from daijiworld’s special correspondent

Panaji, May 9: The absence of posters, banners and hoardings will be a highlight during the campaign for next month's assembly elections in Goa.

"There are guidelines from the Election Commission to ban posters, banners or hoardings as they are not allowed under the Goa Defacement of Property Act," said chief secretary J P Singh.

Soon after the model code of conduct came into effect on April 18, the district collectors faced the mammoth task of removing banners, posters and hoardings installed by candidates.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, during a visit to the state last month, had expressed "unhappiness" at the fact that the posters, banners and hoardings were visible even after the implementation of the model code of conduct.

"The Act does not allow posters even on private properties without permission from the authorities," Chief Electoral Officer Ramesh Negi said.

Election officials feel polls bereft of posters, banners and hoardings will result in maintaining the beauty of Goa, an important tourist destination.

"Let the pristine beauty of the state remain intact... why spoil it?" said Negi.