UDIT VANBI Ranchi: During a two-day review visit on September 23 and 24, the Election Commission (EC) conveyed several important directives to the state and district administration in Jharkhand regarding the forthcoming elections. In a significant move, the Commission announced that webcasting would be implemented in all polling stations, beyond the previously mandated 50%, wherever technically feasible. This initiative aims to enhance transparency during the electoral process.
Ensuring Accessibility for All Voters
To ensure accessibility for all voters, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Commission assured that polling stations would be equipped with essential facilities, including ramps, adequate lighting, wheelchairs, and volunteers. Priority voting would be extended to elderly citizens, PwDs, and pregnant women, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity.
Polling Station Locations and Compliance
The Election Commission emphasized the importance of the location of polling stations, instructing that they be situated on the ground floor and within two kilometers of voters’ residences. For polling stations located beyond this distance, pick-and-drop facilities will be made available. Furthermore, divisional commissioners have been directed to assess and ensure compliance with the prescribed Accessible Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at polling stations.
Voter Capacity Limits
In an effort to maintain order and prevent overcrowding, the Commission set a limit on the number of electors at each polling station, ensuring that none would exceed 1,500 voters. Additionally, a clear demarcation of the area surrounding polling station premises will be established to regulate where polling parties can set up their desks on election day.
Addressing Misuse of the Public Defacement Act
Addressing concerns about potential misuse of the Public Defacement Act, the EC directed that there should be no undue harassment of individuals. The District Election Officers (DEOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to implement the law equally and without bias.
Transparency in EVM and VVPAT Details
In line with the Election Commission’s guidelines, details regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) will be shared with all contesting candidates following the first and second randomization processes. The first randomization will occur in the presence of recognized parties, while the second will be conducted before the commissioning of the machines, ensuring transparency in polling station allocation and reserve machines.
Monitoring Postal Ballots
To maintain transparency during the voting process, video recording of the counting of postal ballots will also be ensured, as per the EC guidelines. The district administration has been tasked with ensuring vigilance and prohibiting any campaigning or advertising using bulk SMS and IVRS calls during the silence period leading up to the elections.
Timely Voter Information Distribution
Timely distribution of voter information slips is also a priority to facilitate informed participation. Furthermore, DEOs have been instructed to maintain accessibility for all political parties, ensuring prompt resolution of their complaints and grievances through regular periodic meetings.
The Election Commission’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and accessible electoral process in Jharkhand, laying the groundwork for the upcoming assembly elections.
