The Election Commission has issued a set of instructions on the setting up of temporary camping offices by political parties and candidates, based on the guidelines and advisory received from the Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland.

This was conveyed through a press release issued today by the Superintendent of Police (SCRB) & PRO, PHQ Nagaland.

According to the set of instructions, a camping office cannot be opened “by way of any encroachment” on either public or private property, on any religious place or campus of such religious place, or adjacent to any educational institution/ hospital.

Further, the camping office cannot be set up “within 200 meters of an existing polling station”.

The office should display only one flag of the party and banner with party symbol/photographs, stated the press release. The size of the banner should not exceed 4 feet x 8 feet,

“subject to the further condition that if the local laws prescribed a smaller size for banner/ hoarding etc., then the size prescribed by local law shall prevail.”

Written permission should be taken from “the respective District Election Officer/Returning Officer, who will consult the concerned SP/local Police while granting the permit.”

The press release stated that the Expenditure Observers and the local police will be informed of all camping offices by political parties and candidates for ensuring “expenditure on such office is properly booked in the account of candidate” and that law and order is maintained in those camps.

The violation of any of these set of instructions would be a violation of the model code of conduct, stated the press release, which ended with an appeal for compliance of these instructions.

“All concerned, including Political Parties and Intending Candidates are encouraged to take note of the above instructions and comply.”