EC bans caps, clothes with party symbols at polling stations

The Election Commission today said people cannot enter a polling station with caps, shawls and clothes bearing symbols of any political party.
The Commission was responding to clarifications sought by some state Chief Electoral Officers.
EC said section 130 of the Representation of the People Act prohibits any person from canvassing for votes or exhibit any notice or signs relating to the election within the polling station on the day of poll.
"In view of the above, it is further clarified that wearables like caps, shawl etc with political party's name, symbol or slogan are not allowed inside the polling stations on the poll day. This may be adhered to in the counting centres on the counting day also," the EC directive said.

It, however, made it clear that use of "plain cap without any symbol or slogan" is not prohibited.