143/2023-2024

Aizawl, the 27th July 2023: The State Election Commission(SEC) notification on restriction on use of vehicles on poll day in the By-Election to Local Councils, 2023 is reproduced below for information and compliance.

"Whereas, the State Election Commission, Mizoram has issued Notification for By-Election to Local Councils, 2023 on 25th July, 2023, according to which the poll shall take place on 22nd August, 2023 (Tuesday);

Therefore, in the interest of preserving the fairness of election process and rendering the same reflection of true choice of the people, the State Election Commission, in exercise of the powers vested in it under Article 243K of the Constitution of India read with sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Mizoram Municipalities (Election to Local Councils), Rules, 2015 as amended and other powers enabling it in this behalf, hereby issues the following restrictions on the use of vehicles on Poll Day for By-Election to Local Councils, 2023:-

(i) No hiring or procuring or use of vehicles by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of the candidate or his election agent for the free conveyance of the voters to and fro the polling station shall be allowed.

(ii) In their respective Local Council area, each contesting candidate is allowed to use one vehicle for his own use on request. The Returning

Officer concerned shall issue the vehicle permit as per proforma enclosed.

The State Election Commission further orders that the District Administration shall keep a close watch on the vehicles used by Candidates and persons accompanying the contesting candidates and their supporters for any possible mischief, including criminal activities like carrying of illegal arms and weapons. If any of these vehicles, either of a contesting candidate or a private owner, is found to be involved in any such act or for carrying anti-social elements with a view to intimidating or creating terror in the minds of the voters, it should be the duty of the District Administration to impound such vehicles and not to release them till the process of election is completed. In addition, action against the owner, the occupant/occupants and the candidate who is involved in such illegal activities shall also be taken as per law".