Summary:
Visakhapatnam: The Representation of the People Act , which was enacted in the year 1951 , is being explained to voters, especially in the rural and the agency areas of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, by election officials.The RP Act lists various offences by both candidates and voters, under different sections. Candidates under Sections 131 and 132 must not campaign within 100 metres of a polling station. In case somebody without a proper identity tries to stick posters and distribute pamphlets, he or she could be jailed for six months.Regarding the process of voting, officials said the RP Act clearly states that for public voting the elector could also be taken into custody. Offenders have to serve a jail term of two years and/or a hefty fine.In case of violence, Section 42 of the CrPC can be invoked and the person responsible could be arrested for a two-year term and also be fined Rs 2,000. More importantly, they said vehicles must not be used to shepherd voters to polling stations, under Section 133.Section 135 and various sub-sections deal with offences by polling officials and were also stressed on.“Our main intention is to make the elector use his discretion by empowering him through such information, so that he is made aware of what he should be doing and what should not be allowed.”.