The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Jammu and Kashmir has reported significant enforcement actions in response to violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. As of now, nine First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged, and five government employees have been suspended due to their involvement in political activities that contravene electoral regulations.
Since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on August 16, a total of 175 cases of violations have been recorded across the region. This includes 96 cases against political parties and candidates, and 53 against government employees. However, 89 of the complaints were dismissed as they were deemed “baseless and false.” The CEO’s office has issued warnings in 23 cases and is currently conducting inquiries into 48 additional cases of alleged violations.
The five suspended government employees were specifically penalized for participating in political activities, which is a clear breach of the MCC. The authorities in Srinagar have initiated further inquiries into their conduct. The seriousness of the violations is underscored by the lodging of FIRs in nine cases, indicating a robust response to electoral misconduct.
The assembly elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are set to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. This election cycle is particularly significant as it marks the first polls conducted under the national flag and Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to the region
The proactive measures taken by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer reflect an effort to ensure fair and transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir. As the election date approaches, the focus on maintaining the integrity of the electoral process remains paramount, with ongoing inquiries and strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct being critical components of this effort.