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Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji, Goa
No loudspeakers, no vehicle-processions, no hoardings and not even advertisements! The panchayat elections in Goa are going to be unique this time.
Amending the code of conduct for panchayat polls, Goa's state election commission has banned most of the things for the election campaign, which demands 'money power'.
"It is to avoid wasteful expenditure and ensure a level-playing field for each and every grassroots citizen," state Election Commissioner Prabhakar Timble said.
Panchayat polls are going to be held in the state on January 20. There are 185 village panchayats, having 1413 wards, involving over 900,000 voters spread in 11 talukas of Goa.
As per the notification, no vehicle with loudspeakers will be allowed for campaigning. There is no bar on using loudspeakers for public meetings, but with prior permission from the authorities.
Going a step ahead, the SEC has also banned procession of vehicles, including two-wheelers, but bicycles are not a restriction.
Besides, the SEC has imposed a ban on any kind of election hoardings, posters and handbills without prior permission.
The SEC has even banned advertisements through newspapers and electronic media.
"Since the constituency of a ward is very small in size, such kind of expensive stuff is not at all required for the election campaign," opined SEC secretary Raghuvir Sanvordekar.
Lauding the SEC's pioneering efforts, the state government has also permitted the election authority to reduce the campaign period to just seven days rather than 15 days.
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