With all set for the five civic body polls in the district on May 26, the district administration has imposed a series of restrictions and announced special arrangements to ensure peaceful and fair elections. The administration has also ordered the closure of liquor vends and holiday for eligible voters. The results for the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections will be declared on May 29.
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Dalwinderjit Singh said strict directions have been issued under the Punjab State Election Commission Act, 1994, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to maintain law and order during the elections.
As per the orders, carrying firearms and sharp-edged weapons near polling stations has been banned till the completion of polling, except for on-duty army personnel, paramilitary forces and uniformed police officials. Even security personnel attached with the election candidates will not be allowed to carry weapons inside restricted areas.
The administration has also prohibited gatherings of five or more persons within 100 metres of polling stations, except voters standing in queues. Election campaigning, appeals for votes, political booths, banners and posters have also been banned within the restricted zone.
Further use of mobile phones, wireless sets and loudspeakers within 100 metres of polling booths has also been restricted, except for election officials and security staff on duty.
Authorities further stated that no private vehicle will be allowed within 100 metres of polling stations without proper authorisation from the Election Commission or Returning Officers. Any activity that may influence the polling process has also been prohibited.
In another order, public meetings and gatherings in polling areas have been completely banned. Unnecessary presence of people outside polling booths has also been prohibited.
Meanwhile, the government has declared May 26 as a paid holiday for employees working in registered shops and commercial establishments who are eligible to vote in the municipal elections. The decision has been taken under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, to allow employees to exercise their franchise freely.
The administration has also declared a dry day in areas falling under municipal councils and nagar panchayats where elections are being held. Sale, storage and serving of liquor will remain completely prohibited in hotels, restaurants, clubs and liquor vends situated in these areas.
District Election Officer Dalwinderjit Singh said that voters can use their EPIC card or any of 15 alternative identity documents, including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, PAN card, MGNREGA job card, ration card, pension documents, bank passbooks and student identity cards, for voter identification on polling day. He urged voters to carry valid identification documents to avoid inconvenience during voting.
