‘Closely monitor poll campaign on social media’

General Observer for Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha Constituency Krishna Kunal directed the officials to closely monitor the election campaign on social media.

“The permission is mandatory for campaigning through social media.”

Speaking at officials meeting here, on Thursday, he urged the officials to create awareness and to improve voting percentage. Suitable action should be initiated against those who pose hurdles for polling, he added.

He said the officials should respond immediately if there were complaints about names missing from the electoral list. “There is a need to create awareness on 11 other identity cards that can be used as identity proof to exercise franchise.” Kunal directed assistant returning officers to ensure basic facilities were provided at polling booths.

Election Commission’s Police Observer Sandeep Prakash Karnik said suitable action should be initiated against those who issue provocative statements.

Candidates can speak on their parties’ policies and achievements while campaigning.

However, anything that aims at disrupting communal harmony should not be allowed during campaign. The checking of vehicles at checkposts should be intensified, he stressed.