Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050559400300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Bypolls: norms listed for filing nominations

Only five persons including candidate to be allowed in the returning officer’s room

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad district election authorities have stipulated that not more than five persons including the contesting candidate should not be allowed in the returning officer’s room at the time of filing nominations for the forthcoming Assembly bypolls.

District Election Officer and GHMC Commissioner C.V.S.K. Sarma stated on Sunday that if more than five persons enter into the returning officer’s room, the officer concerned will not accept the nomination and serious action will also be taken against the officer if they allow violation of the rule.

Directions

During a meeting with the newly appointed returning and assistant returning officers, he directed them to take up video recording and photographs during the time of filing nominations and the candidates’ procession while entering the returning officer’s room. Only three vehicles would be allowed at the procession time within a periphery of 100 metres at the returning officer’s room.

Dr. Sarma told the officials to strictly implement the model code of conduct and especially keep a tab on wall writings and unauthorised cut-outs.

The expenditure of each candidate and the political party has to be monitored and record be maintained. The returning officer concerned for each of the three Assembly constituencies -- Khairatabad, Musheerabad and Secunderabad -- are to inspect the polling stations and finalise route maps.

Officials appointed

Following are the officials appointed by the Election Commission: Secunderanad - Returning Officer will be Zonal Commissioner (North) GHMC, he will be assisted by Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) - Estate Officer, Tahsildars, Sec’bad & Marredpally mandals, Assistant City Planner & Assistant Assessor – Circle 18.

Musheerabad: RO - Additional Commissioner (Works) GHMC and AROs – EO HMWSSB, Tahsildar of Musheerabad mandal, ACP & Project Officer UCD of Circle 9.

Khairatabad: RO- Executive Director, A.P.IICL, AROs – Deputy Commissioner, ACP, Valuation Officer of Circle 10; DCs of Circle 11,12 & 14; Tahsildars of Khairatabad, Shaikpet, Serilingampally & Balanagar mandals.