidentiality of voting. It is necessary for everyone to comply with various laws and the directives issued by the Honorable Election Commission from time to time. All political parties are kept informed about this regularly. It is expected that everyone will properly follow the entire election process, the Model Code of Conduct, and the laws and provisions related to elections. Mr. Gagarani also urged everyone to cooperate with the administration in this regard at the end of the meeting.