Mangalore, Mar 15: Dakshina Kannada District Election Officer A B Ibrahim said that the district had over 29,000 registered voters enrolled in the voters ' list at present as compared to the figure prior to assembly elections in the state last year.
Addressing mediapersons at a press briefing at the taluk panchayat office here on Saturday, he said that the number of registered voters as of January 1, 2014 was 15,30,071, as compared to 15,01,024 registered voters as of January 1, 2013. The number of registered voters has increased after the special enrollment drive conducted by the district administration last week, he said.
Expenditure of candidate to be observed
Speaking on the expenditure set by the Election Commission for each Lok Sabha candidate, Mr Ibrahim said that the limit of expenses was Rs 70 lakhs for each candidate, which would include expenditure incurred during political campaigning including events such as press conferences, processions and walkathons.
He said that there was no limit for expenditure by political parties for campaigning. However, prior permission should be taken if candidates wish to undertake a procession before filing of his nomination papers with the election officer. Even when there is campaigning done by political star campaigners in the district, the expenditure will be considered as expenses of the Lok Sabha candidate, he said.
"Misuse of officical machinery and violation of moral code of conduct will amount to legal offence punishable by law," he said
NOTA option available in Lok Sabha elections '
Speaking on the new Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to be used in the upcoming elections next month, he said that a total of 2520 upgraded balloting units and 1980 upgraded controlling units had been provided to Dakshina Kannada district. Upto 29 balloting units can be connected to each controlling unit, as a result of which, it was possible to field upto 464 candidates per polling booth, he said.
He said that the electorates had a chance to opt for None Of The Above ' (NOTA) option in the Lok Sabha elections scheduled on April 17 in the state.
Security to be heightened in border areas, critical booths
DK Superintendent of Police S D Sharanappa said that inter-state border checkposts would be set up shortly, to check illegal activities across the state border, with an eye on the forthcoming elections. Anti-social and communal elements in the district will be kept under observation as precautionary measures. Heightened security will be provided to hyper-sensitive polling booths, including those in naxal-affected areas, he informed.
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