CEO warns agsinst corrupt election practices in Goa

Panaji, May 20 (UNI) With barely eleven days left for campaigning to end for the June 2 Goa Legislative Assembly polls, the state Chief Electoral Officer here has warned political parties, candidates and election agents against corrupt electoral practices.

''Necessary criminal legal action will be initiated against the violators found resorting to corrupt practices in elections,'' said CEO Ranesh Negi.

Making dirrect or indirect appeals for influencing voters in the name of religion or caste by playing or distributing casettes or VCD's or using posters with strong religious content constitutes an electoral offence, being resorted to by some of the candidates and agents, he said.

Corrupt electoral practices like bribery, undue influence, appeal on religious grounds and promotion of feeling of enmity or hatred were defined under section 123 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, providing punishment of three years imprisonment with fine, he added.

UNI