Shillong, Feb 26: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress to explain as to why social media posts in favour of the party were used even after the campaign ended.
In the notice issued to the state party president on Sunday, the CEO mentioned that ‘appeal for vote in favour of TMC was posted in the “Meghalaya Deserves Better” Facebook page and Instagram at 22:17 hours on 25.02.2023. The video post is as titled: “TMC is the only credible alternative! …” and on the “Meghalayadeservesbetter” instagram handle titled “TMC is the only credible alternative! ”.
The notice said the election was announced by the commission on January 18 and the provisions of Model Code of Conduct was imposed from that date.
The hours of poll are from 7 am on February 27 to 5 pm and the ‘silence period’ of forty-eight hours started from 5 pm of February 25.
“Whereas, Section 126 (1)(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in that polling area. Further, sub-section (3) of said Section 126 explains the ‘election matter” means any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election”.
The CEO pointed out section 126 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which states that any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine, or with both.
“Therefore, an opportunity is provided to you to take corrective action at the earliest and explain your party’s stand for the said violation. Your explanation must reach to the undersigned by 5:00 PM on 26.02.2023”, the CEO said.
Later, the CEO informed that the ECI removed the posts.
