Ensure Strict Compliance of Model Code of Conduct: DC Solan
2 min read
Solan, May 10: Manmohan Sharma, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Solan, has appealed to all candidates contesting the Urban Local Body and Panchayati Raj Institutions Elections-2026 to ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
He said that transparent and error-free elections are an essential part of a healthy democracy and candidates have the most important role in maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process.
Manmohan Sharma informed that necessary guidelines regarding election campaigning, use of posters, flags, pamphlets, hoardings, public meetings and election expenditure have already been issued and must be strictly followed.
He stated that as per the Model Code of Conduct, no political party, candidate or supporter is permitted to paste posters, banners or flags or write slogans on any private or public property without prior permission. Violations may invite action under the Himachal Pradesh Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985. He also clarified that plastic-based campaign material is prohibited during election campaigning.
The District Election Officer further said that all candidates must remove posters, banners and flags within one week after the declaration of election results.
He added that loudspeakers cannot be used without permission from the competent authority and may only be operated between 9 am and 7 pm or for a shorter duration as prescribed by authorities. He also warned against sharing objectionable content through social media or modern communication platforms.
Manmohan Sharma said that no poster, pamphlet, leaflet or advertisement can be printed without mentioning the name and address of the printer and publisher.
Regarding election expenditure, he informed that the expenditure limit has been fixed at Rs 1 lakh for Zila Parishad members and Municipal Corporation councillors, Rs 75,000 for Municipal Council members and Rs 50,000 for Nagar Panchayat members.
He also stated that every candidate must submit a complete and accurate account of election expenses to the designated authority within 30 days of the declaration of results.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that transparent elections can only be ensured through strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.
