Piravom Bypoll: Control Room set up

KOCHI: The district administration has said on Tuesday that preparations for the Piravom byelection are nearing completion. The control room set up for the election will start functioning on Wednesday. The observers and deputy observers deputed by the Election Commission will reach on the same day.The observers will scrutinise the amount spent by the candidates in compliance with the election code of conduct. Anyone coming across malpractice with regard to election expenses and code of conduct can inform the control room on 0484-2426595.“The amount that can be spent by a candidate contesting to the Assembly has been enhanced to Rs 16 lakh this time around by the Election Commission. Information provided by public will be entered in a register and immediate action will be taken,” district administration authorities said.“There will be a video surveillance team under each deputy observer. There will also be a video viewing team comprising an officer and two clerks. These personnel will monitor TV channels to check whether there are any norm-violating advertisement or paid news being aired. An accounting team will look into the expenses of the candidates and maintain a shadow register. The figures in the shadow register will be cross-checked with the expenses,” they said.“A video certification and monitoring committee has also been formed to give sanction to election-related advertisements.  Police officials in the rank of an SI, Executive Magistrates, videographers and armed policemen will conduct patrolling in the constituency. They will have the power to seize unauthorised liquor, unaccounted money and arms,” the authorities said.The Election Commission has directed the candidates to open a bank account a day before the date of submission of nomination. The details of transactions through this account should be handed over to the observers. Copies of posters and banners should also be given to the District Collector. Special pass is needed for vehicles used for campaigning.Meanwhile, District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth has sought the cooperation of political parties to conduct the election in a transparent manner.