By IANS,
Kolkata : The Election Commission Thursday issued guidelines for political parties in West Bengal to maintain peace and harmony after the declaration of state assembly election results May 13.
“The model code of conduct (MCC) will continue to be effective till the time the commission formally withdraws it by issue of necessary order and every one coming under the purview of it shall be bound to comply with it in due manner,” state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sunil Kumar Gupta said in a release.
The MCC will be in effect till May 18, five days after the declaration of the polls results.
“An appeal has been made to all political parties to refrain from holding any procession, meeting or assembly of people or ceremony without specific permission from the competent authority even beyond the date when the MCC has been withdrawn by the EC, subsequent to completion of election process,” said the release.
Stressing on the importance of maintaining peace and public order after declaration of results, it urged people to cooperate with the law enforcing authorities.
Meanwhile, at an all-party meeting Thursday, Gupta asked all the parties to show restraint after the results are declared.
“We have asked the political parties to cooperate and show restraint even after the declaration of polls results,” he said.
Meanwhile, all necessary arrangement has been made in all 312 counting halls located in 87 counting centres across the state. A three-tier security system has been provided at all counting centres and no procession and or group of four people will be allowed in and around a 100 metre periphery of the centre.
“The entire area will be a sterile zone and no person will be allowed to carry or use cordless telephone, matchbox, lighters, crackers, arms or any kind of inflammable articles within 100 metre-periphery of the counting centres. No vehicles except ambulance and police wireless van in emergency situation would be allowed to move in the areas,” said Gupta adding that the restrictions will be in effect from Thursday midnight.
A four-member team from the Election Commission led by secretary to the EC K. Ajoy Kumar will arrive here May 14 and they will formally issue the notification for constitution of the new assembly, he said.