Kozhikode: With the local body elections nearing, enforcement teams continue intensified inspections across printing presses to ensure full compliance with the Green Code of Conduct. During the latest round of surprise checks, the district special squad seized 220 meters of prohibited election-related print materials from seven printing units within the corporation limits. Notices have been issued to the respective owners, and each establishment has been fined ₹10,000. The confiscated materials were handed over to the corporation for further proceedings.
The inspection team included T. Shahul Hameed (Internal Vigilance Officer, Local Self-Government Department), O. Jyotish (Program Officer, Suchitva Mission), and Corporation Health Inspectors Biju Jayaram and E.P. Shailesh, among others. Officials reiterated that the State Election Commission has strictly prohibited the use of certain raw materials for election printing and made QR verification mandatory. All raw materials must have QR codes, which, when scanned, must display an approved certificate.
Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against any printing press violating election protocol, and that surprise inspections will continue in the coming days.
Election Commission Tightens Norms on Dummy Ballots
Election Commissioner A. Shahjahan has issued a new set of guidelines regarding the use of dummy ballot units and dummy ballot papers for campaigning. Candidates and political parties have been instructed to comply strictly with the following conditions:
- Dummy ballot units may be used for campaigning, but they must be half the size of the original and typically made of wood or plywood.
- The dummy units must not be in the same colour as official ballot units.
Regarding dummy ballot papers:
- They may be printed for campaign purposes but cannot resemble official ballot papers in size or colour.
- Dummy ballot papers may be printed in colours such as brown, green, yellow, etc., but pink, white and blue are prohibited.
- Candidates printing dummy ballot papers must ensure that names or symbols of rival candidates are not included.
- Only the candidate’s own name and symbol can be displayed to indicate where they appear on the actual ballot.
- Serial numbers of all candidates may be printed for reference.
Authorities emphasised that violations of these instructions will result in strict penalties as the Election Commission aims to ensure fair and clean election practices.
