Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Issues Stern Warning on Defacement Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
In a decisive move to preserve public infrastructure and ensure orderly campaigning, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ratan U Kelkar has issued a stern warning against the defacement of public property and damage to roads in the lead-up to the 2026 assembly elections in Kerala. The circular, released by the election department on February 25, lays out comprehensive guidelines aimed at curbing undesirable campaign practices that have historically marred the electoral process.
Stringent Restrictions on Campaign Activities
The order imposes stringent restrictions on a range of activities commonly associated with electioneering. Specifically, it prohibits drawing symbols on public roads, pasting posters on government installations, and engaging in any similar actions that compromise public property. This directive is firmly grounded in chapters 12 and 16 of the Election Commission of India's ‘Manual on Model Code of Conduct,’ along with subsequent instructions, underscoring the legal framework supporting these measures.
CEO Kelkar emphasized that beyond coordinated action by various government departments and agencies, the full cooperation of political parties and the public is essential to conduct elections in a model manner. The circular highlights that during election periods, roads are often defaced with large symbols and markings, causing significant inconvenience to the public and obstructing smooth traffic flow. These irresponsible acts frequently target roads constructed using public funds and maintained to high standards, exacerbating the issue.
Prohibited Actions and Locations
The guidelines explicitly ban writing on walls of government buildings and their premises, bridges, and other civil structures, as well as pasting posters or defacing them in any manner. Additionally, the installation of cut-outs, hoardings, banners, and flags at such locations is strictly not permitted. The election commission has barred the use of public places and public property for political advertisements, including:
- Railway stations and flyovers
- Government dispensaries and hospitals
- Post offices and bus stands
- Airports and government roads
- Government and public buildings
- Buses, electric posts, and telephone posts
- Buildings of municipal and local self-government institutions
Erecting campaign materials at these locations will be treated as a violation of law, with serious consequences for offenders.
Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
If any political party, association, candidate, or individual defaces public property in violation of existing local laws or commission instructions, the returning officer or district election officer must issue a notice for immediate removal. Should there be no prompt compliance, the district administration is authorized to directly remove the materials. The entire cost incurred in such removal operations will be recovered from the responsible political party or candidate and added to the candidate's election expenditure, as stated in the order.
Furthermore, legal proceedings must be initiated against offenders under laws relating to the prevention of defacement or under general laws applicable to wilful damage to property. CEO Kelkar directed political parties and individuals to refrain from drawing symbols on public roads, fixing materials, or pasting posters in connection with election campaigns. He also instructed returning officers or district election officers to ensure strict enforcement of the guidelines wherever violations are noticed, reinforcing the commitment to a clean and fair electoral process.
These measures aim to safeguard public assets and promote a more respectful and organized campaign environment as Kerala prepares for the 2026 assembly elections.
