The expenditure sensitive seats are being currently determined by the EC based on “past experiences, the level of development and literacy profile and sensitivity of the area for distribution of cash, liquor or items of bribe.”
The 5-10 member team, according to EC directives, will “spread the message of ethical voting among voters and to abstain from any inducement like cash, gift, liquor or community feat organised for campaign purpose, during election process” and also hold meetings and group discussions with the voters against the evil effects of bribe during elections, which shall also be attended by the local sector officers appointed by the poll panel in view of the election process.
The group will also have the mandate to report “malpractices” noticed in this regard to the EC.
“The group shall not directly take any action against any malpractice and it should only inform the district complaint monitoring centre which has been opened for the purpose,” the EC said charting out the standard operating procedures for these groups.
The EC has asked the CEOs to direct the Returning officers in the expenditure sensitive constituencies to “hand over” all advertisement material prepared on ethical voting to the VAG and WAG members.
