The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the code of conduct for the election to be held on December. The Code contains the instructions and norms for compliance by candidates and their authorized representatives shall come into force from 1st September, 2021.
remain in force till counting of votes is completed and election results are notified in the Gazette of India.
The code of conduct completely prohibits erection of stall, putting up chairs, tables, tent or shamiana or pandal by whatever name called, display on vehicles on polling days.
“There shall be complete ban on display of banners, distribution/ supply of any gifts, pamphlets/ letters/ circulars (other than one permitted under Rule 42) or any other publicity materials including free distribution of books/ calendars/ diaries/ handouts, in physical form or electromagnetic/ electronic storage devices and the like,” the Institute said.
There shall be complete ban on intimidation and impersonation of voters, providing transportation to voters and canvassing in any form/ mode, excepting one to one communication, 24 hourbefore the commencement of polling and during the polling days.
Apart from other restrictions, the Institute also said that the candidates and/or their authorized representatives shall ensure peaceful and orderly polling and complete freedom to the voters in exercising their franchise without being subjected to any annoyance or obstruction within the zero tolerance zone.
“Organization of parties for the purpose of electioneering or even participation in any party or providing/ facilitating any form of entertainment, e.g., musical events and the like, or religious/ spiritual events, with the direct and/ or indirect involvement of a candidate, member, non-member, NGO, LL.P., Company or Trust in any form/ manner for the purpose of electioneering whatsoever shall be prohibited,” it said.
However, exception is provided to any function/ event/ programme organized at own residence or office of the candidate or any other place convenient, by himself/ herself.
“Meeting(s) by the candidates in their own office or residence or any other place convenient to him/ her are permitted subject to the condition that the number of participants in such meeting shall be restricted to generally 100 members and further that no refreshment other than tea/ coffee/ soft/ aerated drinks and snacks are served to such participants. However, the restriction on number of participants will not apply in case of an organization (including its sister concerns) employing 100 or more than 100 number of members in the said premises. Further in such programme, only those members shall be eligible to attend who are employed in the same organization. The organization including its sister concerns should belong to the candidate. The expenditure so incurred shall fall within the ambit of election expenses of the candidate under Rule 41. However, candidates and participants will be responsible to comply with the Covid related norms as per the Guidelines issued by the Government,” it said.
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