Gokul dairy election on October 18; prohibitory orders around polling centres

Kolhapur: Voting for the Gokul dairy union election will be held on October 18 at 35 polling centres in 12 talukas of the district, from 8 am to 5 pm, with 5,484 voters eligible. Votes will be counted from 8 am on October 19 at the multipurpose hall at Ramanmala.

To maintain law and order, collector Dr Vijay Rathod has imposed prohibitory orders around the polling centres from 8 pm on October 17 until voting ends. Political parties may not set up booths within 200 metres of a centre. Carrying or displaying campaign material and using unauthorised vehicles are banned, and mobile phones, cordless phones and other wireless devices are not allowed within 100 metres.

Carrying weapons and any act that compromises the secrecy of the ballot are prohibited. Polling agents may not use phones, take photographs or shoot videos either. "The election must be held in a peaceful, free and fearless atmosphere," the collector said.

Prohibitory orders will also apply around the counting centre, where entry within a 200-metre radius is limited to candidates, their authorised representatives, counting staff and those supplying material. Officials warned of action against anyone breaking the rules.

Source: The Times of India