1

Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) for 72 hours prior to elections

As election approaches its culmination , it becomes important and crucial
for the election administration to take up all actions in a very coherent and
time bound manner in consonance with the provisions of the statutes and
instructions of the Commission, issued time to time to ensure free and fair
election where all voters can exercise the franchise as per their choices in a
peaceful

and voter friendly environment. The last 72 hours prior to

elections which include the campaign period ,non campaign period and poll
period is very critical and advance planning , meticulous implementation
under competent authority is essential to meet the challenge of free and fair
elections .Important activities during this period are outlined in the following
:
I. POLLING PERSONNEL:
1. THIRD RANDOMIZATION OF POLLING PERSONNEL
Letter No. 464/INST/2014-EPS dated 12.3.2014. letter 464/INST/2009-EPS DATED 22.9.2009

1) In order to draft and deploy unbiased polling parties in the interest of free
and fair elections, the third randomization of poling personnel can be done
on P-2 day in presence of the Observer.
2) The result of randomization shall be printed and sealed in presence and
under signature of the Observer.
3)The sealed covers shall only be opened on P-1 day at the dispatch center.
2. RANDOMIZATION OF FEMALE POLLING PESONNEL:
Letter No 464/INST/2009/EPS dated 22.9.2009
The female polling personnel should not be put on duty on the basis of
computer randomization process. They should be put on duty by manual
randomization by the observers in the neighbouring polling stations so that
they are able to go to the polling stations in the morning of the poll day.
3. DEPLOYMENT OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS:
Letter No.464/INST/2008/EPS Date: 23rd December 2008.
The DEO and the RO shall make personal efforts to ensure that the special
needs and requirements of the physically challenged persons are taken into
account while choosing the polling station for deployment. It shall be

ensured that they are posted at the polling stations located in the
headquarters. In case any such physically challenged person even
inadvertently deputed to any difficult location, the RO should be in a
position to make necessary change manually in consultation with the
Observer.
4. CERTIFICATE OF DEO ON FORMATION OF POLLING PARTIES
Letter No 464/INST/2008-EPS DATED 19.9.2008
1. In order to ensure that the instructions on formation and mixing polling
parties are complied with strictly, the Commission directs that the District
Election Officer shall furnish to the Election Commission through the
Observers and separately to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State/UT, a
certificate to the following effect immediately after the polling parties have
been formed for an election:Certified that:(I) The polling parties have been formed by a proper mix of officials drawn
from different offices and departments, in presence of Observers and
(II) The officers have been drawn from the State Government departments as
well as from the State Public Undertaking etc. as far as practicable.
(III) For the purpose of making polling parties complete data base of all
eligible employees in the district has been used.
5. DISPLAY OF LISTS OF POLLING PERSONNEL:
A list of polling personnel

in respect of all polling stations in the

constituency should be displayed in the Notice Board at least two or three

days before the day of poll. There is no need to supply such lists to the
recognized political parties and contesting candidates.
6. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD FOR POLLING PARTIES -Suitable
arrangements for accommodation, furniture, food, drinking water, toilet
facilities along with electricity for the polling personnel have to be made.
Special emphasis should be laid on such arrangements for female polling
personnel with due regard to their privacy. If poll is conducted during
summer, arrangement should be made for providing shelter for polling
personnel and voters. The Returning Officers shall depute Sector Officers,
well in advance, to oversee that adequate arrangements for shade, food,

water, etc, have been made. The Polling Personnel, among other things,
should also be provided with basic medical kit, water treatment tablets,
mosquito repellent.
There are inputs about polling personnel being put to difficulty for
lack of provision in remote areas for getting their food. An exercise shall be
done through Sector Officers as to mobilize local Self Help Groups (SHG) to
provide food to the polling personnel as per requirement on payment basis.
Similarly, arrangements for bedroll etc may also be provided through local
SHGs on rental. The rates of food, bed rolls etc. may be pre-determined and
standardized by the District Election Officer to avoid local disparity and
confusion. The DEO shall review the situation and ensure that proper
arrangements are made depending on the local condition and limitations.
7. POLLING PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
1) Identification of a senior officer as the nodal officer to coordinate and
supervise polling personnel welfare measures should be made by the District
Election Officer. The name and designation, office and residential address,
telephone numbers including mobile number and e-mail ID, if any, of the
nodal officer shall be mentioned in the district/constituency election
management plan and district website. The contact numbers should also be
brought to the notice of the polling personnel drafted for election duty.
Enough care shall be taken to ensure that the information regarding
dispatch and reception centre arrangement etc. is conveyed to the polling
personnel latest by P-3 day through the sponsoring authorities and district
website.
2) At the dispatch centers where dispersal of polling parties for more than
one

Assembly

Constituency

is

arranged,

multiple

colour

coded

infrastructural arrangements like tents, stationeries, signage are to be made

to mitigate confusion and harassment of the polling personnel in finding out
his AC where he has been posted . Similarly colour coded stickers are to be
used for boxes of EVM and vehicle.
3)Help desk should be at every AC level dispersal center to meet up the
queries of the polling personnel on receipt of election allowances through

bank account. Similarly the same desk should provide information on

dispatch of postal ballots and EDC as well.
4) Due care should be taken to provide civic amenities and facilitate orderly
dispatch. On the day of dispatch, the nodal officer identified to take care
of staff welfare shall physically remain present at the dispatch centre.
There shall be adequate provision of drinking water, toilet etc. at the
dispatch location. The process of dispatch shall be closely monitored by the
senior officers so that polling personnel are not unduly held up at the
dispatch centre.
5)The coordination between the sector police personnel deputed to
accompany the polling personnel should be perfect so that there is no
communication gap in this matter. It will be the duty of the Sector Officers
to ensure that the polling personnel deputed to perform their duty at the
polling stations assigned to the Sector Officer are taken care of and they are
not unduly held up at the dispatch center.
6)A senior officer should supervise the arrangement made for providing
transport vehicle for the travel of the polling personnel. The movement of the
polling personnel/security forces shall be tracked closely and a confirmatory
report should be obtained through Sector Officer on the safe arrival of the
polling personnel at the polling station.
7) The health care of the polling personnel is another important concern.
Medical staff/para- medical staff shall be stationed at the dispersal and
reception centres.
8) After necessary tagging of the Reserve Polling Personnel against the
absentee polling personnel, rest of the personnel, if found to be in excess of
estimated requirement may be released in phased manner to avoid
overcrowding at the Dispersal Centre/Control Room.
9)Advance measures should be taken to ensure that transport facilities for
pickup and dropping the polling personnel are made using the same
resources, requisitioned for election purpose.

II. DEPLOYMENT OF MICRO-OBSERVERS, VIDEO CAMERA, STILL

CAMERA, WEB CASTING :
Micro Observer: Letter No.464/ INST/2014-EPS Dated 21 March, 2014
1. a. As decided by the Commission critical Polling Stations shall at least
be covered by one or more of the following measures to keep a watch on
the polling process, as force multipliers:
i.

Micro-observer

ii.

Video camera

iii.

Still camera

iv.

Web casting

v.

CCTV

2. Randomization of Micro-observers - The list of Polling Stations

where Micro-observers are to be appointed
the

DEO

sensitivity

in consultation with
analysis

observers.
randomized

Observer,

of Polling Stations

The a v a i l a b l e
in the p r e s e n c e

Stations on P-2 day.

the

shall be prepared

Micro

and availability
observers

of Observer,

The conditions

depending

on the
of Micro-

will then b e

among those Polling

for randomization

observers will be the same as that of Presiding

shall not be posted on duty in a Polling

by

Officers,

of Microviz. they

Station within the same

Assembly Constituency, where they are enrolled as voters or where

they are working. They s h a l l b e informed

about t h e exact Polling

Station where they will be on duty only on the day of departure i.e P-1
Day.
3.Micro-observers in multi-polling station locations - In case the
location at which a Micro-observer is put on duty has more than
one Polling Station, the Micro-observer shall be responsible for all the
Polling Stations at that
Micro-observers in

location. There is no need to post separate

Polling S t a t i o n s

at one loca tion. The Micro-

observer

shall divide his time between

visit all the Polling Stations

Polling

Stations

and will

within the same campus at frequent

intervals. He shall make it known to the polling agents at each Polling

Station that he is available in case they want to bring anything to his
notice.
4. Logistics for Micro-observers - The District Election Officer shall
be responsible for providing logistics to Micro-observers. One Nodal Officer
for Micro-observers shall be appointed for each district by the DEO. From
the dispatch centers they will be sent with the polling team to the
Polling Station. They will return to the receipt center with the polling
teams.

Each Micro-observer shall be given a photo identity card by the

DEO to ensure his/ her access to the Polling Stations. The p a y m e n t o f

honorarium of the Micro Observer through ECS may be explored.
5. Supervision of the work of Micro-observers - General Observers
will supervise the work of Micro-observers and shall be in close touch
with them. Micro- observers shall report to the Observer alone and not to
a n y other election officials.
6.Work

to be

done

by

Micro-observers

on

poll

day_-

Micro

observers will do the following at the polling station i.

Assess the preparedness at the Polling Station.

ii. Check the availability of Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) at the Polling
Station and certify, before the start of Polling.
iii. Watch the mock poll and see that it is carried out as per the
instructions of the Commission.
iv.

See that the votes in the CU are cleared after the mock poll and

before the start of actual poll and that mock poll certificate is signed
by the Presiding Officer.
v.

During the poll day he should regularly note down the important

points for his report in the format given at Annexure-2.

vi. It is made absolutely clear that in no case the Micro observer will act
as Presiding Officer or the polling officer. His task is to observe that the
election process is being carried out in a free and fair manner and there is
no vitiation of poll.
vii.

During the process of observation on the day of the poll, the

Micro observer shall specially observe and note: Mock Poll Procedures,
Presence of Polling Agents and observance of ECI instructions with
regards to them,
The observance of entry pass system and access to Polling Station,

Proper identification of electors in accordance with ECI guidelines,

Identification and recording procedures for the Absentee, Shifted and

Dead voter's list (ASD list),

Application of indelible ink,

Noting down particulars of electors in register Form 17-A including

the noting down of the alternate identity documents used for identifying
the voter,
Secrecy of voting,
Conduct of polling agents, their complaints, if any, etc.
viii.If the micro-observer
reason, he will
observer

feels that the poll is being vitiated for any

immediately

through any means

bring

it to the

of communication

notice

of General

available

to him

including mobile phone, police wireless etc.

7. Report to be submitted by Micro-observer -

After the poll

process is over, the Micro-observer will submit a report to the General

Observer in the prescribed format. He shall hand over the report to the
General Observer at the collection center in a sealed envelope. He shall
also orally brief the General Observer on anything of importance that

had happened during the day. General Observers will go through the
report

submitted

by

Micro-observers

and

can

seek

any

further

clarifications required.
8.Micro-observers to

remain present at the time

of scrutiny -

Micro observers reports shall also be taken into consideration at the

time of scrutiny after

poll for taking

disciplinary action against any

observers s h o u l d

a decision on

delinquent

polling

re-poll or

staff.

Micro-

remain available at the time of scrutiny, f o r the

General Observer to seek any clarifications, if required.

9.Use of Video Cameras and Still Cameras on the Poll day at
Polling Stationsa.

Use of video

camera and still cameras at

Polling Stations -

Video cameras shall be used at as many Polling Stations as possible to

keep a watch on the proceedings. Still cameras shall be used at all those
polling stations, where Micro-observers, video cameras or web casting is not
being used. In this manner, all critical Polling Stations shall be at least
covered by some method to keep a watch on the proceedings.
b.Method of placing cameras - Cameras shall be placed in such a
manner that they can record the voters in

the queue, and the

proceedings in the Polling Station, including the process of identification

of voters, application of indelible ink etc. It must be ensured that
secrecy of voting is not violated by the camera in any manner.
c. What should

be

recorded

by

the

camera

The

videographer/ photographer shall make sure that all important events

such as mock poll, sealing of EVMs, signing by polling agents on the seals
of EVMs, etc. are properly recorded. Any untoward incident at the
Polling Station must also be recorded. Specially the following must be
recorded: i.

Attempts of intimidation of voters.

ii.

Attempts of inducement / bribing of voters.

iii.

Canvassing within 100 metres of Polling Stations.

iv.

Positioning of voting compartment

v.

Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) at the Polling station

vi.

Presence of polling agents

vii.

Mock Poll.

viii. Clearing of Mock Poll.

ix.
x.
xi.

Sealing of EVMs.
Process of identification of voters.
Voters in queues.

xii.

The length of queue at the time fixed for close of poll.

xiii.

Any dispute of any nature at the Polling Station.

xiv. Visit by Sector Officers, Observers and other electoral functionaries

or any important person including the candidates.
xv.

Replacement of EVM, if any.

xvi.

Any incident at the Polling Stations.

xvii.
All video and photography should be done with date and
time recording so that the real time and date can be verified.
Note: The list above is illustrative and not exhaustive
10. Food

for

videographers/photographers

provided to videographers and

it

shall

be

Food

ensured

shall
that

be
the

videographers/ photographers DO NOT accept the hospitality of any

contesting candidate or political party or their workers. All video teams
should be under the personal supervision and guidance of a senior
election officer.
11. Video

recording/

photographs

videographers/ photographers

to

be

to
available

be
at

seen
the

time

and
of

scrutiny- If videography/ photography has been done at a Polling

Station, it shall be viewed by the RO and Observer at the time of
scrutiny, in case of any complaint

with respect to that Polling Station.

Videographers/ photographers shall remain available at the time of

scrutiny so that the RO and Observer can seek any clarification, if they
feel it necessary.

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12. Meaning

of

webcasting

Web

casting

simply

means

live

streaming of video on the Internet. It does not involve use of complicated

technology. All that is needed is a video camera connected to the Internet.
i.

Any video camera including a webcam/android mobile phone capable

of being connected to the Internet can be used for web casting.

ii.

Camera can be connected to the Internet through a computer,

either desktop or laptop.

iii.

IP cameras with direct connection to the Internet are also

available, these days, which may be used.

13. Identification of locations for webcasting - Commission desires that
web casting should be done from as many Polling Stations as possible.
Efforts should be made for webcasting from all Polling Stations where
Internet connection is possible.
14. Preparation for

live streaming -

Live streaming of video from

Polling Stations will require that the computer, mobile device or the IP
camera at the
video

on

Polling

Station

is configured for

live streaming

of

some website. Preparation of the website of CEO, and

configuration of computers including taking of Internet connections at

Polling Stations should be completed at least 3 days before the poll. .
Live test of webcasting from Polling Stations should be carried out at
least 2 days before the poll to ensure that nothing goes wrong on the
poll day.
15. Recording

of

video

in

case

of

webcasting

In

all cases

where webcasting is done, the video of the entire day's proceedings

must be recorded. This can be done locally on the computer in the
concerned Polling Station or on the server of the CEO, centrally or both.
In either case the Polling Station wise recording of the entire day's
proceeding must be kept in the

server of the CEO and should be

available to the RO and Observer for viewing at the time of scrutiny on

the next day after the poll in case of any complaint with respect to that
Polling Station. The camera should be placed in such a way that inside of

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the polling station particularly the voting compartment is seen and at the
same time secrecy of voting is not compromised.
16. Webcasting

from the polling station is not to be

available

in

Public Domain .
17. Sector Officers - All Sector Officers must be trained in webcasting.
They should be fully involved in the preparation for webcasting and live
checking of webcasting, two days before the poll.
A trouble shooting team may be constituted for the purpose of webcasting
for each constituency. Every AC should have two or more members of the
trouble shooting team for the purpose of deployment of computers,
installation of webcasting software and training of the polling officers. The
trouble shooting team should report and remain under direct control of the
District Nodal Officer of the IT till P-3 day during which time they will assess
the infrastructural availability at the polling station, take necessary action
regarding actual installation process and conduct a dry run of the entire
system. From P-3 day the team will report to the Returning Officer of the
concerned constituency and will remain in direct control and touch with the
RO while setting up control room at the RO HQ. till the end of the poll and
receipt of the recording done from the webcasting(if any) at the Receiving
Center.
18. Training - Training of all Officers/ Staff associated with webcasting
is very important. All Sector Officers, Presiding Officers and polling
officers of the Polling

Stations

where

webcasting

is

planned

must

be briefed about webcasting.

III. ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE
1. By P-2 day, all EVMs, duly prepared are stored in the strong room under
24x7 security ,the list of which has already been given to candidates under
acknowledgement. In cases, where the EVMs are required to be shifted to
the Dispersal Centres , the movement of EVMs should be done after
maintaining the security protocol. The candidates should also be informed
about the movement of the EVMs to the Dispersal Centres .

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2.

Instructions to be followed at the time of dispersal of EVMs

When the EVMs are taken out of the strong room for dispatch, the usual
practice of informing the date and time of opening of strong room in
writing to the candidates/ agents shall be followed.
3.At the time of dispatch, the Presiding Officers shall be advised to
compare the machine number inscribed on the metal label and the
adhesive sticker and also verify the PS no indicated on the sticker
compared with PS no mentioned in the address tag before accepting the
EVM. Discrepancy if any shall be brought to the notice of the officer in
charge of dispatch arrangement and be reconciled.
4.At the dispersal center a special counter should operate for Training on
Demand to provide assistance and meet up queries of the Presiding
Officers/Polling Officers on usage and functionality of the EVMs. Senior
Officers having expertise in EVM related matters should only be placed at
the counters and all necessary stationeries like Address tags/Special
Address Tags/Green Paper Seal/ Strip Seal should be made available at
that counter.
5. Reserve EVMs should be allocated to the Sector Officers under due
record .
6.Deployment plan of ECIL/BEL engineers should also be made on P-3 day
for cluster of sectors to facilitate quick movement of the technicians on the
poll day in case of any reported failure of EVM.
7. Sector Officers who are given EVMs from reserve stock will maintain
a register where the particulars of Balloting Units (BU) and Control
Units (CU) issues are mentioned and a receipt shall be obtained for the
machines given to them. Such officers should also maintain the accounts
of EVMs replaced in the register maintained by them for this purpose
duly signed by the concerned Presiding Officers, indicating time of
replacement. Sector Officers should visit every polling station in their
jurisdiction as many times as possible on the poll day and check working of
EVMs and other things.

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8. Standing Instructions to Zonal/Sector/Area Officers regarding EVMs

Following category of EVMs move on poll day with either poll party or
Sector/Zonal/Area Magistrate:Category A -Polled EVMs These are to be stored in the strong room as
per procedure.
Category B - Defective polled EVMs which become defective after some
votes are recorded in it. These are to be stored in the strong room as per
procedure.
Category C - Defective unpolled EVMs which become defective before
commencement of poll and are replaced. Should be stored separately in a
room other than strong room.
Category D - Unused EVMs EVMs which are with Sector Officer and
are not used in actual poll. Should be stored separately in a room other
than strong room.
9. The store where the EVMs of category C and D will be kept is to be
decided in advance and intimated to the political parties/candidates. It
should not be in the vicinity of the collection and the counting center so as
to arouse any suspicion.

This category of EVMs should also not be

collected on the day of poll rather it should be collected on the next day of
poll from the concerned Sector Officers.
10. Poll day activities

In case of malfunctioning of any unit of EVM ( either BU or CU) ,the

EVM has to be checked by the ECIL expert, a report is to be taken from

him, replacement ,if suggested, replacement is

to be made in pairs.

Mock poll is to be conducted by casting at least one vote against each

button, mock poll certificate ( in duplicate) and declaration ( part II) will
have to be filled up by the presiding officer.
Presiding Officer must not enter into the voting compartment when a voter
is inside. If required, can enter to check the BU with polling agents.

EVM may be explained to any voter, showing

Ballot Unit, kept outside the voting compartment.

interest by the Dummy

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IV.EXPENDITURE MONITORING:
1. Schedule of Inspection of Expenditure Registers of Candidates:
1. Under the existing provisions, the RO prepares a schedule for inspection
of Expenditure Register of each candidate by the Expenditure Observer.
The candidate is required to produce the register either in person or
through his election agent or any other person duly authorized by him
before the Expenditure Observer for inspection at least three times
during the campaign period. Since the gap between two inspections
should be at least three days, it should be planned in such a manner
that the last inspection is fixed on P-3 day. This schedule shall be given
wide publicity through Press. For convenience, for each candidate the
timing of inspection may be specified between 10.A.M to 5 P.M. The
inspection should be done either in the office room of the R.O. or any
other conference room/office chamber.
2. Prohibitory Activities:
Checking distribution of cash by candidates/political parties along with
disbursement of wages under any Government scheme:
It is to be noted that while poor people are not put to hardship due to
the Model Code of Conduct, the disbursement of any cash by political
parties / candidates in addition to wages to which the workers are entitled
under the scheme, is not permissible. This is a corrupt practice and an
electoral offence. The District Election Officers should monitor the
disbursement of wages and other benefits under Government schemes so as
to ensure that there is no payment of cash or gift article by any candidate/
political party along with the wages under the scheme. It is also noticed
that the cash benefits (both arrears and advance amount) under the
Government schemes are disbursed on the eve of elections, to bring
influence on the electors. It will be the responsibility of DEOs to ensure that
no such arrear or advance is disbursed within 72 hours of the day of poll.
3. Monitoring and Surveillance Activities by the Flying Squad and
Static Surveillance Team:
SOP for Flying Squad & Static Surveillance Team

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For the purpose of maintaining purity of elections, the Election

Commission of India issued the following Standard Operating
Procedure for Flying Squads, constituted for keeping vigil over
excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or
in kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or antisocial
elements etc. in the constituency during election process :
Flying Squad (FS)
1. Though one FS team for each AC segment functions from the date
of announcement of election and shall continue till completion of poll
,it has been stressed by the Commission that there shall be three or
more Flying Squads (FS) in each Assembly Constituency/Segment
from P-3 day that will continue functioning till completion of Poll. The
Flying Squad shall :
(a) attend to all model code of conduct violations and related complaints;
(b) attend to all complaints of threat, intimidation, movement of antisocial
elements, liquor, arms and ammunition and large sum of cash for the
purpose of bribing of electors etc.;
(c) attend to all complaints regarding election expenditure incurred or
authorized by the candidates I political party;
(d) videograph with the help of Video Surveillance Team (VST), all major
rallies, public meetings or other major expenses made by political parties
after the announcement of election by the Commission.
In order to facilitate the functioning of Flying Squads during the last
72 hours ,the contact numbers of Magistrate as head of the FS and other
officials in FS shall be provided to the Complaint Monitoring Control Room ,
Call Centre, RO, DEO, General Observer, Police Observer, Expenditure
Observer and Assistant Expenditure Observer.
Whenever a complaint regarding distribution of cash or liquor or any
other item of bribe or regarding movement of antisocial elements or arms
and ammunition, is received, the FS shall reach the spot immediately. In
case of suspicion of commission, of any crime, the incharge Police Officer of

16

FS shall seize cash or items of bribe or other such items, and gather
evidence and record statement of the witnesses and the persons from whom
the items are seized and issue proper Panchnama for seizure as per the
provisions of CrPC to the person from whom such items are seized. He shall
ensure that case is submitted in the Court of competent jurisdiction within
24 hrs. The Magistrate of the FS will ensure that proper procedure is
followed and there is no law and order problem. The entire proceeding shall
be

video

recorded.

The

ln

charge

Officer

of

FS

shall

also

file

complaints/F.l.R. immediately against :

(i) the persons, receiving and giving bribe; and
(ii) any other person from whom contraband items are seized, or
(iii) any other antisocial elements found engaged in illegal activity.
The copy of the complaint/FIR shall be displayed on the notice board of the
R. 0. for public information and be sent to the DEO, General Observer,
Expenditure Observer and Police Observer. The Expenditure Observer shall
mention it in the Shadow Observation Register, if it has links with any
candidate's election expenditure.
In case, a complaint is received about distribution of cash, gift items,
liquor or free food; or about threat/ intimidation of electors; or of movement
of arms/ammunitions/ antisocial elements and it is not possible for the FS
to reach the spot immediately, then the information shall be passed on to
the Static Surveillance Team, nearest to the spot or to the police station of
that area, who shall rush a team to the spot for taking necessary action on
the complaint.
The Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs)' may also provide
information on any such malpractices to the Flying Squad . The DEO shall
also repeat the exercise

of distributing pamphlets through flying squad

again on P-3 day to P-1 day stating that as the campaigning period for this
election has ended/about to end, the vigilance through FS and SST has
been increased hence anybody carrying cash exceeding Rs. 50,000/- should
also carry all supporting documents along with it and that it is again
reiterated that bribing or cases of threat/intimidation of electors are not
only electoral offence but also punishable under Indian Penal Code and

17

hence everybody should refrain from such activities and knowledge of any
such incidence should be reported forthwith. All the vehicles used by the
Flying Squads shall be fitted with the video cameras with GPS locator for
recording the interception made by the Flying Squads.
Static Surveillance Team (SST)
The

Static

Surveillance

Teams

deployed

in

each

Assembly

Constituency shall be manning the check posts during the last 72 hours to
poll. Depending on the sensitivity of the area, the CPF members will be
mixed in the SSTs. On and from P-3 day till completion of the Poll Process
the

number

of

teams

may

be

increased

to

two

per

police

station/Chowki.This team shall put check posts at Expenditure Sensitive

pockets/hamlets, and shall keep watch on movement of illicit liquor, items
of bribe, or large amount of cash, arms and ammunition and also movement
of antisocial elements in their area. The entire process of checking shall be
captured in video or CCTV a daily report be sent in due manner.
The checking by the SSTs shall be done in the presence of an
Executive Magistrate . During checking, if any cash exceeding Rs. 50,000/is. found in a vehicle carrying a candidate, his agent, or party worker or
carrying posters or election materials or any drugs, liquor, arms or gift items
which are valued at more than Rs. 10,000/-, likely to be used for
inducement of electors or any other illicit articles are found in a vehicle,
shall be subject to seizure. If any star campaigner is carrying cash up to Rs.
1 lakh, exclusively for his/her personal use, or any party functionary is
carrying cash with certificate from the treasurer of the party mentioning the
amount and its end use, then the authorities in SST shall retain a copy of
the certificate and will not seize the cash. If cash of more than 10 lakh is
found in a vehicle and there is no suspicion of commission of any crime or
linkage to any candidate or agent or party functionary, then the SST shall
not seize the cash. and pass on the information to the Income-Tax authority,
for necessary action under Income - Tax Laws.
During checking, if there is any suspicion of commission of crime, the
seizure of cash or any item shall be done by the in charge Police Officer of
the SST as per provision of CrPC in presence of the Executive Magistrate

18

The purse held by the ladies shall not be checked, unless there is a lady
officer. The FS shall also supervise the functioning and proper conduct of
SSTs during checking in their areas.
The checking of vehicles and persons ,particularly those coming from
outside the constituency should be stressed upon through NAKAs, spread
conspicuously at entry points of the constituency area. Care should be
taken to move these NAKAs around so that the element of surprise is not
lost.The DEO shall issue necessary instructions to the treasury units to
receive the seized cash beyond office hours and on holidays also, in case it is
required.
Wherever the FS or SST or police authorities receive information about
any suspicious items in their area, including movement of huge amount of
cash, they shall keep the respective Law enforcement agencies informed
about such items.
4. Involvement of SHG & NGOs:
There have been complaints pertaining to Self Help Groups, NGOs etc.
being made conduits by the political parties/ candidates for distribution of
money/ materials and are being utilized for election campaigns. In as much
as the revolving fund/ economic assistance is channelized through the
DRDAs, it should be easily possible to monitor the SHGs closely so as to
ensure that they are not utilized for distribution of money/ materials which
is a corrupt practice and an electoral offence with reference to the provisions
of the RP Act, 1951 and the IPC. The DEOs shall call for report on alternate
day of the SHG /NGO activities in their district during the election process.
No Payment should be released to the SHGs and NGOs in cash or by cheque
from P-3 day till the end of poll and repoll if any.
5. Checking Distribution of gift articles/ serving of food in Marriage/
Community Halls:
The use of Marriage Halls/ Community Halls and similar places
should be kept under watch by the District electoral machinery with
reference to the purpose of booking for which some evidence (like marriage
invitation) must be obtained so that there is no camouflage of expenses for
election purposes. The DEOs shall intensify such checking during last 72

19

hours and

see that no fake party is being organized for influencing the

voters. Report of any suspicious booking/event should be handed over to

the Assistant/Dy. Director of Income Tax, in charge of the district, who will
examine the expenses from Income tax angle. Large scale feeding under the
cloak of Annadanam outside places of worship will give room for suspicion
that serving of food is being resorted to influence the voters on the eve of the
election, which is a corrupt practice and an electoral offence with reference
to Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act,1951. The DEO,
through

RO

should

obtain

list

of

all

such

bookings

of

Marriage/community halls, falling on P-3 to P day, scrutinize the lists and

should ensure that in case of any suspicion about feeding on a large scale
by political parties/candidates , necessary steps are taken to prevent it.
6. Participation of Candidates in Community Kitchen/Langar:
As per the Commissions instruction No. 76/Instruction/2011/EEM
dated 05.12.2011 expenditure on the community functions shall be treated
as the election expenses of a candidate and added to account of the
candidate, if any contesting candidate(s)attends the community kitchen (in
whatever name has been called)either organized by him or by any other
person to entertain the electors. No such community kitchen to entertain
the electors should be arranged by the Candidates or any other person from
P-3 day till the end of poll or repoll if any. Likewise, gatherings at guest
houses and dharmasalas should be kept under vigil during the last 72
hours to ensure that these are not used by political parties or candidates to
influence voters in any manner.
V. USE OF VEHICLES

During campaign by candidates on P-3 and P-2 day

The Commission
herein,

directs that, subject to exceptions mentioned

there shall be a total

vehicles for campaigning,

and absolute ban

on the

use of official

electioneering or election related travel during

elections. There shall be a total prohibition on the use of any vehicles such
as helicopters,

aircrafts, (except as regulated by the Commissions order

on the subject)

cars,

jeeps,

automobiles,

boats,

hovercrafts,

etc.,

20

belonging to the (1)

Administration

(iii)

Governments,

(iv)

State Governments,
operative

Central Government, (ii) State Government/UT

Public

undertakings

Joint sector

undertakings

(v) Local bodies,

District

public funds, howsoever

and State

of the Central

(vi) Marketing

Societies, (viii Autonomous

body in which

of the Central

and

Boards. (vii) Co-

Councils

or any other

small portion of the total, are

invested for any purpose connected with the elections, by any political
party, candidate or any other person connected

with election

(except

officials performing any election related official duty).

It is clarified

that the ban on the use of vehicles will equally

apply to the vehicles in or from any States not going to the polls but
whose vehicles are attempted to be used for campaign either openly or
clandestinely

in any other State going to poll. The Chief Secretary of

each State/Union
India

in the

Territory/the

Secretary

concerned Department,

as the

to the Government
case may be,

of

will be

personally responsible for any misuse of any such vehicle .

It

is

belonging

further
to any

of the Central
campaigning
and

clarified

that

of these authorities

or a State Government,

the

use

of

such

vehicles

by anyone, including

Ministers

even on payment

basis, for

or on tours connected with elections but with the alleged

bogusly

certified

purpose

of official

work

in their

capacity

as Ministers is totally prohibited.

The only exception from the prohibition will be the Prime Minister
and other political personalities, who might, in view of extremist and
terrorist activities and threat to their lives, require security of a high
order

and whose

statutory

provisions

security

requirements

are

governed

by any

made by the Parliament or the State Legislature in

this behalf.
The above

restrictions

shall also not apply in the case of the

President and Vice President of India, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of

Lok Sabha

and Deputy

Chairman

of Rajya Sabha

and such

other

21

dignitaries

visiting the State from other States. However, it is further

clarified that in the case of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha these restrictions will be applicable
at the time of General Elections to the Lok Sabha but not during LA
election.

It is also clarified again that such exceptions shall not be

made in respect of any Ministers of the Union or any State Government.

Prohibition on use of vehicle in election campaigning
The Commission
circumstances,

be allowed

vehicles, excluding
10 (ten) vehicles

directs that cars/vehicles

to move

in

convoys

the security vehicles.

shall, under no
of more

than

ten

All bigger convoys exceeding

shall be broken up, even if they are carrying any

Minister of Central or State Government

or any other person. This shall,

also be subject to any security instructions

issued in respect of any such

individual. Though there is no limit on vehicles which a candidate may use

for the electioneering purpose, permission for use of vehicle as will be
sought by the candidates will be given by the DEO/RO for specific period of
time having particulars of vehicles to be used and time schedule of such
usage. Separate permissions will be given for campaign purpose for up to 48
hours from the close of polls and for poll day. Permission will be given and
vehicles to be used for poll day only as per the admissibility fixed by the
Commission. Different colors of permission letters should be issued for
campaigning and poll day so that it facilitates monitoring on the poll day. It
is suggested that for this purpose the Permit to be issued by the District
Election Officer may be issued in PINK; the permit prepared by the
Returning Officer to be issued in YELLOW; the permit from the Chief
Electoral Officer, West Bengal will be issued in WHITE.
ON THE POLL DAY, THE VEHICLE PERMITS FOR THE
1. One vehicle for CANDIDATEs own use;
2. One vehicle for the use of his election agent;
3. In addition, one vehicle for use of his workers or party workers, should be
issued by the Returning Officer in GREEN.

22

Any

vehicle

authorization/permit
unauthorizedly

used
by

for

campaigning

the DEO/RO

campaigning

for the

shall

without

be deemed

due

to be used

candidate and may attract

penal

provisions of the Indian Penal Code and shall therefore be immediately

taken out of the campaigning exercise.
Commission has further directed that during election time, no
bikers rally should be permitted at any place in West Bengal.
(ECI No. 464/WB-LA/2015(i) NSTB dated 17th March, 2016)
For availing the benefit of clause (a) of explanation (1) given under
Sec. 77 (1) of R. P. Act,
i.e.,

star campaigners,

will be issued centrally

whether

1951 by the leaders of the political

parties,

the permission for the mode of road transport

by the Chief Electoral Officer, irrespective

of

the same vehicle is to be used by any leader for election

campaigning throughout the State or different vehicles are to be used

by such party leaders in different

areas.

The permit

will be issued

against the name of the star campaigner concerned .

On receipt of a request from a recognized political party, the DEO
would

issue permit for one vehicle to be used by the district level office

bearer of a recognized party (other than the star campaigner)

visit to multiple ACs within the district for electioneering
The permit

should be issued indicating

for their
purposes.

the number of the vehicle,

the name of political leader and the period for which issued and should
be of different colour so that it can easily be identified. An attested copy
shall be pasted on wind screen and original
for checking

be kept with the driver

by police or other authorities. The expenditure in this

regard shall be booked against the political party and not the candidates.
The CEO may issue permits for vehicles that can move throughout the
state for use of office bearers of recognized political parties for electioneering
purposes

only.

For

the

states

having

more

than

100

Assembly

Constituencies, the CEO may issue permits for a maximum of five vehicles

23

to a recognized

political

party. The expenditure

on these vehicles shall

be incurred by the political party and not by the candidate.

In case of Video
campaign

- Vans etc.

across the states,

to be used by a political

party for

before any permission to use Video-Vans

for campaign is given, it should be ensured

by Chief

Electoral Officer

that such use of vehicle is in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act.
A cycle rickshaw is also a vehicle as defined in Section 160 of
Representation
campaign.

election

1951, which

may be used for election

If it is being used, then a candidate has to account

its expenditure
candidate

of People Act,

in his account of election expenses.

should

give details

of such rickshaws

campaign and, if the rickshaw

registration/permit

does

for

To ensure this, the

being listed

for his

not have any Municipal

for its identification, the rickshaw driver may be

given a permit in his personal name by the Returning Officer which the
rickshaw
rickshaw

driver

should

carry

for campaign purposes.

on

his

person

However,

while

rickshaws

using

that

being used for

normal purposes of carrying passengers in ordinary course etc. may be

exempted,

if they are displaying

only one poster showing the name or

party symbol of a candidate, presuming they are doing so on their own

free will.
Use of vehicles on poll day
Section 123(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides
that the hiring or procuring or use of vehicles by a candidate/his agent or
by any other person with the consent of the candidate
agent for the free conveyance

or his election

of the voters to and fro from the polling

station shall be a 'corrupt practice'

and it is also an electoral offence

punishable under section 133, with fine which may extend to five hundred
rupees. With a view to placing

effective

curbs on this practice, the

Commission issues the following directions:

For

an election

to

the State

Legislative

each contesting candidate is entitled to:

Assembly, on the date of poll

24

(a)

One vehicle for his own use;

(b)

One vehicle for the use of his election agent;

(c)

In addition, one vehicle for use of his workers or party workers.

No leader of a political party shall use private fixed-wing aircraft and

helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling
and counting process on the days of poll and counting.
(Instruction SL. No. 64, EC Letter No. 4/2001/JS-II, dated 08/05/2001)
It is clarified that, henceforth,

the candidate or his agent or party

workers or workers will be allowed to use only four/three/two

wheeler

vehicles i.e. cars (of all types) taxies, auto rickshaws, rickshaws and two
wheelers.

In these

four wheel

vehicles,

not more than

persons

including driver will be allowed to move on the day of poll. It is further

clarified that on the day of poll no other person will be allowed to use the
vehicle allotted for candidate's

or his election agent's use. However, the

candidate or his election agent may be accompanied

in his car by other

persons subject to 5 including driver.

The permits for the vehicles indicated above will be issued by the
District Magistrate/ Returning Officer.

The candidates

must

furnish

particulars of their vehicle to be used on poll day to DEO/RO concerned

and shall display the permits
vehicles.

No other

leaders

of

the

agents

and

vehicles

issued

shall be allowed

political parties

sympathizers

on the wind-screen
to be used

including

of any

Ministers,

candidate.

of the
by the
workers,

No exception shall be

made, irrespective of the status of the candidate.

The
vehicles

aforementioned

to

all

but not restricted to taxies, private cars, trucks, tractors

with or

auto-rickshaws,

power

apply

including

trailers,

by mechanical

shall

or otherwise,

without

propelled

restrictions

e-rickshaws,

mini buses, station wagons etc., also,

scooters, motorbikes

and shall be made applicable

for a period of 24 hours before the time fixed for closure of poll and till
the completion

of poll.

25

Penal action, both under the provisions of the R.P. Act, 1951 and the
Indian Penal Code

shall

above

in addition

directions,

All vehicles

be

taken

against

to action

being used in violation

anyone

offending

the

under the Motor Vehicles

Act.

of these directions shall be

confiscated.
There is no intention
complete

to put a

ban on all vehicular traffic on the polling day and thereby

create difficulties
bonafide

on the part of the Commission

or cause

use for purposes

harassment

to the public.

other than election,

For

genuine

the following

types

of vehicles shall also be allowed to be plied on the day of poll and there
will be no exception:
(a)

Private vehicles being used by the owners for their private use, not

connected with elections;

(b)

Private vehicles being used by owners either for themselves or for

members of their own family for going to the polling booth to exercise
their franchise,

but not going anywhere within a radius of 200 meters

of a polling station;
(c)

Vehicles

ambulance,

used for essential

milk vans, water

services

tankers,

namely

electricity

hospital

vans,

emergency

duty

vans, police on duty, officers on election duty;

(d)

Public transport carriages like buses plying between fixed termini

and on fixed routes

(e)

Taxis, three wheeler scooters, rickshaws etc. for going to airports,

railway stations, interstate bus stands, hospitals for journeys which cannot
be avoided;
(f)
(g)
point.

Private vehicles used by sick or disabled persons for their own use;
Vehicles being used by the Govt. officers on duty to reach their duty

26

During the period of electioneering ,

with a view to checking

misuse of private vehicles by the candidates/ their agents and party

leaders and/or party

supporters for carting anti-social elements

so as

to instill a sense of fear in the minds of the electorate and/or to smuggle

illicit

arms and

during

elections,

ammunition etc.
the

Commission

With a view to creating disturbances

further

directs

that

the

District

Administration shall keep a close watch on the vehicles used by persons

accompanying the contesting candidates and their party's leaders for any
possible mischief, including criminal activities like carrying of illegal arms
and weapons. If any of these vehicles, either of a party or a private owner, is
found to be involved in any such act or for carting anti-social elements with
a view to intimidating or creating terror in the mind of the electorate, it shall
be the duty of the local administration to impound such vehicles and not to
release them till the process of elections is completed. In addition, criminal
action against the owner, the occupant(s) and the candidate/political party
which is involved in such illegal activities shall also be taken as per law.
In respect of persons covered by security, the use of State owned one
bullet proof vehicle for the particular person (PP) will be permitted in all
cases where the security agencies have prescribed such use.
The use of multiple cars in the name of stand-by should not be
permitted unless so specifically prescribed by security authorities.
Under the directives of the Government of India in the Ministry of
Home Affairs, the persons provided with Z+ security cover are permitted the
use of State owned one Bullet proof vehicle. (Instruction Sl. No. 92, CoI2011EC Letter No. 437/6/2007/PLN.III, Dated 24th October 2007).
During the campaign period, whether on a private or official visit all
political functionaries should not use
Pilot car(s)
Car(s) with beacon lights of any color
Car(s) affixed with sirens of any kind

27

The restriction will apply even if the State administration has granted
him a security cover. Also whether the vehicle is government owned or
private.
VI. STATUTORY MATTERS:
1. Excise Activities:
(No.576/14/ 99-PLN-1 dt.21.8.1999, ECI letter No.464/L&O/2007/PLN-I dated
08.12.2007 & ECI letter No. 576 /1 4 / 2007 / PLN -I dated 28.12.2007).
All restrictions provided in excise law on the storage of liquor in unlicensed
premises shall be vigorously enforced from P-2 day . Special drives should be
launched to unearth illicit liquor making factories and information about seizures
should be made available to the concerned District Election Officer and Returning
Officer. As Section 135C of Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 provides that no
spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquors or other substances of like nature
shall be sold, given or distributed at a hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any
other place, private or public, within a polling area during the period of 48 hours
ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll for any election in the polling area,
Dry Day shall be declared and notified under relevant state laws for the stipulated
period for the poll areas.
2. Issuance of 144 CrPc Regarding Ban on unlawful assembly:
(No.464/L&O/2007/PLN-I

Dated 08.01.07)

To be issued by the District Magistrate or any competent authority effective

from P-2 day to P+1 day within constituency. Strict vigil shall be maintained by
thorough checking of lorries, light vehicles and all other vehicles from 3 days
before the date of poll to ensure that no undesirable elements or arms and
ammunition are being transported into the constituency from outside and to
apprehend them, if they are doing so. Such checking of vehicles shall continue till
the completion of the counting of votes and the declaration of results. As and when
such culprits are apprehended, the arms and ammunition and vehicles concerned
shall be confiscated.
3. Grant of paid holiday to employees on date of poll :

Order

on grant of holiday to employees to be issued by the state

Government in terms of Sec. 135(b) of the R.P Act 1951, wherein it is

28
mentioned that every person employed in any business, trade, industrial
undertaking or any other establishment and entitled to vote at an election to the
House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of a State shall, on the day of poll,
be granted a holiday.
This provision further includes that no deduction or abatement of the wages
of any such person shall be made on account of a holiday having been granted
under this provision and if such person is employed on the basis that he would
not ordinarily receive wages for such a day, he shall nonetheless be paid for such
day the wages he would have drawn had not a holiday been granted to him on that
day.
It should also be mentioned in the order that if an employer contravenes the above
provisions then such employer shall be punishable with fine which may extend to
five hundred rupees however, this section shall not apply to any elector whose
absence may cause danger or substantial loss in respect of the employment in
which he is engaged.

VII. MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POLITICAL PARTIES AND

CANDIDATES:
1. Since campaign by candidates amplifies during P-3 and P-2 day upto 48
hours from the close of poll, it should be ensured the level playing field is
maintained for all candidates and stakeholders and model code of conduct
is followed in letter and spirit which include that no party or candidate shall
include any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create
mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities,
religious or linguistic.
Criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to
their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and candidates
shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with
the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of
other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion
shall be avoided.
There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing
votes. Mosques, Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be
used as forum for election propaganda.

29

2. Holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with

the hour fixed for the close of the poll (G.O No. 464/KT-HP/2014 dated
16.4.2014)
Generally , when

section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is

imposed during the last 48 hours from the close of poll, restrictions ,thereof,
do not permit more than 5 persons to assemble/move together. The
Commission has clarified that this does not restrict house to house visits
during 48 hours in connection with door to door campaigning. However, this
should be specifically spelt out in the orders under Section 144 to avoid any
confusion.
3. Use of loudspeaker - During the period of campaign on P-3 and P-2 day
upto 48 hours from the close of poll, it should be ensured that PA system or
loudspeaker or any sound amplifier whether fitted on vehicle or static used
for public meeting or electioneering purpose, is not used beyond the
permissible time at night between 10 pm to 6 am. & all loudspeakers / PA
system / sound amplifier used beyond permitted hours shall be confiscated.
For using any loudspeaker on moving vehicle, the user shall intimate
the registration No. of such vehicle to the authority granting permission to
use the loudspeaker. Any vehicle using loudspeaker without written permit
shall be confiscated. Political parties / candidates / any other person who
intends to use loudspeaker either on vehicle or at a fixed place shall
intimate in writing to the RO of the constituency, local police authorities and
will obtain permission for use of such loudspeaker from the competent
authority.
Use of loudspeaker during campaign period will be governed by the
West Bengal Pollution Control Board Order No. No.- EN/326 /T-IV6/001/2007(Pt.-I) Dated the 5thFebruary ,2013 read with Rule 5 of Noise
Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 framed under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986,
No loudspeaker shall be permitted to be used during the period of 48
hours ending with poll closing time.

30

4. The Member of Parliament and Member of State Legislative Assembly can

stay in the Constituency, during 48 hours from close of poll, from where
they are elected, but they cannot visit any other Constituency. However, the
permission will be subject to restriction of not indulging in campaigning etc.
as defined under Sec. 126 of the R.P Act, 1951 (G.O No. 464/KT-HP/2014
dated 16.4.2014)
5. All parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are
corrupt practices and offences under the election law, such as bribing of
voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within
100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of
48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the
transport and conveyance of voters to and from polling station should not be
committed.
6. The right of every individual for peaceful and undisturbed home-life shall
be respected, Organising demonstrations or picketing before the houses of
individuals by way of protesting shall not be resorted to under any
circumstances.
7. During campaigning, no political party or candidate shall permit its or his
followers to make use of any individuals land, building, compound wall etc.,
without his permission for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners, pasting
notices, writing slogans etc.
8. Political parties and candidates shall ensure that their supporters do not
create obstructions in or break up meetings and processions organised by
other parties. Workers or sympathizers of one political party shall not create
disturbances at public meetings organized by another political party by
putting questions orally or in writing or by distributing leaflets of their own
party. Processions shall not be taken out by one party along places at which
meetings are held by another party. Posters issued by one party shall not be
removed by workers of another party
9.

The

expenditure

incurred

on

security

arrangement

like

barricading/rostrums etc. shall be borne by concerned political parties

31

during visit of any person (including Prime Minister) for electioneering and
election related work.
(Instruction SL. No. 55, EC letter No 437/6/ES0025/94/MCS dated
21/10/1994)
10. All advertisement for telecasting on TV channels and cable networks by
any political party/candidate must be viewed, scrutinized and certified by
Monitoring Committee on Media Certification (MCMC) and all complaints
must be attended forthwith. (Instruction SL. No. 77, CoI-2011, EC Letter No.
509/75/2004/JS-I, Dated 15/04/2004)
11. The campaign by star campaigner should be meticulously tracked. The
CEO and DEO should maintain party wise register to track instances of
violations being committed by campaigners of political parties. Record also
put in public domain so that interested parties can pick up the input.
(Instruction SL. No. 88, CoI-2011, EC Letter 437/6/inst/2008-CC&BE)
12. While using campaign materials ,all political parties should try to avoid
the use of plastic/polythene for preparation of posters, banners etc. during
election campaign.
(Instruction SL. No. 44, EC Letter No. 4/3/2004/J.S.lI/Vol.l, dated
11.03.2004)
13. No part of State Guest Houses, Bhawans and Sadans should be utilized
for any political activities like holding of party meeting press conference and
consultations

(Instruction

SL.

No.

4,

Election

Commissions

letter

No.437/6/98-PLN-III dated 08.01.1998) (Relevant to police officers also)

Even casual meeting by Members of political parties inside the premises of
the Government owned guesthouse etc. are not permitted. (Relevant to
police officers also).Rooms should not be made available for more than 48
hours to any single individual.
However, 48 hours before the close of poll in any particular area, there will
be freeze on such allocations till completion of poll or re-poll.

32

Instruction SL. No. 72 of CoI-2011, Election Commissions letter No 437 /6

/38 /2004-PLN-III, dated 06.04.2004
14. Accommodation can be given in government guest houses where
elections have been announced to the political functionaries who are
provided security by state in Z+ category, subject to condition that such
accommodation is not allotted /occupied by election related officials or
observers. No political activities will be allowed during stay in government
guest house
(Instruction SL.No. 73, of CoI-2011, EC Letter No. 437/6/2006-PLN (Vol.II)
Government accommodation shall not be monopolized by the party in power
or its candidates, use shall be in fair manner. No party or candidate shall
use or be allowed to use government accommodation as a campaign office or
for holding any public meeting for the purposes of election propaganda. It
shall be ensured that no functionary can use the Circuit House, Dak
bungalow to set up campaign office.
VIII. Law & Order
Since election process is often described as a contest for legitimate
power fought within a political forum and it is not always devoid of any
confrontation, the matter of providing security is an integral part of the
electoral process.
The primary implications of a secure election are:

Protection of interest electoral stakeholders viz. Voters,

candidates, poll personnel, political party workers, Media, Observers.

Ensuring safety of the poll material, the polling stations, the counting

center.

Ensuring that overall law and order is conducive enough to ensure a

level playing field for election campaigning.

Accordingly the Election Commission has issued instructions to ensure
peaceful elections which give stress on the following:
A. PRE POLL PERIOD (P-3/2 day)

33

1.(i) Nodal Officers should be appointed at all functional level like state,
district who will be responsible for keeping contacts and coordinating with
the election administration, police officials, home department and CAPF .
The contact numbers of these officers should be available in public domain
as well.
(ii) Besides, a reference material should also be prepared indicating the
relevant Sections of Indian Penal Code, the R.P Act and Model Code of
Conduct (MCC) that are relevant during the course of elections.
(iii) This reference material book should indicate the nature of offence and
the relevant Sections whether cognizable or noncognizable and the action to
be taken in case of any violation.
(iv) This reference material should be made available to all field officials as
well.
2. At District level, the DEO-cum-District Collector/DM will hold a special
meeting with SP/Commissioner and senior police officials in presence of the
General & Expenditure Observers for handling the law and order situation
for the most critical 72 hrs to the close of poll and chalk out strategies to
ensure free and fair elections.
3. Review of vulnerability mapping and identification of critical
polling station and critical clustersUnder the instruction of the Election Commission, the exercise of
Vulnerability

Mapping,

Sensitivity

&

Criticality

Analysis

(ECI

No.464/INST/2008 dt. 24.10.08 & 464/INST/2007-PLN-I Dated: 12th

October, 2007 & 464/Instructions/ EPS/ 2011 Dated 5th, March, 2011) is
done involving:
a. Identification of vulnerable areas, polling station-wise
b. Identification of source of threat/ intimidation
c. Identification of names of persons likely to spearhead such offence of
Undue influence
d. Taking into cognizance past incidents and present apprehensions
e. Initiation of preventive/ confidence building measures
and Sensitivity Analysis is done by identifying PS affected by LWE activity,
rivalry between political parties, high political sensitivity, pronounce

34

presence of criminals, communal tension, caste based tension, other

reasons causing vulnerability, history of repoll, history of poll violence in
last AC/PC Election, PS with <60% EPIC coverage and the polling station
wise election results available in Form 20 with reference to the past general
election and all such Polling Stations where percentage of votes polled was
more than 90% and where more than 75% of votes have been polled in
favour of one candidate .
As the election comes close, the matters of vulnerability mapping and
identification of critical polling stations and critical clusters should be
reviewed, updated and force deployment may also be recast after thorough
examination of the ground situation, field reality, intelligence inputs. Due
consideration should also be given to the worry lists as submitted by the
candidates and political parties. However, if there is any modification in the
force deployment plan, this must be done in consultation with the General
Observer.
4. Misuse of money power and election expenditure
The misuse of money power has emerged as a big challenge to the free
and fair election process. Feedback has been received about candidates
indulging in various methods to induce the voters which includes
outright payment of cash that amounts to bribery and other forms of
inducements such as supply of liquor, food packets, holding of lunch
and dinner parties in the name of birthdays and other anniversaries
to give election related inducement, distribution of gifts in the name of
mass wedding and so on. During the last 72 hours, a close tracking
should be made by each and every Thana officer of such payments and
other forms of inducement .The field level election machinery/police
administration should work as a team to track such types of
malpractices.
It has been noticed that liquor is transported even from the far away
States to the election going States. Proper checking at the inter-State border
and

commercial

tax

check

post

will

be

helpful

in

tracking

such

transportation of liquor. Whenever a consignment of such liquor is

intercepted, proper investigation should follow to trace the origin of such

35

supply and the destination. A proper investigation is essential to establish

linkage between the election process and the supply of such inducements.
Media should be briefed whenever such consignments are seized.
5. Training for Poll day by police force
Generally police force report for poll duty when very few days are left for
elections, no matter how short is the time ,an orientation should be given to
the police officials about the polling process on the poll day, other
connected issues and about the duties and responsibilities of various police
officials on poll day with reference to security at polling station, patrolling of
the

catchments

areas,

tracking

of

areas

identified

as

vulnerable,

transportation of polled EVMs, sealing and guarding of strong rooms and

the counting day arrangements.
6. CPF coordination
A proper orientation needs to be given about the role of CPF vis--vis
State police/local police and other coordination responsibilities.
7. Security Force Deployment Plan (ECI No. No 464/L&O/2014-EPS
dated 7.4.2014)

To ensure

full

and

optimal

utilization of the

police

forces including CAPFs and State Armed Police (SAPs), the Commission
directs that the State Deployment Plan will be prepared taking into account
the available
will

forces of the State Government/SAP

and CAPF which

be made available by the Ministry of Home Affairs and it will be the

responsibility of the DEO and SP to see that the deployment plan is followed
very strictly:
Whenever area domination by CAPFs is needed, CAPF will undertake
area domination etc. till 2 days before the polling day (P-2). After that they
shall be drafted for static duty at polling stations
insurgency

affected areas,

CAPFs may be deployed

In naxal and other

for active election

related duty other than static duty at polling booths such as mobile patrols
with magistrates,

area pickets,

check gates and quick reaction teams

located in specific areas etc. Such exceptions shall

have to be approved by

Election Observer for the district or CEO for inter-district duties. The central
forces shall not be deployed or kept as "reserves" at any level. In rarest of
the rare cases, when they are to be

deployed as "reserves" they

36

should be made available

with

suitable

communication

facilities

for

However,

the proposal to retain some of the

and

mobility

contingent deployment and movement on short notice.

CAPF

contingents

as

"reserve" should be discussed with the Observer and should be sent to

the Commission through CEO of the State for specific permission of the
Commission.

The justification for such request shall be clearly brought out

in the proposal. It is made clear that as a matter of policy, the Commission

favours the deployment of CAPF on poll day on static duty at polling stations
invariably.
The other instructions relating to deployment of CAPF, which are
needed to be considered by the election authorities, are: i.

CAPF shall
purpose

be used during

of area

confidence
border
ii.

The

domination,

building

among

the pre-poll
conducting
the electors and

flag

for the
marches,

checking

of

areas etc

District

the criticality

Magistrates,

Superintendents of Police shall finalize

of polling stations

giving the reasons in accordance

with the instructions of the Commission.

ready

period

and

finalized

on arrival

This list shall be kept

of the observers

after consulting

them.
The Commission has directed that Civic Voluntary Force shall not be
used directly or indirectly, under any circumstances, for election related
works during WBLAE 2016 currently going on.
(ECI No. 464/WB-LA/2015 dated 17.3.2016)
8. Additional Instructions regarding optimal use of CAPF and other
Security
The Commission had directed that the DEOs/ROs/SPs along with
Observers will hold a discussion with the candidates and their agents and
take written feedback from them regarding polling stations on deployment
of CAPF and other tracking measures from their respective point of view.
Besides it is also desired that the candidates and their agents shall be
advised to submit their worry list of polling stations /locations in the order
of priority indicating serial number of priority with a view to prepare a

37

revised deployment plan, if found necessary. In this connection the

Commission has desired that the CEOs may obtain confirmation from
DEO/RO about holding of such meeting and give feedback/confirmation to
the Commission that necessary follow up action have been based on such as
worry list ( ECI No. 464/INST/2014-EPS dated 4.5.2014)
9 . Pre-polls- role of CPF
CPF arrives in advance for area domination
Takes out flag marches, point patrolling and other confidence building
activities (mostly on foot).
They are provided with area-wise list of anti-social elements to undertake
spot verification (of their whereabouts, presence and activities).
They also interact with local population with a view to enhance the public
confidence
10. Pre Poll Role of State Police
Responsible for maintenance of the general law and order in the catchment
area of the polling stations and generally in the constituency/district/state
Take preventive actions
Establish check-posts and prevent illegal movement of cash, liquor, etc.
Vulnerability mapping
Implement Model Code of Conduct
Handle VIP movement
Implement Deployment Plan
Provide logistical support to CPF
11.The following steps are taken after the announcement of elections
, these need to be stressed during the 72 hrs close to poll :
a) Arms/Explosives Seizure:
Drives should be launched to unearth and seize unlicensed arms and
ammunition. A very thorough search and seizure by the State Police of
unlicensed arms and places of indigenous manufacture of arms and
ammunition shall be carried out and persons involved shall be arrested.
Intra -state and inter- State movements of trucks and commercial vehicles
shall be strictly checked with a view to preventing smuggling of arms and

38

ammunition and anti-social elements. Raids should be carried out regularly

and intensively on underground arms factories.
(Instruction Sl. No. 66 & 79. ECI order No.464/96(L&O)

dt. 17.1.1996.

ECI letter No.464/ L&O/2007/PLN-I Dt.8.1.2007)

b) Transportation of Arms and Ammunitions
(i)

Strict vigil and thorough checking of lorries, light vehicles and all

other vehicles from 3 days before the poll till counting of votes to ensure that
no undesirable elements or arms and ammunitions are being transported
from outside.
(ii)

Inter-state supply of Arms and ammunitions only on the basis of valid

papers including No Objection Certificate from the DM. Care should be

taken that supply reaches the actual consigning and not into the hand of
unauthorized persons.
c) Checking of State & International Border & Placement of NAKA:
a.

Extensive

patrolling

duty

on

assigned

routes

covering

the

State/International Border.
b.

In case of inter- state border falling within the AC boundary, co-

ordination meeting with the neighboring district & in case of Int. border, coordination meeting with the BSF will have to be completed by P-2 Day
c.

Placement of NAKA at Strategic Points with element of surprise checking

to start immediately with the announcement of election by the Election

Commission of India.
d.

Strict vigil shall be maintained by thorough checking of lorries, light

vehicles and all other vehicles from P-3 Day to ensure that no undesirable
elements or arms and ammunition are being transported into the
constituency from outside and to apprehend them if they are doing so. Such
checking of vehicles shall continue till the completion of the counting of
votes and the declaration of results.
e.

Sealing of inter-state borders/ inter-district borders from P-3 to prevent

infiltration of anti-social and disruptive elements.

f. Sealing of International Border from P-3 day to weed out possibilities of
infiltration of undesired elements from across the border.
12. Communication Plan:

39

Advanced planning for shadow areas/communication infrastructure: Special

alternative measures to be put on place to cover missing links in mobile
shadow zones .Fleet of cycle/motor cycle messengers may be put on service
where no contacts through any kind of phones could be made.
B. POLL DAY PERIOD
In case of CAPF being deployed at the polling stations, in pursuance to the
directions given by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in its order no.9228
2003 (Janak Singh Vs. Ram Oas Rai and others) dated 11.01.2005,

of
the

Commission has desired that one CAPF Jawan from the CAPF party posted
at the polling station will be stationed at the entrance of the polling station
so that he can keep a watch on the proceedings that are going on inside the
polling station, particularly,

to ensure that no unauthorized person enters

inside the polling station and no irregularity is committed either by the

polling staff or outsiders in the poll process. In the buildings which
more

than

one polling

of the CAPF personnel

station

is deployed,

for duty at the entrance

oscillate
charge
observed

the

by him.

of the Polling

and report

Jawan

Station

shall

CAPF

selected

may be asked to
at what

to the officer

if something

clarified that

coming into the polling

such verification

station

half a section

station to other and look

party or observer,
It is also

only

CAPF

the polling

these polling stations

of the CAPF

the entrance
electors

of

from one polling

going on inside

and where

have

Jawan

unusual

is
in
is

posted at

not verify the identity

of

to cast their votes

as

stations

is the duty of the polling personnel. The specific things

on which a CAPF Jawan posted

at the entrance of the polling stations is

expected to keep a watch are as under i.

No unauthorized person is present inside the polling station at any

time during the poll.

ii.

The polling party or the polling agents do not attempt to cast or cast
any vote or votes when no voter is present inside the polling booth.

iii.

No

polling

compartment.

officer

accompanies

any

voter

to

the

voting

40

iv.

No polling agent or polling officer threatens any voter or makes any

gesture to threaten them.

v.
vi.

No arms are carried inside the polling station.

No silent rigging takes place
If the CAPF Jawan posted at the entrance of the polling station

discovers violation of the election process as above or observes something

unusual going on inside the polling station, he shall not interfere in the poll
process but report the same to the officer in charge of the CAPF party at
the polling station or the Central

Observer.

The officer in charge

of

CAPF party will in turn send this information to the Returning Officer
and also Observer on the same day, in writing, for further necessary action.
The Returning Officers/Observer will report cases from where adverse
reports are received from the CAPF parties for further instructions of the
Commission.
It will be the responsibility

of the District Magistrate

concerned and Superintendent of Police concerned to ensure that the

polling parties and static armed force parties reach polling booths in time
as scheduled.
2. In short the role of CAPF may be summarized as :
Guarding the polling stations, poll materials, poll personnel and the poll
Static guarding of trouble spots
Patrolling duty on assigned routes covering a fixed cluster of
polling stations
Patrolling duty as flying squads in a defined area with surprise element;
Escorting duty of polled EVM
Guard duty of Polled EVMs until counting
Similarly ,role of state police :
Maintenance of the general law and order in the catchment area of the
polling stations and inside and outside of the polling premises (as different
from polling stations).
Ensure safety of Voters, polling personnel and polling material

Security of Dispersal & Receiving Centres

41

Polled EVM strong room (outer cordon) and Counting Centre safety.
Victory procession after counting centre
3. The deployment of police forces on poll day is generally done in 4 forms:
a. Static deployment that is, at the Polling Stations, EVM storage room,
counting centre, trouble spots, etc.
b. Mobile deployment on sector routes, for accompanying polling
parties, as FSTs, QRTs, as striking forces, etc.
c. Police station/control room deployment to take care of unforeseen
security

issues

on

poll

day

and

to

establish

an

effective

communication system that is centrally managed.

d. Reserve deployment certain forces such as the Rapid Action Force
battalions are not actually deployed on election duty, but kept
on reserve for immediate utilization for emergent circumstances.
4..Additional measures at critical polling stations
Critical Polling Stations must be covered at least by one of the measures to
keep a watch on polling process. Considering the limitation on availability of
central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Commission has decided that critical
Polling Stations shall at least be covered by one or more of the following
measures to keep a watch on the polling process, as non-CAPF measures:
i.

Micro-observer

ii.

Video camera

iii.

Still camera

iv.

CCTV

v.

Web casting

IX.MEDIA MATTERS:
1.Exit Poll (No. 576/Exit/2014/SDR-Vol.I, Dated: 3rd April, 2014)
Under the provisions of Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, there shall be
restrictions on conduct of any exit poll and publication and dissemination
of result of such exit poll during such period, as may be notified by the
Election Commission, in this regard; in exercise of the powers under subSection ( 1) of section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, the Election Commission,
having regard to the provisions of sub-section (2) of the said Section, may

42

notify the period from the start of poll in the first poll day and 30 minutes
after the end of poll on the last poll day in a State/in the country, as the
period during which conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicizing
by means of the print or electronic media or dissemination in any other
manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll in connection with the
General Elections to the House of the People and the State Legislative
Assemblies and bye-elections from Parliament/Assembly constituencies
shall be prohibited.
2.

Opinion

Poll:

(GO.

No.

ECI/MCS

/98/01

20

January,

1998)

During the run up to any general elections to the House of the People or
State Legislative Assemblies, Opinion Polls are often conducted by different
organisations. The results of such opinion polls are published in
newspapers,

magazines

and

other

periodicals,

and

sometimes

telecast/broadcast on the electronic media. The dissemination of such

results of Opinion Polls receives wide publicity and coverage in the print
and electronic media and such dissemination, particularly on the eve of
polls, has the potential to influence the electors when they are in the mental
process of making up of their minds to vote or not to vote for a certain
political party or a candidate. The methodology followed by different
organisation conducting such opinion polls varies from organisation to
organisation, or the agencies, conducting such polls. Similarly, the sample
size of the electorate covered by such polls and geographic spread of the
survey also differs substantially in each case. The organisations or agencies
conducting Opinion Polls shall be free to conduct such polls, and publish
results thereof, in or by any print or electronic media, at any time, except
the period mentioned hereunder, during the run up to the polls for the
aforesaid general elections to the House of the People and State Legislative
Assemblies. Thus, no result of any opinion poll conducted at any time shall,
be published, publicized or disseminated, in any manner whatsoever, in or
by any print or electronic media, 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for
conclusion of poll . All print and electronic media should formally adhere to
the Commissions instruction regarding EXIT POLL and OPINION POLL

43

and should not mix up the one with the other

(GO : 491/Opinion

Poll/2014/Communication dated 16.4.2014)

3.Prohibition of campaign by political parties in print & electronic
media:
In terms of Section 126 of R.P Act, 1951 there is prohibition that
(1) No person shall
(a)

convene,

hold or attend, join or address any public

meeting

or

means

of

procession in connection with an election; or

(b)

display

to

the

public

any

election

matter

by

cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus; or

(c)

propagate

any

election matter to the public by holding,

or

by

arranging the holding of, any musical concert or any

(d) theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement with
a view to attracting the members of the public thereto,
in any polling area during the period of 48 hours on P-2 Day ending with
the time fixed for

the conclusion of the poll for any election in the

polling area.
4. Issue of Authority letters to media persons: (GO. 491/96/MCS dated
27.3.1996 & No. 491/2004/MCP-Vol. II Dated 27 April, 2004 & 491/AlINST/2014(Communication) dated; 18th March, 2014).
The permission of the Election Commission is not needed by any
person, including media persons, for visiting and moving around in any
constituency where election is being held and every person is free to observe
the elections. Entry into the polling stations is however fully regulated by
the statutory provisions under Rule 32 of the Conduct of Elections Rules,
1961. No one can enter into any polling station and counting centre as a
matter of right. In addition to the persons directly connected with the
polling and counting, such persons as are specifically authorized by the
Election Commission can alone enter the polling station. The exclusive
power of the Election Commission of India to issue entry passes to persons
including Media Persons, also includes the power to refuse an entry pass to

44

any person if in the Commissions opinion, there are sufficient reasons to

do so.
The District Election Officer will issue individual authority letter to
the media persons allowing entry into the polling stations under original
signature under own hand, no facsimile or rubber stamp is allowed.
The authority letter will be issued only to the eligible persons as sponsored
by the competent authority, the list of which containing the detailed
particulars and image of the media persons should have to be approved by
the Commission well in advance and the distribution of the Authority letters
should have to be completed by P-2 day. The passes will remain valid till
the completion of poll process on the day of poll. The list of the approved
media persons should be made available on the public domain.
Representative of the Government owned media like AIR and
Doordarshan, and officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
PIB, Public Relations Department, Director of Information, field publicity
units etc. either of the Central or of any State Government are not entitled
to any special facilities or preferential treatment whatsoever, in the matter
of entry into a place of polling and counting. They are totally at par with
other media persons and can be allowed entry only if they are in possession
of valid authority letters issued by the Commission. The same restrictions
as applicable to other media persons with authority letter will be applicable
to them also. The same restrictions will apply to foreign media/ journalists
etc.
5. Media Center:
A media centre set up in the state Headquarters and District Headquarters
(by the CEO and DEO respectively) specially for the purpose of
disseminating election related information, which started to function from
the day of notification , will continue during the process of election also.
Officers of the level of Dist. Information Officer will be put in charge of the
media centre at the District level and their contact address and telephone
numbers will be circulated in advance. These media centres will have
reasonable communication facilities like telephone ISD, STD etc, fax
machines, necessary furniture etc. Keeping in view the presence of large

45

number of wire news agencies/media persons from print and electronic

media based at the State Headquarters, the provision of sufficient
number of telephone lines with STD/ISD facilities and separate fax
machines be made available in the media centre from P-3 day. Copies of
Statistical Reports and documents of previous elections, background
material etc. will be made available to these media centre for the purpose of
reference to the extent feasible.
X. BASIC MINIMUM FACILITIES:
27.1.2014)

(No 464lINST-BMF/2O13 EPS dated:

On the day of poll, Polling Stations represent the focal point of whole
electoral exercise. Section 25 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
envisages that the District Election Officer (DEO) is responsible for the
provision of polling station and publication of the list of polling stations. It
is a fact that infrastructural conditions of all polling stations are not ideal
everywhere, it is felt that with

some advance intervention at the level of

DEO, the conditions at the polling stations can be vastly improved. Since
the Commission attaches great importance to the voter participation and his
/ her experience at polling station, instructions on facilities to be provided at
the polling stations and to the voters have been delineated.
The Commission identified the list of Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF)
which every DEO shall provide at each polling station within his district.
These Basic Minimum Facilities are:
i.

Provision for ramp

ii.

Provision for drinking water

iii.

Adequate furniture

iv.

Proper lighting

v.

Help Desk

vi.

Proper signage

vii.

Toilet for men and women

The DEO and the Returning Officer should ensure the availability of such
facilities at the polling station through the Sector officer after taking due

46

measures against the short falls in facilities reported earlier, through dove
tailing the requirements of the BMF with ongoing/existing schemes of the
local bodies as most of the polling stations are located in Government
buildings or local body schools.
The setting up of model polling stations at selected locations at metropolitan
cities/ State capitals /major cities of the States should be finalized by P-5
day and a copy of which is to be handover to the General Observer. On P-2
day, it is to be examined by the Returning Officer that basic minimum
facilities have been made available at all polling stations.
The General Observer is required to:
i.

Review the Assessment and Inventory of Polling Station exercise

undertaken by the District Election Officer;

ii.

Make random visits to verify the availability of basic minimum facilities

at the polling stations, as per the parameters mentioned in the letters under
reference;
iii.

Send special report to the Commission five days before the poll day,

outlining availability / non-availability of the basic minimum facilities in the

polling stations of the constituency and another special report within three
days after the poll day regarding deficiency noticed and feedback on basic
minimum facilities at polling stations.

XI. ACTIVITIES ON P-1 DAY AT DISPERSAL CENTRE/POLLING STATIONS

ETC.
1. Selection of Dispersal Centre: Since all preparatory activities tend to
converge on the P-1 day at the Dispersal Centre ,where from polling
personnel collect election materials and move out to their allotted polling
stations , it is essential to select a suitable venue for Dispersal Centre which
is located in a spacious place having good connectivity

within the

constituency area. The venue should be safe , secured & free from any
political, religious identity .Effort is to be made to make use of the existing
structures

of office/ school/college buildings. Ideally the dispersal

,receiving and counting centre should be co terminus.

47

2. Co ordination with other Government/non Government offices :

Conduct of general elections in India is such a mammoth task that, its
successful implementation involves a good deal of interactions with various
other government departments to make the system of elections run
smoothly without any glitch or hiccup so that the whole exercise becomes
an user friendly activity aiming to provide a conducive environment for a
free and fair election where maximum participation of its stakeholders can
be ensured. For this, co ordination and contact has to be established with
Govt. departments providing various services well in hand apprising them
the scope of work and delivery of services to be rendered by them and such
departments may be asked to engage nodal officers with whom contacts can
be made easily for ensuring the services and minimize gaps in the delivery
system.
On the P-1 day, Health department is to make camp at the Dispersal
Centre with emergency medicines and medical team to meet up medical
requirements of the election personnel. If elections are held in peak summer
season ,ORS and halogen tablets may be given to the polling personnel,
advance tie ups are to be made with the Health Department for the supply of
the same .Mobile medical vans/ambulances may also be put on service on
the poll day to provide emergency medical assistance to the persons, fallen
sick on the poll day. In like manner, co ordination is to be made with mobile
/tele phone service providers ,electricity departments, public works
department for providing uninterrupted services during poll days. Railways
, postal department, fire brigade are also to be apprised for providing
services during polls as and when approached for elections work. Liaison is
to be maintained with print media, Doordarshan, All India Radio etc. as
well for dissemination of election related information for the general public.
In order to deal with any event of natural calamity or for any unforeseen
situation, disaster management department is to be apprised of the election
plan well in advance, so that their services can be easily obtained in hours
of crisis.

48

3. Check on preparedness of availability of different types of manpower

,materials and vehicles : Apart from polling personnel, micro observers and
camera persons, Voters Assistance Booth personnel, BLOs for polling station
'help desk' and water carriers are engaged for poll. On P-2 day, it is to be
checked and ensured that these personnel are in a position to attend at
respective polling stations

on the poll day. On P-2 day ,it is also to be

confirmed that bagging of polling materials is complete

reserve

materials

given

to

the

Sector

Officers

with adequate

Preparation

and

authentication of marked and working copies of electoral roll is a very

important activity which is to be done very meticulously along with the
polling station wise list of ASD,AIS & CSV. On p-2 day, the reporting of
vehicles for elections is to be monitored and the vehicles are to be readied
with fuelling, labeling etc. A last minute check may also be made for picking
up and dropping of polling personnel through the requisitioned vehicles.
4. Arrangements in a Dispersal centre ,the following to be included :
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
xiii)
ix)
xv)

Enquiry counter
Space for displaying decoded list of polling stations
Material and EVM distribution counters
Counter for tagging of Micro Observers
Counter for tagging for camera person
Space for tagging of reserved polling personnel
Counter for 'training on demand '
Counter for tagging vehicles for movement to polling stations
Counter for police/force tagging
Counter for supplying reserve materials
Space for checking of EVMs & materials by polling parties
Facilitation centre for postal ballots
Strong rooms for EVMs and storage of other material.
Medical Aid
SMS registration- facilitation

5. For the convenience of the personnel coming for election duty

,emphasis needs to be given on single window service so that all
information and materials are collected from one place and polling
personnel do not get puzzled in shuttling from one counter to another
.Prominent signage should be made for every counter/facility to guide the
polling personnel. Training of the DC staff and equipping

them with

49

check list is to be done in advance .Display of numbers of Help line,

Sector Officers, SMS registration will also have to be made. Public
Address system should be in place both within & outside DC premise.
Reserve polling personnel & EVM technicians may be dispersed at control
rooms of

Blocks/AROs on P-1 day afternoon for enabling ready

availability on the Poll day .

6. At the Dispersal Centre, the Sector Officers should be asked to remain
present at each DC in the morning and help the polling personnel to find
out the polling station assigned to them from the decoded list. They will
enquire about engagement of Micro Observer, Camera Person, Web
casting team, VAB at the polling stations, make contact with all members
of the polling team, micro observer and camera person (if deployed) and
arrange for tagging of polling personnel against absentees. They will help
the presiding officer and one of the polling officer to make sms registration
as per the given syntax, monitor collection of polling materials by the
polling parties of the sector and remind the polling personnel to check:
1. Marked copy (1 set) and working copy of electoral roll (2sets)
with 4 supplements and due authentication of the ARO in the 2nd
supplement against
#, Deleted, EDC or PB.
2. Additional Information Sheet (AIS) containing the names of electors
who have been issued with postal ballot.
3. ASD list
4. CSV list
5. Ballot Unit and Control Unit of the EVM- particularly to check no
and name of polling station in the address tags, current ID no in Green
stickers ,pink paper seals, placing of ballot paper, position of sliding
switch, identification slips and functioning of the EVM.
6. Green paper seal, Address tags, Special tag, strip seal
7. Presiding Officers Diary, Declaration of Presiding Officer
8. Tender ballot papers
9. Braille ballot paper
10. Register of Voters (Form 17A)
11. Indelible Inks
12. Arrow Cross Mark
13. Distinguishing Mark
14. List of contesting candidates in Form 7A
15. Specimen signature of the candidate and election agents
16. Electoral Roll in alphabetical order (in single/double booth
premises)

50

1 7. Other materials as per the list

The Sector Officers will enquire about the category and scale of deployment
of security force at the polling stations whether it is CAPF/SAP/District
Police .The Sector Officer should be asked to start for polling stations with
police escort in earmarked vehicle and all efforts should be taken to reach
polling stations by daylight.
7. P-1 Day - at the polling stations
The Sector Officers are to ensure and

see that the

security force has

reached polling stations according to the force deployment plan, check that
the Presiding Officer has sent report on

arrival of polling teams at the

polling stations to the RO control room, confirm availability of basic

minimum facilities at the polling stations- drinking water,
arrangement,

furniture,

toilet,

lighting

signage of the polling station, shed for

voters queue, ramp etc. Also observe that the voting compartment is made
in such a way that secrecy of voting can be ensured by all means. Also make
out that the polling team is well conversant in the use of the EVM , provide
support, wherever required and ensure that the EVM is properly switched
off. Another vital action is to check and see that no wall writing, graffiti or
any vestige of political campaign is visible within 100 m of polling station.
Since quick communication is an essence of good management on the poll
day to nip any trouble at its bud, the Sector Officers are to collect the mobile
numbers of presiding and polling officers, sector police officers, control
room, Zonal Magistrate, RO/ ARO s, EVM technicians which may come into
use in times of crisis.
XII. VOTERS' EDUCATION;
Under SVEEP, myriad programmes on generating awareness amogst voters
for participation in the election are taken up by the election administration
and its partners in run up period through community mobilisation , media
exposures etc., but during the last day of campaign on P-3 day, it becomes
incumbent upon the Returning Officer to inform all voters about the
following in more specific manner :

Date ,time of election

51

Do's and dont's

on poll day e.g. carrying identifying documents as

approved by the Commission , prohibition on use of mobiles within

100 m and vehicles within 200m of polling station, about companions
of blind/infirm person /babies etc.

Ethical voting--not to get unduly influenced by candidates/political

parties

Helpline numbers to make any complaints, queries.

These information should be disseminated through public domain like
district website, bulk sms, mobile apps, newspaper, radio ,television
channels etc.

XIII. POLL DAY ACTIVITIES

Under the constitution of India ,election is an exercise which strives to
provide equal opportunity in participation to all its stakeholders in general
and to all voters and candidates in particular on the poll day. Therefore, in
order to ensure free and fair elections, Election Commission has imposed
restrictions on many issues like:
1. Prohibitions On Vehicles
Providing free conveyance to voters to and from the polling stations by a
candidate/his agent is a corrupt practice, thereby, strictly forbidden.
For any election to the House of People, each contesting candidate , will
be entitled to one vehicle for his own use, one vehicle for use of his
election agent one vehicle for each assembly segments comprised in the
parliamentary constituency.
For any election to the state Legislative Assembly, contesting candidate is
entitled to one vehicle for his own use, one vehicle for use of his election
agent and one vehicle for use of his workers.
Not more than five person s will be carried in each vehicle
Permit for the vehicles will be issued by the District Magistrate/Returning
Officer and the permit shall be displayed in the windscreen of the vehicle

Private vehicles can be used by owners up to 200 m of the polling

stations.

52

On carrying of arms None except the authorized security personnel can enter within 100
m of any polling station.
Security personnel of any person having z+ security can enter into a
polling station

(in plain clothes and arm kept in concealed manner).

No Minister/MP/MLA can be appointed as election/polling

agent even if

he decides to forego his security.

2. Peripheral arrangements around polling stations:

Booth/camp

of candidates

can only be erected beyond 200 m of

the polling station which may comprise

Persons

manning

the booth

have

to

one table and two chairs.

carry

EPICs

and

must

not

distribute any slips containing any political campaign materials.

There should be

no presence

of political

functionaries

from outside

the constituency and any crowding around the polling stations.

Voters Assistance Booth will function with two personnel at premises

having 3

or more polling stations .Personnel manning VAB will guide

the voters in finding out his booth through the alphabetical roll locator.
3. Activities of polling agents:

Section 46 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with Rule 13
of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 provides that at every election, each
candidate or his election agent can appoint one polling agent and two relief
polling agents at each polling station through Form 10. Only one of them
can, however, remain present inside the polling station at a time. They can
relieve each other from time to time. Any relief agent can take the place of
the polling agent whenever he goes out. Whichever of them is inside the
polling station is treated as polling agent of the candidate for the time being
and has the same rights and responsibilities as given to the polling agent by
law.
Sequence of recognized party ( national and state),registered un cognized
party ( with reserved symbol and without) and independent party will be
followed in the matter of sitting of polling agents.
Presiding officer will allow the polling agent only after verifying
his signature and taking the same in Form 10.

53

Polling agents to be voter of the same polling station or adjacent

polling station.
Must carry EPIC or any of the alternative

documents

allowed

by the Commission.

No polling agent shall he allowed to leave the polling station or allowed

substituting themselves

by their relieving agents after 3. 00 p. m. The

polling agents may be allowed to go out of the polling stations even after
3.00 p.m. to attend to nature's calls, etc. and come back inside the polling
station. However, it may be ensured that only the polling agent of a
candidate or his substitute can be present inside the polling station at a
time .

Working copy of Electoral roll , used by the polling agent for

marking turn out of voters can never be allowed to be taken outside the
polling station.

Before start of poll, polling agents will be provided with EVM

identification slip.

Polling agents must not carry mobile phones.

Polling agents can use a badge having the name of the candidate

only.

A" polling agents/relieving agents movement sheet" should be

provided to each polling station, in which each and every polling agent shall
be required to sign, indicating the time of arrival at the polling station and
time of departure (No. 464/INST/2014-EPS dated 4th May, 2014).

The Observer, Sector Magistrate, senior officers who visit the polling

station during the course of poll shall also ensure that the aforesaid sheet is
being properly maintained.

The Telephone nos. of ROs/ AROs/Key Police Officers/ Sector

Officers/ Control Rooms shall be displayed at all the polling stations so that
if polling agents have any complaint they can establish contact to register it
for immediate intervention .

54

It is reiterated that the Presiding Officer shall brief the polling agents

to remain present in the polling station till the voting is over to oversee the
ceiling procedure of EVMs and sign the declaration, etc.
4. Restriction on entry of persons in polling stations:

On poll day, restrictions on entry of persons in the polling stations should

be scrupulously followed for maintaining discipline in the polling stations.
Only the following persons are admissible in to the polling stations:
1. Polling Officers
2. Candidate, his election agent, one polling agent at a time
3. Officials authorized by the Commission
4. Officials engaged for election work
5. Observers engaged by the Commission
6. Baby in arms of the electors
7.

Companion of blind or infirm voter

8.

Media person duly permitted by the Commission

Preference to be given in entry for blind/infirm voters ,women carrying

baby in arms, senior citizens.

5. Communication Plan

The CEO will form one dedicated team for each poll going district. At the
district level, the DEOs will have a control room with dedicated teams for
the administrative unit-wise tracking at Tehsil/Block level, whichever is
convenient. Similarly, Tehsil/Block level dedicated officer will be tracking
each and every polling station. In this process from CEO offices up to the
polling station there should be effective communication.

At each and every stage the dedicated groups will track the events and
keep the District control room and CEO control room informed.

It is observed that any untoward events at polling stations generally

get covered in the local television channels. Hence the CEOs/DEOs will setup
a separate control room to monitor the coverage on the local media. Once any
untoward event is reported about the polling station, immediate response will
be activated without waiting for any other formal report or complaint. In order
to ensure the quick response, there should be adequate number of reserve

55

officers with reserve vehicles and reserve video/ cameras. On seeing reporting
about any untoward incident, a reserve group should be immediately
dispatched while simultaneously informing the Sector Officer about the
incident. The Sector Officer should also keep the district control room
informed about the incident giving details of what exactly happened.

As per the Commission's instructions the Presiding Officers are

permitted to carry their mobile phones in switch off mode. The
Commission has now directed that the Micro Observers wherever
posted in a polling station can also carry their mobile phone keeping
them in silent mode. The contact number of the control room should
be duly registered in their mobile phones so that in case of any need
the Micro Observers can contact the control room after coming out of
the polling station so that their conversation does not affect the
proceedings of the polling station.

Besides, the district control room will have the phone number of each
Micro Observer so that they can directly contact them.

The presence of CAPF / Police personnel should be recorded by

clicking a photograph of the security personnel standing in front of
the Board of the polling station by the sector officer.

The Commission has further directed that in case of any untoward

incident or complaint, quick response shall be ensured. The response
should take place within 30 minutes and facts may be quickly
ascertained. Sector arrangements, control room arrangements, reserve
vehicles and reserve officers shall be arranged in such a way that this
aspect of the Commission's instructions is compiled without any
deviation (ECI No. 464/INST/2014/EPS dated 6.5.2014)

The Commission, in pursuance of the directions given by the Hon'ble

Supreme Court in its order no. 9228 of 2003 (Janak Singh Vs. Ram
Das Rai and others) dated 11.01.2005 has time and again directed
that one CAPF jawan from the CAPF party posted at the polling
station should be stationed at the entrance of the polling station so
that he can keep a watch on the proceedings that are going on inside

56

the polling station and no irregularity is committed either by the

polling staff or outsiders in the poll process.

Besides, in pursuance of this Order of the Supreme Court, the

Commission has further directed that in the buildings which have
more than one polling station and where only half a section of the
CAPF personnel is deployed, the CAPF Jawan selected for duty at the
entrance of the polling station may be asked to oscillate from one
polling station to other and look at what is going on inside these
polling stations and report to the officer in charge of the CAPF party or
observer, if something unusual is observed by him. It has also been
directed that the polled EVMs and the Presiding Officers shall be
escorted by contingent of CAPF to the reception centre after the poll is
completed. It has been observed that there have been instances of
disorder/disturbance

in

polling

station

despite

deployment

of

CAPF/State Police forces, wherein Presiding Officers have not made

proper use of the presence of CAPF/State Police force at the polling
station as envisaged under Section 131 of the R. P. Act, 1951 and in
accordance

with

the

Commission's

above-referred

instructions/directions.
6 . Mechanism for complaint handling at the control room :

A well organised complaint handling mechanism should be put on

place at the level of Block/Tehsil so that all complaints and queries can be
met up

within 30 minutes. Returning Officers /Assistant Returning

Officers should remain personally involved in disposal of complaints.

Deployment of competent personnel , capable of taking appropriate
decisions should be made at the control rooms on the poll day. The control
room should be equipped with telephone/internet connections and the
telephone number of the control room along with the numbers of
DEO/Returning Officers, Observers and Zonal Magistrates should be well
publicised and put up in the district election website
people can make contacts with the election administration.

so that general

57

District-wise poll day tracking team dedicated for each poll going

district

should be constituted by CEO. Setting up of separate control

rooms at CEO/DEO level will also have to be considered to monitor local

media which generally covers the events occurring at polling station level.

Complaint handling :Any complaint received from polling agents at

any level shall be inquired immediately. The RO/Observer shall also

scrutinize the documents related to such polling stations carefully and
record their views specifically .

Quick response mechanism be established by making proper sector

arrangements, control room arrangements., reserve vehicles and reserve

officers etc. to ensure that in case of any untoward incident the facts could
be got ascertained within 30 minutes. These instructions shall be brought
to the notice of all Presiding officers at the time of dispatching through
public address system; by giving one page print out of the salient features
of the new instructions.

The DEO/SP shall brief the CAPF/ State Police about provisions of

Section 131 of the R.P. Act, 1951 so that in case of any untoward incident,
the CAPF are in a position to act immediately and tackle the situation
effectively. For this, there should be proper co-ordination between the
Presiding Officer and CAPF/ State Police posted in a polling station.

During trainings, the Presiding Officers shall be apprised of the power

conferred under Section 131 of the R. P. Act, 1951 and use the presence of
CAPF /State Police personnel suitably in case of occurrence of any
untoward

incident

affecting

the

free

and

fair

poll

process

(No.

464/INST/2014-EPS dated 5th May, 2014).

7.

Activities at the polling stations-before start of poll

The hour before start of poll is very crucial , therefore, all sector

officers should be apprised to take up the following issues and bring the
matter to the notice of Returning Officer where interventions may be
required to ensure timely start

and smooth functioning of poll in the

prescribed manner.

Carry the reserve EVM and make joint movement with the sector police.

58

See that mock poll starts not later than 6.15 am without fail and is

conducted with votes for each of the candidates button including NOTA and
in total 50 votes are cast, the data of voting in CU is cleared and the mock
poll certificate is prepared in duplicate with full signatures of the polling
agents present at the time of mock poll.

Videography of mock poll to be done, where video cameraperson is

deployed.

Collect one copy of mock poll certificate duly filled up and signed and

arrange to forward to the Control Room of the RO for record.

See that after the mock poll is done, the CU is sealed with green

paper seal, special address tag ,address tag and strip seal.

Keep track of the polling stations where ever less than two polling

agents were present at the time of mock poll.

The sector officer will also verify that :

Ballot Unit

is placed

properly

within the voting compartment

and the interconnecting cable does not disturb the movement of the
voters and polling agents are able to see the voters coming to vote.

Numbers

of green paper seal,

special address tag,

strip seal,

tendered ballot papers are shared with the polling agents.

No marking is made in the Register of Voters (Form 17A)

Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is read to
maintain secrecy of voting.

Declaration of the Presiding Officer is filled up and signature of the

polling agents taken.

Time is matched with the polling agents and poll starts sharply at 7
.00 am.
SMS start of poll as per the syntax and arrange to forward mock poll
certificates to the Control Room.

8. Role of polling personnel at the polling stations-after start of poll

Presiding officer :
1. Is responsible for overall management of the polling station and
will take decisions in case of all situations arising during conduct of
election at the polling station.

59

2. Will also keep track on voter turn out and send report/sms every two
hours.
3. Ask Observer, Sector Officer or any visiting official to fill up Visit
Sheet.
4. Maintain Movement Sheet of polling agents.
First Polling Officer:
1. Will read out the name of the voter and identify the voter on the basis
of EPIC or any other alternative document ( as will be allowed by the
Commission)

and will underline

the entry relating

his name and

additionally put tick mark in case of a female voter in the marked copy of
electoral roll and maintain a tally sheet.
Second Polling Officer:
1. Will apply indelible ink on index finger of left hand of the voter ( in
absence, on subsequent fingers and other hand),

fill up the voter

register ( take the signature/LTI of elector in col 4 and write EPNS in

case of EPIC or Photo Voter slip. In case of other documents ,the last
four digits of the document have to be written in col 3 )
2. Will issue the voter slip.
3.

In case of ASD voters, presiding officer will verify his identity .

His

LTI has to be taken in the Form 17 A in addition to his signature.

They are to be photographed and record maintained.
Third Polling Officer:
1. Will check the application of indelible ink on the finger of the voter,
collect the voter slip and issue ballot through pressing BALLOT button in
the BU and will guide the voter to the voting compartment. He will issue
the next BALLOT only after ensuring that BEEP sound of the BU and RED
BUSY Lamp of the CU have been put off.
Special circumstances
1. Tendered Vote- Form 17 B to be filled up and signature of the voter is to be
taken( serial no of the voter at which he signed at the voters' register has to
be found out and noted) ,tendered ballot paper has to be issued to the voter
and the envelop shall be duly sealed .

60

2. Violation of secrecy of voting by the elector -Presiding Officer will disallow

the voter to vote, take back the voters slip ( if already issued) ,write "Not
allowed to vote-voting procedure violated" in Form 17A.
3. Elector deciding not to vote-Presiding Officer will write " Refused to
vote or left without voting" in Form 17A

( if signature of the voter has

already been recorded in Form 17A). Signature of voter will also have to be
taken in Remarks col.
4. Blind and infirm voter- If satisfied about the infirmity of the voter, the
Presiding Officer may allow his companion to vote ( has to be above 18
years of age and must not be the companion of any other voter), fill up Form
14A and take signature of the companion in the declaration in Annexure XII.
5. Blind voters may be apprised of the provision of voting using ballot paper
in Braille and Braille signage in BU.
6. Challenged vote-Identity of a voter can be challenged by submitting a
challenge fee of
Rs 2/, Presiding officer will cause a summary enquiry and fill up Form
14.
7. EDC vote-Presiding officer will allow him to vote on production of Form 12
B, take his signature and note down his sl no/part no/AC no of electoral
roll (where his name appears) in the marked copy of electoral roll .Due
entry will also have to be made in the Form 17A, write EDC in remarks
col. He will cast vote in EVM.
8. Proxy Voter-Presiding

officer will check his name in CSV list and

will allow him to vote through EVM after application

of indelible ink

on middle finger of left hand. Note PV in Form 17 A.

9. Functions of Camera Person

Will take photograph

of the following in time mode:

Mock Poll & preparation of the EVM before start of poll and on

subsequent change of EVM

Presence of polling agents at the beginning and every hour

Voting compartment from three angles

Voters allowed to vote with any of the alternative documents

Voters queue at close of poll

61

Special incidents like replacement of EVMs etc

Visit of Observer, Sector Officer or any other official

Will maintain a logbook of photographs taken

Will submit a certificate after close of poll

Will arrange to download data at the reception centre
10. Functions of Micro Observer

Main

reporting

responsibility
deviations

and

tasks

assigned

revolved

around

in the polling process from the assigned polling

station to the General Observer.

Should give emphasis particularly on mock poll before the start of

poll, presence of the polling agents, identification

officer, hourly poll,

of voters by polling

filling of Form 17 A ,application

of indelible ink

,preparation of Form 17 C etc.

To be in constant touch with the General Observer and report from

time to time.

Will remain present at the time of scrutiny of Form 1 7 A and other

related documents
11. Activities at Close of Poll

Presiding Officer will

issue

slips to the voters standing in the

queue ( from the last person in queue), as only the voters issued with
slips can be allowed to vote after scheduled time of closing of vote.

Will press CLOSE button of the CU of EVM after voting is

completed.

Report/sms to be sent on close of poll

Check the number of votes by pressing the TOTAL button and tally

with Form 17 A.

Presiding officer will sign and take signatures of polling agents in

Form 17 A after the last entry, draw a line and write "The serial number of
the last entry in Form 17 A is ..... "
12. Preparation of Form

17C (Accounts

of votes)

Part I of Form 17C will have to be prepared in multiple copies ( 2+ no of

polling agents)

62

and will be handed over to the polling agents (check 2-3-4=6) under due
receipt.

Declaration of Presiding Officer (part III) will have to be filled up with

signatures of polling agents.

After sealing the EVMs, Declaration of Presiding Officer (part IV) will

have to be filled up with signature of polling agents.

Also to prepare Presiding Officers Diary and 16 point report of the

Presiding Officer
13. Submission of materials at Reception Centre:
In order to facilitate submission of materials at the Reception Centre (RC) in
orderly and systematic manner ,the sector officer should check that the
following articles are in a position to be submitted in desired manner.
1.

Sealed BU and CU

2. Form 17C -2 copies unsealed

3. Declaration of the Presiding Officer
4. Presiding Officers Diary
5. Visit Sheet/Polling Agent Movement Sheet
6. 16 point report
7. Voter turnout report (PSO5)
8. Mock Poll certificate
9.

Statutory packets (green)-1. Marked copy of Electoral. Roll, 2. Register

of Voter (Form I 7A), 3. Voter slips, 4. Unused Tendered Ballots, 5. Used

Tendered Ballot and Form l 7B
10. Not statutory packet (yellow)-1. List of challenged votes (Forml4), 2.
Fee Receipt Book, 3.Appointment letter of polling agents (Form 10), 4. List of
blind/infirm voters (Form 14A) and declaration of companion, 5.
Declaration on age, 6.Working copy of Electoral Roll, 7. Unused/damaged
paper seal, 8. Unused voter slips, 9.unused/damaged
Unused/damaged strip seal, 11

special tag, 10.

Election Duty Certificate 12. Dummy

ballot Sheet.
11. Third packet (Brown)-! Handbook of Presiding Officer, 2. Indelible ink,
3. Pad ink, 4.Metal seal of Presiding officer, 5. Arrow cross mark, 6. Ink
holding pot

63

12. Fourth packet (Blue)-other articles

14. Special counter at RC
Materials of following polling stations will be received at special counter:
1.

Voter turnout -15% more or less than the average of the constituency

2.

Complaints received

3.

Damage of EVMs

4.

Replacement of EVMs

5.

Any other unusual incident happened at the polling station.

The note on above is to be brought to the notice of all concerned.