Elections 2019: Advisory For Public Meetings, Roadshows In Twin Cities Issued

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has issued guidelines for holding public meetings, rallies and roadshows in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, as the model code of conduct has come into force.

According to the advisory, candidates and political parties need to apply for permission and licence from their respective DCP’s office. In case of clash of date, time and venue, permission will be granted on first-come-first-serve basis. Instructions issued from the Chief Election Commissioner from time to time will be intimated to the candidates by enclosing the same with the licence/permission.

The twin cities will see simultaneous voting for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections on April 23.

The Advisory

1. Roadshows, subject to court orders and local laws, should be held only on holidays and during non-peak hours, on routes other than those having big hospitals, trauma centres, blood banks and heavily crowded markets.
2. The number of vehicles and persons expected to join the roadshow shall be intimated in advance.
3. Simultaneous plying of the number of vehicles (four-wheelers) on road, including e-rickshaws/two-wheelers, should be limited to 10. It the convoy exceeds the limit then it should be broken after every 10 vehicles and a gap of 100 metres maintained.
4. The roadshow should not cover more than half of the road width to ensure safety of the general public and free movement of traffic.
5. No processions along places where another party is holding meetings.
6. Safety of public and persons attending the roadshow should be ensured. Bursting of firecrackers and carrying of firearms shall not be permitted.
7. Loudspeakers can be used as per the Election Commission’s existing instruction and subject to local laws and court orders if any. No use of loudspeakers, whether static or mounted, on moving vehicles, from 10pm to 6am. No use of loudspeakers at public meetings and processions without prior written permission from the authorities concerned. Normally, such meetings/ processions will not be allowed to continue beyond 10pm and will be further subject to local laws, local perceptions of the security arrangements of the area and other relevant considerations like weather conditions, festival seasons, examination period etc.
8. Display of animals in road shows is totally banned. Children, particularly school children in uniform, should not take part in roadshows.
9. The maximum size of a banner to be carried by hand will be 6ft X 4ft and only one flag of 1ft X 0.5ft size, with permission of the returning officer concerned, would be allowed on campaign vehicles in a roadshow.
10. No spot/focus/flashing/searchlights and hooters shall be put on any campaign vehicle.