Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
To ensure a transparent Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election, district collector Deelip Swami has issued orders on February 5, effective from 6 pm until the end of the voting process on February 7, restricting gatherings in the district.
Under these orders, only election officers, staff, and voters standing in queues are exempted. Otherwise, gatherings of five or more people are prohibited. Within 100 meters of polling stations, the use of mobile phones, cordless phones, megaphones, microphones, and wireless devices is banned. Any actions that may compromise the secrecy of voting are strictly prohibited.
Polling agents at polling stations are not allowed to use mobile phones or take photographs. Additionally, within the 100-meter radius, except for police personnel and staff deployed for security, it is forbidden for anyone to:
Carry weapons
Use vehicles other than those authorised
Conduct election-related campaigning
Intimidate voters or pressure them to vote for a candidate
Carry flammable or explosive materials
Bring any objects that could harm people or voting machines
The orders also warn that violations will invite legal action.
Weekly markets to remain closed
Voting for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections will be held on Saturday, February 7. To allow voters to exercise their rights and ensure a peaceful voting process, all weekly markets in the district will remain closed. The order specifies that these markets can be held on other days.