ICAI releases Do’s and Don’ts for Council Election 2024 Candidates

The Election Cell of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ( ICAI ) on 29th November, 2024 released instructions for all Candidates of the impending quadrennial Council Election. The Elections slated to be on 6th and 7th December, 2024 shall decide the members of the 26th Council and 25th Regional Councils.

The Council Election of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ( ICAI ) is a vital democratic process to elect members to its Central and Regional Councils, which govern the organization. The Elections ensure representation for ICAI members, enabling their voices to shape policies and decisions. The elected councils oversee critical functions like setting professional standards, regulating the CA profession, and addressing members’ concerns. The Elections shall take place on both days in cities having more than 1000 constituent members, while other cities shall have the polling only on 7th December, 2024.

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Candidates have been strictly advised to follow the Election Code of Conduct, issued in terms of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, failing which disciplinary action shall be taken against the defaulting members in terms of Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered Accountants ( Procedure of Investigations of Professional and Other Misconduct Cases ) Rules, 2007.

As a final intimation towards the candidates, the ICAI has issued the present Do’s and Don’ts for the information and guidance of contesting Candidates and their allied personnel to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Following are the Do’s and Don’ts purported through the ICAI Circular:

DO’s

1. A candidate is entitled to be present at any of the polling booth in his constituency including at such polling booth beyond this constituency where the voters of his regional constituency have been permitted to vote by poll in terms of sub-rule 2 of Rule 6.
2. A candidate is entitled to appoint any two members as his authorized representatives for each polling booth but only one out of two Authorized Representatives shall be permitted to be present at any given time on behalf of the candidate at the specified/particular booth. ( The appointment of such authorized representative shall be through the letter of authority, the format for which has been provided to the candidates and also available on www.icai.org ).
3. Facilitate complete freedom to the voters in exercising their franchise without subjecting to any annoyance or obstruction near Polling Booths.

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DON’Ts

 The following acts are totally banned on Polling days.

1. Crowding at the polling booth.
2. Erection of kiosk/stall, putting up tables, chairs, tent/shamiana or pandal by whatever name called, display on vehicles on polling days, and the like in any manner or form whatsoever.
3. Display of banners/hoardings/standees etc.
4. Distribution/supply of any gift to voters.
5. Serving tea/coffee, snacks and lunch etc to volunteers, supporters of the candidates and the voters.
6. Wearing or displaying the pla-cards, badges, t-shirts, caps or any other display material indicating the Name or Photograph or Serial/Ballot No. of the candidate during the polling days.
7. Display of banners, distribution/supply of pamphlets/letters/circulars or any other publicity material including free distribution of books/calendars/diaries/handouts, in physical form or electromagnetic/electronic storage devices and the like.
8. Intimidation and impersonation of voters, providing transportation to voters and canvassing in any form/mode, excepting one to one communication, 24 hours before the commencement of polling and during the polling days.
9. Distribution of cards .
10. Inducing a voter to vote or not to vote.
11. Prohibition to carry Mobile Phone inside the Secret Chamber .
12. Undue influence – direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of a candidate or his supporters, with the connivance of candidate, with the free exercise of any electoral right.
13. Hiring or procuring, whether on payment or otherwise, of a vehicle by a candidate or by any other persons with the connivance of candidate, for the conveyance of voters.
14. Canvassing for candidates on Polling days.

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CA. (Dr) Jai Kumar Batra, Returning Officer & Secretary has issued the Circular on behalf of the ICAI, appealing towards the Candidates and all other participants of the electoral process to join hands in maintaining a conducive environment that would enable all voters to reach the polling booth and cast their vote in a free and fair manner without any hitches.

This election promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, fostering the growth of the CA profession. By steering reforms and strategic initiatives, the councils play a pivotal role in upholding ethical practices and enhancing the global reputation of Indian Chartered Accountants.

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