GHAZIABAD: The Ghaziabad administration on Wednesday held meeting of political parties before campaigning hits in. The representatives of the parties were directed to abide of model code of conduct at all circumstances and have been warned that any violation will be dealt with firm hands.The administration is also going all out to ensure high voter turnout in the district and it will is scheduled to hold a meeting of RWAs and other stake holders on Thursday to seek their help in creating awareness.“The administration is committed for conducting peaceful election in the state and in view of this a meeting of political parties was called to seek their help in that regard,” said Dinesh Chandra , municipal commissioner. “Political parties have been specifically asked not to circulate messages by any means that create animosity among groups and adhere to model code of conduct at all cost” added Chandra. Without written permission from authorities parties and candidates will be allowed to use private space or premise or vehicles during campaigning..“Since section 144 is already in place rallies and political congregation without prior permission will be allowed and use of loud speakers have been banned between 10pm to 6am” said Chandra. “A tab will be kept on social media and we will be looking for advertisement through these mediums will be under scanner,” added Chandra.'C-Vigil' — an Android-based mobile application which will be launched shortly where the voters or citizens can directly bring to the notice of the election officials incidents of MCC violation, expenditure violation. “People will no longer have to go to the offices of the Returning Officers if they witness any activities involving the candidates or any other political leaders which are in violation of MCC” said Chandra.The administration this time is aiming to increase voter participation and will shortly roll out series of programes to create awareness. “A meeting of RWAs have been called on Thursday where we will be seeking their help for high voter turnout and for that I will be writing letters to electorates exhorting them to come in large number to vote” said Ritu Maheshwari, district magistrate. “We are aiming for at least 70% voter turnout his time” added Maheshwari. In 2014 the voter turnout was just 57% with Sahibabad assembly constituency faring badly.“We have identified 222 areas where voting percentage was less than 40% last time and it is in these areas where we plan to focus” said Maheshwari. “Street plays, signature campaign and slides will be shown in cineplexes in an attempt to create awareness for voting,” said Maheshwari. The nomination process in the Ghaziabad which goes to poll in the first phase on 11 April will start from Monday onwards.

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