DC Harish Kumar imposes Code of Conduct in Yellapur ahead of bypolls

Karwar: The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled by polls in order to fill the vacant seat from the Yellapur constituency in the Uttara Kannada district on October 21, and the electoral model code of conduct has been imposed throughout the district, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Harish Kumar K. Harish Kumar said that the official notification will be issued on Monday, September 23. He said, "September 30 will be the last date for filing nominations in the by polls, October 1 will be the date for scrutiny of the nominations, and October 2 will be the last date for withdrawing the filed nominations." Harish Kumar also mentioned that the voting booths will be open from 6 am to 4 pm on October 21. Subsequently, October 24 will be the counting day and the model code of conduct will be imposed in the district until October 27. "The code of conduct will not affect the distribution of relief to flood victims," he added. The Yellapur assembly constituency comprises Yellapur in Mundgod taluk and Banavasi in Sirsi taluk. Harish Kumar informed that there will be 231 polling booths in the assembly constituency which has nearly 1, 72, 630 voters (87, 942 men and 84, 687 women). He also said that the voting list will feature the voter's photograph alongside his/her name this time. "The Election Commission's decision to allow alternative documents at polling booths will make it easier for voters to vote," he added. Harish Kumar said, "Basic facilities will be available at all booths and special polling booths will be set up according to the EC guidelines. Electronic voting machines will be used in the elections and the model code of conduct is applicable to all political parties from this moment onwards." Addressing the media persons, District Superintendent of Police Shivprakash Devaraju said that the police will act as a watchdog while the code of conduct is in place and will ensure that the elections be carried out in a peaceful manner. Source: News Karnataka