Karwar: The by-election for Yellapur Assembly Constituency will be held on October 21. Voting will be held from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on that day. Counting of votes will be held on October 24, informed Deputy Commissioner K Harishkumar, who is also the District Election Officer.

Speaking at a press conference in Karwar on Saturday, Harishkumar said that the model code of conduct has come into effect in the entire district from Saturday. Official notification for the election will be issued on September 23. September 30 will be the last day to file nominations. The scrutiny of nominations will be done on October 1 and the last day to withdraw nominations is October 3. The entire election process will conclude on October 27.

MCC 

Harishkumar said that Yellapur Assembly Constituency comprises Yellapur and Mundgod taluks and Banavasi Hobli in Sirsi taluk. However, the model code of conduct (MCC) has been put in place in the entire district to check any kind of unlawful activity which can influence the voters. Political parties and candidates have to adhere to these guidelines until the votes are counted. These guidelines deal with the general conduct of candidates, meetings and processions organised by political parties, polling day, polling booths, election observers, manifestos, and announcements made by the party in power.

He said that voters list with photographs of the voters will be used even this time. All the facilities provided to the voters during the previous Lok Sabha elections will be extended even in the by-election. Facilities for the convenience of physically disabled voters will be provided.

Harishkumar also said that Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) provided by the Election Commission will be the main identity card which voters have to produce to cast their vote. However, they can also vote using alternative identity cards. Details in this regard will be informed by the Election Commission in another few days.

Action warned

SP Shivaprakash Devaraju said that all preparations to hold free and fair elections will be done. The Model Code of Conduct will be strictly implemented in the district. He warned that action would be taken against those engaging in illegal activities.

Yellapur constituency

Total voters 1,72,630

Male voters 87,942

Female voters 84,687

Others 01

Total polling stations 231