HANDBOOK FOR CANDIDATE

HANDBOOK FOR CANDIDATE

Document No. 26, EDITION 1FEBRUARY 2019

Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksxELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

324.6:EPS:HBCAN2019

“No voter to be left behind”

HANDBOOKFORCANDIDATE

DocumentNo.26,EDITION1

FEBRUARY2019

ELECTIONCOMMISSIONOFINDIA

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CONTENTS

1. PRELIMINARY ................................................................................................ 15

1.1. GENERAL .................................................................................................. 15 1.2. MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................................... 15 1.3. POLLING AGENTS ...................................................................................... 16 1.4. VULNERABILITY MAPPING ........................................................................... 16 1.5. BANK ACCOUNT ........................................................................................ 16 1.6. EVM AND VVPAT ........................................................................................ 17 1.7. NONE OF THE ABOVE (NOTA) ...................................................................... 17 1.8. POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS ............................................................................. 18 1.9. CURBING OF MONEY POWER ....................................................................... 18 1.10. MICRO-OBSERVERS ................................................................................... 18 1.11. SECTOR OFFICER ...................................................................................... 19 1.12. VIDEOGRAPHY OF CRITICAL EVENTS ............................................................ 19 1.13. CENTRAL POLICE FORCES (CPF) .................................................................. 19 1.14. VOTER ASSISTANCE BOOTH ........................................................................ 19 1.15. BLO ......................................................................................................... 19 1.16. TRANSPARENCY ........................................................................................ 20 1.17. DELIMITATION AND EXTENT OF CONSTITUENCIES ......................................... 20 1.18. PHOTO ELECTORAL ROLL (PER) AND EPIC ..................................................... 20 1.19. CANDIDATE MUST BE AN ELECTOR ............................................................... 22 1.20. INCLUSION OF NAME IN ELECTORAL ROLL BEFORE LAST DATE FOR MAKING

NOMINATIONS .................................................................................................... 23 1.21. CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN ELECTORAL ROLL .............................................. 23

2. QUALIFICATION AND DISQUALIFICATION .................................................... 24

2.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 24 2.2. QUALIFICATION FOR ELECTION TO THE LOK SABHA ....................................... 24 2.3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION TO A LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ....................... 25 2.4. CORRECTION OF NAME, ETC., IN ELECTORAL ROLL ......................................... 26 2.5. OATH OF AFFIRMATION BY CANDIDATES ....................................................... 27 2.6. NOMINATION BY OVERSEAS ELECTORS ........................................................ 27 2.7. IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT OATH OF AFFIRMATION ....................................... 28 2.8. DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION TO HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE (LOK SABHA) ... 31 2.9. DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (VIDHAN SABHA) 35

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2.10. DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE

NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI ............................................................... 37 2.11. DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP CONSEQUENT ON DISQUALIFICATION FOR

VOTING ............................................................................................................. 38

3. NOMINATION AND ALLOTMENT OF SYMBOLS ................................................ 40

3.1. NOMINATION ............................................................................................ 40 3.2. PERIOD OF NOMINATION ............................................................................ 42 3.3. FORM OF NOMINATION PAPER ..................................................................... 42 3.4. SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNT TO BE OPENED BY EACH CANDDATE FOR ELECTION

EXPENDITURE ..................................................................................................... 43 3.5. QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS ................................................. 43 3.6. NOMINATION PAPER .................................................................................. 43 3.7. INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CLAUSES OF DISQUALIFICATION ..................... 44 3.8. FILING OF AFFIDAVIT ................................................................................. 44 3.9. CANDIDATE’S NAME IN THE NOMINATION PAPER ........................................... 47 3.10. THE DATE ON WHICH THE NOMINATION PAPER IN THE APPROPRIATE FORM

SHOULD BE FILED ............................................................................................... 47 3.11. TIME FOR FILING NOMINATION ................................................................... 48 3.12. BY WHOM A NOMINATION PAPER CAN BE PRESENTED ..................................... 48 3.13. TO WHOM A NOMINATION PAPER SHOULD BE PRESENTED ............................... 48 3.14. WHERE A NOMINATION PAPER SHOULD BE DELIEVERED .................................. 48 3.15. RESTRICTIONS ON NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND PEOPLE AT THE TIME OF

NOMINATION ...................................................................................................... 49 3.16. BY WHOM NOMINATION PAPER SHOULD BE SIGNED ....................................... 49 3.17. NUMBER OF PROPOSERS ............................................................................ 50 3.18. PROPOSER MUST BE AN ELECTOR OF THE CONSTITUENCY ............................... 50 3.19. WHAT CANDIDATE SHOULD DO IF HE OR HIS PROPOSER ARE BOTH UNABLE TO

SIGN THEIR NAMES ............................................................................................. 51 3.20. DECLARATIONS TO BE MADE BY CANDIDATE IN THE NOMINATION PAPERS ........ 51 3.21. WHAT CANDIDATE SHOULD DO IF CONTESTING ELECTION WITHIN 5 YEARS OF

DISMISSAL FROM OFFICE UNDER GOVT .................................................................. 52 3.22. PRODUCTION OF COPY OF ELECTORAL ROLL IF A CANDIDATE IS AN ELECTOR OF A

DIFFERENT CONSTITUENCY .................................................................................. 52 3.23. HOW MANY NOMINATION PAPERS CAN BE FILED BY A CANDIDATE FOR STANDING

AS A CANDIDATE FROM THE SAME CONSTITUENCY? ................................................. 53 3.24. DEPOSITS ................................................................................................ 53 3.25. ELECTION SYMBOLS .................................................................................. 54 3.26. CHOICE OF SYMBOLS BY CANDIDATES ......................................................... 55 3.27. ALLOTMENT OF SYMBOLS TO CANDIDATES ................................................... 55 3.28. PRELIMINARY SCRUTINY ............................................................................ 62

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3.29. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CANDIDATE ............................................................... 64 3.30. MISTAKES, PRINTING ERRORS ETC. IN ELECTORAL ROLL OR IN NOMINATION

PAPER 66 3.31. RECEIPT FOR NOMINATION PAPER AND NOTICE FOR SCRUTINY AND ALLOTMENT

OF SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................... 66 3.32. EXAMINATION OF THE NOTICES OF NOMINATIONS ......................................... 67

4. SCRUTINY OF NOMINATIONS ........................................................................ 68

4.1. BY WHOM SCRUTINY OF NOMINATION PAPERS IS HELD .................................. 68 4.2. WHO MAY ATTEND SCRUTINY OF NOMINATIONS? ........................................... 68 4.3. REASONABLE FACILITIES FOR EXAMINATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS ............. 69 4.4. OBJECTIONS WHICH MAY BE RAISED ........................................................... 69 4.5. GROUND FOR REJECTION OF NOMINATION PAPER .......................................... 70 4.6. OATH OR AFFIRMATION BY THE CANDIDATE .................................................. 71 4.7. REJECTION OF ONE NOMINATION PAPER NOT TO AFFECT THE NOMINATION IF ANY

OTHER NOMINATION PAPER IS FOUND VALID .......................................................... 72 4.8. INDICATIVE LIST OF DOCUMENTS AND OTHER MATERIALS WITH WHICH THE

CANDIDATE SHOULD BE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF SCRUTINY .................................... 72 4.9. CORRECTION IN THE NAMES OF CANDIDATES ............................................... 72 4.10. DO’S AND DON’TS FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES ....................................... 73 4.11. CODE OF CONDUCT – DO’S AND DON’TS FOR GUIDANCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES

AND CANDIDATES ............................................................................................... 73

5. WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATES ..................................................................... 74

5.1. WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE ................................................................. 74 5.2. NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL ........................................................................... 74 5.3. REQUIREMENTS FOR VALID WITHDRAWAL .................................................... 74 5.4. NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL TO BE FINAL ......................................................... 74 5.5. RECEIPT FOR NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL ........................................................ 75 5.6. LIST OF CONTESTING CANDIDATES ............................................................. 75 5.7. ARRANGEMENT OF NAMES IN THE LIST OF CONTESTING CANDIDATES .............. 76 5.8. ISSUE OF IDENTITY CARDS TO CONTESTING CANDIDATES .............................. 77

6. ELECTION AGENTS ......................................................................................... 79

6.1. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION AGENTS ........................................................... 79

7. CAMPAIGN PERIOD ........................................................................................ 81

7.1. INTRODUCTORY ........................................................................................ 81 7.2. CORRUPT PRACTICES AND ELECTORAL OFFENCES .......................................... 81 7.3. MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ITS OBSERVANCE ......................................... 83 7.4. STANDING COMMITTEES ............................................................................ 83 7.5. PROCESSION AND MEETINGS ...................................................................... 84

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7.6. DEFACEMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY .......................................... 85 7.7. VULNERABILITY MAPPING ........................................................................... 90 7.8. PROHIBITION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS DURING 48 HOURS

IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE POLL ....................................................... 90 7.9. DISTURBANCE IN THE PUBLIC MEETINGS ...................................................... 91 7.10. STRICT OBSERVANCE OF CODE OF CONDUCT – DO’S AND DONT’S FOR

OBSERVANCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES ........................................... 91 7.11. RESTRICTIONS ON PRINTING AND PUBLISHING OF PAMPLETS ETC ................... 91 7.12. PROHIBITION OF MISUSE OF SHORT MESSAGE SERVICES (SMS) ...................... 93 7.13. RESTRICTIONS ON PRESENCE OF POLITICAL FUNCTIONARIES IN A CONSTITUENCY

AFTER THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD ARE OVER ............................................................... 94 7.14. UNOFFICIAL IDENTITY SLIPS ....................................................................... 94 7.15. POLLING REHEARSALS ............................................................................... 95 7.16. EDUCATING THE ELECTORS ABOUT THE VOTING PROCEDURE .......................... 95 7.17. DUMMY BALLOT PAPERS ............................................................................. 96 7.18. DUMMY BALLOTING UNITS .......................................................................... 96 7.19. PRINTED SAMPLE OF EVM AT POLLING STATION ............................................. 97 7.20. SYMBOL ................................................................................................... 97 7.21. LIST OF DEAD, ABSENTEE, SHIFTED AND DUPLICATE VOTERS ......................... 97 7.22. DEATH OF A CANDIDATE BEFORE POLL ......................................................... 99

8. VIDEOGRAPHY OF CRITICAL EVENTS ........................................................... 102

8.1. INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO VIDEOGRAPHY ................................................. 102

9. INTRODUCTION TO EVM AND VVPAT ........................................................... 107

9.1. INTRODUCTORY ....................................................................................... 107 9.2. INTRODUCTION TO EVM ............................................................................ 108 9.3. INTRODUCTION TO VVPAT ......................................................................... 110

10. PREPARATION FOR THE POLL - COMMISSIONING OF EVM AND VVPAT ........ 111

10.1. PRELIMINARY ........................................................................................... 111 10.2. FIRST LEVEL CHECKING AND RANDOMIZATION OF EVM & VVPAT ........................ 111 10.3. NUMBERING OF EVM AND VVPAT ................................................................ 112 10.4. DATABASE OF VOTING MACHINES .............................................................. 112 10.5. SCHEDULE FOR RANDOMIZATION OF VOTING MACHINES ............................... 112 10.6. DISTRIBUTION OF LIST AND VOTING MACHINES TO RETURNING OFFICER ........ 113 10.7. SECOND RANDOMIZATION ........................................................................ 114 10.8. PREPARATION OF VOTING MACHINES .......................................................... 114 10.9. DISPERSAL OF VOTING MACHINES FOR ACTUAL POLL .................................... 115 10.10. REPLACEMENT OF CU, BU AND VVPAT FROM COMMISSIONING TILL MOCK POLL 115

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10.11. REPLACEMENT OF CU, BU AND VVPAT DURING ACTUAL POLL ....................... 116 10.12. RECEPTION OF CU, BU AND VVPAT AFTER POLL .......................................... 116 10.13. EVMS AND VVPATS USED FOR REPOLL ........................................................ 117 10.14. COMMUNICATION TO POLITICAL PARTIES / CANDIDATES ........................... 117 10.15. VIDEOGRAPHY OF THE EVENTS ............................................................... 118 10.16. NOTICE TO THE CANDIDATES ABOUT DATE AND TIME OF PREPARATION OF

VOTING MACHINES ............................................................................................. 118 10.17. PREPARATION OF THE BALLOTING UNIT ................................................... 118 10.18. FIXING THE BALLOT PAPER ..................................................................... 119 10.19. MASKING OF CANDIDATES BUTTON WHICH ARE NOT TO BE USED ................ 120 10.20. SETTING OF SLIDE SWITCH IN M2 BALLOTING UNIT ................................... 120 10.21. SETTING OF THUMB WHEELS IN M3 BALLOTING UNIT ................................. 121 10.22. SEALING OF THE BALLOTING UNIT ........................................................... 122 10.23. INTER-LINKING OF BALLOTING UNITS, CONTROL UNIT AND VVPAT .............. 123 10.24. PREPARATION OF CONTROL UNIT ............................................................ 124 10.25. BATTERY INSTALLATION ........................................................................ 124 10.26. SETTING THE NUMBER OF CONTESTING CANDIDATES ................................ 124 10.27. CLEARING THE MACHINE ........................................................................ 125 10.28. SEALING THE ‘CANDIDATE SET SECTION’ ................................................. 125 10.29. SETTING UP OF VVPAT ........................................................................... 126 10.30. SAFE PRESERVATION OF PREPARED VOTING MACHINES ............................. 126 10.31. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS OF VOTING MACHINES ................................... 127 10.32. SUPPLY OF VOTING MACHINES TO POLLING PARTIES ................................. 127

11. POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS .............................................................................. 128

11.1. SERVICE VOTERS ..................................................................................... 128 11.2. POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS – FORM AND LANGUAGE .......................................... 128 11.3. POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS TO PERSONNEL ON ELECTION DUTY .......................... 129

12. POLLING PERSONNEL .................................................................................. 134

12.1. FORMATION OF POLLING PARTIES .............................................................. 134 12.2. PROCEDURE FOR FORMATION OF POLLING PARTIES ...................................... 135 12.3. COMPOSITION OF POLLING PARTY .............................................................. 136

13. OBSERVERS ................................................................................................. 138

13.1. PRELIMINARY ........................................................................................... 138 13.2. STATUTORY POWERS OF OBSERVERS .......................................................... 138 13.3. MICRO OBSERVERS .................................................................................. 139 13.4. SECTOR OFFICERS .................................................................................... 139

14. SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT POLLING STATIONS ..................................... 142

14.1. SECURITY ................................................................................................ 142

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15. POLLING DAY ............................................................................................... 144

15.1. INTRODUCTORY ....................................................................................... 144 15.2. DECLARATION OF HOLIDAY ON POLLING DAYS ............................................. 144 15.3. PROHIBITION OF CANVASSING .................................................................. 144 15.4. PROHIBITION OF GOING ARMED TO OR NEAR A POLLING STATION .................. 144 15.5. CANDIDATE’S ELECTION BOOTHS ............................................................... 145 15.6. PREVENTION OF VOTERS FROM VOTING ...................................................... 145 15.7. ILLEGAL HIRING OF VEHICLES FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF VOTERS ................... 145 15.8. REGULATION OF TRAFFIC ON THE DAY OF POLL ............................................ 146 15.9. REMOVAL OF BALLOT PAPERS ON EVM FROM POLLING STATION TO BE AN OFFENCE 147 15.10. REMOVAL OF DISORDERLY PERSONS ....................................................... 147 15.11. POLLING AGENTS .................................................................................. 148 15.12. WHEN POLLING AGENT SHOULD REACH THE POLLING STATION ................... 149 15.13. TRACKING PRESENCE OF POLLING AGENTS AT THE POLLING STATIONS AND

MANDATORY CONDUCT OF MOCK POLL AND CERTIFICATION .................................... 150 15.14. DUTIES OF POLLING AGENT .................................................................... 151 15.15. THINGS TO BE BROUGHT BY POLLING AGENT ............................................ 151 15.16. WEARING OF BADGES, ETC INSIDE POLLING STATION ............................... 152 15.17. ARRANGEMENTS AT POLLING STATIONS ................................................... 152 15.18. ADMISSION TO POLLING STATIONS ......................................................... 152 15.19. SEATING ARRANGEMENTS FOR POLLING AGENTS ...................................... 153 15.20. PRELIMINARIES BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF POLL ............................. 154 15.21. PREPARATIONS OF EVM AND VVPAT BEFORE POLL ..................................... 155 15.22. PREPARATIONS ON THE BALLOTING UNIT ................................................. 155 15.23. PREPARATIONS ON THE CONTROL UNIT ................................................... 155 15.24. PREPARATIONS ON VVPAT ...................................................................... 156 15.25. DEMONSTRATION OF EVM AND VVPAT ...................................................... 156 15.26. MOCK POLL .......................................................................................... 158 15.27. FIXING GREEN PAPER SEAL IN THE CONTROL UNIT .................................... 159 15.28. SPECIAL TAG ........................................................................................ 160 15.29. STRIP SEAL .......................................................................................... 162 15.30. METHOD OF SEALING CONTROL UNIT WITH STRIP SEAL ............................. 164 15.31. ACCOUNT OF PAPER SEAL ....................................................................... 166 15.32. EVM AND VVPAT READY FOR ACTUAL POLL ................................................ 166 15.33. MAINTENANCE OF SECRECY OF VOTING ................................................... 166 15.34. DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF THE

POLL 166 15.35. COMMENCEMENT OF THE POLL ................................................................ 167 15.36. ENTRY OF VOTERS IN POLLING STATION .................................................. 167

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15.37. FACILITIES TO PRESS REPRESENTATIVES AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ................ 168 15.38. METHOD OF RECORDING OF VOTES IN EVM .............................................. 168 15.39. VOTING PROCEDURE AT THE POLLING STATION ........................................ 169 15.40. CHALLENGE TO THE IDENTITY OF A VOTER ............................................... 170 15.41. LIST OF DEAD, ABSENT AND ALLEGEDLY SUSPICIOUS VOTERS .................... 170 15.42. FORMAL CHELLENGE TO VOTER’S IDENTITY .............................................. 171 15.43. CHELLENGE FEE .................................................................................... 171 15.44. SUMMARY INQUIRY INTO A CHELLENGE .................................................... 171 15.45. RETURN OF FORFEITURE OF CHELLENGE FEE ............................................. 172 15.46. CLERICAL AND PRINTING ERRORS TO BE OVERLOOKED .............................. 172 15.47. ELIGIBILITY OF VOTER NOT TO BE QUESTIONED ........................................ 173 15.48. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST VOTING BY UNDER AGE VOTERS ........................... 173 15.49. VOTING THROUGH PROXY: CLASSIFIED SERVICE VOTERS .......................... 173 15.50. VOTING BY BLIND AND INFIRM VOTERS ................................................... 174 15.51. TENDERED VOTES ................................................................................. 176 15.52. ELECTORS DECIDING NOT TO VOTE ......................................................... 176 15.53. VIOLATION OF SECRECY OF VOTING ........................................................ 177 15.54. PROCEDURE IN CASE OF COMPLAINT ABOUT PARTICULARS PRINTED ON PAPER

TRAIL 177 15.55. RESTRICTIONS ON PRESIDING (AND OTHER) OFFICER TO GO NEAR THE VOTING

COMPARTMENT .................................................................................................. 178 15.56. VOTING BY PERSONS PRESENT AT CLOSING HOUR .................................... 178 15.57. CLOSE OF POLL ..................................................................................... 179 15.58. FURNISHING OF COPY OF ACCOUNT OF VOTES RECORDED (FORM 17C) BY THE

PRESIDING OFFICER ........................................................................................... 179 15.59. SEALING OF EVM AND VVPAT AFTER THE CLOSE OF POLL ............................ 179 15.60. SEALING OF ELECTION PAPERS – AFFIXATION OF SEALS THEREON BY POLLING

AGENTS 180 15.61. TRANSMISSION OF EVM, VVPAT AND ELECTION PAPERS TO THE

COLLECTION/STORAGE CENTRE ........................................................................... 180 15.62. ACCOMPANYING VEHICLES CARRYING VOTING MACHINES .......................... 181 15.63. ARRANGEMENT AT RECEPTION CENTRE FOR COLLECTION OF EVM, VVPAT AND

OTHER MATERIALS ............................................................................................. 181 15.64. ADJOURNED POLL ................................................................................. 182 15.65. FRESH POLL ......................................................................................... 183 15.66. FRESH POLL OR COUNTERMANDING OF ELECTION IN CASE OF BOOTH

CAPTURING ....................................................................................................... 183 15.67. FRESH POLL, IF AFTER SCRUTINY OF REGISTER OF VOTERS (FORM 17A) AND

OTHER DOCUMENTS FOUND THAT POLL HAVE BEEN VITIATED AT THE POLLING STATION 184

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16. COUNTING OF VOTES ................................................................................... 188

16.1. INTRODUCTORY ....................................................................................... 188 16.2. APPOINTMENT AND RANDOMIZATION OF COUNTING OFFICIALS ..................... 188 16.3. RESERVE POOL ........................................................................................ 190 16.4. CROSS CHECKING BY THE OBSERVER AT RANDOM ........................................ 190 16.5. ROLE OF OBSERVER .................................................................................. 193 16.6. DATE, PLACE AND TIME OF COUNTING ......................................................... 193 16.7. COMMENCEMENT OF COUNTING ................................................................. 194 16.8. COUNTING AT DIFFERENT PLACES .............................................................. 194 16.9. PERSONS ALLOWED IN COUNTING HALLS .................................................... 195 16.10. NUMBER OF COUNTING AGENTS THAT MAY BE APPOINTED .......................... 195 16.11. QUALIFICATION OF COUNTING AGENTS ................................................... 196 16.12. APPOINTMENT OF COUNTING AGENTS ...................................................... 196 16.13. TIME LIMIT FOR MAKING APPOINTMENT OF COUNTING AGENT .................... 197 16.14. REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT OF COUNTING AGENT ................................ 197 16.15. ADMISSION OF COUNTING AGENTS TO THE COUNTING HALL ...................... 197 16.16. BADGES FOR COUNTING AGENTS ............................................................ 198 16.17. MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINE AND ORDER IN THE COUNTING HALL ............. 198 16.18. SMOKING IN COUNTING CAMPUS AND COUNTING HALL IS PROHIBITED ........ 198 16.19. SEATING ARRANGEMENT FOR COUNTING AGENTS ..................................... 199 16.20. MANAGEMENT OF COUNTING HALLS AND SECURITY THEREOF ..................... 199 16.21. MAINTENANCE OF SECRECY .................................................................... 204 16.22. COUNTING TO BE CONTINOUS ................................................................ 205 16.23. COUNTING OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS FIRST ........................................... 205 16.24. COUNTING OF VOTES POLLED AT POLLING STATIONS ................................ 209 16.25. OPENING OF CARRYING CASES OF CONTROL UNITS ................................... 211 16.26. CHECKING SEALS ON CONTROL UNITS ..................................................... 211 16.27. CHECKING OF SEALS AND IDENTITY MARKS ON THE CONTROL UNIT ............ 211 16.28. COMPARISION OF THE SERIAL NUMBER OF THE PAPER SEAL ....................... 212 16.29. CONTROL UNITS TO BE KEPT APART IF FOUND TAMPERED WITH .................. 212 16.30. ASCERTAINING THE RESULT ................................................................... 213 16.31. COMPLETION OF “PART II – RESULT OF COUNTING” OF FORM 17C ................ 217 16.32. PREPARATION OF FINAL RESULT SHEET .................................................... 219 16.33. MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS OF ONE POLLING STATION 219 16.34. RECOUNT ............................................................................................. 222 16.35. ADJOURNMENT OF COUNTING IN CASE OF FRESH POLL .............................. 223 16.36. RESEALING OF VOTING MACHINES AFTER COUNTING ................................. 224 16.37. EQUALITY OF VOTES .............................................................................. 224 16.38. DECLARATION OF RESULT OF ELECTION ................................................... 224

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16.39. CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION ..................................................................... 224

17. MULTIPLE ELECTIONS .................................................................................. 226

17.1. ELECTION TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT ............................................... 226 17.2. MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL OF STATES 226 17.3. MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF STATES ELECTED TO THE HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE 226 17.4. ELECTION TO MORE THAN ONE SEAT IN EITHER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT OR EITHER

HOUSE OF A STATE LEGISLATURE ......................................................................... 227 17.5. ELECTION TO BOTH PARLIAMENT AND STATE LEGISLATURE ........................... 227 17.6. ELECTION TO BOTH HOUSES OF A STATE LEGSLATURE .................................. 228

18. MONITORING OF ELECTION EXPENDITURE AND ACCOUNTS OF CANDIDATES 230

18.1. LEGAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................. 230 18.2. ELECTION EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON STAR CAMPAIGNERS ......................... 231 18.3. THE ROLE OF RETURNING OFFICER RELATED TO ELECTION EXPENDITURE ........ 233 18.4. ONLY CONTESTING CANDIDATES TO LODGE ACCOUNTS ................................ 234 18.5. ELECTION FROM MORE THAN ONE CONSTITUENCY ........................................ 234 18.6. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM ACCOUNT SHOULD BE LODGED ............................... 234 18.7. MAINTENANCE OF ACCOUNTS BY THE CANDIDATE AND THE REGISTERS OF

ELECTION EXPENDITURE ..................................................................................... 235 18.7.3. MAINTENANCE OF THE DAY TO DAY ACCOUNT OF ELECTION EXPENDITURE ... 235 18.7.4. RECEIPTOFDONATIONSETCBYCANDIDATESFORPURPOSEOFELECTIONCAMPAIGN .. 236 18.7.5. EXPENSESBYCANDIDATESINCASH ............................................................. 236

18.8. ACCOUNT TO BE MADE AVAILABLE BY CANDIDATE FOR INSPECTION AND DISPLAY 238 18.9. PREPARATION OF RATE CHARTS ................................................................. 241 18.10. EXPENDITURE ON BARRICADES AND ROSTRUMS ETC. ................................ 242 18.11. MANNER OF LODGING THE ACCOUNT ....................................................... 242 18.12. VOUCHERS TO BE FILED WITH ACCOUNTS ................................................ 243 18.13. VOUCHERS TO BE SIGNED ...................................................................... 243 18.14. LAST DATE FOR FILING ACCOUNTS .......................................................... 243 18.15. MEANING OF DATE OF ELECTION ............................................................. 244 18.16. ISSUE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN TOKEN OF RECEIPT OF ACCOUNT ............ 244 18.17. NOTICE OF FILING ACCOUNTS ................................................................ 244 18.18. INSPECTION AND COPIES ....................................................................... 244 18.19. REPORT TO THE COMMISSION ................................................................ 244 18.20. SEPARATE REPORT FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY .......................................... 245 18.21. ACCOUNTS FILED LATE .......................................................................... 245 18.22. NATURE OF EXAMINATION ...................................................................... 245 18.23. PUBLICATION OF REPORT ....................................................................... 245

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18.24. COMMISSION’S DECISION ON REPORT ..................................................... 246 18.25. DELIVERY OF COMMISSION’S NOTICE TO CANDIDATES .............................. 246 18.26. REPRESENTATION BY DEFAULTING CANDIDATE ......................................... 246 18.27. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT BY DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER ........................ 246 18.28. FINAL ORDER BY COMMISSION ............................................................... 247 18.29. REMOVAL OF DISQUALIFICATION ............................................................ 247 18.30. TIME LIMITS TO BE STRICTLY ADHERED ................................................... 247 18.31. MAXIMUM ELECTION EXPENSES .............................................................. 247 18.32. MEASURE TO CHECK CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF MONEY POWER ................ 248 18.33. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION OBSERVERS ................................................. 250 18.34. NO EXEMPTION FROM FILING OF ACCOUNT FOR ANY CONTESTING CANDIDATE 250 18.35. RELEVANT LEGAL PROVISIONS ................................................................ 250

19. MISCELLANEOUS .......................................................................................... 251

19.1. SIGNING BY ILLITERATE PERSONS .............................................................. 251 19.2. MANUSCRIPT, TYPEWRITTEN, PRIVATELY PRINTED FORMS ............................. 251 19.3. PRODUCTION AND INSPECTION OF ELECTION PAPERS ................................... 251 19.4. PRODUCTION AND INSPECTION OF OTHER ELECTION PAPERS ........................ 252 19.5. SUPPLY OF COPIES OF RESULT SHEETS AND ELECTION RETURNS .................... 253 19.6. FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REFUND ........................................................... 253 19.7. WHEN TO RETURN THE DEPOSIT ................................................................. 253 19.8. DEPOSIT RETURNABLE IN ONE CONSTITUENCY ONLY .................................... 253 19.9. CONDITIONS FOR RETURN OF DEPOSIT ....................................................... 254 19.10. REFUND TO A CANDIDATE BELONGING TO THE SCHEDULED CASTE OR

SCHEDULED TRIBE ............................................................................................. 254 19.11. BAR TO INTERFERENCE BY COURTS IN ELECTORAL MATTERS ...................... 255 19.12. CHILD LABOUR ..................................................................................... 255

20. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................. 256

20.1. WHO CAN CONTEST ELECTIONS ................................................................. 256 20.2. SECURITY DEPOSIT .................................................................................. 258 20.3. NOMINATIONS ......................................................................................... 259 20.4. OATH OR AFFIRMATION ............................................................................. 260 20.5. ALLOTMENT OF ELECTION SYMBOLS ............................................................ 261 20.6. ELECTION AGENT ..................................................................................... 262 20.7. POLLING AGENT ....................................................................................... 263 20.8. POLLING PERSONNEL ................................................................................ 264 20.9. ELECTION CAMPAIGN ................................................................................ 264 20.10. POLL DAY ............................................................................................. 267 20.11. MICRO OBSERVERS ............................................................................... 270

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20.12. COUNTING OF VOTES ............................................................................ 271 20.13. ELECTION EXPENDITURE ........................................................................ 274 20.14. ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES ............................................................. 279

APPENDIX 1 ....................................................................................................... 289

EXTRACT FROM CONSTITUTION OF INDIA .............................................................. 289

APPENDIX 2 ....................................................................................................... 292

EXTRACT FROM THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1950 ............................. 292

APPENDIX 3 ....................................................................................................... 295

EXTRACT FROM CONSTITUTION OF INDIA .............................................................. 295

APPENDIX 4 ....................................................................................................... 296

FORM OF OATH OR AFFIRMATION ......................................................................... 296

APPENDIX 5 ....................................................................................................... 306

NOTIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 306

APPENDIX 6 ....................................................................................................... 311

FORM 2A ........................................................................................................... 311

APPENDIX 7 ....................................................................................................... 316

FORM 2B ........................................................................................................... 316

APPENDIX 8 ....................................................................................................... 321

FORM 26 ........................................................................................................... 321

APPENDIX 9 ....................................................................................................... 335

STATES AND LANGUAGES IN AC ........................................................................... 335

APPENDIX 9A ..................................................................................................... 345

STATES AND LANGUAGES IN PC ............................................................................ 345

APPENDIX 10 ..................................................................................................... 350

FORM A ............................................................................................................. 350 FORM B ............................................................................................................. 352

APPENDIX 11 ..................................................................................................... 354

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES ................................................ 354

APPENDIX 12 ..................................................................................................... 358

CODE OF CONDUCT- DO’S AND DON’TS FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL

PARTIES ............................................................................................................ 358

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APPENDIX 13 ..................................................................................................... 367

FORM 5 - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL ...................................................................... 367

APPENDIX 14 ..................................................................................................... 368

FORM 8 - APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION AGENT ......................................................... 368

APPENDIX 15 ..................................................................................................... 369

FORM 9 - REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION AGENT ................................. 369

APPENDIX 16 ..................................................................................................... 370

APPENDIX 17 ..................................................................................................... 385

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE GUIDANCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES ....................................................................................................................... 385

APPENDIX 18 ..................................................................................................... 389

ORDER FOR RESTRICTION ON THE PRINTING OF POSTERS ETC ................................. 389

APPENDIX 19 ..................................................................................................... 392

CONDUCT OF ELECTION RULES 1992 ..................................................................... 392

APPENDIX 20 ..................................................................................................... 402

FORM 17A ......................................................................................................... 402

APPENDIX 21 ..................................................................................................... 403

FORM 17B ......................................................................................................... 403

APPENDIX 22 ..................................................................................................... 404

FORM 17C ......................................................................................................... 404

APPENDIX 23 ..................................................................................................... 407

FORM 10 ........................................................................................................... 407

APPENDIX 24 ..................................................................................................... 408

FORM 11 ........................................................................................................... 408

APPENDIX 25 ..................................................................................................... 409

FORMAT FOR SPECIMEN SIGNATURES OF CANDIDATES AND THEIR ELECTION AGENTS 409

APPENDIX 26 ..................................................................................................... 410

DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER ........................................................... 410

APPENDIX 27 ..................................................................................................... 414

LIST OF CHALLENGED VOTES ............................................................................... 414

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APPENDIX 28 ..................................................................................................... 415

MOCK POLL CERTIFICATE .................................................................................... 415

APPENDIX 29 ..................................................................................................... 417

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES OR THEIR ELECTION AGENTS ............................................ 417 REGARDING THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF COUNTING .......................................... 417

APPENDIX 30 ..................................................................................................... 418

NOTICE TO CANDIDATE OR THEIR ELECTION AGENTS REGARDING THE DATE, TIME AND

PLACE OF COUNTING .......................................................................................... 418

APPENDIX 31 ..................................................................................................... 419

FORM 18 - APPOINTMENT OF COUNTING AGENT ...................................................... 419

APPENDIX 32 ..................................................................................................... 421

FORM 19 - REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT OF COUNTING AGENT .............................. 421

APPENDIX 33 ..................................................................................................... 422

FORM 20 - FINAL RESULT SHEET ........................................................................... 422

APPENDIX 34 ..................................................................................................... 425

EXTRACT FROM THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA ........................................................ 425

APPENDIX 35 ..................................................................................................... 426

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1951 ........................... 426

APPENDIX 36 ..................................................................................................... 427

EXTRACTS FROM THE CONDUCT OF ELECTION RULES, 1961 ..................................... 427

APPENDIX 37 ..................................................................................................... 428

EXTRACTS FROM THE PROHIBITION OF SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP RULES, 1950 .... 428

APPENDIX 38 ..................................................................................................... 429

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1951 ........................... 429

APPENDIX 39 ..................................................................................................... 433

APPLICATION FOR REFUND OF DEPOSIT MADE UNDER SECTION 34 OF THE

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1951 ......................................................... 433 (BY A CANDIDATE) ............................................................................................. 433

APPENDIX 40 ..................................................................................................... 437

EXTRACT FROM CONDUCT OF ELECTION RULES, 1961 ............................................. 437

APPENDIX 41 ..................................................................................................... 442

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REGISTER FOR MAINTENANCE OF DAY TO DAY ACCOUNTS OF ELECTION EXPENDITURE BY

CONTESTING CANDIDATES .................................................................................. 442

APPENDIX 42 ..................................................................................................... 458

ANNEXURE 43 ..................................................................................................... 459

FORMATS C-1 TO C-3 .......................................................................................... 459

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1. PRELIMINARY

1.1. GENERAL1.1.1. TheConstitutionofIndiahasestablishedarepresentativeparliamentarydemocracy

underwhichelectionsareheldfromterritorialconstituenciesasdeterminedunderthelaw.

1.1.2. A candidate, who is standing for election from a parliamentary or an assemblyconstituency,shouldknowthesalientprovisionsofelectionlawandproceduresothathe/shemaynotexperienceanydifficultyorinconvenienceinconnectionwithhis/hercandidature.Perhapshe/sheisalreadyawareofthebasicprovisionoftheelectionlawandrules;still forhis/herbenefitandguidance, theElectionCommissionof IndiahasbroughtoutthisHandbook,givinginbrieftheimportantandrelevantprovisionsofthelaw,rulesandinstructions/directionsissuedinrelationtoanelectiontotheHouseofPeople (Lok Sabha) or to a Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) (other than theLegislativeAssemblyoftheStateofJammu&Kashmir).

1.1.3. Conduct of credible and periodic election has been the hallmark of moderndemocratic India. Indian electoral system has gained a world-wide reputation and acontesting candidate also have a great responsibility to further strengthen thisreputation.Inspiteofelectionbeingpeaceful,therecouldstillbemalpracticesthatcantakeplaceiftheelectionmachineryisnotvigilant.Electioncanbecalledtrulyfreeandfairelectiononlywhenallthestakeholdersperceiveandaccepttheelectiontobefreeandfair.

1.1.4. There have been tremendous changes in the approach and methodology of theelectionmanagementinthecountryoveraperiodoftime,particularly,inrecenttimes.Theelectionsarebeingmoreandmoremicromanagedasaninstitutionalresponsibilityto the growing complexities associatedwith the elections. In this chapter, outlines ofsomeofthesalientfeaturesoftheelectionmanagementinthelightofnewguidelinesandinstructionsissuedbytheElectionCommissionofIndiainrecenttimeshavebeengiven.

1.2. MODELCODEOFCONDUCTAvisibleandrigorousenforcementofModelCodeofConductenhancethecredibilityoftheelectionsandgivesconfidencetothestakeholders/voters.Itisensuredthatofficialmachinery for the electoral purposes is notmisused. It is also ensured that electoraloffences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and

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inducementofvoters,threatandintimidationtothevoters,ispreventedbepreventedby all means. Introduction of photo electoral roll by the Election Commission isexpectedtoplayacrucialroleinminimizingthescopeforimpersonation.

1.3. POLLINGAGENTS1.3.1. Thepollingagentappointedbythecandidateshouldideallybeavoterinthesame

pollingstationaimsatminimizing theexternal interference in theelectionprocessatthepolling station. Suchpolling agents shall beordinarily resident and elector of theconcernedpollingareasoroftheneighbouringpollingstation.Thepollingagentshouldpreferably haveEPIC issued by ERO/BLOor any alternate identity prescribed by theCommission. Whenever, any Sector Magistrate asks a polling agent to disclose hisIdentity, the EPIC or any one of the alternate identity prescribed by the Commissionshouldbeproduced.

1.4. VULNERABILITYMAPPING1.4.1. The threat and intimidation to the voters particularly, the voters fromvulnerable

sectionsofthesocietyinsomepartsofthecountryhasbeenacauseofconcern.Withaviewtomeetthischallenge,theCommissionhasintroducedthesystemof‘VulnerabilityMapping’. A free and fair election can be conducted only in a conducive atmospherefromthelawandorderpointofview.Hence,itbecomesimperativetokeeptrackofthelawandordersituationduringtherunuptotheelectionandonthepollday.

1.5. BANKACCOUNT1.5.1. SeparateBankAccounttobeopenedbyeachcandidateforelectionexpenditure-In

order to facilitate monitoring of election expenditure, each candidate is required toopenaseparatebankaccountexclusivelyforthepurposeofelectionexpenditure.Thisaccountshallbeopenedatleastonedaybeforethedateonwhichthecandidatefileshisnominationpapers.

1.5.2. TheAccountNumberofthisbankaccountshallbecommunicatedbythecandidateinwriting to the returning officer at the time of filing of his nomination. All electionexpenditureshallbemadebythecandidateonlyfromthisbankaccount.Allmoneytobe spent on electioneering shall be deposited in this bank account irrespective of itsfundingfromanysourceincludingcandidate’sownfund.

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1.6. EVMANDVVPAT1.6.1. TheElectronicVotingMachine(EVM)wasuseduniversallyinallpollingstationsin

the country during the Lok Sabha election 2004. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail(VVPAT)wasusedwithEVMsfirsttimeinBye-Electionfrom51-Noksen(ST)AssemblyConstituency of Nagaland. However, the voter awareness about the EVM and VVPATcannotbetakenforgranted.ItisendeavouroftheCommissiontospreadtheawarenessabout theEVMandVVPATamongall thevotersparticularly, in theremoteareasandamongthenewvoters.TheCommissionhasintroducedthesystemofrandomizationofEVMsandVVPATforallotmentofEVMsandVVPATstothepollingstationsandspecificresponsibilityhasbeengiventotheReturningOfficer.ThefirstlevelcheckingofEVMsandVVPATsarecarriedoutonlybyBEL/ECILEngineers,asthecasemaybe,onlyattheDistrict/Sub-divisional Headquarters. At this stage, the EVMs and VVPATs arerandomized in the presence of representative of recognised political parties fordistribution to Assembly Constituencies. The second randomization of EVMs andVVPATsforallottingtospecificpollingstationsisdoneinthepresenceofcandidateorhis election agent or authorized representative of the candidate and ElectionCommission’sObserver.

1.6.2. VVPAT is used so that the elector shall be able to view through the transparentwindowoftheVVPAT,theprintedpaperslipshowingtheserialnumber,nameandthesymbol of the candidate towhom he has cast his vote before such slip gets cut anddropsinthedropboxoftheVVPAT.

1.7. NONEOFTHEABOVE(NOTA)1.7.1. TheprovisionofNOTA is an expressionofdecisionnot to vote for the contesting

candidates. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in its judgements dated 27.09.2013, in writpetition No. 161 of 2004 directed that the Commission should make necessaryprovisionintheballotpapers/EVMfor“NoneoftheAbove(NOTA)”optionsothattheelectorswhodonotwishtovoteforanyofthecandidatescanexercisetheirrightnottovoteforanycandidatewithoutviolationofthesecrecyoftheirdecision.Aballotpanelwiththewords“NoneoftheAbove:NOTA”willbeavailableafterthepanelcontainingthenameandparticularsofthelastcandidateontheballotpaper.Theelectorswhodonotwishtovoteforanycandidatecanexercisetheirrightnottovoteforanycandidatewithout violation of the secrecy of their decision. For example, if there are 15candidatescontestingtheelection,thewords,“NoneoftheAbove”shallbewrittenwith

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NOTAsymbolonthe16thpanelandtheballotbuttonagainstsuch16thpanelwillalsobekeptopen.

1.8. POSTALBALLOTPAPERS1.8.1. The Commission has issued new instructionswith reference to postal ballot. The

newsystemcallsforagreaterinvolvementonthepartofReturningOfficerinmanagingpostalballottopreventdelayindispatchingandfurtherpostaldelaysindeliveringthepostal ballot to the eligible voters and in receiving the ballots back from them. Thecandidateandtheirelectionagentshavesomeresponsibilityinmakingthenewsystemfunctionalandtransparent.ByanamendmenttotheConductofElectionsRules,1961,by notification dated 21.10.2016, the postal ballot papers for Service Votersmay betransmittedbytheReturningOfficerbysuchelectronicmeansasmaybespecifiedbytheElectionCommissionof India for thepersonsspecified insub-clause (ii)of clause(3) of rule 18 (i.e. Service Voters). Where a postal ballot paper is transmittedelectronically, the provisions of this rule and rules 22, 24 and 27 shall, mutatismutandis,apply.

1.9. CURBINGOFMONEYPOWER1.9.1. An important pre-condition for fair election is to curb the money power which

underminesthelevelplayingfield.Thiscanbeachievedbykeepingaproperwatchonexpenditureincurredbythecandidates/politicalparties.TheCommissionexpectsfromthe candidate to co-operate with the election machinery for implementation of itsvarious instructions including instructions on campaigning through vehicles anddefacementofpublicandprivateproperties.

1.10. MICRO-OBSERVERS1.10.1. TheCommissionhas introduced thesystemofappointmentofMicroObserversat

thepollingstationlevelwhoworkdirectlyundercontrolandsupervisionofObserveroftheCommission.TheMicroObserversaredeployedatpollingstationsonthebasisofvariousfactorswhichcontributetovulnerabilityofvoters,likedominationofonesocialgroupoverother,inaccessibilityofthearea,EPICnon-availability,previoushistoryofviolenceetc.

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1.11. SECTOROFFICER1.11.1. TheDistrictElectionOfficerwill appoint sufficientnumberof Sectoral officers for

eachLAC.Usually,onesectoralofficerwillbeinchargeof10-12pollingstations.Theywillcoordinatealltheelectionprocessinthepollingstationsassignedtothem.

1.12. VIDEOGRAPHYOFCRITICALEVENTS1.12.1. Videographyofcriticaleventsaremadeduringtheprocessofelectioneeringandon

thedayofpoll, after considering thenumberof electors, the sizeof constituency, thenumber of sensitive polling stations, previous history of booth capturing and othermalpractices,thegenerallawandordersituation,thelikelihoodofcommissioncorruptpracticesandelectoraloffencesandotherrelatedfactorsandafteranalysingthevideorecording,thecorrectivemeasuresaretaken.

1.13. CENTRALPOLICEFORCES(CPF)1.13.1. The Commission deploys significant number of Central Police Forces into the

electiongoingStatesonthebasisofitsassessmentonthegroundrealities.

1.14. VOTERASSISTANCEBOOTH1.14.1. To assist the electors for locating their names on the day of poll, in every

premise/building where three or more polling stations are located, a “VOTERASSISTNACEBOOTH”mannedbytheteamofofficialsisalsosetup.Inthesaidbooth,acopyofpart-wiseelectoral roll in alphabeticalorderof eachof the concernedpollingstations are kept to assist the voters for giving information regarding their Serialnumberintheelectoralrollandnameofpollingstation.

1.15. BLO1.15.1. BLO is a local Government /Semi-Government official, familiar with the local

electorsandgenerallyavoterinthesamepollingareawhoassistsinupdatingtherollusing his local knowledge. In fact, BLO is a representative of Election Commission ofIndiaatthegrass-rootlevelwhoplaysapivotalroleintheprocessofrollrevisionandcollectingactual field informationwithregardtotherollcorrespondingtothepollingarea assigned to him. Though BLO is not a full time electoral official, but theresponsibilityofBLOaddsanadditionaldimension tohisprofileashe is renderingaresponsiblecivicduty.Heisjustlikeafriend,philosopherandguideofthelocalpeopleinmattersrelatingtotheroll.EachBLOshallhaveone/twopollingstationareaunderhis/hersupervision.

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1.16. TRANSPARENCY1.16.1. Transparency is the key for an effective and efficient election management for

transparencyaddstothecredibilityoftheelection.It isendeavouroftheCommissionthattheelectionmanagementshouldbetransparentandthereshouldnotbeanyscopefor complaint of partiality on the part of any official involved in the electionmanagement.TheCommissiontakesveryseriousviewabout lackofneutralityonthepartofanyelectionofficial.Hence,PoliticalpartiesandcandidatesareinformedoftheCommission’sinstructionsissuedinthisbehalffromtimetotime.

1.17. DELIMITATIONANDEXTENTOFCONSTITUENCIES1.17.1. It is very important that the candidate should know the exact extent of the

constituency from which he/she is contesting or intend to contest the election. TheextentsofParliamentaryandAssemblyConstituencies in all States (exceptArunachalPradesh,Assam, Jammu&Kashmir, Jharkhand,ManipurandNagaland)havebeenre-determinedbytheDelimitationCommissionwhichwassetupunder theDelimitationAct, 2002. The candidate should check this from the Parliamentary and AssemblyConstituenciesOrder,2008(canbeassessedfromwebsite).Thecandidateshouldalsoknowthenatureofhis/herconstituency, i.e.,whetherit isageneralconstituencyorareservedconstituency.Thecandidate shouldconsult theup-to-date correctedcopyofthe Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order. The copies ofupdated Orders will be available for inspection with the District Election Officer,ReturningOfficerandElectoralRegistrationOfficeroftheconstituency.

1.18. PHOTOELECTORALROLL(PER)ANDEPIC1.18.1. ElectionstotheHouseofthePeopleandtotheLegislativeAssemblyofeveryState

areheldonthebasisofadultsuffrage.EverypersonwhoisacitizenofIndiaandwhoisnot lessthan18yearsofageonthequalifyingdate(i.e., the1st Januaryof theyear inwhichtheelectoralrollhasbeenpreparedorrevisedandfinallypublished)andwhoisnot otherwise disqualified under the Constitution of India or any law made by theappropriatelegislatureonthegroundofnon-residence,unsoundnessofmind,crimeorcorrupt or illegal practice, is entitled to be registered as a voter at these elections(Article 326). There are certain Constitutional and statutory qualifications anddisqualifications.TheconditionsforregistrationinanelectoralrollarelaiddownintheRepresentation of the People Act, 1950. The relevant provisions on this behalf arereproducedinAppendix1.

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1.18.2. Section15oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct.,1950laysdownthatforeveryassembly constituency, there shall be an electoral roll which shall be prepared inaccordancewith the provisions of that Act under the superintendence, direction andcontroloftheElectionCommission.InallStatesandUnionTerritories,theelectoralrollforaParliamentaryconstituencyshallconsistoftheelectoralrollsforalltheAssemblyconstituenciescomprisedwithinthatParliamentaryconstituency.IntheStateofJammuandKashmir andUnion Territories not having a Legislative Assembly (viz. Andamanand Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu andLakshadweep),separateelectoralrollsarepreparedforParliamentaryconstituenciesinthe same manner as the electoral rolls are prepared for Assembly constituencies inotherStatesandUnionTerritories.

1.18.3. ForJammu&Kashmir,theelectoralrollsforassemblyconstituenciesarepreparedinaccordancewithJammu&KashmirRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1957andtherulesmadethereunder.Onlystate-subjectsasdefinedundertheconstitutionofJammuandKashmirareentitledtobeincludedtherein.

1.18.4. Greater emphasis is being laid on the clean electoral roll. Consequent uponintroductionofBoothLevelOfficersystem,theidentificationandremovalofnamesofthedeadvotersandtheshiftedvotershasbecomemoreaccurateandthishashelpedtheelectionmachineryinensuringthefidelityoftheelectoralrolls.a. In order to enhance the participation by the recognised political parties in roll

revision,theCommissionhasalsodesiredfromtherecognizedpoliticalpartiesthattheymayappointoneBoothLevelAgent (BLA) for roll revisionon thepatternofappointment of Polling Agents during polling (and Counting Agents duringcounting)tocomplementtheBLO.

b. TheissueofdistributionofEPICstoelectorshascontributedalotinavoidingbogusvoting. This work of EPICs was started from 1994. All the EPICs issued wereassigned a unique number and the same was printed on these EPICs. The EPICnumber is incorporated in the Electoral Rolls. To prevent impersonation, thephotographofelectorshasbeenprinted in theelectoralroll itselfsoas toachievethepurposeofidentificationofelectorsatthepollingstations.

c. Further,withaviewtoprevent impersonationon thedayofpoll, theCommissionhaspreparedPhotoElectoralRolls(PER)whichareavailableinallStatesandUnionTerritories.

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d. ThePhotoElectoralRollcontainsthephotographsoftheelectorsinadditiontoallthe information presently incorporated in the existing rolls. This simplifies theprocessofverificationofelector’sidentityatthepollingstationonthedayofpoll.

e. TheEPICisusedfor identificationofelectorsatthepollingstations. Inthecaseofthose electors,who arenot able to produceEPIC for identification, the identity isestablished by means of any of the alternative documents prescribed by theCommission,specificordersforwhichareissuedatthetimeofelection.

f. Anelectorwhoproducesanelectorphoto identitycard,whichhasbeen issuedbytheElectoralRegistrationOfficerofanotherassemblyconstituency,suchcardisalsoconsidered provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral rollpertainingtothepollingstationwheretheelectorhasturnedupforvoting.But insuch cases, it is ensured that theelectordoesnot vote atmore thanoneplacebythoroughly checking the left-hand forefinger of the elector to see that there is noindelible inkmarkthereon,andbyapplyingthe indelible inkonthe left forefingerproperlywhileallowinghimtovote.

1.19. CANDIDATEMUSTBEANELECTOR1.19.1. Oneof thebasic qualifications for candidature at an election toParliamentor the

Legislature of a State is that the person concerned should be an elector. In the nextchapter, detailed discussion regarding various qualifications and disqualifications forcandidatureatelectionsaregiven.However,acandidatemustfirstensurethathis/hernamehasbeenincludedinthecurrentelectoralrollonthebasisofwhichtheelectionwill be held. Under the law, the electoral roll of the constituency would have beenrevisedandfinallypublished,wellbeforetheelectionprogrammeisannounced.Evenafter the electoral roll for a constituency has been finally published, a personwhosenamehasnotbeenincludedintheroll,hasarighttoapplyfortheinclusionofhisnameintheelectoralrollifheisqualifiedforsuchinclusion.Theprocedureforsuchinclusionisprovidedforinsection23oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950andrule26of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Under the rule 26, an application induplicateforinclusionofnamewillhavetobemadetotheElectoralRegistrationOfficerof theconstituencyconcerned inForm6.Nofee ischargedforsuchapplication.Afterobserving the procedure laid down in the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, theElectoralRegistrationOfficermaydirectthenameoftheapplicanttobeincludedintheelectoral roll if he is satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be registered in theelectoralroll.

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1.20. INCLUSIONOFNAMEINELECTORALROLLBEFORELASTDATEFORMAKINGNOMINATIONS

1.20.1. In thisconnection, it isnecessary foracandidate tonote thatnosuch inclusion ispermissible after the last date for making nominations for an election in theconstituency and before the completion of such election. Under rule 26 of theRegistrationofElectorsRules,1960, any inclusionofnamecanbeorderedonlyaftersevendaysfromthedateonwhichtheapplicationforinclusionisexhibitedintheofficeof the Electoral Registration Officer for inviting objections to such application. Noinclusionisactuallypossibleunlesstheapplicationforinclusionismadewellbeforethenotificationcallingtheelectionisissued.

1.21. CORRECTIONOFENTRIESINELECTORALROLL1.21.1. Apersonmayalsoapplyundersection22oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,

1950forthecorrectionofentriesintheelectoralroll.ApplicationforsuchcorrectionisalsotobemadetotheElectoralRegistrationOfficeroftheconstituency.Hereagain,noorder for correction of the electoral roll can bemade after the last date formakingnominations for an election in the constituency and before the completion of thatelection. The provisions relating to the above matters and the procedure for theinclusion of names and correction of entries in an electoral roll after the finalpublicationarecontainedinsections22and23oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950,andrules26and27oftheRegistrationofElectorsRules,1960.TheseprovisionsarereproducedinAppendix2.

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2. QUALIFICATIONANDDISQUALIFICATION

2.1. INTRODUCTION2.1.1. Inordertocontest,acandidatemustpossesscertainqualificationsandatthesame

time, he/she must not suffer from certain disqualifications. These qualifications anddisqualificationsarelaiddownbothintheConstitutionandtheelectionstatutes.

2.2. QUALIFICATIONFORELECTIONTOTHELOKSABHA2.2.1. IfacandidatewantstocontestanelectiontotheLokSabha(HouseofthePeople)

from a parliamentary constituency, he/she must possess each of the followingqualifications:1. He/shemustbeacitizenofIndia[Article84(a)oftheConstitution];2. He/shemustmakeandsubscribebeforesomepersonauthorisedinthatbehalfby

theElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheThirdScheduletotheConstitution[Article84(a)oftheConstitutionandFormIII/AintheThirdSchedule];

3. He/shemust not be less than twenty-five years of age on the date of scrutiny ofnominations [Article 84(b) of the Constitution read with section 36(2) of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951);

4. a. IfacandidateiscontestingforaseatreservedfortheScheduledCastesinanystate,

he/shemustbeamemberofanyoftheScheduledCasteswhetherofthatStateorofany other State, and in addition he/shemust be an elector for anyParliamentaryconstituency;

b. IfacandidateiscontestingforaseatreservedfortheScheduledTribesinanyState,(other than those in the autonomous districts of Assam), then he/shemust be amemberofanyoftheScheduledTribes,whetherofthatState,orofanyotherState(excludingthetribalareasofAssam)andinadditionhe/shemustbeanelectorforanyParliamentaryconstituency.

c. If a candidate is contesting for a seat reserved for the Scheduled Tribes in theautonomousdistrictsofAssam,he/shemustbeamemberofanyofthoseScheduledTribesandinadditionhe/shemustbeanelectorfortheParliamentaryconstituencyin which such seat is reserved or for any other Parliamentary constituencycomprisinganysuchautonomousdistrict;

25

d. If a candidate is contesting for the seat reserved for the Scheduled Tribes in theUnion Territory of Lakshadweep, then he/shemust be amember of any of thoseScheduledTribes, and inadditionhe/shemustbeanelector for theparliamentaryconstituencyofthatUnionTerritory.N.B.–Incasesomeoneisacandidateunderthiscategory,he/shemustcarefullynotethewordsinitalicletters.

e. IfacandidateiscontestingfortheseatallottedtotheStateofSikkim,he/shemustbeanelectorfortheparliamentaryconstituencyforSikkim;

f. Ifacandidateiscontestingforageneralseat,thatistosay,foraseatnotreservedfor the ScheduledCastes or ScheduledTribes asmentioned in the preceding sub-clauses, then he/shemust be an elector for any parliamentary constituency (videsection4oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951).

2.3. QUALIFICATIONSFORELECTIONTOALEGISLATIVEASSEMBLY2.3.1. IfaCandidatewanttostandforelectiontotheVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)

of a State (other than the State of Jammu and Kashmir) or of a Union Territory(including the National Capital Territory of Delhi), he/she must possess each of thefollowingqualifications:1. AcandidatemustbecitizenofIndia[Article173(a)oftheConstitution,section4(a)

oftheGovt.ofUnionTerritoriesAct,1963andsection4(a)oftheGovt.ofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991];

2. Candidatemustmakeandsubscribebeforesomepersonauthorized in thatbehalfbytheElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheThirdScheduletotheConstitutionor,asthecasemaybeintheFirstScheduletotheGovernmentofUnionTerritoriesAct,1963ortheScheduletotheGovernmentofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991[Article173(a)andFormVII/AintheThirdScheduletotheConstitution,Section4(a)andForm1intheFirst Schedule to theGovernment ofUnionTerritoriesAct, 1963 and section4(a)andForm1intheScheduletotheGovernmentofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991];

3. Candidatemustnotbelessthantwenty-fiveyearsofageonthedateofscrutinyofnominations [Article173b)of theConstitution, section4(b) of theGovernmentofUnionTerritoriesAct,1963andsection4(b)oftheGovernmentofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991readwithsection36(2)(a)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951];

4.

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a. Ifa candidatewants tocontest foraseat in theLegislativeAssemblyofaStateorUnion Territory reserved for the Scheduled Castes or for the Scheduled Tribes ofthatState,orthatUnionTerritory, thenhe/shemustbeamemberofanyof thoseCastesor,asthecasemaybe,ofthoseTribes,andinaddition,he/shemustalsobeanelectorforanyAssemblyConstituencyinthatStateorthatUnionTerritory;

b. If a candidatewants to contest for a seat reserved for the ScheduledTribesof anautonomousdistrictofAssam,thenhe/shemustbememberofaScheduledTribeofanyautonomousdistrictandinaddition,he/shemustbeanelectorfortheAssemblyConstituencyinwhichsuchseatoranyotherseatisreservedforthatdistrict;

c. Ifacandidatewants tocontest foraseatreserved forSikkimeseofBhutiaLepchaoriginintheLegislativeAssemblyofSikkim,thenhe/shemustbeapersoneitherofBhutia or Lepcha origin, and in addition, he/shemust also be an elector for anyAssembly constituency in that State other than the constituency reserved for theSanghas;

d. If a candidate wants to contest for the seat reserved for the Sanghas in theLegislative Assembly of Sikkim, then he/she must be an elector for the SanghaConstituencyinthatState;

e. If a candidate wants to contest for a general seat, that is to say, for a seat notreservedas aforesaid, thenhe/shemustbe an elector for any constituency in theStateorUnionTerritoryconcerned.

2.3.2. All the relevant provisions of theConstitution and the law, referred to above, arereproducedinAppendix3.

2.3.3. Theabovearethevariousqualifications,whichacandidatemustpossessifhe/shewanttostandasacandidateforelectiontoLokSabhaoraVidhanSabha.Acandidatemustbeverycarefulaboutthis.He/sheisadvisedtotakespecialcareinrespectofthefollowingtwomatters.

2.4. CORRECTIONOFNAME,ETC.,INELECTORALROLL2.4.1. Acandidatemustseethathis/hernamehasbeencorrectlyregisteredandthereis

nomismatchofphotointheelectoralroll.Ifthereisanymistakeinthespellingorinthedescriptionofhis/hernameorhis/herfather's/mother's/husband'snameorinhis/heraddress or in any other respect (including age & sex) ormismatch of photo, he/shemust take immediatestepstoget themistakecorrected. If thecandidatedoesnotgetthemistakerectified in time, thenat the timeofscrutinyofnominationpapers,othercontestantsmayraiseobjections.

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2.5. OATHOFAFFIRMATIONBYCANDIDATES2.5.1. Acandidatemustnotforgettomakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmationtowhich

a reference has already been made (Annexure 4). The Election Commission hasauthorisedanumberofpersonsbeforewhomtheoathoraffirmationcanbemadeandsubscribed. Relevant notifications of the Election Commission are reproduced inAppendix5.

2.5.2. For any particular election, the authorized persons are, principally, theReturningOfficerandtheAssistantReturningOfficersfortheconstituencyfortheelection.Inthecase of a candidate confined in a prison or under preventive detention, thesuperintendentof theprisonorcommandantof thedetentioncamp inwhichhe issoconfinedorisundersuchdetentionisauthorizedtoadministertheoath.Inthecaseofacandidateconfinedtobedinahospitalorelsewhereowingtoillnessoranyothercause,the Medical Superintendent in-charge of the hospital or the medical practitionerattendingonhimissimilarlyauthorized.Inthecaseofacandidate,whoisoutofIndia,theoathoraffirmationmaybemadeandsubscribedbeforethediplomaticorconsularrepresentativeofIndiainthecountrywherethecandidatehappenstobe,orbeforeanypersonauthorizedbysuchdiplomaticorconsularrepresentative.Wherethecandidateis for any other reason unable to appear or prevented from appearing before theReturningOfficerconcernedortheAssistantReturningOfficer,theoathoraffirmationmay be made and subscribed before any other person specially nominated by theElectionCommissiononanapplicationmade to it in thisbehalf.TheCommissionhasalso authorised all stipendiary presidencymagistrates, all stipendiarymagistrates ofthe first class, all district judges andall personsbelonging to the judicial serviceof aStateother thandistrict judges,asofficersbeforeanyoneofwhom, thecandidatecanmakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmation.

2.6. NOMINATIONBYOVERSEASELECTORS2.6.1. AnoverseascitizenwhoisentitledtoberegisteredintheRollunderSection20Aof

theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950,andwhosubmitsclaimapplicationinForm6A,shallbeincludedinthepartoftherollpertainingtothelocalityinwhichhisplaceofresidence in India as mentioned in his passport is located. The claim application inForm 6A shall be submitted either in person directly to ERO of the constituencyconcernedorsentbyposttotheEROalongwiththeself-attestedcopyoftherequisitedocuments as mentioned in Form 6A. Claim application can also be made online.Enrolment in the electoral rollwould also confer on an overseas elector the right to

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contestelections,subjecttothefulfilmentoftheotherrequirementsofthelaw.Oneoftheessentialqualificationsprescribedunderthelawisthatthecandidateshouldmakeandsubscribeanoathoraffirmationintheprescribedform,beforeapersonauthorizedbytheCommissioninthisbehalf.TheROandAROareamongthepersonssoauthorizedforthispurpose.InthecaseofacandidatewhoisoutsideIndia,theoathcanbemadebefore the diplomatic or consular representative of India in the country where thecandidatehappens tobe.Anoverseaselectormayapproach theauthorizedperson intheIndianMissionofthecountryconcernedformakingoathoraffirmation.

2.6.2. IfanoverseaselectorwhomayfilenominationpapersisinIndiaatthetimeoffilingnomination, hemaymake the oath or affirmation before the RO/ARO. If a candidatewhoisanoverseaselectorappearsbeforetheRO/AROtomaketheoath,theRO/AROconcernedshallensurethattheidentityofthepersonisproperlyverifiedbycarefullygoing through the particulars in the passport of the person. Thus, such person willnecessarilyhavetoproducehis/heroriginalpassportforverificationbytheRO/AROatthetimeofmakingtheoathoraffirmation.Atthetimeofvotingalso,theidentityoftheoverseaselectorshastobeverifiedbycheckingtheparticularsintheirpassports.

2.7. IMPORTANTPOINTSABOUTOATHOFAFFIRMATION2.7.1. Theoathoraffirmationshouldbemadeandsubscribedbeforethedatefixedbythe

ElectionCommission forscrutinyofnominationpapersat thatelection. In thecaseofPashupatiNathSinghversusHariharPrasadSingh(1968)2SCR812-AIR1968SC1064,theSupremeCourthasplacedtwolimitationsinthematterofmakingandsubscribingtheoathorsolemnaffirmation.Inthefirstplace,theCourthasheldthatwords‘‘havingbeen nominated’’ in the form of the oath or affirmation in the Third Schedule to theConstitutionofIndiaclearlyshowthattheoathoraffirmationcannotbetakenormadebyacandidate,beforehehasbeennominatedasacandidate.Thatmeans,accordingtothis finding of the court, that having regard to the relevant provisions contained insections30, 31, 32 and33of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct, 1951 the oathorsolemn affirmation can be made and subscribed by a candidate only after hisnominationpaperhasbeendeliveredundersection33totheReturningOfficer.Inthesecondplace,theCourthasheldthattheexpression‘‘onthedatefixedforscrutiny’’insection36(2)(a)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951meansonthewholeofthe day on which the scrutiny of nomination has to take place. In other words, thequalificationaccordingtothisfindingofthecourtmustexistattheearliestmomentonthe day of scrutiny. Thismeans that the oath or solemn affirmationmust have been

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made before the commencement of the day of scrutiny of nominations. Such oath oraffirmationcannotbemadebyacandidateatany timeon thedateofscrutinybeforetheReturningOfficertakesupnominationpapersforsuchscrutiny.TheSupremeCourthas confirmed this view in the subsequent case of Khader Khan Hussain Khan andothers versus S. Nijalingappa (1970) I SCA 548. Therefore, the candidates are welladvisedto taketheoath immediatelyafterpresentingtheirnominationpapersand inanycasebythedayprevioustothedateofscrutiny.

2.7.2. Theoathoraffirmationistobemadeinpersonbeforetheauthorisedofficer.2.7.3. Itisnotnecessarythattheoathoraffirmationshouldbetakenmorethanonceeven

ifacandidateisnominatedfrommorethanoneconstituencyatageneralelection.Thisview has been expressed by the Supreme Court in its judgement in the case of K.K.KhaderKhanHussainKhanandothersversusS.Nijalingappaandanother(1970)ISCA548.Thelanguageofarticle173(a)makesthisclear;allthatitrequiresisoneoathoraffirmation in accordance with the form set out in the Third Schedule to theConstitutionsoastobequalifiedforbeingacandidateforelection.Thearticledoesnotmentionthatthemakingoftheoathoraffirmationistobepreliminarytothevalidityofcandidature in each constituency, and recognizes the fact that once the necessaryqualificationisobtainedthatqualificationremovesthebarlaiddownbythatarticle.Ifacandidatecontestselectionfrommorethanoneconstituency,itisdesirablethathe/shemakeandsubscribetheoathineachconstituencyorhe/sheshouldhaveasatisfactoryproof with him/her of having taken the oath at any of the places so as to avoidunnecessaryobjectionsatthetimeofscrutiny.Theonusofprovingthatthecandidatehad made and subscribed the oath or affirmation before some other competentauthority rests on himself/herself. It is sufficient if he/she or his/her representativesatisfiestheReturningOfficeratthetimeofscrutinythathe/shehadearliermadeandsubscribed the oath or affirmation before an authorised officer for that particularelection.

2.7.4. Theoathoraffirmationhasfirsttobemadeandthensigned,byacandidatebeforetheauthorisedperson. It shouldbeborne inmind thatmere signingon thepaperonwhichtheformofoathiswrittenoutisnotsufficient.Acandidatemustmaketheoathbeforetheauthorisedperson.Hewillaskthecandidatetoreadouttheoathandthentosignandgivethedateonthepaperonwhichitiswritten.Ifthecandidateisilliterateorunable to read the form, the authorised person should read out the oath and askhim/hertorepeatthesameandthereaftertakehis/herthumbimpressionontheform.

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The authorised person should endorse on the form that the oath or affirmation hasbeenmadeandsubscribedbythecandidateonthatdayandhour.

2.7.5. Theauthorisedpersonwillforthwithgiveacertificatetothecandidatethathe/shehasmadeand subscribed theoathbeforehimon thatdayat aparticularhour. If thecertificateisnotgiven,thecandidatecandemandthesamefromhimandgetit.

2.7.6. If the authorised person is the superintendent or commandant of the prison ordetentioncamp,heshouldissueforthwithtothecandidate,acertifiedcopyoftheoathfor producing it as evidence before the Returning Officer at the time of scrutiny ofnominations.Thesuperintendentof theprisonorcommandantof thedetentioncampwill simultaneously send a written communication by the expeditious means oftransmission to the Returning Officer indicating the date and time at which theparticularcandidatemadeandsubscribedtheoathoraffirmation.HewillalsosendtheoriginaloftheoathoraffirmationmadeandsignedbythecandidatetotheReturningOfficer.

2.7.7. If the authorised person is a medical superintendent of a hospital or a medicalpractitioneroradiplomaticorconsularrepresentativeofIndiainthecountrywhereacandidatehappenstobeorthedistrictjudgeorpersonbelongingtothejudicialserviceofStateother thanDistrict JudgeorStipendiaryPresidencyMagistrateorStipendiaryMagistrateofthefirstclassoranyotherpersonnominatedbytheElectionCommission,as soonas the candidatehasmadeand subscribed theoathoraffirmation,he shouldcertifythisfactontheform,keepacopyforhisrecordandhandovertheoriginaltothecandidate.ItwillbetheresponsibilityofthecandidatetoseethattheoriginaloathoraffirmationisproducedbeforetheReturningOfficeratorbeforethetimefixedforthescrutinyofnominationpapers.

2.7.8. The forms for making oath or affirmation can be obtained from the ReturningOfficerorAssistantReturningOfficeroftheconstituency.

2.7.9. A candidate should be careful to keep with him/her sufficient evidence whichhe/sheshouldbe inaposition toproducebefore theReturningOfficerat the timeofscrutiny about his/her making and subscribing the oath or affirmation: otherwise,he/she may be in difficulty if somebody challenges that he/she has not made andsubscribed the requisite oathor affirmation and, therefore, he/she is notqualified tostandasacandidate.

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2.8. DISQUALIFICATIONSFORELECTIONTOHOUSEOFTHEPEOPLE(LOKSABHA)IfacandidatewantstostandforelectiontotheHouseofthePeople(LokSabha)fromaParliamentary Constituency, he/she must not suffer from any of the followingdisqualifications,ConstitutionalandStatutory:

2.8.1. ConstitutionalDisqualifications1. In the first place, a candidate must not hold any office of profit under the

Government of India or the Government of any State [Article 102(I) (a) of theConstitution].Tothisgeneralrule,therearesomeexceptions.ThefirstexceptionismentionedinArticle102(2)itself,accordingtowhichtheofficeofaMinister,eitherfor the Union or for any State is not regarded as an office of profit under theGovernment of India or the Government of any State. The other exceptions arementionedintheParliament(PreventionofDisqualification)Act,1959(10of1959).N.B. (1)Forcandidate’sconvenience,thisAct(10of1959)hasbeenreproducedintheManualofElectionLawpublishedbytheGovernmentofIndiaintheMinistryofLaw,JusticeandCompanyAffairs.

2. In the second place, a candidate must not be a person of unsound mind and sodeclaredbyacompetentcourt[Article102(1)(b)oftheConstitution].

3. Inthethirdplace,acandidatemustnotbeanundischargedinsolvent[Article102(1)(c)oftheConstitution].

4. Inthefourthplace,acandidatewillbedisqualifiedifhe/sheisnotacitizenofIndiaorifhe/shehasvoluntarilyacquiredthecitizenshipofaforeignStateorifhe/sheisunderanyacknowledgmentofallegianceoradherencetoaforeignState.Insimplewords,acandidatemustnotbeanalienanda foreigner [Article102(1)(d)of theConstitution].

5. Lastly,acandidatemustnotbedisqualifiedbyorunderanylawmadebyParliament[Article102(1)(e)oftheConstitution].

2.8.2. StatutoryDisqualificationsThelawmadebyParliamentasenvisagedinArticle102(1)(e)oftheConstitutionmentionedabove is theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,1951. Inaddition to theabove constitutional disqualifications, the Representation of the People Act, 1951has laid down a number of disqualifications for being chosen as, or for being, amemberofParliament.Thesedisqualificationsarementioned insection8, section

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8-A,section9,section9-A,section10andsection10-AoftheRepresentationofthePeople Act, 1951. These disqualifications may, therefore, be called statutorydisqualificationstodistinguishthemfromconstitutionaldisqualificationsdescribedabove.Thetotalnumberofthestatutorydisqualificationsissix.

1. Thefirststatutorydisqualificationiscontainedinsection8oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Undersub-section(1)ofthissectionapersonconvictedofanoffencepunishableunderanyofthefollowingprovisionsoflaw,shallbedisqualifiedforspecificperiod:

a) Section153A(offenceofpromotionofenmitybetweendifferentgroupsongroundofreligion,race,placeofbirth,residence,language,etc.,anddoingactsprejudicialtomaintenance of harmony) or section 171E (offence of bribery) or section 171F(offenceofunderinfluenceorpersonationatanelection)orsub-section(1)orsub-section (2) of section 376 or section 376A or section 376B or section 376C orsection 376D (offences relating to rape) or section 498A (offences of crueltytowardsawomanbyhusbandorrelativeofahusband)orsub-section(2)orsub-section (3) of section 505 (offence of making statement creating or promotingenmity, hatredor illwill between classes or offence relating to such statement inany assembly engaged in the performance of religious worship or religiousceremonies)oftheIndianPanelCode(45of1860)or

b) The protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (22 of 1955), which provides forpunishment for the preaching and practice of ‘‘untouchability’’, and for theenforcementofanydisabilityarisingtherefrom;or

c) section11(offenceofimportingorexportingprohibitedgoods)oftheCustomsAct,1962(52of1962);or

d) sections10 to12 (offenceofbeingamemberofanassociationdeclaredunlawful,offencerelatingtodealingwithfundsofanunlawfulassociation,offencerelatingtocontravention of an order made in respect of a notified place) of the UnlawfulActivities(Prevention)Act,1967(37of1967);or

e) theForeignExchange(Regulation)Act,1973(46of1973);orf) theNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstancesAct,1985(61of1985);org) section3(offenceofcommittingterroristacts)orsection4(offenceofcommitting

disruptive activities) of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act,1987(28of1987)or

h) section 7 (offence of contravention of the provisions of sections 3 to 6) of thereligiousinstitutions(PreventionofMisuse)Act,1988(41of1988);or

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i) section125 (offence of promoting enmity between classes in connectionwith theelection)orsection135(offenceofremovalofballotpapersfrompollingstations)or section 135A (offence of booth capturing) or clause (a) of sub-section (2) ofsection 136 (offence of fraudulently defacing or fraudulently destroying anynominationpaper)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951;or

j) section 6 (offence of conversion of a place of worship) of the Places ofWorship(SpecialProvisions)Act,1991;or

k) Section2(offenceofinsultingtheIndianNationalFlagortheConstitutionofIndia)orsection3(offenceofpreventingsingingofNationalAnthem)ofthePreventionofInsultstoNationalHonourAct,1971(69of1971);or

l) TheCommissionofSati(Prevention)Act,1987(3of1988);orm) ThePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988(49of1988);orn) ThePreventionofTerrorismAct,2002(15of2002).

(i) Iftheconvictedpersonissentencedtoonlyfine,thenthedisqualificationwillbeforaperiodofsixyearsfromthedateofsuchconviction;(ii) If the convicted person is sentenced to imprisonment, then the

disqualificationwillbefromthedateofsuchconvictionandshallcontinuetobedisqualifiedforafurtherperiodofsixyearssincehisrelease.

2. Asper sub-sectionof Section8, if apersonhasbeen convictedby aCourt for thecontraventionofanylawprovidingforthepreventionofhoardingorprofiteeringorofadulterationoffoodordrugsoranyprovisionoftheDowryProhibitionAct,1961,andsentencedtoimprisonmentfornotlessthansixmonths,heshallbedisqualifiedfromthedateofsuchconvictionandshallcontinuetobedisqualifiedforafurtherperiodof6yearssincehisreleasefromimprisonment.

3. ApersonconvictedbyaCourtinIndiaforanyoffenceotherthanthosementionedin(1) and (2) above and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years isdisqualifiedfromthedateofsuchconvictionandshallcontinuetobedisqualifiedfora furtherperiodofsixyearssincehisrelease fromprison. Itmaybenotedthat incaseofconvictionofapersonformorethanoneoffence,inacommontrialandwiththesentencesofimprisonmenttorunconsecutively,forthepurposesofSection8(3)of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the period of sentences ofimprisonment of each offence should be added and if the total length of time forwhich a person has been ordered to remain in prison consequent upon suchconviction and sentences is two years or more, the convicted person shall bedisqualified under the said Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act,

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1951.TheCommissionhasclarifiedthatthedisqualificationunderthesaidsectionwouldcommencefromthedateofconviction,regardlessofanyappealfiledagainsttheconvictionandregardlessofwhetherthepersonintendingtobeacandidateisoutonbailornot.

4. The second statutory disqualification is contained in section 8-A of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Itprovidesfordisqualificationforacorruptpracticeatanelection.ApersonfoundguiltyofacorruptpracticeatanelectionbyaHighCourtinanelectionpetitionorbytheSupremeCourtinanelectionappealmaybedisqualifiedforsuchperiod,notexceedingsixyears,asmaybedeterminedbythePresidentinaccordancewiththeopinionoftheElectionCommission.

5. Thethirdstatutorydisqualificationiscontainedinsection9oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.ItprovidesfordisqualificationfordismissalforcorruptionordisloyaltytotheState.ApersonwhohavingheldanofficeundertheGovernmentofIndiaorundertheGovernmentofanyStatehasbeendismissedforcorruptionorfordisloyaltytotheStateshallbedisqualifiedforaperiodoffiveyearsfromthedateofsuchdismissal.Acertificate, issuedbytheElectionCommissiontotheeffectthatapersonhavingheldofficeundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyState has or has not been dismissed for corruptions or for disloyalty to the Stateshallbeconclusiveproofofthatfact.Nocertificate,however,shallbeissuedbytheElectionCommissiontotheeffect thatapersonhasbeendismissedforcorruptionordisloyaltytothestatewithoutgivingthatpersonanopportunityofbeingheard.

6. The fourth statutory disqualification is contained in section 9-A of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Underthissection,apersonisdisqualifiedforbeing chosenasor forbeingamemberofParliament if, and for soas longas,theresubsistsacontractenteredintobyhiminthecourseofhistradeorbusinesswiththeGovernmentofIndiaforthesupplyofgoodsto,orfortheexecutionofanyworks,undertakenbythatGovernment.If,however,thecandidatehasenteredintoacontractwiththeGovernmentofIndiainthecourseofhis/hertradeorbusinesseither for the supply of any goods to theGovernment or for the execution of anyworks undertaken by the Government and have fully performed his/her part ofcontract,thenthecontractshallbedeemednottosubsistbyreasononlyofthefactthattheGovernmenthasnotperformeditspartofthecontracteitherwhollyorinpart.

7. The fifth statutorydisqualification is theholdingof anofficeunder aGovernmentcompany. This is contained in section10of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,

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1951.ApersonisdisqualifiedformembershipofParliamentif,andforsolongasheis amanaging agent,manager or secretary of any corporation or company in thecapitalofwhichtheGovernmentofIndiahasnot lessthan25percentshare.Aco-operativesociety,however,isexcludedfromthepurviewofthisrule.

8. Thelaststatutorydisqualificationiscontainedinsection10-AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Itisadisqualificationforfailuretolodgeaccountofelectionexpenses within the time and in the manner required by and under theRepresentation of the People Act, 1951. It is hoped that if a candidate on anyprevious occasion did not incur any such disqualification on that occasion. If acandidate has been disqualified for failure to lodge account of election expenseswithinthetimeandinthemannerrequiredbyandundertheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951then,astheperiodofdisqualificationisthreeyearsfromthedateof theorderof theElectionCommissiondisqualifying thecandidate, thecandidatemay see whether the period of three years has elapsed or not. These are all thedisqualifications constitutional and statutory from which a candidate must notsufferifhe/shewanttostandasacandidateforelectiontotheHouseofthePeople(LokSabha).

2.9. DISQUALIFICATIONSFORELECTIONTOLEGISLATIVEASSEMBLY(VIDHANSABHA)IfacandidatewantstostandforelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyofaState(otherthan the State of Jammu and Kashmir) or of a Union Territory from an assemblyconstituency, he/she must not suffer from any of the following disqualifications,constitutionalandstatutory:a) Constitutional Disqualifications for Membership of the Legislative Assembly of a

State (other than Jammu and Kashmir and the Legislative Assembly of a UnionTerritory).ThesearecontainedinArticle191oftheConstitutionofIndia.

1. In the first place, a candidate must not hold any office of profit under theGovernmentof IndiaortheGovernmentofanyStateotherthananofficedeclaredbytheLegislatureoftheStatebylawnottodisqualifyitsholder.ThevariousStateLegislatures have made laws declaring different offices of profit which will notdisqualifyaholderofanysuchofficeforbeingchosenasandforbeingamemberoftheLegislativeAssemblyofaState.

2. Inthesecondplace,acandidatemustnotbeofunsoundmindandmustnotstandsodeclaredbyacompetentcourt.

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3. Inthethirdplace,acandidatemustnotbeanundischargedinsolvent.4. Inthefourthplace,acandidatewillbedisqualifiedifhe/sheisnotacitizenofIndia

orhe/shehasvoluntarilyacquiredthecitizenshipofaforeignStateor ifhe/sheisunderanyacknowledgementofallegianceoradherencetoaforeignState.Insimplewords,acandidatemustnotbeanalienandaforeigner.

5. And lastly, a candidate must not be disqualified by or under any law made byParliament.

b) Constitutional Disqualifications for Membership of the Legislative Assembly ofUnion Territory of Puducherry, are contained in section 14 of the Government ofUnionTerritoriesAct,1963.

1. AcandidatemustnotholdanyofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyStateor theGovernmentofanyUnionTerritoryother thananoffice declared by lawmade by Parliament or by the Legislative Assembly of theUnionTerritorynot todisqualify itsholder.ThePondicherryLegislativeAssemblyhas passed the Pondicherry members of the Legislative Assembly (Prevention ofDisqualification)Act,1994.Acandidate forelectionof thatAssemblyshouldstudythatActcarefully.

2. AcandidatemustnotsufferfromanyofthedisqualificationsforbeingchosenasorforbeingamemberofeitherHouseofParliamentaslaiddownintheprovisionsofsub-clause(b),sub-clause(c),orsub-clause(d)ofArticle102(1)oftheConstitutionof Indiamentioned in para above, or any lawmade in pursuance of that Article.From the expression "any lawmade in pursuance of that Article" used in section14(1) (b), it seems safer to assume that the Parliament (Prevention ofDisqualification)Act,1959mayapplyifsomeonewantstostandasacandidateforelection to theLegislativeAssemblyofUnionTerritorybecause in addition to therelevant provision relating to disqualifications contained in the Representation ofthe People Act, 1951 to which reference will be made just now the Parliament(PreventionofDisqualification)Act,1959hasalsobeenmadeinpursuanceofarticle102.Inthisviewofthematter,Candidateshouldconsidercarefullywhetherhe/sheshould resign any office of profit in so far as it is an office of profit under theGovernment,iffallsatallwithintheprohibitivepurviewofclause(h)andclause(i)of section 3 of the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 beforehe/shefilehis/hernominationpaper.Inanycaseitwillbesaferforthecandidatetoconsulthis/herlawyerinthismattersothatafterelectionitmaynotbechallenged.

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c) Statutory Disqualifications forMembership of the Legislative Assembly of a State(otherthanJammuandKashmir)orofUnionTerritoryofPuducherry.ThestatutorydisqualificationsformembershipoftheLegislativeAssemblyofaStateorofaUnionTerritory are the same as the statutory disqualifications for membership ofParliamentcontainedinsection8,section8-A,section9,section9-A,section10andsection10-AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,withthisdifferencethatthereference‘‘totheappropriategovernment’’inanyofthesection,suchassection9-Aorsection10shallmean, inrelation to thedisqualification formembershipofthe Legislative Assembly of a State, the Government of that State and shall, inrelationtothedisqualificationformembershipoftheLegislativeAssemblyofUnionTerritoryofPuducherry,meannotonlytheGovernmentofthatUnionTerritorybutitmeans, also theCentralGovernment so that if theCandidatehas any subsistingcontractenteredintobyhim/herinthecourseofhis/hertradeorbusinesswiththeadministratorofUnion territoryhe/shewillbedisqualifiedand if he/shehasanysuch contractwith the Central Government, then also he/shewill be disqualified.Thesamepositionwillholdgoodinrelationtosection10alsooftheRepresentationof the People Act, 1951. This view is taken in view of the definition of ‘‘StateGovernment’’givenintheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950whichappliestotheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951alsobyvirtueofsection2(1)(a)ofthelatter Act and section 55 of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963. In aseriousmatterlikeelection,theadvicewhichtheCommissiongivestothecandidateis that he/she should always play for safety and should not take any risk. In anycase,itwillbebetterforacandidatetoconsulthis/herlawyeronthispoint.

2.10. DISQUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFLEGISLATIVEASSEMBLYOFTHENATIONALCAPITALTERRITORYOFDELHI

2.10.1. For being chosen as, and for being, amember of the Legislative Assembly of theNational Capital Territory of Delhi, a personmust not be holding any office of profitunder theGovernmentof Indiaor theGovernmentofanyStateor theGovernmentofanyUnionTerritoryotherthananofficedeclaredbylawmadebyParliamentorbytheLegislatureofanyStateorbytheLegislativeAssemblyoftheNationalCapitalTerritoryof Delhi or by any other Union Territory not to disqualify its holder. A person shall,however, not bedeemed to hold any suchoffice of profit by reasononly that he is aMinister either for theUnion or for a State or Union Territory section 15(1) (a) andsection15(2)oftheGovernmentofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991.

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2.10.2. Apersonshallalsobedisqualified ifhe is forthetimebeingdisqualifiedforbeingchosenas,andforbeing,amemberofeitherHouseofParliamentundertheprovisionsofarticle102(1)oftheConstitution,orsection15(1)(b)andsection40(3)ofthesaidAct.

2.10.3. In other words, the disqualifications for election to Parliament which have beendiscussedearlier in thischapter,willapply forelectionto theLegislativeAssemblyoftheNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhi.

2.11. DISQUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPCONSEQUENTONDISQUALIFICATIONFORVOTING

2.11.1. Inthisconnection,candidatemayrefertosection11-AoftheRepresentationofthePeople Act, 1951. The section provides for disqualifications for voting arising out ofconvictionandcorruptpractice.1. Anyperson convictedof an offencepunishable under171Eor 171Fof the Indian

PenalCodeorundersection125orsection135orclause(a)ofsub-section(2)ofsection136of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,1951shallbedisqualified forvotingatanyelection.Theperiodofsuchdisqualificationforvotingissixyearsfromthedateofconviction.

2. InthecaseofapersonfoundguiltyofacorruptpracticebyanOrderundersection99oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,hewillbedisqualifiedforvotingforthesameperiodasdeterminedbythePresidentundersub-section(1)ofsection8Afordisqualificationforstandingforelection.

3. Ifapersonis,forthetimebeing,disqualifiedforvotingundertheprovisionsofanylawrelatingtocorruptpracticeorotheroffencesinconnectionwithelections,thenhe becomes disqualified for registration in an electoral roll and the name of anypersonwhobecomessodisqualifiedafter registrationas required tobe forthwithstruck off the electoral roll. These provisions are contained in section 16 of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,1950.Andoneof thequalifications for standingforelectionisthatacandidatemustbeanelectorfortheappropriateconstituency(seesection4andsection5of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,1951).But ifhe/she is disqualified for voting, thenhe/she cannotbe an elector and, therefore,because of the disqualification for voting, he/she is not qualified for standing forelection either from a parliamentary constituency or from an assemblyconstituency.Alltheimportantpointsrelatingtoqualificationsanddisqualificationshave been mentioned in this book and a candidate should carefully read the

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provisionsmentionedabovebecauseaperusalofthishandbookwillhelphim/hertounderstandtheprovisionsoftheConstitutionandthelaw.

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3. NOMINATIONANDALLOTMENTOFSYMBOLS

3.1. NOMINATION3.1.1. Acandidatehasperhaps found thathe/shepossessall the requisitequalifications

for standing as a candidate and for being elected as a member of the House of thePeople(LokSabha)orasthecasemaybe,oftheLegislativeAssembly(VidhanSabha)anddonotsufferfromanyofthedisqualificationsforsuchmembershipand,therefore,he/shewanttostandasacandidateforanelectiontotheLokSabhaorVidhanSabha.He/she can stand as a candidate either at a general election which is necessary forconstituting a new Lok Sabha or a new Vidhan Sabha or he/she may stand as acandidate at a bye-election which will be held for the purpose of filling any casualvacancy.

3.1.2. However,he/shecannotbenominatedasacandidateforanelection:-a. in the case of general election to the House of the People (whether or not held

simultaneously from all Parliamentary constituencies), from more than twoParliamentaryconstituencies;

b. inthecaseofgeneralelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyofaState(whetherornotheld simultaneously from all Assembly constituencies), from more than twoAssemblyconstituenciesintheState;

c. in the case of bye-elections to the House of the People from two or moreParliamentary constituencieswhich are held simultaneously, frommore than twosuchParliamentaryconstituencies;

d. inthecaseofbye-electionstotheLegislativeAssemblyofaStatefromtwoormoreAssemblyconstituencieswhichareheldsimultaneously, frommore than twosuchAssemblyconstituencies.

Explanation: Two or more bye-elections shall be deemed to be held simultaneouslywhere the notifications calling such bye-elections are issued by the ElectionCommissionunderSection149or150ofRPAct,1951onthesamedate.

3.1.3. Ifacandidateviolatesthisprohibitionandfilesnominationpapersforelectionfrommore than two constituencies of the same class, his nomination papers in the third,fourth and all such subsequent constituencies shall be rejected by the ReturningOfficersconcernedfornon-compliancewiththeprovisionsofSection33(7)ofthe1951Act.

3.1.4. The steps for a general election are set in motion by the issue of one or morenotifications(calledincommonparlanceaswritnotifications)bythePresidentofIndia

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inthecaseofHouseofthePeople(LokSabha)andbytheGovernoroftheStateinthecaseofgeneralelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyofthatState.Inthecaseofallbye-elections,suchnotificationsareissuedbytheElectionCommission.

3.1.5. Assoonasthenotifications,thatis,thewritsforageneralelectionorabye-electionare issuedasaforesaid, theElectionCommissionbynotificationintheOfficialGazettefixesthetime-tableoftheelectionundersection30oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Thisnotificationfixingthetime-tableisissuedonthesamedateonwhichthewritsforthegeneralelectionorbye-electionareissued.Thenotificationfixingthetimetableundersection30ispublishedinthegazetteofIndia inthecaseofanelectiontotheHouseofthePeople(LokSabha)andintheOfficialgazetteoftheStateinthecaseofan election to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of the State concerned. Thisnotificationfixingthetimetableappointsa) thelastdateformakingnominationswhichshallbetheseventhdayafterthatdate

ofpublicationofthenotificationorwritcallingtheelection,oriftheseventhdayisapublicholiday,thenextsucceedingdaywhichisnotapublicholiday;(Thussupposethenotificationorwrit for theelection is issuedonthe1stofMarch, thenthe lastdateformakingnominationswillbethe8thofMarch(thatistheseventhday),thatbeing the seventh day after the publication of the notification or writ calling theelection.But if the8thofMarch is a public holiday, then the last date formakingnominationswillbethe9thofMarch.Ifthe9thMarchisalsoapublicholiday,thenthelastdateofmakingnominationswillbethe10thofMarch, ifagainthe10thofMarchisapublicholiday,thenthe11thMarchandsoon);

b) thedate forscrutinyofnominationswhichshallbetheday immediately followingthe last date for making nominations, or if that day is a public holiday, the nextsucceeding day which is not a public holiday (thus if the last date for makingnominations is the8thofMarch, thenthedate forscrutinyofnominationswillbe9thofMarchontheassumptionthatthe9thofMarchisnotapublicholiday);

c) thelastdateforthewithdrawalofcandidatureswhichshallbetheseconddayafterthe date for scrutiny of nominations or, if that day is a public holiday, the nextsucceedingdaywhichisnotapublicholiday(thussupposethedateforscrutinyisthe9thofMarch, thenthe lastdate forthewithdrawalofcandidatureswillbethe11thofMarchontheassumptionthatthe11thofMarchisnotapublicholiday);and

d) thedateonwhichapollshall,ifnecessary,betakenwhichshallbeadatenotearlierthanthefourteenthdayafterthelastdateforthewithdrawalofcandidatures.Thus,if the last date forwithdrawal of candidatures is the11thofMarch, then thepoll

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cannot be held before the 25th of March because the date of the poll cannot beearlier than the fourteenth day after the last date for the withdrawal ofcandidatures.Thepollcanbetakenonmorethanonedayalsoinaconstituency.Insuchcase,thefirstdateofpollcannotbeearlierthanthe25thMarchintheaboveexample.

3.1.6. Acandidatewill thusnotice thatneither the lastdate formakingnominationsnorthe date for scrutiny of nominations and nor the last date for the withdrawal ofcandidatures can be a day which is a public holiday. But this prohibition is notapplicabletothedateofpoll.Thereisnobartotheholdingofapollonapublicholiday.Note: 'Public holiday' mentioned above means the public holiday declared as suchundersection25oftheNegotiableInstrumentsAct,1881andnotanyotherholiday.

3.1.7. OntheissueofthenotificationbytheElectionCommissionfixingthetime-tableofelectionundersection30oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,apublicnoticeof the intended election is issued by the Returning Officer under section 31 of theRepresentation of the People Act, 1951. By this public notice, the Returning Officerinvites nominations of candidates for the election and specifies the place at whichnominationpapersaretobedelivered.Thispublicnoticeundersection31isinForm1appendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961.Generally,thepublicnoticeinForm1ispublishedonthenoticeboardoftheReturningOfficerandatsuchotherplacesasheconsidersnecessaryforgivingwidepublicitytothenoticeincludingtheofficesofGramPanchayat,PanchayatSamitis,etc.

3.2. PERIODOFNOMINATION3.2.1. It has already been mentioned above that only eight days (including the day on

whichthenotificationisissued)areavailableforthemakingofnominations.However,nominationcannotbefiledoninterveningholidays.

3.3. FORMOFNOMINATIONPAPER3.3.1. The nomination paper must be in the prescribed form. The nomination of a

candidateforelectiontotheHouseofthePeople(LokSabha)shallbemadeinForm2AappendedtoConductofElectionsRules,1961.Relevantformforfilingnominationofacandidateatanelection to theStateLegislativeAssembly (VidhanSabha) isForm2B(Form2Aand2BarereproducedinAppendix6and7).PrintedcopiesoftheformofnominationpapercanbepurchasedfromtheReturningOfficerataverynominalprice.Iftheofficiallyprintedformsarenotavailableorcannotbeobtained,acandidatemayuseaprivatelyprinted, type-written, cyclostyled form;buthe/shemust take care to

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seethattheformusedbyhim/her,exactlycorrespondstotheappropriatelatestformas appended to the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. A candidate must be veryparticularabouteveryentryinthenominationform.

3.4. SEPARATEBANKACCOUNTTOBEOPENEDBYEACHCANDDATEFORELECTIONEXPENDITURE

3.4.1. SeparateBankAccounttobeopenedbyeachcandidateforelectionexpenditure-Inorder to facilitate monitoring of election expenditure, each candidate is required toopenaseparatebankaccountexclusivelyforthepurposeofelectionexpenditure.Thisaccountshallbeopenedatleastonedaybeforethedateonwhichthecandidatefileshisnominationpapers.TheAccountNumberof thisbankaccountshallbecommunicatedby the candidate in writing to the Returning Officer at the time of filing of hisnomination.Allelectionexpenditureshallbemadebythecandidateonlyfromthisbankaccount.Allmoneytobespentonelectioneeringshallbedepositedinthisbankaccountirrespectiveofitsfundingfromanysourceincludingcandidate’sownfund.

3.4.2. ThebankAccountcanbeopenedeitherinthenameofthecandidateorinthejointnamewithhiselectionagentforthepurposeofelectionexpenditure.Thebankaccountshouldnotbeopenedinthejointnamewithanyfamilymemberofthecandidateoranyotherperson,ifhe/sheisnottheelectionagentofthecandidate.

3.4.3. Thebankaccountcanbeopenedanywhereinthestate.Theaccountscanbeopenedinanyofthebanksincludingtheco-operativebanksorinthepostoffices.Theexistingbank account of the candidate should not be used for this purpose as it has to be aseparatebankaccountforelectionpurpose.

3.5. QUALIFICATIONSANDDISQUALIFICATIONS3.5.1. Acandidatemustpossessalltherequisitequalificationsandmustnotsufferanyof

thedisqualifications.He/shehasbeengivenelaborateguidanceinthisdirectionintheearlierchapter.

3.6. NOMINATIONPAPER3.6.1. Acandidate’snominationmustbe inoneof theappropriate forms–Form2A(for

Houseof thePeopleorLokSabha) andForm2B (forLegislativeAssemblyorVidhanSabha).Candidateshouldmakesurethattheyfillupthenominationformverycarefullyandremembertogiveallparticularsclearlyandlegibly.Candidatesarerequiredtoputsignaturesintwoplacesinthenominationpaper.Anylapseinthisregardcanleadtorejectingofnomination.

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3.7. INFORMATIONPERTAININGTOCLAUSESOFDISQUALIFICATION3.7.1. Acandidateshouldmakeadeclarationinhis/hernominationpaperthathe/sheis

qualifiedandnotdisqualified forbeingchosenat theelection.Candidatehas tomakedeclaration in respect of each clausementioned inArticles 102(1) and 191(1) of theConstitutionandChapterIIIofPartIIoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.

3.8. FILINGOFAFFIDAVIT3.8.1. Alongwiththenominationpaper,everycandidateisrequiredtofileanaffidavitin

Form26(Appendix8).TheAffidavitshouldbeswornbeforeaMagistrateoftheFirstClassorbeforeaNotaryPublicoraCommissionerofOathsappointedbytheHighCourtof the State concerned.Eachpageof theAffidavits shouldbe signedby thedeponentconcerned or the affidavits should bear on each page the stamp of the Notary/OathCommissioner /Magistrate before whom the Affidavit is sworn. The duly swornaffidavitsshouldbeonstamppaperofsuchdenominationasprescribedunderthestatelawofthestateconcerned.

3.8.2. While supplying forms of nomination paper, the Returning Officer will attach tonominationform,acopyofForm26(Appendix8)appendedtotheConductofElectionRules,1961.Nocolumnof theaffidavitshouldbe leftblankor filledby just tick/dashmarking. If the information asked for in a column is Nil or not applicable to thecandidatethanhe/sheshouldwrite‘Nil’or‘Notapplicable’inthatcolumn[TheHon’blesupreme Court has held that in the affidavits filed by candidates along with theirnomination paper, the candidates are required to fill up all columns therein and nocolumncanbe leftblank.Therefore,at thetimeof filingofaffidavit,ReturningOfficerhas tocheckwhetherall columnsof theaffidavit filedwith thenominationpaperarefilledup. If not, theReturningOfficer shall give anotice to the candidate to submit afresh affidavit complete in all respect. TheHon’ble Court has held that if there is noinformationtobefurnishedagainstanyitem,appropriateremarkssuchas‘NIL’or‘NotApplicable’or‘NotKnown’asmaybeapplicableshallbeindicatedinsuchcolumn.Theyshould not leave any column blank. If a candidate fails to fill the blanks even afterreminder,thenominationpaperwillbeliabletoberejectedbytheReturningOfficeratthetimeofscrutinyofnominationpapers].EachpageoftheAffidavitshouldbesigned.

3.8.3. The optional facility of e-filing of affidavits (Form 26) can be availed by thecandidatesbyenteringtheinformationonloggingintotheECIwebsite.Insuchcase,theprintedcopyhastobetakenonstamppaperofappropriatedenominationandswornbeforeanOathCommissionerorMagistrateoftheFirstClassorbeforeaNotaryPublic

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for filing the same before the Returning Officer. It may be noted that the notarizedaffidavithastobefiledlatestby3.00PMonthelastdateoffilingnomination.E-filingisnot a substitute for the statutory requirement of having to file notarized affidavit inphysical form. This facility of e-filing is available in two languages namely English&Hindi.

3.8.4. Copiesoftheaffidavitswillbedisplayedinthepremisesofapublicplacewithintheconstituencyfreelyaccessibletothegeneralpublic.DisplayingcopiesontheReturningofficer’snoticeboardwillbedoneinallcases,eveniftheofficeisoutsidetheboundaryoftheconstituency.

3.8.5. UploadingAffidavitsfiledbythecandidatesinthewebsite:Theaffidavitfiledbyallcandidates,whethersetupbytherecognizedpoliticalpartiesorunrecognizedpoliticalpartiesorindependentswillbeputuponthewebsitesoonafterthecandidatesfilesthesame and within 24 hours in any event. Even if any candidate withdraws hiscandidature,theaffidavitalreadyuploadedonthewebsiteshallnotberemoved.

3.8.6. The amendments made in Form 26 are in pursuance of the directions in theJudgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court inWrit Petition (C) No. 784 of 2015 (LokPrahariVs.Unionof India&Others)andWritPetition(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicinterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndia&Anr.).

3.8.7. In the judgement inWrit Petition (Civil) No. 536 OF 2011, the Hon’ble SupremeCourthas,interalia,giventhefollowingdirections:-(i)EachcontestingcandidateshallfilluptheformasprovidedbytheElectionCommissionandtheformmustcontainalltheparticularsasrequiredtherein.(ii)Itshallstate,inboldletters,withregardtothecriminal cases pending against the candidate. (iii) If a candidate is contesting anelectionontheticketofaparticularparty,he/sheisrequiredtoinformthepartyaboutthecriminalcasespendingagainsthim/her.(iv)Theconcernedpoliticalpartyshallbeobligated toput upon itswebsite the aforesaid informationpertaining to candidateshavingcriminalantecedents.(v)Thecandidateaswellastheconcernedpoliticalpartyshall issueadeclaration in thewidelycirculatednewspapers in the localityabout theantecedentsofthecandidateandalsogivewidepublicityintheelectronicmedia.Whenwesaywidepublicity,wemeanthatthesameshallbedoneatleastthriceafterfilingofthenominationpapers.

3.8.8. In pursuance of the abovementioned judgement, the Commission has givenfollowing directions to be followed by candidates at elections to the House ofParliament and House of State Legislatures who have criminal cases against them,

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eitherpendingcasesorcasesofconvictioninthepast,andtothepoliticalpartiesthatsetupsuchcandidates:-

a) Candidates at elections to the House of the People, Council of States, LegislativeAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilwhohavecriminalcasesagainstthem–eitherpendingcasesorcasesinwhichcandidatehasbeenconvicted,shallpublishadeclarationaboutsuchcases,forwidepublicity,innewspaperswithwidecirculationintheconstituencyarea.ThisdeclarationistobepublishedinFormatC-1attachedhereto(Annexure43),atleastonthreedifferentdatesfromthedayfollowingthelastdateforwithdrawalofcandidaturesanduptotwodaysbeforethedateofpoll.Themattershouldbepublishedinfontsizeofat least12andshouldbeplacedsuitably inthenewspaperssothatthedirectionsforwidepublicityarecompliedwithinletterandspirit.

b) All such candidates with criminal cases are also required to publish the abovedeclarationonTVchannelsonthreedifferentdatesduringtheabovementionedperiod.But,inthecaseofthedeclarationinTVChannels,thesameshouldbecompletedbeforetheperiodof48hoursendingwiththehourfixedforconclusionofpoll.

c) InthecaseofallcandidateswhohavecriminalcasesasperthedeclarationsinItems5and 6 of Form 26, the Returning Officer shall give a written reminder about thedirectionshereinforpublishingdeclarationaboutthecriminalcasesinnewspapersandTVchannelsforwidepublicity.Astandardformatforsuchremindertothecandidatesis annexed as Format C-3 (Annexure 43). The candidates shall submit the copies ofnewspapers in which their declaration in this regard was published to the DistrictElectionOfficer,alongwiththeiraccountofelectionexpenses.

d) In the case of candidates with criminal cases set up by political parties, whetherrecognizedpartiesorregisteredun-recognizedparties,suchcandidatesarerequiredtodeclarebeforetheReturningOfficerconcernedthattheyhaveinformedtheirpoliticalparty about the criminal cases against them. Provision for such declaration has beenmadeinForm-26inthenewlyinsertedItem(6A).

3.8.9. The political Parties – recognized parties and registered un-recognised parties,which set up candidates with criminal cases, either pending cases or cases of pastconviction, are required to publish declaration giving details in this regard on theirwebsiteaswellasinTVchannelsandnewspapershavingwidecirculationintheStateconcerned. This declaration by political parties is to be published in Format C-2,annexed hereto (Annexure43). Publishing of the declaration in newspapers and TVchannels is required to be done at least on three different dates during the periodmentionedinPara3.8.8(a)above. InthecaseofTVchannels, itshallbeensuredthat

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thepublishingshouldbecompletedbeforetheperiodof48hoursendingwiththehourfixed for conclusion of poll for the election. All such political parties shall submit areport to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State concerned stating that they havefulfilled the requirements of these directions, and enclosing therewith the papercuttingscontainingthedeclarationspublishedbytheparty inrespectof theState/UTconcerned. This shall be done within 30 days of completion of election. Thereafter,within the next 15 days, the Chief Electoral Officer should submit a report to theCommissionconfirmingcompliancebythepartiesconcerned,andpointingoutcasesofdefaulters,ifany.

3.8.10. Itmayalsobenotedthattheprovisionsfortheadditionalaffidavitinrespectofduesagainst Govt. accommodation, if any, that may have been allotted to the candidates,havenowbeen incorporated inForm-26 itselfunder Item(8) relating to liabilities toPublicFinancialInstitutionsandGovt.Therefore,thecandidatesshallgivetherequisitedeclaration/particularsinthisregardinItem(8)ofForm-26.

3.8.11. After the election, the candidates shall submit a report about publishing ofdeclaration to the DEO and the political parties to the CEO of the State/UT. TheCommissionhasprovidedFormatsC-4andC-5(Annexure43)forthispurpose.AsetofFAQsforclarificationisalsoprovidedinAnnexure43.

3.9. CANDIDATE’SNAMEINTHENOMINATIONPAPER3.9.1. Acandidateshouldgivehis/hernameinthenominationpaperasitisenteredinthe

electoral roll.However, ifhe/sheconsider thathis/hername is incorrectly speltor isotherwise incorrectly shown in the electoral roll, he/she should give his/her correctnameinthenominationpaper.TheReturningOfficerwilloverlooksuchmistakeintheelectoral roll. In such a case it would be advisable for candidate to submit also anapplicationtotheReturningOfficerstatingtheabovefactaboutthemistakeofhis/hernameintheelectoralrollalongwithhis/hernominationpaper.

3.10. THEDATEONWHICHTHENOMINATIONPAPERINTHEAPPROPRIATEFORMSHOULDBEFILED

3.10.1. The nomination paper in the appropriate Form from the date of notification ofelectionoranydaythereafteruptothelastdateformakingnomination.N.B.:Butnonominationpapercanbefiledonanysuchdateifitispublicholiday.

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3.11. TIMEFORFILINGNOMINATION3.11.1. Nominationcanbefiledonlybetween11O’clockintheforenoonand3O’clockin

theafternoononanyoftheabove-mentioneddays.Candidateshouldnotethatonthelast date for making nominations, there is bound to see rush for filing nominations.Theyshouldensurethattheyareinsidetheroom/hall,wherenominationsarereceived,well before 3 pm alongwith requisite papers and should not leave the hall until allformalities related to filing of their nominations are duly completed. The ReturningOfficers are under instructions to close the door of the room/hall exactly at 3 pm.ThereafterR.O.willnotallowanypersontoentertheroom/hallorallowanypaperstobebroughtintotheroom.

3.12. BYWHOMANOMINATIONPAPERCANBEPRESENTED3.12.1. Nominationpapermaybepresentedeitherbyacandidateorbyhis/herproposers

and by no one else. Wherever possible, it is advisable that a candidate shouldpersonallypresentthenominationpapersothatnounforeseenhitchordifficultymayariseandendangerhis/hercandidature.Candidateorhis/herproposercannotsendthenominationpaperbypost.ThenominationpapercannotbedeliveredattheresidenceoftheRO/AROoroutsidetheplacementionedinthenoticeinForm1.Ifitisdeliveredatanyotherplace,itwillberejected.

3.13. TOWHOMANOMINATIONPAPERSHOULDBEPRESENTED3.13.1. Candidate’s nomination paper must be delivered to the Returning Officer of the

constituencyor to suchAssistantReturningOfficer as is authorizedby theReturningOfficer in this behalf. This authorized Assistant Returning Officer is specified in thepublicnoticeofelectionissuedundersection31inForm1appendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961.

3.14. WHEREANOMINATIONPAPERSHOULDBEDELIEVERED3.14.1. ThenominationpapermustbedeliveredattheplacespecifiedinForm1aforesaid

andatnootherplace.ThenominationpapercannotbedeliveredattheresidenceoftheofficerspecifiedoroutsidetheplacementionedinthenoticeinForm1.Ifitisdeliveredatanyotherplace,itwillberejected.

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3.15. RESTRICTIONSONNUMBEROFVEHICLESANDPEOPLEATTHETIMEOFNOMINATION

3.15.1. Largenumberofvehiclesandpeopleaccompanyingsomeof thecandidatesat thetimeoffilingnominationswerecausingseriousconcernaboutgenerallawandorderintheOffices of the ReturningOfficers. Keeping this in view, themaximumnumber ofvehicles in the convoy of a candidate or accompanying him to be allowed to comewithin a periphery of 100 meters of Returning Officer’s or the Assistant ReturningOfficer’sOfficehasbeenrestrictedtothreeandthemaximumnumberofpersonswhocanbeallowedtoentertheOfficeofReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficerat the time of filing nomination has been limited to five (including the candidate).Candidatesshallensurethattheydonotviolatetheseinstructionsinanymanner.

3.15.2. PoliceofficernotbelowtherankofaDeputySuperintendentofPolicewithadequatesupport personnel will be appointed as a nodal Officer for not more than twoconstituenciesprovidedtheheadquartersofboththeReturningOfficersarestationedinasingleofficebuilding, toensurestrictadherencetothe instructionsonrestrictingthe number of vehicles and persons accompanying the candidates. If the offices ofReturningOfficers are situated indifferent compoundsor if therearemore than twoReturningofficerswhoseheadquartersareinasingleofficebuilding,theCommissionerof Police or SP will make suitable arrangements to ensure strict adherence to theinstructions.

3.16. BYWHOMNOMINATIONPAPERSHOULDBESIGNED3.16.1. Nomination paper must bear the signature of proposer(s) as well as Candidate’s

ownsignature.Thesignatureoftheproposer(s)andcandidate’sownsignaturemustbein the proper places shown in the Form of nomination paper for such signature.Candidateshouldbecarefulnottoputhis/hersignatureinthespaceindicatedforthesignature of the proposers or to put the signature of the proposers in the spaceindicated for the signature of the candidate. A nomination paper is a very importantdocument andmeticulous care should be taken to fill it as accurately as possible. Aproposer can sign more than one nomination paper of the same candidate or ofdifferentcandidates.

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3.17. NUMBEROFPROPOSERS3.17.1. UnderSection33oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,thenominationofa

candidateatelectiontotheHouseofthePeopleoraStateLegislativeAssemblyshallberequiredtobesubscribedby-i. Oneelectoroftheconstituency,asproposer,ifthecandidatehasbeensetupeither

byarecognizedNationalpartyorbyarecognizedStatepartyintheStateorStatesinwhichitisrecognizedasStateparty(seePart-IofForms2Aand2B)

ii. Ten(10)electorsoftheconstituency,asproposers,ifthecandidatehasbeensetupby a registeredun-recognizedpolitical party or if he is an independent candidate(seePart-IIoftheForms2Aand2B).

3.17.2. IfaStatepartyrecognised inoneState isputtingupcandidate inanotherState inwhichitisnotsorecognised,thenominationofcandidate(s)setupbythatpartyinsuchother State will also be required to be subscribed by ten (10) electors of theconstituencyasproposers.

3.18. PROPOSERMUSTBEANELECTOROFTHECONSTITUENCY3.18.1. Ithasalreadybeenpointedoutthatacandidate’snamemustappearintheelectoral

roll of any parliamentary constituency in the country, if he/she is a candidate forelectiontotheHouseofthePeople(LokSabha).He/sheneednotbeanelectoroftheparliamentary constituency from which he/she is seeking election. Similarly, if acandidateseekselectiontoastateLegislativeAssemblyfromanassemblyconstituency,he/shemustbeanelectorforanyassemblyconstituencywithintheStateanditisnotnecessarythathe/sheshouldbeanelector for theassemblyconstituency fromwhichhe/sheisseekingelection.(Thisgeneralruleis,however,subjecttocertainexceptionsmentionedinsections4,5and5(a)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,inthecase of certain seats reserved in the autonomous districts of Assam, in the State ofSikkimandintheUnionTerritoryofLakshadweep.Theseprovisionshavealreadybeenexplainedinthepreviouschapter.Thecandidatefromanysuchconstituencytakecaretoseethathe/shefulfilsthoseadditionalrequirements).Butthisisnotsointhecaseofcandidate’s proposer(s). The proposer(s) must be an elector for the parliamentaryconstituencyorfortheassemblyconstituencyfromwhichcandidateisseekingelection.Makesurethatthenameoftheproposer(s)isregisteredinthecurrentelectoralrolloftheconstituencyfromwhichthecandidateisseekingelection.

3.18.2. TheCandidateis,therefore,advisedtogothoroughlythroughphotoelectoralrolloftheconstituencyinwhichhe/sheintendstocontesttheelectiontochecktheparticulars

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of the electors whomay be his/her proposer(s) whether the same are in order andthereisnomis-matchofphotographofsuchelectorsinthephotoelectoralroll.

3.19. WHATCANDIDATESHOULDDOIFHEORHISPROPOSERAREBOTHUNABLETOSIGNTHEIRNAMES

3.19.1. Underthelaw[viderule2(2)oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961],ifacandidateorhis/herproposerisunabletosign,thenhe/sheorhis/herproposershallbedeemedtohavesignedthenominationpaper,ifhe/sheorhis/herproposerhaveplacedamarkorthumbimpressiononthenominationpaperinthepresenceoftheReturningOfficeror the Assistant Returning Officer or such other officer asmay be authorised in thisbehalfbytheElectionCommissionandtheReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficer or such other officer, on being satisfied as to the identity of the proposer oridentityofthecandidate,hasattestedthemark/thumbimpressionasbeingthethatofthe candidate or his/her proposer. It should be noted that in such cases themark/thumb impression shouldbeput in thepresence ofRO/AROor the authorizedofficerandtheyshouldattestthesamethenandthere.

3.20. DECLARATIONSTOBEMADEBYCANDIDATEINTHENOMINATIONPAPERS3.20.1. While assenting to the nomination made by the proposer, a candidate isrequiredtomakeadeclarationinthenominationpaperitself.a. Firstly, ithasalreadybeenpointedoutthatforelectiontotheHouseofthePeople

(LokSabha)oraStateLegislativeAssembly(VidhanSabha),acandidatemustnotbelessthantwenty-fiveyearsofage.Acandidateshouldgivehis/hercorrectageinthenominationpaper.Ifanycandidatefindthathis/herageisnotcorrectlymentionedintheelectoralroll,he/sheshouldgiveonlyhis/herpresentageinthenominationpaperandnotthewrongageasshownintheelectoralroll;N.B. If thecandidateage isnearthe legalminimum,that is tosay, ifhe/she is justtwenty-fiveyearsofageoralittlemorethanthatandthereisanapprehensionthatan objectionmay be raised by a rival candidate regarding his/her age, armwithsufficientproofofhis/herage.

b. Secondly,as to thecandidate’spoliticalparty, incaseacandidate is setupbyanypoliticalparty;N.B. But declaration as to being set up by a political party will not arise if thecandidatestandsasanindependentcandidate.

c. Thirdly,astothechoiceofthethreesymbolsinorderofpreference.

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d. Fourthly, as to the correct spelling of his/her name and the name of his/herfather/mother/husbandasgiveninthenominationpaper;

e. Fifthly,astothefact thatcandidate isqualifiedandthathe/she isnotdisqualifiedforbeingchosentofilltheseatforwhichhe/sheiscontestingtheelection,and

f. Sixthly,astothefactthatthecandidatehasnotbeen,andshallnotbenominatedasacandidateatthepresentgeneralelection/bye-electionsbeingheldsimultaneouslyto theHouseof thePeopleorLegislativeAssemblyofaState frommore than twoParliamentary/Assemblyconstituencies,asthecasemaybe.

3.20.2. Apartfromthedeclarationinrespectofthemattersmentionedabove,acandidateistomakeafurtherdeclarationinthenominationpaperifhe/shestandsasacandidateforelectionfromaconstituencyreservedfortheScheduledCastesorScheduledTribes.IfthecandidatebelongstoaScheduledCasteoraScheduledTribe,he/sheshouldmakea declaration to that effect in his/her nomination paper even if he/she contests anelection from a general constituency as this will entitle him/her to the concessionalamount of security deposit even in that general constituency. Be very particular inmaking thedeclarationaccurately.Candidatemay furnish, alongwith thenominationpaper,copyofcertificate/appropriatedocumentinproofofthefactthathe/shebelongstoaScheduledCasteorScheduledTribe.ReturningOfficemayaskforsuchproof.

3.21. WHATCANDIDATESHOULDDOIFCONTESTINGELECTIONWITHIN5YEARSOFDISMISSALFROMOFFICEUNDERGOVT

3.21.1. If a candidate,havingheldanyofficeunder theGovernmentof Indiaorunder theGovernmentofaState,hasbeendismissedandtheperiodofdisqualification,referredtoinsection9ofTheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951namely,theperiodoffiveyears since thedismissalhasnotelapsed, thenhe/shewillnotbedeemed tobedulynominated as a candidate unless his/her nomination paper is accompanied by acertificate issued in the prescribedmanner by the Election Commission to the effectthathe/shehasnotbeendismissedforcorruptionordisloyaltytotheState.

3.22. PRODUCTIONOFCOPYOFELECTORALROLLIFACANDIDATEISANELECTOROFADIFFERENTCONSTITUENCY

3.22.1. If the candidate’snamehasbeen registeredas anelector in theelectoral roll of aconstituencydifferent fromtheconstituency fromwhichhe/shestandasacandidate,thenhe/shemustfilealongwithhis/hernominationpapereitheracopyoftheentireelectoralrolloftheformerconstituencyor,acopyoftherelevantpartofthatelectoralroll(relevantpartmeansthepartoftheelectoralrollinwhichhis/hernameappears)

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or,acertifiedcopyoftherelevantentriesrelatingtohis/hernameinsuchroll.Ifforanyreasonitisnotpossibletofileanyofthesedocumentsalongwiththenominationpaper,thenthecandidatemustproduceanyofthesedocumentsbeforetheReturningOfficeratthetimeofthescrutinyofnomination;otherwisehis/hernominationpaperwillberejected.

3.23. HOWMANYNOMINATIONPAPERSCANBEFILEDBYACANDIDATEFORSTANDINGASACANDIDATEFROMTHESAMECONSTITUENCY?

3.23.1. Under sub-section (6) of section 33 of the R.P. Act, 1951, maximum of fournominationpapersonlycanbepresentedbycandidateoronbehalfofanycandidateorreceivedbytheReturningOfficerorSpecifiedAssistantReturningOfficerforelectioninthe same constituency. These nomination papers can be filed either together orseparately.

3.24. DEPOSITS3.24.1. Thelawrequiresthatacandidateatanelectionmustmaketheprescribedsecurity

deposit.The failure tomake thedepositwill invalidatehis/hernomination. If he/shewant to standasa candidate forelection fromaparliamentaryconstituency, thesumrequiredtobedepositedbyhim/herisTwenty-fivethousandrupees(Rs25000).ButaconcessionisgiventoacandidatewhoismemberofaScheduledCasteoraScheduledTribe. If a personwho ismember of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribewants tostandasacandidatefromaparliamentaryconstituency,hewillhavetomakeadepositof twelve thousand fivehundredrupees (Rs12500); Ifhe/she isa candidate fromanassemblyconstituency,he/sheistomakeadepositofRupeestenthousand(Rs10000)andifhe/sheisamemberofaScheduledCasteorScheduledTribe,he/sheshallhavetomakeadepositoffivethousandrupees(Rs5000).PleasenotethataScheduledCasteora ScheduledTribeCandidateneeddeposit only the lesser amounteven if he conteststhe election for a seat not reserved for Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, i.e., ageneralseat.

3.24.2. Ithasalreadybeenpointedoutthatfromthesameconstituency,acandidatecanfileasmanyas fournominationpapers,but insuchacasehe/sheshallnothavetomakefourdifferentdeposits.Itwillbeenoughifhe/shemakesonlyonedepositinrespectofthe first nomination paper. In the case of other nomination papers, no deposit isnecessary.Candidateisonlytoattachtothefirstnominationpaperthathe/shefile,theoriginaltreasuryreceiptorchallanforthedeposit.Atruecopyoftheoriginalreceiptorchallanforthedepositmaybeattachedtoeverysubsequentnominationpaper,which

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maybefiledbyhim/her.Alwaysretaintheofficialduplicateofthetreasuryreceiptofchallan, which he/she receive from the Reserve Bank of India or the governmenttreasurywithhim/herforhis/herfuturereferenceanduse.

3.24.3. A candidate should note particularly that the depositmay bemade in twoways.Either theamountmaybedepositedwith theReturningOfficer incashat the timeoffilinghis/hernominationpaperorhe/shemaydeposittheamountintheReserveBankof India or in a Government treasury. He/shemust do so before he/she file his/hernominationpaperwiththeReturningOfficerandhe/shemust,asalreadypointedout,attach the treasuryreceiptorchallanwhichhe/shewill receive induplicate fromtheReserve Bank of India or the Govt. treasury to his/her nomination paper. If thecandidatedoesnotdeposittheamountincashwiththeReturningOfficeratthetimeoffilinghis/hernominationpaperorifhe/shedonotattachtohis/hernominationpaperthetreasuryreceiptorchallan,thenhis/hernominationpaperwillberejected.

3.24.4. The deposit should bemade under the following Head of Account for election toParliament:“8443-CivilDeposits-121-depositsinconnectionwithelections-2-Depositsmadeby candidates forParliament”Thedeposit shouldbemadeunder the followingHead of account for deposits made by candidates for State Legislatures: “8443-CivilDeposits-121-depositsinconnectionwithelections-1-DepositsmadebycandidatesforState/UnionTerritoriesLegislatures”.

3.25. ELECTIONSYMBOLS3.25.1. On looking at the form of the nomination paper, a candidate not set up by a

recognisedNationalorStateParty,willfindthathe/sheistomakeachoice,inorderofpreference,ofthreesymbolsoutofaspecifiedlistofsymbols.TheConductofElectionsRules,1961requiretheElectionCommissiontospecifybynotificationintheGazetteofIndia and the Official gazette of each State the symbols that may be chosen bycandidatesatelectionsinparliamentaryorassemblyconstituenciesandtherestrictionstowhichtheirchoiceshallbesubject.

3.25.2. Theserulesalsorequirethatifacandidatehasfiledmorenominationpapersthanonethenthedeclarationastosymbolsmadeinthenominationpaperfirstfiled,andnoother declaration as to symbols, shall be taken into consideration at the time ofallotmentofsymbolsbytheReturningOfficertothecontestingcandidatesevenif thenominationpaperwhichhasbeenfirstfiledhasbeenrejectedbytheReturningOfficer.Inotherwords,evenifhis/herfirstnominationpaperisrejectedbuthis/hersecondorthirdorfourthnominationpaperisacceptedbytheReturningOfficerasvalideventhen

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thechoiceofsymbolsmadebyhim/herinhis/herfirstnominationpaperwillbetakenintoconsiderationatthetimeofallotmentofsymbols.

3.25.3. These rules also require that after the timeofwithdrawalof candidatures is overand there are more candidates in the field than one whose nominations have beenfound tobevalid, then theReturningOfficershall immediatelyafter theexpiryof thetime ofwithdrawal prepare the list of contesting candidates and allot subject to anydirection issued by the Election Commission, a different symbol to each contestingcandidate in conformity, as far as practicable, with his choice as shown in thenominationpaperfirstfiled.

3.25.4. Inpursuanceoftheserules,theElectionCommissionissuedon31stAugust,1968anOrder providing for specification, reservation, choice and allotment of symbols atelections in parliamentary and assembly constituencies in all States and Unionterritories,andfortherecognitionofpoliticalpartiesinrelationtheretoandformattersconnected therewith. This order is called the Election Symbols (Reservation andAllotment)Order,1968.

3.25.5. That Order also makes provisions for the recognition of parties as National andStateParties.Underpara17ofthisOrder,theCommissionnotifiesatregularintervalsthenamesoftherecognizedNationalandStateparties,thelistofsymbolsrespectivelyreserved for them, the list of registered unrecognized parties and the list of freesymbols.No candidate can choose a symbol outside these lists. Even if he does, suchchoicecannotbeapprovedbyReturningOfficer.

3.26. CHOICEOFSYMBOLSBYCANDIDATES3.26.1. AcandidatesponsoredbyaNationalorStatePartyshallchooseandshallbeallotted

onlythesymbolexclusivelyreservedforthatpartyandnoothersymbol,providedtherequirementoffilingFormAandBetc.havebeendulyfollowed.Inviewofthis,suchacandidate need not indicate three symbols in order of preference in his nominationpaperbutmustdeclarethathehasbeensetupbythePartyconcernedintherelevantpartofthenominationpaper.

3.26.2. Thecandidates,otherthanthese,shallchoosethreesymbolsinorderofpreferencefrom out of the list of free symbols specified for the State/Union Territory by theCommissionandindicatesuchpreferenceinthenominationpaper.

3.27. ALLOTMENTOFSYMBOLSTOCANDIDATES3.27.1. According to law, in every contested election a symbol shall be allotted to each

contesting candidate in accordancewith the provisions of the Commission’s Symbols

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Order. Different symbols shall be allotted to different contesting candidates at anelectioninthesameconstituency.

3.27.2. FromtheSymbolsOrder,referredtoabove,Candidatewillfindthat:a) Therearetwocategoriesofsymbols,namely

(i)Reservedsymbols,and(ii)Freesymbols.

b) A“reservedsymbol”meansasymbolreservedforarecognized(NationalorState)partyanda“freesymbol”meansasymbolotherthanareservedsymbol.

c) FreesymbolsandreservedsymbolsvaryfromStatetoState.d) There are three categories of political parties, namely, (i) Recognised National

Parties (which are recognised in all States and Union Territories) (ii) RecognisedStateParties(whicharerecognisedonlyinthespecifiedStatesorUnionTerritories)(iii) Registered -unrecognized parties. N.B.- The Election Commission issues aconsolidatednotificationfromtimetotimespecifyingthelistofrecognisedNationaland State parties and the symbols respectively reserved for them, the list ofregisteredunrecognizedpartiesand listsof freesymbols foreachStateandUnionTerritory.Candidateshouldmention thecorrectnameof thepoliticalpartyasperthenamelistedinthenotificationissuedbytheCommission.Similarlynameofthesymbolshouldbementionedcorrectly.TheabovesaidnotificationwillbeavailableontheCommissionwebsite.

e) A candidate set up by a National or State Party (in the State in which it isrecognized) shall choose in his nomination paper and shall be allotted by theReturningOfficer,onlythereservedsymbolofthatpartyandnoothersymbol.ThismeansthatifhehasbeensetupbyaNationalorStateParty,then,inhisnominationpaper,hecanchooseonlythesymbolreservedforthatpartyandnoothersymbol.

f) Areservedsymbolcanbeallottedonlytothecandidatedulysetupbythepartyforwhichthesymbolisreserved.Suchsymbolscannotbeallottedtoothercandidatesinanyconstituencyevenifthepartyconcernedhasnotputupanycandidateinthatconstituency.

g) Ifapoliticalparty,whichisrecognisedasaStatePartyinsomeStateorStates,setsupacandidateatanelectioninaconstituencyinanyotherStateorUnionTerritory,inwhichitisnotarecognisedStateParty,thensuchcandidatemay,totheexclusionofallothercandidatesintheconstituency,beallottedthesymbolreservedforthatpartyintheStateorStatesinwhichitisarecognisedStateParty,notwithstanding

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thatsuchsymbol isnotspecifiedinthe listof freesymbolsforsuchotherStateorUnionTerritory,onthefulfilmentofeachofthefollowingconditions,namely:-(a) thatanapplicationismadetotheCommissionbythesaidpartyforexclusiveallotmentof thatsymbol to thecandidatesetupby it,not later thanthethirddayafterthepublicationintheOfficialGazetteofthenotificationcallingtheelection;(b) thatthesaidcandidatehasmadeadeclarationinhisnominationpaperthathehasbeensetupbythatpartyattheelectionandthatthepartyhasalsofulfilledthe requirements of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of paragraph 13 (read withparagraph13A)oftheElectionSymbols(ReservationandAllotmentOrder)1968,inrespectofsuchcandidate;and(c) that in the opinion of the Commission there is no reasonable ground forrefusingtheapplicationforsuchallotment;Provided that nothing contained above shall apply to a candidate set up by StatePartyatanelectioninanyconstituencyinaStateinwhichthatpartyisnotaStatepartyandwherethesamesymbolisalreadyreservedforsomeotherStatePartyinthatState.

h) Whereelectionsareheldsimultaneouslyinaparliamentaryconstituencyandintheassemblyconstituenciescomprisedinsuchparliamentaryconstituency,then–(i)Ifasymbolhasbeenexclusivelyallottedunderparagraph(g)toacandidatesetupbyaStatePartyinanotherStateattheelectionintheparliamentaryconstituency,thatsymbol shall not be allotted to any candidate at any election in any of the saidcomponentassemblyconstituenciesunlesssuchcandidateisacandidatesetupbythat political party; and (ii) If a symbol has been exclusively allotted underparagraph(g) toacandidatesetupby thesaidpartyatanyelection inanyof thesaid component assembly constituencies that symbol shall not be allotted to anycandidate at the election in the said parliamentary constituency unless suchcandidateisacandidatesetupbythatpoliticalparty.

i) AnyassociationorbodyofindividualcitizensofIndiacallingitselfapoliticalpartyand intending to avail itself of the provisions of theRepresentation of the PeopleAct,1951mayapplytotheElectionCommissionforregistrationasapoliticalpartybyfurnishingsuchinformationasisrequiredundersection29AofthatActandasper the requirements specified in the guidelines for registration issued by theCommission.TheCommissionmayonthesatisfactionof thevariousrequirementsregister it as a political party. The party so registered under section 29A of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951shallbedeemedtobearegisteredpolitical

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partyforthepurposesoftheElectionSymbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order,1968.SuchregisteredpartymaythenbearecognisedNationalorStatePartyoraregistered unrecognised party depending upon the poll performance at a generalelection.

j) Candidates not set up by a National or State Party, i.e., candidates set up byregistered unrecognised political parties and independent candidates canmake achoiceof symbols in theirnominationpapersonlyout of the free symbols shownagainsttheStatefromwheretheyareseekingelectionandnoothersymbol.Whereany free symbol has been chosen by only one candidate at such election, theReturningOfficershallallotthatsymboltothatcandidateandtonooneelse.

k) Wherethesamefreesymbolhasbeenchosenbyseveralcandidatesatsuchelection,then–(a) If of those several candidates, only one is a candidate set upby a registered -unrecognised political party and all the rest are independent candidates, theReturning Officer shall allot that free symbol to the candidate set up suchunrecognisedpoliticalpartyandtonooneelse;and,if,ofthoseseveralcandidates,twoormorearesetupbydifferentunrecognizedpoliticalpartiesandtherestareindependentcandidates,theReturningOfficershalldecidebylottowhichofthetwoormorecandidatessetupby thedifferentunrecognizedpoliticalparties that freesymbolshallbeallotted,andallotthatfreesymboltothecandidateonwhomthelotfalls,andtonooneelse;Provided that where of two or more such candidates set up by such differentunrecognisedpoliticalparties,onlyoneis,orwas,immediatelybeforesuchelection,asittingmemberoftheHouseofthePeople,or,asthecasemaybe,oftheLegislativeAssembly(irrespectiveofthefactastowhetherhewasallottedthatfreesymboloranyothersymbolatthepreviouselectionwhenhewaschosenassuchmember),theReturningOfficershallallotthatfreesymboltothatcandidate,andtonooneelse;(b) If of those several candidates, no one is set up by any unrecognised politicalpartyandallareindependentcandidates,butoneoftheindependentcandidatesis,or was, immediately before such election a sitting member of the House of thePeople,or,asthecasemaybe,oftheLegislativeAssembly,andwasallottedthatfreesymbolatthepreviouselectionwhenhewaschosenassuchmember,theReturningOfficershallallotthatfreesymboltothatcandidate,andtonooneelse;and(c) if, of those several candidates, being all independent candidates, no one is, orwas,asittingmemberasaforesaid,theReturningOfficershalldecidebylottowhich

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ofthoseindependentcandidatesthatfreesymbolshallbeallotted,andallotthefreesymboltothecandidateonwhomthelotfalls,andtonooneelse.

3.27.3. TheCommissionmayonanapplicationmadetoitunderpara10AofSymbolsOrderallowapoliticalparty,whichisunrecognizedatpresentbutwasarecognizedNationalorStatepartyinanyStateorUnionTerritorynotearlierthansixyearsfromthedateofnotification of the election, and which sets up a candidate at an election in aconstituencyinanyStateorUnionTerritory,whethersuchpartywasearlierrecognizedinthatStateorUnionTerritoryornot, theuseofthesymbolreservedearlierforthatpartywhenitwasarecognizedNationalorStateparty.

3.27.4. Candidates set upby a party recognized as a StateParty in another State or by aregisteredunrecognizedpartywhichwasarecognizedpartynotearlierthansixyearsmay be allotted the reserved symbol of the State party/ the symbol which was itsreserved symbol when it was a recognized party if and only if the Commission hasissuedaspecificdirectionunderparagraph10or10A.

3.27.5. Underparagraph10BoftheSymbolorder,1968,aregisteredun-recognizedPartymaysubmitapplicationtotheCommissionforallotmentofacommonsymbolfromthelistoffreesymbols,atageneralelectiontotheLokSabhaorLegislativeAssembly.Forseeking common symbol under para 10B in a State, a Party should be contestingelection from at least 5% of the seats in that State in the case of general election ofLegislativeAssembly.InLokShabhageneralelection,aPartyseekingcommonsymbolin a State should be contesting from at least 2 PCs in that State. If the application ismade to the Commission as per the requirements of para 10 B, the CommissionwillissuedirectionsforallotmentofcommonsymboltothecandidatesofsuchParties.Insuchcases,thecandidatessetupbysuchPartiesshallbeallottedthesymbolspecifiedintheCommission’sdirectionsintheConstituenciesmentionedinthedirection.Intheotherconstituenciessuchsymbolwillbeopenforallotmenttoothercandidatesasperthe provisions of para 12 of the SymbolOrder, 1968. Even in those cases inwhich aregisteredpartyhasbeenallottedanyparticularsymbolunderPara10B,butthepartydoesnotsetupcandidateor thenominationof theparty’scandidate is rejected, thenalsothesymbolconcernedcanbeallottedtoothercandidateswhomayhaveoptedforthesaidsymbol.

3.27.6. Other candidates not set up by a National or State Party, can make a choice ofsymbols in their nominationpapers only out of the list of free symbols andnoothersymbolexceptforthecandidatesofpartyallowedtheconcessionunderPara10or10Aofthesymbolsorder,1968.

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3.27.7. Where any free symbol has been chosen by only one candidate at such election,ReturningOfficerwillallotthatsymboltothatcandidateandtonooneelse.Pleaserefertopara12ofthesymbolsorder,1968.

3.27.8. Wherethesamefreesymbolhasbeenchosenbyseveralcandidatesatsuchelection,then(1) If of those several candidates, only one is a candidate set up by a registeredunrecognized political party and all the rest are independent candidates, ReturningOfficer shall allot that free symbol to the candidate set up by the registered-unrecognized political party. This couldmean that candidate of registered party getspreferenceoverIndependents.(2) If two (or more) candidates of registered unrecognized parties have chosen thesamefreesymbolthenifanyoneofthemwasasittingmemberoftheprevioushouseofthe People or Legislative Assembly, as the casemay be, then that candidatewill getpreferenceovertheothersandshallbeallottedthesymbolconcerned.InnooneamongthemwasasittingmemberthenReturningOfficerwilldrawlotsamongthemandallotthesymboltothewinnerofthatdrawoflot.(3) If the independentcandidatesareseeking thesame freesymbol,andoneof themwasasittingmemberoftheprevioushouseandfurtherwasallottedthatparticularfreesymbol at the previous electionwhen he elected asmember, Returning Officer shallallot that free symbol to that candidate. He gets the preference over the otherindependentsinsuchcase.(4)Ifnoneoftheindependentsoptingforthesamefreesymbolwassittingmemberoftheprevioushousethenallotmentofthefreesymbolistobedecidedbydrawoflots.

3.27.9. Fromthe formofnominationpaper,a candidatewill find that ifhe/she isapartycandidate, he/she is required tomake a declaration to that effect in the nominationpaperitself.Now,he/shemaybesetupbyarecognisedparty,thatistosay,aNationalPartyorStateParty,orhe/shemaybesetupbyaregisteredunrecognisedparty.TheSymbolOrderoftheCommissionlaysdownclearlythatacandidateshallbedeemedtobesetupbyaparticularparty,if,andonlyif,-(a)the candidate has made the prescribed declaration to that effect in his/hernominationpaper.Thecandidateisamemberofthatpoliticalpartyandhis/hernameisborneontherollsofmembersoftheparty.(b)anoticebythepoliticalpartyinwriting,inFormB,tothateffecthasbeendeliveredto the Returning Officer of the constituency by 3 pm on the last date for makingnominations.

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(c)thesaidnoticeinFormBissignedbythepresident,thesecretaryoranyotherofficebeareroftheparty,andthepresident,secretaryorsuchotherofficebearersendingthenoticehasbeenauthorisedbythepartytosendsuchnotice;(d)thenameandspecimensignatureofsuchauthorisedpersonarecommunicatedbythe party, in Form A, to the Returning Officer of the constituency and to the ChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStateorUnionTerritoryconcerned,by3p.m.onthelastdateformakingnominations;and(e)FormsAandBaresigned,ininkonly,bythesaidofficebearerorpersonauthorisedbytheparty.Nofacsimilesignatureorsignaturesbymeansofrubberstamp,etc.,ofanysuchofficebearerorauthorisedpersonshallbeacceptedandnoformtransmittedbyfax,emailsetcshallbeaccepted.

3.27.10. InFormB,thereisanoptionforthepartytonominateasubstitutecandidatealsoinadditiontothemaincandidate.Ifasuitablecandidatehasbeennominated,thesubstitutewill be treated as the party’s candidate only in the event of nomination ofmaincandidatebeingrejectedonscrutiny,oronthewithdrawalofthecandidaturebythemain candidate (and if thenominationof the substitute candidatewasotherwisevalidandacceptedandheisstillinthefield).IfthenominationpaperfiledbythemaincandidateofarecognizedNational/Statepartyisaccepted,andifthenominationofthesubstitutecandidateofthatpartyissignedbyonlyoneproposerthenthenominationofthesubstitutecandidateshallberejected.Ifhisnominationpaperissubscribedbytenproposersandifsuchsubstitutecandidatedoesnotwithdrawhiscandidature,hewillbetreatedasanindependentcandidate.

3.27.11. Politicalpartiesare,permittedtocanceltheauthorizationinFormBgiveninfavour of one candidate and give a revised notice in Form B, in favour of anothercandidatesubjecttofollowingconditionsnamely:(1)SuchrevisednoticeinFormBcancellingorsubstitutingtheauthorizationinearliernoticeshouldclearlystatethattheearliernotice in favourofacandidate isrescindedandthisrevisednoticeshouldbereceivedbytheReturningOfficeroftheconstituencyconcernednotlaterthan3.00P.M.onthelastdateformakingnominations;(2)SuchrevisednoticeinFormBissignedbytheauthorizedoffice-bearerreferredtoinclause(d)ofparagraph13ofSymbolsOrder;(3)TheReturningOfficerissatisfiedaboutthegenuinenessoftherevisednotice;and(4)Thecandidateinwhosefavourtherevisednoticehasbeengivenhasalreadymadeadeclarationinhisnominationpaperthathehasbeensetupbythesaidpoliticalparty.

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3.27.12. If a political party submits notice in Form B in respect of more than onecandidate for thesameconstituencyand thepartydoesnotstate insuchnotices thatthe earlier notice(s) has/have been rescinded, then the notice in respect of thecandidatewhose nomination paperwas first submitted to Returning Officer shall beacceptedandtheremainingcandidate(s)shallnotbetreatedascandidate(s)setupbythatparty.

3.27.13. Ifacandidateclaims inhisnominationpaperstobesetupbytwoormorepoliticalpartiesandboth/allsuchpartieshavesubmittedFormsAandBinhisfavour,theReturningOfficerwill,atthetimeofscrutiny,examinethefactsastowhichofthepoliticalpartiesthecandidatebelongstoasitsmemberandwhetherthecandidatehasceased to be a member of the other political party/parties mentioned in hisnominationpapers,anddecidethepartyaffiliationofthecandidateaccordingly.

3.27.14. Where a candidate had not made a declaration in any of his nominationpapersthathehasbeensetupbyaparticularPoliticalParty,heshallnotbedeemedtohavebeensetupbythatpartyevenifthatpartygivesReturningOfficerintimationtothateffectinFormsAandB,andheshallnotbeallottedthesymbolreserved,ifany,forthatparty.

3.27.15. Similarly,ifacandidatehasmadeadeclarationinhisnominationpaperthathe has been set up by a particular political party but that party sets up some othercandidate,heshallnotbedeemedtohavebeensetupbyanotherpoliticalpartyevenifsuch latter party wishes to adopt him, unless that candidate has filed within theprescribedtimeanothernominationpaperinwhichhehasmadeadeclarationtohavebeensetupbythelatterpartyandFormAandBinhisfavourhavebeenfiledbytheotherpartywithintheprescribedtimelimit.

3.27.16. It must also be noted by a candidate that the Symbols Order does notrecognise electoral alliances which are sometimes entered into by political parties.Therefore,asymbolreservedforaNationalorStatePartyshallnotbeallottedtoanycandidateotherthanthecandidatesetupbysuchNationalorStatePartyitself.

3.28. PRELIMINARYSCRUTINY3.28.1. Onthepresentationofanominationpaper,theReturningOfficerwillsatisfyhimself

that the name and the electoral roll number of the candidate and his proposal hasenteredinthenominationpaperarethesameasthoseintheelectoralrolls.

3.28.2. TheReturningOfficerwill checkwhether theaffidavit inForm26(Appendix8) isdulyfilledupandattachalongwiththenominationpaper.Ifnotattached,theReturning

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Officerwillbringittothecandidate’snoticeaboutthisrequirementthroughthechecklistgivenbelow.

3.28.3. Inrespectofeachcandidate,ReturningOfficerorthespecifiedAssistantReturningOfficershouldmaintaininduplicate,thechecklistofthedocumentsorrequirementstobefulfilledbythecandidates.Thechecklistisgivenbelow:

Original/duplicate(OriginaltobekeptwithnominationpaperandDuplicatetobehandedoverto

candidate)CheckListofdocumentsinconnectionwithfilingofnomination

Nameofconstituency………………………………………………………...Nameofthecandidate………………………………………………………..Dateandtimeoffilingnominationpaper……………………………..Sl.No.ofnominationpaper…………………………………………………SNo Documents Whether filed (Write

Yes/No) (if there is anydefect/shortcoming in thedocuments, the sameshouldbespecified.

1 AffidavitinForm26(a) Whetherallcolumnsarefilledup(b) Ifnot,whichareblankcolumn(s)(pleasespecify).(c) Whether the affidavit is swornbefore an oath Commissioner orMagistrate of First Class or before anotaryPublic.

2 Certified extract of electoral roll (whencandidate is an elector of a differentconstituency)

3 FormsAandB(applicableinthecaseofcandidatessetupbypoliticalparties)

4 Copyofcastecertificate(ifthecandidateclaimstobelongtoSC/ST)

5 Securitydeposit(whethermade) 6 Oath/affirmation(whethertaken) Thefollowingdocumentswhichhavenotbeenfiledshouldbefiledasindicatedbelow:-(a)__________________shouldbefiledlatestby__________________.

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(b)Abovementioned columns in the Affidavit in Form 26 have been left blank. Youmustsubmitafreshaffidavitwithcolumnsdulyfilledupbeforethecommencementofscrutinyofnominations,failingwhichthenominationpaperwillbeliabletoberejected.(c)__________________shouldbefiledlatestby__________________.Received(Signatureofcandidate)SignatureofRO/ARODate&time:Place:N.B.1. TheAffidavitinForm26,FormsA&Bhavetobefiledlatestby3.00P.M.onthelastdateoffilingnominations.2. IfcolumnshavebeenleftblankintheaffidavitinForm26,thisshouldbespecifiedagainst item 1, and candidate should be asked to submit an affidavit complete in allrespect,latestbythetimefixedforcommencementofscrutinyofnominations.Failuretosubmitrevisedaffidavitcompleteinallrespects,evenafterreminderbyROwillbeagroundforrejectionofthenominationpaper.3. Oath has to be taken after filing nomination paper and before the date fixed forscrutiny.4. Certifiedextractofelectoralrollcanbefileduptothetimeofscrutiny.

3.28.4. BoththecopiesofchecklistwithallrequirementsindicatedthereinshallbesignedbytheROaswellasthecandidate.Theduplicatecopyofthechecklistwillbehandedovertothecandidate/proposerwhofilesnominationpaper,whileretainingtheoriginalwiththenominationpaperfiledbythecandidate.

3.28.5. If and when a document is filed subsequent to filing of nomination, anacknowledgement to that effect should be issued by the Returning Officer, clearlymentioningthedateandtimeatwhichitisfiled.

3.29. PHOTOGRAPHOFTHECANDIDATE3.29.1. At every election, the candidates shall be required to submit their photograph

conformingtotherequirementsandspecificationsalongwiththeirnominationpapersand, inanycase, latestby thedate fixed for scrutinyofnominations.Thephotographshould bear the signature of the candidate/election agent on the reverse side of thephotograph.Thespecificationsforthephotographareasfollows:

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i. Candidates are required to submit their recent photograph (taken during theprecedingperiodof3monthsbeforethedateofnotification).

ii. Photographshouldbeofstampsize2cmX2.5cm.(2cminbreadthand2.5cminheight) in white/off white background, with full face view directly facing thecamera, neutral facial expressionwith eyes open. Thephotomaybe in colour orblackandwhiteasmaybeconvenientforthecandidate.

iii. Photographshouldbe innormalclothing.Photograph inuniformisnotpermitted.Caps/hatsshouldbeavoided.Darkglassesshouldalsotobeavoided.

3.29.2. When the photograph is submitted, the candidate / election agent/proposersubmitting the photograph shall be asked to give a declaration stating that thephotograph being submitted is that of the candidate (mentioning the name andaddress)takenduringtheperiodofpreceding3months.Formatfordeclarationisgivenbelow:(ECIInstruction576/3/2015/SDRdated16.03.2015&576/3/2015/SDRVolIIdated21.05.2015).Declaration by Candidate/Election agent/ Proposer while submitting thephotographoftheCandidateSubject:Electionto……………………………………….(mentionthenameof theHouse) from………………………………………………… (name of the constituency)/election to Council ofStates/LegislativeCouncilbyAssemblyMembers.I ………………………………………………………………………… (name and address),son/daughter/wifeofShri…………………………………………,nominatedascandidatefortheabovementioned election, am submitting herewithmyphotograph for the purpose ofprinting the same on the ballot paper. I declare that the photograph has been takenduringthelast3monthsbeforethedateofnotificationofelection.(fillupthispartwhenthecandidatehimselfissubmittingthephotograph).

ORI ………………………………………. (name), election agent/proposer of Shri……………………………………………………………………………………………(nameandaddressofthecandidate), son/daughter/wife of Shri ……………………………………, a candidate for theabovementionedelection,herebysubmit thephotographof thesaidcandidate for thepurposeofprintingthesameontheballotpaper.Ideclarethatthephotographhasbeentakenduringthelast3monthsbeforethedateofnotificationofelection.(fillupthispartwhentheelectionagent/proposerissubmittingthephotograph).Date:……………………………… Name:……………………………

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Address:………………………… TelNo.………………………......

3.30. MISTAKES,PRINTINGERRORSETC.INELECTORALROLLORINNOMINATIONPAPER

3.30.1. The law says that nomisnomer or inaccurate description or clerical, technical orprintingerrorinregardtothenameofthecandidateorhis/herproposeroranyotherperson, or in regard to any place mentioned either in the electoral roll or in thenominationpaperandnoclerical,technicalorprintingerrorinregardtotheelectoralrollnumbersofthecandidateorhis/herproposeroranyotherpersonintheelectoralrollorinthenominationpapershallaffectthefulloperationoftheelectoralrollorthenomination paper. The law also requires the Returning Officer to permit any suchmisnomer, inaccurate description or error to be corrected or to overlook, wherenecessary, suchmisnomer, inaccuratedescriptionor error in the electoral roll or thenominationpaper.Stillacandidateiswell-advisedtotakeparticularcarethatnosuchmisnomerorinaccuratedescriptionorclerical,technicalorprintingerrorinregardtohis/hernameorthenameofhis/herproposeroranyotherpersonorinregardtoanyplace remains in the electoral roll or in the nomination paper, a candidate is welladvisedtolookintotheelectoralrollsinwhichhis/hernameandthenameofhis/herproposer appear well in advance before the writ for election is issued because it ispresumed thathe/shemusthavedecidedwell in time tostandasa candidate.And ifafterlookingintotheelectoralrollwellinadvanceoftheissueofthewritforelection,he/she find that there is any misnomer, inaccurate description or any error in theelectoral roll either in relation to himself/herself or his/her proposer or any otherperson(e.g.father'sname)ormismatchofphotooranyothermatter,thenhe/shemusttakeimmediatestepsforthecorrectionoftheerror,etc.undersection22andfortheinclusionofhis/hernameandorthenameofhis/herproposer,etc.,undersection23oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950.

3.31. RECEIPTFORNOMINATIONPAPERANDNOTICEFORSCRUTINYANDALLOTMENTOFSYMBOLS

3.31.1. AcandidatewillfindfromtheformofnominationpaperthatapartofitrequirestheReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficerbeforewhomitisfiledtofillinandsign a certificate of delivery. While filing the nomination paper make sure that theReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficerbeforewhomthenominationpaper

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isfiledentersinhis/herpresenceitsserialnumberandproperlyfills inandsignstheformofcertificateofdeliveryofnominationpaper.

3.31.2. AcandidatewillalsofindfromthenominationpaperthattheReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficerbeforewhomthenominationpaperisfiled,isrequiredtohandovertohim/herorhis/herproposerpresentingthenominationpaperareceiptforthesamewhichalsocontainsawrittennoticeofthedate,timeandplacefixedforthescrutinyofnominationpapers.Donot forgetoroverlooktoobtain thereceipt fornomination paper containing also the notice of the time, date andplace fixed for thescrutiny. All these are statutory requirements contained in section 35 of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Thereforedoseethatthecertificateofdeliveryin the form given on the nomination paper is dulymade in his/her presence by theReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficertowhomhe/shehasdeliveredthenomination paper and do not hesitate to ask fromhim for the receipt of nominationpaperwhichheisboundtogivetothecandidateorhis/herproposerbeforeleavingtheplacewherethenominationpaperisfiled.

3.31.3. TheCommissionhasdirectedthatReturningOfficershouldalsogivehim/heralongwiththeabovenoticeaboutthescrutinyofnominations,anothernoticeaboutthedate,timeandplaceofallotmentofsymboltocontestingcandidates.Candidateshouldtakethatnoticesothathe/shemaybepresentatthetimeofallotmentofsymbols,ifhis/hernameisincludedinthelistofcontestingcandidates.

3.32. EXAMINATIONOFTHENOTICESOFNOMINATIONS3.32.1. The Returning Officer under section 35 is required to cause to be fixed in some

conspicuousplaceinhisofficeanoticeofthenominationsreceivedbyhimoneachofthedatesfixedformakingofnominations.ThisnoticeisinForm3-AappendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961.Candidate iswelladvised tostudyandexamine thenoticesofthenominations.

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4. SCRUTINYOFNOMINATIONS

4.1. BYWHOMSCRUTINYOFNOMINATIONPAPERSISHELD4.1.1. Thenextstage in theelectionprocess is thescrutinyofnominationpapersby the

ReturningOfficer.TheReturningOfficer is requiredby law tohold the scrutinyof allnominationpapersreceivedbyhimonthedate fixed forscrutiny in theelectiontimetableissuedundersection30oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.

4.1.2. Thescrutinyofnominationpaperstakesplaceonthedayimmediatelyfollowingthelastdateforfilingnominations.Thus,iftodayisthelastdateforfilingnominationsthentomorrow will be the date for scrutiny of nominations. But if tomorrow is a publicholidaythenthescrutinyofnominationswilltakeplacedayaftertomorrowprovideditagainisnotapublicholiday.Inotherwords,scrutinyofnominationpaperscannotbeheldonapublicholiday.

4.1.3. ScrutinyofnominationpaperscanbedoneonlybyReturningOfficer.Thisfunctioncannot be delegated by the Returning Officer even to an Assistant Returning Officer.There is only one exception, that is to say, an Assistant Returning Officer may beauthorizedbytheReturningOfficertoholdthescrutinyofnominationsif,andonlyif,theReturningOfficerisunavoidablypreventedfromperformingthefunctionrelatingtothescrutinyofnominations(seetheprovisotosection22(2)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951).

4.2. WHOMAYATTENDSCRUTINYOFNOMINATIONS?4.2.1. According to law only four persons in the case of each candidatemay attend the

placeofscrutiny.Thesefourpersonsare:(1)thecandidatehimself,(2)thecandidate'selectionagent,(3)oneproposerofthecandidateand(4)oneotherpersonauthorizedinwriting by the candidate. Even if the candidate has filed themaximumnumber ofnomination papers from the same constituency, namely, four nomination papers andthere are different proposers, even then only one proposer can be present at thescrutiny.Thus,onlyfourpersonsforeachcandidatecanbepresent,andifthereare,say,for example, ten candidates who have filed nomination papers from a particularconstituencytheninallfortypersonscanbepresentatthescrutiny.Itwillbebetterforthecandidateifthefourthpersontobeauthorizedbyhim/herinwritingatthetimeofscrutiny is a lawyer conversantwith election law, so that hemay adequately protecthis/her interests at the timeof scrutiny. Itwill also be to interest of the candidate ifhe/shecanpresenthimself/herselfatthescrutiny.

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4.3. REASONABLEFACILITIESFOREXAMINATIONOFNOMINATIONPAPERS

4.3.1. Thefourpersons(includingcandidate),whocanbepresentonthecandidatebehalfat the timeofscrutiny,havearight tohaveall reasonable facilities forexamining thenomination papers of all the candidates which are taken up for scrutiny by theReturningOfficer.Thisisavaluablerightforthecandidateandthethreeotherpersons,whomaybepresentalongwithhim/her,namely,electionagent,oneoftheproposersandthepersonauthorizedbyhim/her.

4.4. OBJECTIONSWHICHMAYBERAISED4.4.1. Thecandidateshouldnotraiseany flimsyor technicalobjections inregard toany

nomination paper. Similarly, the candidate or the person representing him/her canopposeanyobjectionraisedagainsthis/hernominationonflimsyortechnicalground.Section36(4)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleact,1951clearlylaysdownthattheReturning Officer shall not reject any nomination paper on the ground of any defectwhich isnotofasubstantialcharacter.Rule4of theConductofElectionsRules1961laysdownthatthefailuretocompleteordefect incompletingadeclarationregardingsymbols in thenominationpaper isnotadefectofsubstantialcharacter.Therefore, ifanyoftheopposingcandidatesraisesanyobjectionregardingadefect,whichisnotofasubstantial character, the candidate or any of the persons who may be present onhis/herbehalfmayopposeit.Ithasalreadybeenpointedoutthat,onthepresentationofanominationpaper,theReturningOfficerwillsatisfyhimselfthatthenamesandtheelectoralrollnumbersofthecandidateandhisproposerasenteredinthenominationpaper are the same as those entered in the electoral rolls. Any misnomer or anyinaccurate description or clerical or technical or printing error in regard to thecandidatenameor thenameofhis/herproposeroranyotherpersonor in regard toany place mentioned in the electoral roll or nomination paper, etc., should notordinarilybeagroundforobjectionifsuchdescriptioninregardtoanynameandplaceissuchastobecommonlyunderstood.Ifatthetimeofscrutinyanyobjectionisraisedregarding such misnomer or inaccurate description etc., the candidate may drawimmediateattentiontotheprovisotosection33(4)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.

4.4.2. When any objection is raised against nomination paper of a candidate, he/sheshould try to impress upon the Returning Officer that he should not reject thenominationpaperonanyflimsyortechnicalground.IfR.O.issatisfiedastotheidentity

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of the candidate andof theproposer thenhe shouldnot reject thenominationpaperonly on ground of any technical defect or inaccurate description in the name of thecandidateortheproposerortheinaccuratedescriptionofanyplace.

4.5. GROUNDFORREJECTIONOFNOMINATIONPAPER4.5.1. RememberthattheReturningOfficerwillbejustifiedinrejectingnominationpaper

ofacandidateonanyoneofthefollowinggroundsnamely,i. If thecandidate isclearlynotqualified in lawtobeamemberof theHouseof the

PeopleorofStateLegislativeAssembly,orii. Ifthecandidateisclearlydisqualifiedinlawtobesuchmember,oriii. If the candidate has not taken the oath or affirmation as required by the

Constitution;oriv. Ifnominationpaperofthecandidatehasnotbeendeliveredintime;orv. Ifthecandidate’snominationpaperhasbeendeliveredtotheReturningOfficerorto

anauthorizedAssistantReturningOfficerbyapersonother than thecandidateorhis/herproposer;or

vi. Ifthecandidate’snominationpaperhasnotbeendeliveredattheplacespecifiedinthepublicnoticeissuedbytheReturningOfficer;or

vii. If thecandidate’snominationpaperhasbeendeliveredtoapersonotherthantheReturningOfficeroranyofhisauthorizedAssistantReturningOfficer;or

viii. Ifthecandidatenominationpaperisnotsubstantiallyintheprescribedform;orix. If the candidate’s nomination paper has not been subscribed by the required

numberofproposersorhasnotbeensignedeitherbythecandidateorbyhis/herproposer(s)orbyboth in theplacesmeant for such signatures in thenominationpaper;or

x. If the proper security deposit has not beenmade by the candidate in accordancewiththelawalreadyexplained;or

xi. If the candidate’s signature or the signature(s) of his/her proposer(s) on thenominationpaperis/arenotgenuine;or

xii. Ifthecandidatedoesnotbelongtotheclassofpersonsforwhomtheseatinhis/herconstituencyisreserved,e.g.ifacandidatedoesnotbelongtoScheduledCasteandhe/shefilesnominationpapertocontestaseatreservedfortheScheduledCastes;or

xiii. Iftheproposerisnotanelectoroftheconstituencyorisnoteligibletobeproposer.

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xiv. Ifthecandidatefailstofurnishwithhis/hernominationpapers,theaffidavitintheprescribedformats.

xv. Ifthecandidatefailstospecifyhis/herageinthenominationpaper.xvi. where the candidate is not an elector of the constituency for which he has filed

nomination paper and he has neither filed a copy of the electoral roll of theconstituencyinwhichheisregisteredasanelectororoftherelevantpartthereofora certified copy of the relevant entries relating to his name in such electoral rollalongwiththenominationpapernorproducedthesameatthetimeofscrutinyasrequiredunderSection33(5)ofthesaidAct.

xvii. columnswereleftblankintheaffidavitandfreshaffidavitnotfiledinspiteofnotice.4.5.2. Ifacandidate’snominationpaperisrejectedforanyreasonbytheReturningOfficer,

that candidate must get certified copies of the order of the Returning Officerimmediately containing reasons for such rejections. According to the Commission’sinstructions, the candidate is entitled to get a copy immediately after the ReturningOfficerhaspassedanorderrejectinghis/hernominationpaperforwhichhe/sheneednot topayanyfeeorcharges. Itmaybenotedthat ifanyof thenominationpapers isfoundvalidandaccepted,thatcandidatewillbeavalidlynominatedcandidateeveniftheothernominationpapersarerejected.

4.5.3. The candidatemay apply for time to rebut any objection, if he/she find that anyobjectionhasbeenraisedagainsthis/hernominationasacandidateandtorebutthatobjection he/she require some time. The candidate may immediately apply toReturningOfficerfortime.InsuchacasetheReturningOfficermayallowadjournmentas per the proviso to sub-section 15 of Section 36, which states that in such casescandidateconcernedmaybeallowedtimetorebutifnotlaterthanthenextdaybutonefollowingthedatefixedforscrutiny.

4.6. OATHORAFFIRMATIONBYTHECANDIDATE4.6.1. In this connection, the candidate attention may again be drawn to the Supreme

CourtdecisioninthecaseofPashupatiNathSinghvs.HariHarPrasadSingh(AIR1968SC 1064). According to that decision, the oath or affirmation by a candidatemust bemadeafterhehasbeennominatedandbeforethedatefixedforscrutiny.ThedetailedinstructionsinthisregardhavealreadybeengiveninpreviousChapter.

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4.7. REJECTIONOFONENOMINATIONPAPERNOTTOAFFECTTHENOMINATIONIFANYOTHERNOMINATIONPAPERISFOUNDVALID

4.7.1. Ithasalreadybeenmentionedthat fromthesameconstituency, thecandidatecanfileasmanyasfournominationpapers.Ifanyofthesefournominationpapersisfoundtobevalid,thenthatitselfwillbeenoughforhis/hervalidnominationeventhoughtheotherthreearerejected.

4.8. INDICATIVELISTOFDOCUMENTSANDOTHERMATERIALSWITHWHICHTHECANDIDATESHOULDBEPRESENTATTHETIMEOFSCRUTINY

4.8.1. To meet possible objections against nomination, candidate should take withhim/hertotheplaceofscrutinythefollowingdocuments,namely:

a. CopyofchecklistgivenbyROatthetimeoffilingofnomination;b. Satisfactoryevidenceregardinghis/herage:c. Wheredeposithasbeenmadeincash,thereceiptgiventothecandidatebyReturning

OfficeroranauthorizedAssistantReturningOfficerand,wheredeposithasbeenmadein a Government treasury or in the Reserve Bank of India, the duplicate copy of thetreasuryreceiptorchallan;

d. Thereceiptfornominationpaperandnoticeofscrutinywhichwashandedovertothecandidate by the Returning Officer or the authorized Assistant Returning Officer onpresentingthenominationpaper;and

e. AcopyoftheaffidavitfiledinForm26;andf. Any other evidence or material, which may be necessary to repeal and rebut any

objectionwhichhasbeenormayberaisedagainstthecandidate’snomination.

4.9. CORRECTIONINTHENAMESOFCANDIDATES4.9.1. Inthepast,therehavebeencomplaintsfromsomecandidatesthattheirnameswere

notcorrectlyspeltintheballotpaper.Inordertoavoidsuchcomplaints,eachcandidateorinhisabsence,hiselectionagentorhisproposer,mayberequiredtogivethecorrectspellingofthenameofthecandidateineachofthelanguagesinwhichtheballotpapersaretobeprinted,inwritingeitheratthetimeoffilingthenominationorimmediatelyafterthescrutinyofnominationsisoveroratthetimeoftheallotmentofsymbols.Ifacandidateconsidersthathisnameisincorrectlyspeltorisotherwiseincorrectlyshowninhisnominationpaperorisdifferentfromthenamebywhichheispopularlyknown,he may, at any time before the list of contesting candidates is prepared, furnish inwriting to Returning Officer the proper form and spelling of his name along with

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evidence tosupport theclaimandReturningOfficershall,onbeingsatisfiedas to thegenuineness of the requestmake the necessary correction or alteration in the list inForm 4 and adopt that form and spelling in the list of contesting candidates. Suchrequestwillnotbeentertainedafterlistofcontestingcandidatesisprepared.

4.10. DO’SANDDON’TSFORGUIDANCEOFCANDIDATES4.10.1. The election law of our country is quite comprehensive and the procedure quite

elaborate.Itisupontheirdueobservancethatthepurityoftheelectionsdepends.SomeoftheDo's/Don'tsaresuggestedforthecandidateguidanceinAppendix11.Itshouldbenotedthatthesearenotexhaustivebutareonlyillustrative.

4.11. CODEOFCONDUCT–DO’SANDDON’TSFORGUIDANCEOFPOLITICALPARTIESANDCANDIDATES

4.11.1. ApartfromtheModelCodeofConduct(Appendix17),theCommissionhasissuedanother setofCodeofConduct -Do'sandDon’ts forguidanceofpoliticalpartiesandcandidates to be observed from the announcement of an election and until thecompletionoftheprocessofelection.AcopytheseCodeofConduct-Do'sandDon’tsisalso given in Appendix 12. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure thatneither he/she or nor the political party which has set him/her up, his/her agents,workers,supporterssympathizersindulgeinanyactofcommissionoromissionwhichmayamounttoviolationofthesaidCodeoftheseDo’sandDon’ts.

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5. WITHDRAWALOFCANDIDATES

5.1. WITHDRAWALOFCANDIDATURE5.1.1. If the candidate’s nomination paper is accepted, he/she becomes a validly

nominatedcandidate.Buteventhen,he/shemayliketowithdrawfromthecontestforseveral reasons.Suchreasonsmaybepersonalorpolitical.Thecandidatemaykindlynotethatthewithdrawalofhis/hercandidaturecanbedoneonlyafterthescrutinyofnominationsisoverandnotatanystagebefore.

5.2. NOTICEOFWITHDRAWAL5.2.1. If a candidate has decided to withdraw his/her candidature even after his/her

nominationpaperhasstoodthetestofscrutinybytheReturningOfficer, thenhe/shemustdosobyanotice inwritingandsuchnoticeshallbe inForm5appendedtotheConductofElectionRules,1961(Appendix13).Thecandidateshouldfillform5verycarefully andafter signing thenote, itmustbedelivered to theReturningOfficernotlater than 3 p.m. on the last date fixed under section 30 (c) for the withdrawal ofcandidatures in person or by any of his/her proposers or his/her election agent. Ifproposer or election agent is delivering the notice of withdrawal, there should be awritten authorisation by the candidate authorising the proposer or election agent todeliver the withdrawal notice. Otherwise, such notice will not be accepted by theReturningOfficer.Thenoticeofwithdrawalshouldnot,inanycase,besentbypost.

5.3. REQUIREMENTSFORVALIDWITHDRAWAL5.3.1. Thenoticeofwithdrawalshallbeintheprescribedform(Form5).5.3.2. Itmustbesignedbycandidateonlyandbynooneelseonhis/herbehalf.5.3.3. It must be delivered to the Returning Officer not later than 3 O’clock in the

afternoononthelastdateforwithdrawalofcandidature;and5.3.4. Suchdeliverymustbemadeeitherbythecandidateinpersonorbyoneofhis/her

proposerswho signed his/her nomination as proposer or by his/her duly appointedelection agent, but if it is delivered by the proposer or by election agent, then suchproposerorelectionagentmustbeauthorisedbythecandidateinwritinginthisbehalf.

5.4. NOTICEOFWITHDRAWALTOBEFINAL5.4.1. The candidatemust also note very carefully that once he/she has validly given a

noticeofwithdrawalofhis/hercandidaturetoReturningOfficer,itbecomesfinalunder

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section 37 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and he/shewill not beallowedunderanycircumstancestocancelthenotice.

5.4.2. Butifthecandidatehasdecidedtowithdrawfromthecontest,he/shehastotakeaparticular care that all the conditions mentioned above are fulfilled. Otherwise, thewithdrawalofhis/hercandidaturewillnotberegardedaswithdrawalintheeyeoflawand his/her name will be included by the Returning Officer in the list of contestingcandidatespreparedbyhimundersection38oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951withtheresultthatevenifthecandidatedoesnotactuallycontest,his/hernamewill appear on the Ballot, he/she cannot get a refund of the money which he/shedeposited along with his/her nomination paper and he/she will be required to filehis/heraccountofelectionexpenses.Butifthenoticeofwithdrawalisagoodandvalidone and accepted by theReturningOfficer, then the candidatewill be entitled to getback the money he/she deposited along with his/her nomination paper and he/sheneednotfiletheaccountofelectionexpenses.

5.5. RECEIPTFORNOTICEOFWITHDRAWAL5.5.1. After thenotice ofwithdrawal has beendeliveredby the candidate or onhis/her

behalfbyhis/herproposerorelectionagentasauthorizedbythecandidateinwriting,pleasewait there forsometimetohavethereceipt for thenoticeofwithdrawal.Thisreceipt will be handed over by the Returning Officer. Do not leave the Office of theReturning Officer without getting this receipt because this receipt will help thecandidateingettingbackhis/herdepositmoney.

5.6. LISTOFCONTESTINGCANDIDATES5.6.1. Immediatelyafter3P.M.on the lastday fixed forwithdrawalof candidaturesand

after completing the symbol allotment, Returning Officer will then draw a list ofcontestingcandidateswhichwillcomprisethenamesofvalidlynominatedcandidates,their addresses, theirphotographs and the symbol allotted,whohavenotwithdrawntheircandidature.ThelistofcontestingcandidatesistobedrawninForm7A.

5.6.2. ImmediatelyafterthepreparationofthelistofcontestingcandidatescauseacopyofthelisttobeaffixedinsomeconspicuousplaceinReturningOfficer’soffice.ReturningOfficeralsosupplyacopyofthelistofcontestingcandidatestoeachsuchcandidateorhiselectionagent.

5.6.3. Sub-rule(1)ofRule31ofConductofElection(Rules),1961,requiresacopyofthelistofcontestingcandidatestobedisplayedoutsideeachpollingstation.

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5.6.4. ThelistwillalsobepublishedintheGazetteofIndiainthecaseofaparliamentaryelection,andintheStateGazetteconcernedinthecaseofanassemblyelection.

5.7. ARRANGEMENTOFNAMESINTHELISTOFCONTESTINGCANDIDATES

5.7.1. As per the section 38 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and revisedForm 4 (List of validly nominated candidates) and Form 7A (List of contestingcandidates), names of candidates in the said lists are required to be arranged underthree categories, i.e. (i) candidates of recognised National parties and State politicalparties in the State concerned, (ii) candidates of registered unrecognized politicalpartiesand(iii)other(independent)candidates.Therefore,namesofcandidateswillbearranged in the said lists andalsoon theballotpapers in the saidorderunder thesecategories. Itmaybenoted thatnameswill be arrangedalphabetically in eachof theabove mentioned three categories separately. (However, the headings of the abovementioned three categories as given in the revised Form 7A shall not appear on theballot papers). The serial numbering will however be continuous for all threecategories.

5.7.2. TheReturningOfficerwilldeterminethearrangementofthenamesofcandidatesinalphabetical order in each of the three categories in the list of validly nominatedcandidates,thelistofcontestingcandidatesandalsoinballotpapersonthebasisofthefirst letter of name irrespective of whether the name given is the proper name orsurname.Theinitials,ifany,prefixedtothenameofacandidateshallbeignoredfortheaforesaidpurpose.Thus,inthecaseofacandidategivinghisnameas“T.K.Reddy”,theplace of that candidate according to alphabetical order shall be determined withreferencetotheletter“R”andnot“T”.However,iftwocandidatesinthesamecategoryhavethesamenamesbutdifferentinitials,forexampleP.S.ReddyandT.K.Reddythenthetwonameswillbearrangedinter-sewithreferencetothefirstletteroftheinitials.Further, iftwoormoresuchcandidateshavethesamenamesbutdifferentsurnames,thentheirnamesshallbearrangedinter-seinalphabeticalorderwithreferencetothesurnames.

5.7.3. Rules22(3)and30(3)oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961providethatiftwoormore candidates bear the same name, they shall be distinguished by the addition oftheiroccupationorresidenceorinsomeothermanner.Insuchcases,thearrangementof names of those candidates if falling under the same category in the list of validly

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nominated candidates and contesting candidates and in theBallotPaperwill bewithreferencetothedistinguishingnamesofthecandidates.

5.7.4. There will also be no objection to the addition of any honorific, academic,hereditary,professionaloranyothertitletothenameofacandidate,butsuchtitleshallonnoaccountbetakenintoconsideration,inthearrangementofnamesinalphabeticalorderinthelistofvalidlynominatedcandidatesorcontestingcandidatesandinballotpaper.

5.7.5. TheReturningOfficerwillarrangethenamesofthecandidatesinthelistofvalidlynominatedcandidatesalphabeticallyaccordingtothescriptofthelanguageasspecifiedbytheCommission.(Appendix9and9A).

5.8. ISSUEOFIDENTITYCARDSTOCONTESTINGCANDIDATES5.8.1. After the finalization of the list of contesting candidates, issue an identity card to

eachcontestingcandidateintheformgivenbelow:CANDIDATE’SIDENTITYCARD

PhotographShri/Srimati…………………………………………….isacontestingcandidateforelectiontothe………………………………………….fromthe………………………constituencyandissetupbythe…………………………party.

(signatureofthecandidate)AttestedbyPlace:Date:

ReturningOfficer(Seal)

[N.B.IfthecandidateissetupbyaNationalpartyoraStatepartyoranunrecognizedparty registered with the Commission, he/she should enter the name of the party,otherwiselastportionintheformindicatingthepartyshouldbescoredout].

5.8.2. The Commission has decided that in all elections, the identity cards issued tocontestingcandidatesshallcarrytheirphotographs.AllcandidatesshouldthereforebeinstructedbytheReturningOfficertofurnishtwocopiesoftheirrecentphotographsassoonasthe listofcontestingcandidates is finalizedonthe lastdateforwithdrawalofcandidatures.Theidentitycardsofallcandidateswillbepreparedinduplicate,sothat

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theduplicate copy is keptby theReturningOfficer asoffice copy for thepurposesofrecord.

5.8.3. The candidate should not fail to collect his/her identity card from the ReturningOfficerandhe/sheshouldalwayskeepitwithhim/her.Duringtheelectioncampaign,onthedayofthepollandonthedateofcounting,therewillarisevariousoccasions,onwhich the identification as a candidate will be necessary and this identity card willreadilyestablishtheidentityasacandidate.

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6. ELECTIONAGENTS

6.1. APPOINTMENTOFELECTIONAGENTS6.1.1. A candidate may appoint any person to be as his/her election agent. Note that

under the law, it isnotnecessaryor incumbentonacandidate toappointanelectionagent at the time of filing of his nomination paper. Such appointment may, if thecandidatesodesires,bemadeatanytimeafterthenominationasacandidateornotatall. Every such appointment has to be made by a formal communication by thecandidate in Form 8 (Appendix 14) in duplicate, which has to be forwarded toReturning Officer. The Returning Officerwill return one copy thereof and return thesecond copy to the candidate/election agent after affixing thereon his seal andsignatureintokenofhisapprovaloftheappointment.

6.1.2. Anypersonwhois forthetimebeingdisqualifiedundertheConstitutionorunderthe Representation of the People Act, 1951, for being a member of either House ofParliamentoreitherHouseoftheLegislatureofaStateorforvotingatelectionsshall,solongasthedisqualificationsubsists,alsobedisqualifiedforbeinganelectionagentatanyelection.

6.1.3. Further,theCommissionhasinstructedthattheministersoftheunionorstatesandMPs,MLAs,MLCsandanyotherpersonprovidedwithsecuritycoverbythestateshallnot be appointed as election agents (and also as polling and counting agents) as thesecuritypersonnelaccompanyingthemcannotbepermittedtoenterpollingstationandcountingcentre,norcan theirsecuritybe jeopardized in theabsenceof theirsecuritypersonnel. No person with security cover can be allowed to surrender the securitycovertoenablehimtobecomeanelectionagent.

6.1.4. A candidate may revoke the appointment of election agent in writing in Form 9(Appendix15)underhis/hersignaturebylodgingwiththeReturningOfficer. ItshalloperatefromthedatefromwhichitislodgedwiththeReturningOfficer.Intheeventofsuchrevocationor thedeathofanelectionagent, thecandidatemayappointanotherelection agent in his place. The candidate should give notice of such appointment inwritinginForm8totheReturningOfficerandstatesthefactstherein.

6.1.5. Anelectionagentmayperformsuchfunctionsinconnectionwiththeelectionasareauthorized by the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules madethereunder.Inparticular,thecandidateorhis/herelectionagentmustkeepafulldaytoday account of his/her election expenses incurred on each item duly supported byvoucherswhichshouldbelodgedalongwiththeaccountofelectionexpenses.Itisalso

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pointedoutthatanycorruptpractice(mentionedinsection123oftheR.P.Act,1951)committedbyhis/herelectionagentwillberegardedinlawashavingbeencommittedby him/her and thatwill vitiate his/her election. Therefore, a candidate should takepropercareinselectingtheelectionagent.Candidateshouldaskhis/herelectionagentto carefully go through the provisions of section 123 of the Act regarding corruptpractices. The candidate is responsible for the actions done by the election agent onhis/herbehalf.

6.1.6. Appointment of Additional Election agent: Every candidate is also permitted toappointanadditionalelectionagentforassistingthecandidateinvariousexpenditurerelatedmatters.Thisadditionalagentwouldbeforthepurposeofperformingonlythenon-statutorydutiesrelatingtoexpendituremonitoringmatters.Thestatutoryduties,theelectionagentisauthorizedtoperformonbehalfofthecandidate,canbeperformedonly by the election agent appointed under Section 40 of the Representation of thePeopleAct,1951readwithRule12oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961.

6.1.7. The Commission has decided that Identity Cards shall also be issued to electionagents. The letter of appointment of election agent in Form 8 itself will serve thepurpose of such identity card. The candidate should affix the photographs also ofhis/her election agenton the right topportionof both the copiesof his appointmentletter in Form 8. These photographswill be attested by the Returning Officer in thesamemanner as has been instructed in the case of attestation of photographs of thecandidatesinPara5.8.2ofChapter5.

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7. CAMPAIGNPERIOD

7.1. INTRODUCTORY7.1.1. The election law provides for an interval of not less than thirteen clear days

between the last dates fixed for the withdrawal of candidatures and the poll. Thisperiod should be properly utilized for canvassing and educating the voters and fortrainingthelargenumberofworkersandagentsthatthecandidatewillhavetoemploy.

7.1.2. Acontestingcandidateshouldutilizethisperiodfullyforeducatingthevotersastohowtheyhavetorecordtheirvotesbymeansofvotingmachines.Similarly,thepersonsproposed to be appointed by the candidate as his/her polling and counting agentsshouldalsobeaskedto thoroughlyacquaint themselveswith thevotingandcountingprocedure to be followed while using these machines. For their guidance, theCommission has brought out separate handbooks for themwhich they should studycarefully.

7.2. CORRUPTPRACTICESANDELECTORALOFFENCES7.2.1. While undertaking the electioneering campaign, the candidate should ensure that

the highest standard of morality and purity are maintained, as that would in turnensure free and fair election. Themost potent causewhich tends tomar the smoothconduct of an election and disturb the atmosphere of friendly contest that shouldprevailduringtheelections, istheviolationofthestatutoryprovisionsofelectionlawrelating to corrupt practices and electoral offences. The election lawhas enumeratedvarious corrupt practices and electoral offences in sections 123 to 136 of theRepresentation of the People Act, 1951 and chapter IX-A of IPC. For the candidate’sconvenience, the above-mentioned provisions are reproduced inAppendix 16. Thecommissionof any such corruptpracticesandoffencesby the candidate’s agentsandworkersmay vitiate his/her election. The candidate should, therefore keep in checkhis/her overenthusiastic agents and workers from indulging in any objectionableactivities.Evena singleproved instanceof corruptpracticemaybeenough tounseatthecandidate,ifhe/sheissuccessfulintheelection.

7.2.2. Inparticular,thecandidatedoesnotpermit,onhis/herbehalf:i. Any bribery or undue influence by way of coercion or intimidation of voters or

otherwiseorpersonation;ii. Anyarrangement,directorindirect,tocarryanyvotertoorfrompollingstationby

anykindofvehicleusedfortransport(thisisalsoacriminaloffence);

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iii. Anyacttopromoteorattempttopromoteongroundsofreligion,caste,communityorlanguage,feelingofenmityorhatredbetweendifferentclassesofcitizensofIndiaisacorruptpracticeandwhichmayrenderthecandidate’selectionvoidandentaildisqualification formembership andwhich is also an electoral offencepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreeyears,orwithfineorboth;

iv. Any assistance fromany government servant to help the candidate’s prospects intheelection,exceptthatagovernmentservantmay,ifhesodesires,casthisvoteforhim/her;N.B. Such assistance on thepart of aGovernment servant is a corrupt practice aswell as an offence. If the candidate instigates him to do so, he/shewill be liablecriminally for abetment. Provided that where any person in the service of theGovernment and belonging to any of the specified classes in the discharge orpurporteddischargeofhisofficialduty,makesanyarrangementsorprovidesanyfacilities,ordoesanyotheractor thing, foror in relation toanycandidate,orhiselectionagent,oranyotherperson,actingwiththeconsentofthecandidate,orhiselection agent (whether by reason of the office held by the candidate or for anyotherreason),sucharrangements,facilitiesoractorthingshallnotbedeemedtobeassistanceforthefurtheranceoftheprospectsofthatcandidate’selection.

v. Thecandidate’selectionexpensestoexceedthelegalmaximum;vi. anyremovalofballotpaperorvotingmachinefromthepollingstationortampering

with the ballot boxes or votingmachines by use of force or otherwise (these arecriminaloffences);

vii. anyappealbythecandidateorbyhis/heragentoranyotherpersonwithhis/herconsentorwiththeconsentofhis/herelectionagenttovoteorrefrainfromvotingforanypersonongroundsofhisreligion,race,caste,communityorlanguageortheuseof or appeal to religious symbols or theuseof or appeal toNational SymbolssuchasNationalflagortheNationalemblemwhichisacorruptpracticeunderthelaw.(However,nosymbolallottedtoacandidateshallbedeemedtobeareligioussymboloraNationalsymbol);

viii. the publication of any statement of factwhich is false in relation to the personalcharacterorconductofanycandidate;

ix. boothcapturingasdefinedinsection135AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Boothcapturingisbothacorruptpracticeandanelectoraloffencepunishablewithimprisonmentofnotlessthansixmonthsanduptotwoyearsandwithfine.

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7.3. MODELCODEOFCONDUCTANDITSOBSERVANCE7.3.1. Apart from the abovementioned corrupt practices and electoral offences, the

electioncampaignsmay takedifferent forms,whichmaycreate feelingsofbitterness,irritation, confrontation and resentment among the various political parties andcandidatesandvitiatetheatmosphere.Toenableaconduciveatmosphereforensuringa free and fair election, the Commission has evolved a Model Code of Conduct forGuidanceofPoliticalPartiesandCandidates.

7.3.2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into operation from the day the Commissionannounces theprogrammeforelection in theconstituency.TheModelcodeshallalsoapplytothecontentbeingpublished.TheModelCodeisreproducedatAppendix17.

7.3.3. If this code is scrupulously followedbypoliticalpartiesandcontestingcandidatesandalsobytheirworkers,therewillbehardlyanycausefor ill-willorfrictionamongthemandtheelectioncanbeconductedbytheOfficerschargedwiththetasksmoothlyandfairly.Theseofficerswouldthusrequirethecandidate’sco-operationinthisnobletask.

7.4. STANDINGCOMMITTEES7.4.1. For ensuring compliance of themodel code by all political parties and contesting

candidatesandforconsideringspecificcasesofviolationofthatcode,theCommissionhas issuedinstructionsinthepastthatastandingcommitteeshouldbeconstitutedineach district under the chairmanship of the head of the district administration i.e.DeputyCommissioner,DistrictMagistrate etc. andbesides the seniorpoliceofficerofthedistrict, therepresentativeof NationalandStatepartiesinthedistrictshouldbeassociatedwithsuchcommittees.

7.4.2. The Commission has also instructed that, in addition to the aforesaid districtCommittees,thereshouldbeconstitutedasimilarcommitteeineachconstituency.Thiscommitteewill functionunder theReturningOfficer andwill consist of all contestingcandidates or their authorized representatives, beside the senior police officers. Thecommittee will meet quite frequently, if possible, from day to day. It will act as awatchdog to see that theModelCodeofConduct is followed. If candidatenoticesanyinstancesofviolationofsuchcode,heshouldreporttothecommitteeforsuchremedialorpunitiveactionasisconsiderednecessary.

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7.5. PROCESSIONANDMEETINGS7.5.1. Thecandidateorhis/herpartyshouldobtainwellintimetherequiredpermission

fromtheproperauthority for theholdingofameetingatanypublicorprivateplace.The Commission has issued instruction that all public maidans, meeting halls, etc.shouldbemadeavailabletoallcandidatesequallyandnounduefavourorpreferenceshould be shown in this regard to the candidates of any particular political party.Temples,mosques,churchesorotherplacesofworshipshouldnotbeusedasforumforsuch meeting or for any election propaganda. Similarly, permission should also beobtainedforconductingprocessions.Theapplicationshouldbemadeintimetoenablethelocalpoliceauthoritiestomakenecessarytrafficandsecurityarrangements.Takingout processions on the same roads or routes onwhich some other candidate is alsotakingoutaprocessionon the sameday shouldbeavoided.Pictorial representationsshouldbesoberandmoderateandofrealeducativevaluetovoters.Ahighstandardofdecencyanddecorumshouldbemaintainedwhilemakingspeechesorraisingslogans.NoLoudspeakersshouldbeused foranysuchmeetingsorprocessionsor forgeneralpropagandawithoutpriorwrittenpermissionoftheauthoritiesconcernedandbeyondthehoursfixedbytheCommissioninthisbehalf.

7.5.2. Apublicaddresssystemor loudspeakeroranysoundamplifier,whether fittedonvehicles of any kind whatsoever, or in static position, used for public meetings forelectioneeringpurposes,shallnotbeusedatnightbetween10.00p.m.and6.00a.m.

7.5.3. NoLoudspeakerfittedonvehiclesofanykindor inanyothermannerwhatsoevershould be used during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for theconclusionofthepollinanypollingarea.

7.5.4. There is no restriction of number of vehicles which the candidate may use forelectioncampaign.However,novehiclecanbeusedwithoutobtainingvalidpermission.Thecandidateshouldsubmitthedetailsofallsuchvehiclesthathe/shemaybeusingintheelectioncampaignbeforetheDistrictElectionOfficerorsuchotherofficer(s)asmaybe specifically authorized by the District Election Officer in this behalf before thecampaigning commences and should obtain permits in respect of such vehicles. Anyfurther deployment of additional vehicles by the candidate can take place only afterhe/sheorhis/herelectionagenthavesubmitteddetailsofsuchadditionalvehiclesandobtain permits such additional vehicles well before the actual deployment. Whilesubmittingthedetailsofthevehiclesthatarebeingdeployedforelectioncampaignthedetails of the areas in which such vehicles would operate, should also be furnished.

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Expenditureincurredonallsuchvehicleswhichareusedforelectioncampaignshallbebookedagainsttheelectionexpenditureofthecandidate.

7.5.5. Any vehicle which has not been registered for campaigning with the districtadministrationiffoundbeingusedforcampaigning,shallbedeemedtobeunauthorizedcampaigningforthecandidateandmayattractpenalprovisionsofChapterIXAoftheIndian Penal Code and shall therefore be immediately taken out of the campaigningexercise.

7.5.6. ExternalmodificationofvehiclesincludingfittingofLoudspeakerthereon,wouldbesubject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act/Rules and any other LocalAct/Rules. Vehicleswithmodifications and special campaign vehicles likeVideoRathetc., can be used only after obtaining the requisite permission from the competentauthoritiesundertheMotorVehiclesAct.

7.5.7. Thecandidateshouldensurethatvehicles forthecampaignpurposeplyonlywiththe prior approval of the Returning Officers and must display the permit issued inoriginal (not photocopy) prominently on the windscreen. The permit must bear thenumberofthevehicleandnameofthecandidateinwhosefavouritisissued.

7.5.8. ThecandidateshouldintimatetoDistrictAdministration3dayspriortolandingofHelicopterandpersonstravelingthereinandobtainpriorpermissionforthelandingofsuchHelicopter.

7.6. DEFACEMENTOFPUBLICANDPRIVATEPROPERTYManyoftheState/Unionterritorieshavelawstopreventthedefacementofproperty,which term includes anybuilding, structure, hut,wall, tree, fence, post, pole or anyothererection.Defacement includes impairingor interferingwiththeappearanceofbeauty,damaging,disfiguring,spoilingorinjuringinanyotherwaywhatsoever.Theoffenceiscognizableandpunishablewithimprisonmentorwithpenaltyorwithboth.The candidate must ensure that he/she or his/her agents, etc. do not violate theprovisions of this law and/or the general law relating to defacement of private orpublic property. The Election Commission of India issued, from time to time,instructions on defacement of Public and Private Properties. The candidate shouldfamiliarize with the local law on defacement of properties and also followinginstructionsoftheCommissioninthematter-

i. DEFACEMENTOFPUBLICPLACES:1. No wall writing, pasting of posters/papers or defacement in any other form, or

erecting/displayingofcut-outs,hoardings,banners flagsetc.shallbepermittedon

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any Government premise (including civil structures therein). For this purpose aGovernment premisewould include any Govt. office and the campuswherein theofficebuildingissituated.

2. If the local law expressly permits or provides for writing of slogans, displayingposters,etc.,orerectingcut-outs,hoardings,banners,politicaladvertisement,etc.,inanypublicplace,(asagainstaGovt.premises)onpaymentorotherwise,thismaybeallowedstrictlyinaccordancewiththerelevantprovisionsofthelawandsubjecttoCourtorders,ifanyonthissubject.Itshouldbeensuredthatanysuchplaceisnotdominated/monopolized by any particular party(ies) or candidate(s). All partiesandcandidatesshouldbeprovidedequalopportunityinthisregard.

3. Ifthereisaspecificallyearmarkedplaceprovidedfordisplayingadvertisementsinapublicplace,e.g.billboards,hoardingsetc.andifsuchspaceisalreadyletouttoanyagency for further allocation to individual clients, the District Election Officerthrough themunicipal authority concerned, if any, should ensure that all politicalparties and candidates get equitable opportunity to have access to suchadvertisementspaceforelectionrelatedadvertisementsduringtheelectionperiod.

ii. DEFACEMENTOFPRIVATEPLACESa. In the States where there is no local law on the subject, and subject to the

restrictions under the lawwhere there is a law, temporary and easily removableadvertisement materials, such as flags and banners may be put up in privatepremiseswiththevoluntarypermissionoftheoccupant.Thepermissionshouldbeanactoffreewillandnotextractedbyanypressureorthreat.Suchbannerorflagshouldnotcreateanynuisancetoothers.Photo-copyofthevoluntarypermissioninwriting obtained in this connection should be submitted to the Returning Officerwithin 3 days of putting up the flags and banners in such cases in the mannerprescribedinsub-para(c)below.

b. If the local law does not expressly permit wall writing, pasting of posters, andsimilar other permanent/semi-permanent defacement which is not easilyremovable,thesameshallnotberesortedtounderanycircumstances,evenonthepretextofhavingobtainedtheconsentoftheowneroftheproperty.Thiswillalsoapply in the states where there is no local law on the subject of prevention ofdefacementofproperty.

c. Wherethelocallawexpresslypermitswallwritingsandpastingofposters,puttingup hoardings, banners, etc. on private premiseswith the owner's permission, thecontesting candidates or the political parties concerned shall obtain priorwritten

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permission from the owner of the property and submit photocopies of the samewithin 3 days to the Returning Officer or an officer designated by him for thepurpose,togetherwithastatementinthefollowingproforma.Thestatementinsuchcases and in the cases mentioned in sub-para (a) above should clearly mentiontherein the name and address of the owner of the property from whom suchpermission has been obtained togetherwith expenditure incurred or likely to beincurred for the purpose. Nothing inflammatory or likely to incite disaffectionamongst communities shall be permissible in such writings/display. Theexpenditure incurred in this mode on specific campaign of candidate(s) shall beaddedtotheelectionexpendituremadebythecandidate.Expenditureincurredonexclusivecampaignforapartywithoutindicatinganycandidateshallnotbeaddedtocandidate’sexpenditure.Thecontestingcandidateshallfurnishsuchinformationvillage/locality/town-wise,totheReturningOfficer,ortheauthorizedofficerwithin3 days of obtaining the requisite permission, for easy checking by the ReturningOfficer or the Election Observer or any officer connected with the conduct ofelections.

Statementshowingthedetailsofwall-writings/posters/hoardings/banners,etc.displayed by Shri / Smt. / Ms. ……………………………………..., contesting candidate in………………………………………………. Parliamentary Constituency / AssemblyConstituencyNameoftheVillage/Town/Locality………………………………………

S.No. Name and address of theowner of the privatepropertyfromwhomwrittenpermission has beenobtained

Details of Wall-writing orHoardings or Banners orPoster(Sizeofwallwriting/hoarding / banner / postershallbeindicated)

Expenditureincurred orlikely to beincurred onthe wallwriting /hoarding /banner /posters etc.(Rupees)

Total

d. Subject to any restrictions under any local law or any court orders in force, the

political parties, candidates, their agents, workers and supporters may put upbanners, buntings, flags, cut-outs, on their own property, provided they do so ontheir own volition, voluntarily and without any pressure from any party,

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organization or person, and provided further that these do not cause anyinconvenience in anymanner to anyone else. If suchdisplay of banners, flags etc.aimstosolicitvoteforanyparticularcandidate,thentheprovisionsofSection171Hof the IPCwouldbeattractedandwouldhave tobe followed.Section171Hof theIPCstipulatesthatwhoeverwithoutthegeneralorspecialauthorityinwritingofacandidate incurs or authorizes expenses on account of the holding of any publicmeeting, or upon any advertisement, circular or publication, or in any otherwaywhatsoever for the purpose of promoting or procuring the election of suchcandidate, shall be punishedwith finewhichmay extend to five hundred rupees:Provided that if anypersonhaving incurred any such expensesnot exceeding theamountof ten rupeeswithout authorityobtainswithin tendays from thedateonwhich such expenses were incurred the approval in writing of the candidate, heshallbedeemedtohaveincurredsuchexpenseswiththeauthorityofthecandidate.

iii. DEFACEMENTOFHALLS/AUDITORIUMSANDOTHERPUBLICPROPERTIES1. In the case of Halls/Auditoriums/Meeting venuesowned/controlledby the

Government/localauthorities/PSUs/Cooperatives, if the law/guidelinesgoverningtheir use do not preclude politicalmeetings therein, there is no objection to it. Itshallbeensuredthattheallocationisdoneonequitablebasisandthatthereisnomonopolizationby anypolitical partyor candidates. In suchvenues, displayingofbanners,buntings, flags,cut-outs,maybepermittedduringtheperiodofmeetingssubject to any restrictions under the law/guidelines in force. Such banners, flags,etc. shall be got removed by the party/individual who used the premisesimmediately after conclusion of themeeting, and in any casewithin a reasonableperiod after themeeting is over. Permanent/semi-permanent defacement such aswallwriting/pastingofpostersetc.shallnotbepermittedinsuchpremises.

2. If anypolitical party/association/candidate/person indulges in defacement of anypropertyinviolationofthelocallaw,ifany,ortheaboveinstructions,theReturningOfficer/DistrictElectionOfficershall issuenoticetotheoffenderforremovingthedefacementforthwith.Ifthepoliticalparty/association/candidate/persondoesnotrespond promptly, the district authorities may take action to remove thedefacement,andtheexpenses incurred in theprocessshallberecovered fromthepolitical party/association/candidate/person responsible for the defacement.Further,theamountalsoshallbeaddedtotheelectionexpenditureofthecandidateconcerned,andactionshouldalsobe initiatedtoprosecutetheoffenderundertheprovisionsoftherelevantlaw(underthelawrelatingtopreventionofdefacement,

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ifany,orundertheprovisionsof thegeneral lawforcausingwilfuldamagetothepropertyofothers)

iv. DEFACEMENTOFVEHICLES1. In private vehicles, subject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, Rules

thereunderandsubjecttocourtordersinforce,ifany,flagsandstickersmaybeputon thevehiclesby theownerof thevehicleonhisownvolition, insuchamannerthattheydonotcauseanyinconvenienceordistractiontootherroadusers.Ifsuchdisplayofflagsandstickersaimstosolicitvoteforanyparticularcandidate,thentheprovisions of Section 171H of the IPC would be attracted and would have to befollowed.

2. On commercial vehicles, display of any flag, sticker etc. shall not be permitted,unlesssuchvehicleisavehiclevalidlyusedforelectioncampaignafterobtainingtherequisitepermitfromtheDistrictElectionOfficer/ReturningOfficerandthedisplaythereofinoriginalonthewindscreen.

3. ExternalmodificationofvehiclesincludingfittingofLoudspeakerthereon,wouldbesubject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act/Rules and any other LocalAct/Rules. Vehicles with modifications and special campaign vehicles like VideoRath etc., can be used only after obtaining the requisite permission from thecompetentauthoritiesundertheMotorVehiclesAct.

v. OTHERCAMPAIGNRELATEDITEMSSubjecttoaccountingfortheexpenditure,thefollowingmaybepermitted:

1. Inprocessionsandralliesetc.,flags,banners,cut-outsetc.canbecarriedsubjecttolocallawsandprohibitoryordersinforce;

2. Insuchprocession,wearingofparty/candidatesuppliedspecialaccessorieslikecap,mask, scarf etc. may be permitted. However, supply of main apparels like saree,shirt,etc.byparty/candidateisnotpermitted.

3. Educational institutions including their grounds {whether Govt. aided, private orGovt.}shallnotbeusedforpoliticalcampaignsandrallies.

vi. OPERATIONOFTEMPORARYCAMPAIGNOFFICEForthepurposeoflocalcampaign,thecandidatewillbeallowedtosetupandoperatetemporarycampaignofficesubjecttothefollowingconditions:

1. No such office will be opened by way of any encroachment either of public orprivateproperty.

2. Nosuchofficeswillbeopened inanyreligiousplacesorcampusof suchreligiousplaces.

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3. Nosuchofficeswillbeopenedcontiguoustoanyeducationalinstitution/hospital.4. NoSuchofficeswillbeopenedwithin200metersofanexistingpollingstation.5. Such offices can display only one party-flag and banner with party

symbols/photographs.6. Thesizeofthebannerusedinsuchofficesshouldnotexceed‘4feetX8feet’subject

to the further condition that if the local laws prescribe a lower size for banner /hoardingetc.;thenthelowersizeprescribedbylocallawshallprevail.

7.7. VULNERABILITYMAPPING7.7.1. The threat and intimidation to the voters particularly, the voters fromvulnerable

sectionsofthesocietyinsomepartsofthecountryhasbeenacauseofconcern.Withaview to meet this challenge, the Election Commission has introduced the system of‘VulnerabilityMapping’.A freeand fairelectioncanbeconductedonly inaconduciveatmospherefromthelawandorderpointofview.Hence,itbecomesimperativetokeeptrackof the lawandordersituationduring therunup to theelectionandon thepollday. Taking due cognizance of the role being played by the muscle power in theelections and taking into account of certainprevailing socio-economic realities of theelectoralpolitics, theElectionCommissionhas issuedvarious instructions tocurb themenace of threat and intimidation at elections by identifying the locations within apollingstationareavulnerableforsuchthreatandintimidation.

7.8. PROHIBITIONOFPUBLICMEETINGSANDPROCESSIONSDURING48HOURSIMMEDIATELYBEFORETHECLOSEOFTHEPOLL

7.8.1. Thelawprovidesthatnopersonshall–a. Convene, hold, attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in

connectionwithanelection;orb. Displaytothepublicanyelectionmatterbymeansofcinematograph,televisionor

othersimilarapparatus;orc. propagateanyelectionmattertothepublicbyholding,orbyarrangingtheholding

of,anymusicalconcertoranytheatricalperformanceoranyotherentertainmentoramusement with a view to attracting the members of the public thereto, in anypollingareaduringtheperiodofforty-eighthoursendingwiththehourfixedfortheconclusionofthepollforanyelectioninthatpollingarea.

7.8.2. Any person who contravenes the above provisions shall be punishable withimprisonmentforaterm,whichmayextendtotwoyearsorwithfine,orwithboth.

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7.8.3. The expression "election matter" means any matter intended or calculated toinfluenceoraffecttheresultofanelection.

7.8.4. Thecandidateshouldkeeptheseprovisionsinviewwhileholdingpublicmeetings,ortakingonanyprocessions,etc.

7.9. DISTURBANCEINTHEPUBLICMEETINGS7.9.1. Ifanysupporterofarivalcandidateoranyoneopposedtothecandidateorhis/her

party creates disturbance in any of his/her election meetings, the chairman of themeetingmayrequestanypoliceofficerwhomaybepresenttoascertainthenameandaddressofthepersonwhodisturbsthemeeting.Thepolicewilltakeactiontoprosecutetheoffenderundersection127oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951whichhasbeenreproducedatAppendix-16.Theoffenceundersection127iscognizable.

7.9.2. Similarly,thecandidate’sworkers,agentsandsupportersshouldalsobetoldnottodisturbpublicmeetingofrivalcandidates.

7.10. STRICTOBSERVANCEOFCODEOFCONDUCT–DO’SANDDONT’SFOROBSERVANCEOFPOLITICALPARTIESANDCANDIDATES

7.10.1. Asalreadymentioned inpreviousChapters, theCommissionhasgiventwosetsofDo’sandDon’ts forguidanceofpoliticalpartiesandcandidates forensuring free, fairandpeacefulelections(videAppendix-11and12).Ensurethatnotonlythecandidatebut also the political party, if any, which has set up the candidate, his/her agents,workers,supportersandsympathizersalsoobservethoseDo’sandDon’tsstrictlyfromthetimetheelectionsareannouncedandtilltheircompletion.

7.11. RESTRICTIONSONPRINTINGANDPUBLISHINGOFPAMPLETSETC7.11.1. Thecandidate’sattention isalso invited to section127-Aof theRepresentationof

the People Act, 1951 which imposes restrictions on the printing and publishing ofelectionpamphletsandposters.Thissectionprovidesthat–a. Everyelectionpamphlet,hand-bill,placardorposter,whichisprintedormultigraph

by any process (except copying by hand), must bear on the front the name andaddressoftheprinterandthenameandaddressofthepublishers:

b. the printer of any such document must obtain from the intending publisher adeclaration(induplicate)regardinghisidentitysignedbyhimandattestedbytwopersonstowhomheispersonallyknown(Annexure-AofAppendix-18).

c. As soon as the document is printed the printer must send one copy of thedeclaration and one copy of the document to the Chief Electoral Officer, if the

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documentisprintedatthecapitaloftheState,andtotheDistrictMagistrateofthedistrictinwhichitisprintedinanyothercase;

d. Contravention of any of the provisions of the section is punishable withimprisonmentuptosixmonthsorfineuptotwothousandrupeesorwithboth;

e. Theserestrictionshoweverdonotapplytoanyhand-bill,placardorpostermerelyannouncing the date, time, place and other particulars of an election meeting orroutineinstructionstoelectionagentsorworkers.

7.11.2. Inorderthatthereisstrictobservanceofandcompliancewith,therequirementsofthe abovementioned provisions of law the Commission has issued detailed order on2.9.94(Appendix–18).Theordermainlyprovidesasfollows:a. The printer should send four copies of the printed material, instead of one as

mentionedinsub-para(c)aboveandonecopyofthedeclarationofthepublishertothechiefelectoralOfficer/DistrictMagistratewithin3daysofitsprinting,thefailureofwhichshouldbetreatedasaviolationoftheaboveprovisions.

b. The printer should furnish along with the declaration and copies of the printedmaterial,fullparticularsregardingnumberofcopiesofthepamphlets,etc.,printedandthepricechargedforsuchjobintheproformaprescribedbytheCommission,dulysignedandauthenticatedbysuchprinter.Acopyof theproformaprescribedforthepurposeisreproducedinAnnexure-BofAppendix-18.

c. TheDistrictMagistratesshallexhibitatsomeconspicuousplaceintheirofficealltheelectionposters,pamphlets,etc., receivedby them fromtheprintingpressso thatthe candidates and other interested persons may be able to check in respect ofwhichdocumentstherequirementsoflawhavebeencompliedwithsoastoenablethemtobringtothenoticeoftheauthoritiesconcernedthecasesofotherelectionposters,pamphletsetc.,inrespectofwhichtheaboverequirementoflawhavebeenviolated.

d. The Chief Electoral Officers shall also do like-wise in respect of such documentsreceivedbythem.

e. The District Magistrates and other authorities charged with the detection andinvestigation of offences have been instructed that they should initiate promptactionandinvestigation,ifanycaseofpublicationofelectionposter,pamphlet,etc.in violation of the abovementioned provisions of section 127-A of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951eithercomes,orisbrought,totheirnotice.In all such cases, prosecutions should be launched against the offendersexpeditiously.

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7.11.3. In recent times, theElectionCommissionof Indiahasobserved the trend that theadvertisementsarebroughtoutinprintmedia,especiallynewspapers,forandagainstparticularpoliticalpartiesandcandidates,somesurrogateandsomeunderthenameofsomeorganizationduringtheelectionperiod.Inorderthatthereisstrictobservanceofand compliance with, the requirement of the provisions of Section 127- A ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951,theCommissionhasissuedfollowingorders-a. Inthecaseofadvertisements,thesourceofwhichistraceable,thefollowingaction

shallbetaken:i. iftheadvertisementiswiththeconsentorknowledgeofthecandidate,itwill

betreatedtohavebeenauthorizedbythecandidate(s)concernedandwillbeaccountedforintheelectionexpensesaccountofthecandidate(s);

ii. iftheadvertisementisnotwiththeauthorityfromthecandidate,thenactionshallbetakenforprosecutionofthepublisherforviolationofSection171HofIPC-(incurring expenditure in advertisementwithoutwritten authority fromthecandidate(s)concerned).

b. Iftheidentityofthepublisherisnotindicatedintheadvertisement,thentheDistrictElection Officer/Returning Officer shall contact and get the information from theNewspaperconcerned,andshalltakeappropriateaction,asabove.

7.11.4. The candidate must see that all the above requirements of law and theCommission’s directives are invariably complied with in respect of the electionpamphletsandpostersprintedandpublishedbyhim/heroronhis/herbehalf.Thisisessential forensuringhealthyelectioncampaignsandmaintainingpurityofelections.Also, the candidate should not hesitate to report to the authorities concerned anyinstances, which come to his/her notice or knowledge about the publication of anyelectionpostersorpamphletsincontraventionoftheaboveprovisionsoflaw.

7.12. PROHIBITIONOFMISUSEOFSHORTMESSAGESERVICES(SMS)7.12.1. In recent times, the Election Commission of India has also observed a trend of

transmittingcertainobjectionablemessagesonShortMessageServices(SMSs)bysomepersonswithvestedinterestsduringtheelectionsbyviolatingtheprovisionsofelectionlaw,modelcodeofconductanditsdirections/instructionsissuedinthisbehalf.Bytheaforesaidacts,theatmosphereforfree,fairandpeacefulelectionsprocessgetsvitiated.TheElectionCommissionofIndiahasissuedthefollowingdirectionsinthematter:i. For objectionable SMSs,which are violating the provisions of election law,model

codeofconductandtheCommission’sdirections/instructionsissuedinthisbehalf,

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thePoliceAuthoritiesshalladvertisespecialmobilenumbersonwhichthereceiverofsuchSMScanforwardthesaidSMS(alongwiththenumberofthesenderoftheobjectionable SMS). The Police Authorities shall initiate appropriate inquiry andtraceback theoriginal senderof suchSMSand takeappropriate actionunder therelevantprovisionsoftheIndianPenalCode,RepresentationofthePeopleAct1951,the Conduct of ElectionRules, 1961, instructions/directions issued thereunder bytheCommissionandanyotherlawapplicableinthecase.

ii. BulkSMSstransmittedduringthecampaignperiodasanalternativeelectioneering,asandwhennoticedbyReturningOfficerorDistrictElectionOfficerwillbebroughtto thenoticeofChiefElectoralOfficer,who in turn,will findout thecost involvedfromtheServiceProviderandapportionittothecandidateorcandidatesconcernedasthecasemaybe.

iii. ThereshallbeprohibitionoftransmittingbulkSMSsofpoliticalnatureforaperiodof48hoursendingwiththehourfixedforconclusionofpoll.

7.13. RESTRICTIONSONPRESENCEOFPOLITICALFUNCTIONARIESINACONSTITUENCYAFTERTHECAMPAIGNPERIODAREOVER

7.13.1. Thecandidate’sattentionisalsoinvitedtoSection126oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,which imposesrestrictions forcampaigningduringtheperiodof48hoursendingforthecloseofpoll.Hence,theCommissionhasissuedaninstructionthatafter the campaign period is over, the district election administration/policeadministration shall ensure that all such functionaries leave the constituencyimmediately after the campaign period is over. However, it has been decided by theCommission that the elected MP or elected MLAs of poll going PC/AC constituencyshouldnotbeaskedtoleavetheirconstituencyduringtheelectiontoLokSabha/StateLegislative Assembly, even if he/she is not an elector of the poll going PC/ACconstituency.However,suchMP/MLAshallnotbeallowedtocarryoutanycampaignintheconstituencyafterthecampaignperiodisover,i.e.,48hoursbeforethetimeofcloseof poll. FurtherMLA shall stay only in his own constituency and not visit any otherassembly segment of a Parliamentary Constituency in the case of election from aParliamentaryConstituency.

7.14. UNOFFICIALIDENTITYSLIPS7.14.1. Thepoliticalpartiesandcandidatesmayissueunofficialidentityslipscontainingthe

followinginformationtothevoters;i. Nameandserialnumberofthevoterintheelectoralroll;

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ii. Partnumberoftheelectoralroll;andiii. Theserialnumberandnameofthepollingstation.7.14.2. Theidentityslipsshouldbeonwhitepaperandshouldnotcontainthenameofthe

candidateand/orthenameofhispartyand/orhiselectionsymbol.Theslipsshouldnotcontainanyslogansoranyexhortationtovoteforapartyorforacandidate,sincethesewouldamount to canvassingwithin thepolling station,which isnotpermissible.Thecirculationofanyslipcontaininganysuchsloganorexhortationwithin200metersofthepollingstationwouldamounttocanvassingwhichisnotpermissibleunderthelaw.Thecontentofslips,whichmaybeissuedbythecandidates,areasgivenbelow:� PC/ACname………………………… � PollingStationnumberandname…………………………………� (Locationdetail)……………………….� Voter’sSl.No.inElectoralRoll…………………� PartNo……………….� Name:……………………………………

7.15. POLLINGREHEARSALS7.15.1. Thecandidatemayarrangeforhis/herpollingagenttoattendpollingrehearsalsin

theirrespectiveareassothattheymaygetfamiliarwiththepollingprocedureandtheoperationofvotingmachines.

7.16. EDUCATINGTHEELECTORSABOUTTHEVOTINGPROCEDURE7.16.1. The candidate’s workers should educate the electors about the voting procedure

and, inparticular, themannerofrecordingofvotesbymeansofvotingmachinesandVVPAT. The electors should be advised to use the votingmachines and to give theirsignaturesor thumb impressionswithoutany fear.Theyshouldbe informedthat thiswill not in anyway violate the secrecy of their vote or disclose their identity, as thepacketsofregistersofvoterscontainingthesignatures/thumbimpressionsofelectorswill be sealed, immediately after the close of thepoll,with the seals of thePresidingOfficers and polling agents of the candidates and such sealed packets shall notthereafterbeopenedorinspectedbyanypersonexceptundertheorderofacompetentcourt.

7.16.2. Thecandidate’sworkersshouldalsofamiliarizetheelectorsabouttheotherdetailsofvotingprocedurefollowedatthepollingstation.Theelectorshouldbeinformedthatafteranelector’sname is located in theelectoral roll andhis identityestablished,his

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leftforefingerwillbemarkedwithindelibleink.TheCommissionhasnowchangedthemannerofapplicationofindelibleinkontheelector'sfinger.Nowtheindelibleinkwillbeappliedonvoter's left-hand forefingerasa line fromthe topendof thenail to thebottomofthefirstjointoftheleftforefinger.Hewill thenberequired togivehissignatureor thumb impressionon theregisterofvoters.Ifheputshisthumbimpressionontheregister,heshouldcleanhisthumbwiththehelpofapieceofwetclothorragprovidedonthetableofthepollingofficer.Thiswill be necessary to avoid any possible smudge on the votingmachine. The electorsmustbeinformedaboutthenewmannerofmarkingoftheleft-handforefinger,sothattheymaynotraiseanyobjectiontoitatthepollingstation.ThePollingOfficerinchargeoftheControlUnitofthevotingmachinewillthenallowtheelectortorecordhisvoteonBallotingUnitkeptinthescreenedvotingcompartmentonthebasisofthisvoter'sslip.Forthispurpose,thepollingofficerwillpresstheBallotbuttonontheControlUnitwhichwillactivatetheBallotingUnittorecordthevote.Theelectorwillrecordhisvoteby simply pressing the 'Candidate' button on the Balloting Unit against the name,photographandsymbolofthecandidateofhischoice.Onpressingthesaidbutton,thevoterwillseearedlampglowingagainstthenameandsymbolofthecandidatewhosebutton he has pressed and the VVPATwill print a small slip of paper that carry thesymbol,nameandserialnumberofthecandidatevotedwhichwillbevisibleforsevensecondsintheVVPATwindow.Also,abeepsoundwillbeheardemittingoutfromtheControl Unit. These audio and visual indications are confirmation of the fact that hisvotehasbeendulyrecordedforthecandidateofhischoice.

7.17. DUMMYBALLOTPAPERS7.17.1. There isnoobjectiontoacandidateprintingadummyballotpaperusinghisown

nameandsymbolindicatingtheplacewheretheywouldappearintheballotpapertobeusedattheelection.But itshouldnotcontainthenamesandsymbolsofanyothercontestingcandidatesintheconstituency.Thedummyballotpapermaybeprintedinany colour such as brown, yellow or grey, but not pink and white, and should notresemblethegenuineballotpaperinsizeorcolour.

7.18. DUMMYBALLOTINGUNITS7.18.1. There is also no objection to the candidates/ political parties preparing dummy

BallotingUnitsforthepurposeofeducatingthevoters.ThedummyBallotingUnitsmaybemade of wooden, plastic or ply board boxes, half the size of the official BallotingUnits andmay be painted brown, yellow or grey. These dummy Balloting Unitsmay

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haveprovisionforshowingtheserialnumber,nameandsymbolofthecandidateasinthedummyballotpaper.Itmayalsohaveabattery-operatedbuttonandalampwhichmaylitonthebuttonbeingpressed.

7.19. PRINTEDSAMPLEOFEVMATPOLLINGSTATION7.19.1. In order to explain to the illiterate voters about how to use the EVM, the

Commissionhasissuedthefollowinginstructions:a. Aprinted sample of EVMBallotingUnit pasted on a cardboard (real size)will be

suppliedtoallthepresidingofficers.Whileprintingsuchmodelballotcareshallbetakentoensurethatonlydummynameanddummysymbolsthatarenotinuse,areusedandnotanyrealnamesorsymbols. Itshallbeprintedincoloursothat ‘bluebutton’‘greenlight’and‘redlight’etcareclearlyrepresented.

b. Whenever any voter asks for help or expresses inability to vote using EVM, thepresiding officer can explain to the voter the voting process using the cardboardmodeloftheEVMballotinsuchamannerthatthevoterisabletounderstand.Thisshallbedoneoutsidethevotingcompartmentonlyinthepresenceofpollingagentsandneverinsidethevotingcompartment.

c. The Presiding Officer or other polling staff shall not frequent the votingCompartmentasthatmaygivescopeforcomplaints.

d. Inordertoensurethatnovoterhascommittedanymischiefbypastinganypaper,tapesetc.,onthesymbol/names/ballotbutton,thepresidingofficermayfromtimetotimeinspecttheBallotingUnit(BU)butheshouldmakeitapointtodosointheimmediate presence of polling agents when there is no voter inside the votingcompartment.

7.20. SYMBOL7.20.1. Fortheconvenienceofthevoters,thecandidatemayprintcopiesofhis/hersymbol

anddistribute them, but the voters cannot carrywith them the paper containing thesymboltothepollingstation.

7.21. LISTOFDEAD,ABSENTEE,SHIFTEDANDDUPLICATEVOTERS7.21.1. Inrecenttime,theElectionCommissionofIndiahasnoticedthatonthedayofpoll,

sometimepersons come to the polling station to vote in the nameof voterswho aredeadorshiftedtootherplaces.Inthecourseofcanvassingforvotesonthecandidate’sbehalf, his/her workers and agents may find that some of the voters whose namesappear in the electoral roll are dead, that some voters may have more or less

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permanentlyleftthelocality.Thecandidatemayaskhis/herworkerstopreparealistof such dead, absentee or shifted and duplicate voters for each polling stationseparately.Ifpossible,getalistofsuchvotersagreedtobyallthecontestingcandidatesandarrangetodelivertheagreedlisttotheReturningOfficeratleast7daysbeforethefirstdayof thepoll in theconstituency.Even if the listcannotbeagreedtobyall thecontesting candidates, get asmanyof them to agree aspossible, or, failing even that,supplytheReturningOfficerwithhis/herownlist.

7.21.2. Inordertopreventimpersonationatthetimeofpoll,theCommissionhasissuedthefollowingdirectionsinrespectofAbsentee,ShiftedandDeadelectors.� A List of ASD voters should be prepared polling station wise and it should be

ensured that each Presiding officer is provided with a separate list of Absentee,ShiftedandDeadelectors(ASDList).

� Onthedayofpoll,inordertocastvote,theelector,whosenameappearsinsuchalist, shall have to produce EPIC for his/her identification or any one of thealternativephoto identitydocumentspermittedbytheCommission.ThePresidingOfficershallverifytheidentificationdocumentpersonallyandthedetailsshouldbeproperlyregisteredbythePollingOfficerconcernedintheregisterofvotersinForm17A.

� Thumb impressionof suchelectors shall alsobeobtained inaddition to signatureagainst the column of "signature/thumb impression” of Register of voters (Form17A).Thethumbimpressionshallbeinadditiontothesignatureeveninthecaseofanelectorwhoisaliterateandcansign.

� PresidingOfficershallmaintainarecordandgiveacertificateattheendofthepoll(to be keptwith Form 17A for scrutiny) that somany electors from the ASD listwereallowedtovoteafterproperscrutiny.

� Ifvideography/photographyisbeingdoneinthepollingstation,suchelectorsshallbephotographedandtheirrecordkept.

7.21.3. Microobservers,whoarepresent,shouldensurethattheseinstructionswithregardtoAbsentee, ShiftedandDeadelectorsaremeticulously followedandmakea specificmentionaboutthisintheirreport.ThePresidingofficershallbebriefedspeciallyabouttheseprocedures to be followed inPolling stations for electorswho are in the list ofAbsentee,ShiftedandDeadelectors.TheCommissionhasdirectedthatidentificationofoverseaselectorsatthetimeofcastingofvotesatpollingstationshallbedoneonlyonthe basis of original passports produced by them. The voter slip collected from the

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votersshouldbetaggedseriallyandafterthecompletionofthepoll,thesameshouldbekeptinaseparateenvelopeprovidedforthepurpose.

7.21.4. Thelistshouldbecorrectlyprepared.Careshouldbetakenthatthenameofnorealvoterisincludedtherein.Itwillcauseannoyanceifanyrealvoteriswronglyincludedinthe list of dead, absentee or shifted and duplicate voters and his right to vote isquestionedatthepollingstation.

7.21.5. Thecandidateshouldhandovertohis/herpollingagent foreachpollingstationacopy of the list of suchdead, absentee or shifted andduplicate bogus voters for thatpollingstationsothathemaywatchforanypersoncomingtovoteinthenameofanysuchvoteronthepollingdayandmaydrawtheattentionofthePresidingOfficertothefact.

7.21.6. By following the above instructions diligently, the candidate will not only helphimself/herself but also assist the election authoritiesmaterially inpreventingbogusvoting.

7.22. DEATHOFACANDIDATEBEFOREPOLL7.22.1. Thelaw(Section52ofR.P.Act,1951),whichearlierprovidedforcountermandingof

election on the death of any candidate has undergone a significant change by theRepresentationofthePeople(Amendment)Act,1996.AspertheamendedSection52only in theeventofdeathof a candidate setupbya recognisedpoliticalparty in thefollowingcircumstancesthepollshallbeadjourned:a. The said candidate dies at any time after 11.00 a.m. on the last date for making

nominationandhisnominationisfoundvalidonscrutinyundersection36;orb. Hisnominationhasbeen foundvalidonscrutinyundersection36andhehasnot

withdrawnhiscandidatureundersection37,andhedies,andineithercaseareportofhisdeath is receivedatany timebefore thepublicationof the listof contestingcandidatesundersection38;or

c. Hedies as a contesting candidate anda reportofhisdeath is receivedbefore thecommencementofthepoll.

7.22.2. TheReturningOfficeronbeingsatisfiedaboutthefactofthedeathofthecandidate,will order the adjournment of the poll to a date to be notified later by the ElectionCommission.

7.22.3. In the case of death of a candidate as mentioned at (a) above, the order ofadjournmentofpollwill bemadeonlyafter the scrutinyof all nominations includingthe nomination of the deceased candidate. In such case, it should be noted that the

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candidateshallbedeemedtohavebeensetupbyrecognisedpoliticalpartyonlyifallthe requirements mentioned in para 13 of the Election Symbols (Reservation andAllotment)Order,1968havebeenfulfilledbythetimeofdeathofthecandidate.Ifthepartyhasnotgivenintimationregardingsettingupofthecandidate intheprescribedforms 'A’and 'B'by the timeof thedeathof thecandidate, thecandidateshallnotbedeemed to have been set up by a recognised political party for the purpose ofadjournmentofpoll.Insuchacase,contentionofanypartythatitwouldhavefurnishedthe required intimation by 3.00 p.m. of the day (as required under para 13 of theSymbolsOrder)cannotbeaccepted.

7.22.4. Anotherimportantpointtonoteinthisconnectionisthatrecognisedpoliticalparty,for the purpose of section 52 of Representation of the People Act, 1951, means arecognisedNationalpartyorapartyrecognisedasaStatePartyintheStateconcerned.A party recognised as a State Party in a particular State will be treated only as aregisteredun-recognisedpartyinotherStatewhereitisnotrecognisedasStateParty,even if that party has been granted concession to use its symbol in other States.Therefore,pollwillnotbeadjournedonthedeathofacandidatesetupbysuchaparty.

7.22.5. OnreceiptofthereportfromtheReturningOfficeraboutthedeathofthecandidateset up by a recognised political party, the Election Commission will call upon theconcernedpoliticalpartytonominateanothercandidateforthesaidelectioninplaceofthe deceased candidate. The political partywill have tomake the nominationwithinsevendaysoftheissueofnoticetothateffectbytheElectionCommission.Nominationofsuchcandidatewillalsobedoneintheprescribedform(i.e.,Form2Aor2B,asthecasemaybe)andhewillalsohavetomakeafreshsecuritydeposit.Thenominationintheprescribed formshouldalsobeaccompaniedby the required intimation from theparty inFormAandFormBprescribedunderparagraph13of theElection Symbols(Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968. All other requirements of law relating tonomination, scrutiny of nomination, withdrawal of candidature in respect of suchcandidatehavealsotobefollowed.

7.22.6. Apersonwhohadgivenanoticeofwithdrawalofhiscandidatureundersub-section(1) of section 37 before the adjournment of poll is eligible to be nominated as acandidateinplaceofthedeceasedcandidate.

7.22.7. If the list of contesting candidates had already been published under section 38,beforetheadjournmentofpoll, theReturningOfficerwillprepareandpublisha freshlistofcontestingcandidatesincludingthenameofthecandidatenominatedinplaceofthedeceasedcandidate.

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7.22.8. FurtherstagesoftheelectionwillcontinueaspertherevisedschedulenotifiedbytheCommission.

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8. VIDEOGRAPHYOFCRITICALEVENTS

8.1. INSTRUCTIONSRELATEDTOVIDEOGRAPHY8.1.1. In order to have a true, faithful and concurrent record of the violations of the

election law and its standing instructions and to assess the impact of its correctivemeasures,theElectionCommissionhasissuedthefollowinginstructions.1. ReturningOfficerofeachconstituencyshallmakearrangementstorecordthrough

videographyofcriticaleventsduringtheprocessofelectioneering,includingbutnotrestrictedtotheperiodofpubliccampaign,thedayofpoll,thetransportandreceiptofpolledballotboxesandothermaterials,countingofvotesandthedeclarationofresultsinanindependentintelligentandpurposefulmanner.

2. Forthispurpose, theReturningOfficersmaymakeuseofvideocamerasandcrewavailable with the Governmental or semi-Governmental agencies within theirjurisdictionorhirelocalprivateprofessionalVideographers.

3. The Returning Officer shall, while programming the itinerary of the Video teams,takeintoaccountthenumberofelectors,thesizeoftheconstituency,thenumberofsensitive polling stations, previous history of booth capturing and othermalpractices, thegeneral lawandorder situation, the likelihoodof commissionofcorruptpracticesandelectoraloffencesandotherrelatedfactors.

4. Onthebasisofhisassessment, theReturningOfficershoulddecidethenumberofvideo teams needed. The Commission has not prescribed any maximum orminimumnumberofvideoteamsforanassembly/parliamentaryconstituencyandhasleftittothediscretionoftheReturningOfficersonacorrectappreciationofthefactorsmentionedabove.

8.1.2. TheCommissionhas issuedthefollowinginstructions inthematterofselectionof

Videographersandtheirdeployment:-1. The private videographers to be hired shall be screened thoroughly as to their

professionalcompetence,trackrecord,financialviabilityandotherrelatedfactors.2. Thevideographersshouldnotbelongtoanypoliticalpartyandshouldnotbeknown

sympathizersorsupportersorcloserelativesofanyofthecontestingcandidatesorany of the leaders of any political party or should not have been hired by anypoliticalpartyorcontestingcandidate.

3. The Returning Officer is required to provide tea, snacks food etc. to thevideographersandtheyshallnotbelefttofendforthemselveswhileonduty.Itshall

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beensuredthatthevideographersDONOTacceptthehospitalityofanycontestingcandidateorpoliticalpartyortheirworkers.

4. Video teams should be under the personal supervision and guidance of a seniorelectionrelatedofficer.

5. As and when required the video teams may be asked to accompany theGeneral/ElectionExpenditureObserverssothatallcriticaleventsobservedbythemmayalsobevideotaped.

6. The videographers shall be impressed that the principle behind the scheme is torecordandvideotapecriticaleventsonlywhicharelikelytovitiatethepollandnottojustvideotapealleventsinaroutinemannerinordertofillthecassette.

8.1.3. Followingitemsshouldbeconsideredforspecialwatchandvideography–� Meeting addressed/attended by Ministers, top national/State level leaders of

recognizedparties.� Riotsorriotoussituationsorcommotionsbrickbatting,free-for-alletc.� Violentincidents,damagingofproperty,looting,arson,brandishingofarmsetc.� Boothcapturing.� Intimidationofvoters.� Inducement / bribingof votersbydistributionof items like saree, dhoti, blankets

etc.� Canvassingwithin100metersofpollingstations.� Vulgardisplayofexpenditurelikehugecut-outsetc.� Movementandactivitiesofcandidateswithdoubtful/criminalrecords.� Hypersensitive&sensitivepollingstations� Importanteventssuchasnomination,scrutinyandwithdrawalofcandidatures� PreparationofEVMsbyROs� ClosureofstrongroomafterdepositofEVMstherein� OpeningofstrongroomsbeforetakingouttheEVMsforcounting� Countingprocess

Note:Theseareillustrativeandnotexhaustive.Allvideoanddigitalphotographyshouldbedonewithdateandtimerecordingsothattherealtimeanddatecanbeverified.

8.1.4. ThevideofilmsthuspreparedshallbeviewedbytheReturningOfficerimmediatelytoidentifywhetheranyoftheorganizers/speakersorotherparticipantsofthepublicmeeting has committed any violations or infractions of statutory provisions and

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directions of the Commission or Model Code of Conduct relating to the conduct ofelections.

8.1.5. In cases where the Returning Officer is himself competent, immediate correctiveactionincludingdisciplinaryactionagainstallthosefoundguiltyshallbetakenandtheCommissioninformedofthesame.

8.1.6. In cases of serious infringements, which the Returning Officer in his judgmentdecides to report to the Commission, a copy of the videotape concerned will beforwarded to theCommissionbyquickestmeanspossible.The tapeswillbecarefullyindexed and accompanied by a brief explanatory note of the infringement towardswhichtheattentionoftheCommissionisproposedtobeinvited.Theexplanatorynoteshallinvariablymentionthebroaddetailsoftheviolations,thepersonsresponsibleforthesameandtheactionrecommended.

8.1.7. The video graphic clippings are required to be shown to one of the ObserversavailableintheConstituencyona-dailybasistoenablehimapprisetheCommissionofthe situationprevailing inaparticular constituencyso that remedialmeasures, if anyneeded,canbetakenpromptly.

8.1.8. WhileseekingtheclearanceoftheCommissionfortakingupofthecountingofthevotes and declaration of the results, the ReturningOfficermust include a categoricalstatementtotheeffectthatallinfringementsobservedinthevideographedeventshavebeenappropriatelyandcompletelydisposedof.

8.1.9. IndeferencetothesuggestionsofSupremeCourt,containedin its judgmentdated11th January2005 inCivilAppealNo.9228of2003- (JanakBinghamVs.DasRaiandOther)theCommissiondirectsthatphotographymaynowbecarriedinsidethepollingstationstophotographelectorsandcoverpollproceedingswithoutcompromisingthesecrecyofvoting.Forsuchphotography,arrangementswillbemadebytherespectiveDistrictElectionOfficer(DEO)inconsultationwiththeChiefElectoralOfficer.

8.1.10. In particular cases where the Commission has specifically directed video/digitalphotography of voters in identified area/assembly segments/polling stations, careshould be taken to ensure that faces of all electors coming to cast their vote but nothavingEPICorotherECIapprovedphotoidentitycard,iscapturedinsamesequenceastheyareenteredinform17-Ai.e.RegisterofVoters.Thephotographofelectorsshallbetakenimmediatelyafteranentryhasbeenmadeinform17-A.

8.1.11. Critical events in and around the polling station should also be captured onvideo/digitalcamerainsuchpollingstations.Forexample,� MockpollandsealingofEVMbeforecommencementofpolls.

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� Positioningofvotingcompartment� Presenceofpollingagents� Voterswaitingoutsideat the closeof scheduledhourofpoll and the last voter in

queue� Visitsofsectorofficers,observersandotherelectoralfunctionariesetc.

8.1.12. The District Election Officers will issue digital cameras to the trained officersselectedforthepurposeunderproperreceiptforcoveringthespecifiedpollingstation.These officers will capture the photographs of electors as indicted above during theperiod of poll and at the end of poll shall issue a certificate that “I have capturedphotographs of all electors who voted at polling station number…………………...ondate………………...andtotalnumberofphotographsinthecameraare………………”.

8.1.13. After completion of poll the officer who did the photography shall deposit thecamera along with the above certificate at a separate counter to be erected for thepurposeatcollectioncentre.Theseofficerswillbegivenproperdutypassestoenablethemtodophotographyinsidethepollingstation.OnreceiptofsuchcamerasDistrictElectionOfficer shallmake arrangements fordownloading thephotographs and theircomparison. The Returning Officers and Observers will use the results of photomatching while making the recommendations for repoll. The downloaded data inrespectofallpollingstationswillbekeptbytheDEOsinCDsforlateruse.Thecameraswill be cleared after downloading the photographs and their comparison for use insubsequent phases or elections as per the instructions issued by the Chief ElectoralOfficerinthisrespect.

8.1.14. The training of personnel who will be engaged in digital photography inside thepolling stations shall be arranged by the Chief Electoral Officer. The Chief ElectoralOfficer/DistrictElectionOfficerswillmakesurethatenoughbatteriesareavailableforoperationofcamerasinremoteareas.All2ndPollingOfficers,allPresidingOfficers,allAROs/ROs/DEOs/Observers/Candidatesandpoliticalpartiesshouldbeapprisedofthesearrangements.

8.1.15. Each and every video cassette produced in compliance with the orders of theCommissionshallformapartoftherecordoftheconcernedelectionandstoredassuchwithdueprecautionsforitssafetyuntilitisweededoutwiththepriorwrittenapprovaloftheCommissionandinthemannerprescribed,asinthecaseofotherrecordsoftheelection.

8.1.16. All such video-cassettes will be in the custody of the District Election Officerconcernedasinthecaseofallotherelectionrelatedrecords.

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8.1.17. Each videotape shall be indexed with a uniform code number in the followingstandardformulation:State/District/AC/Dateofrecording/Gistofeventvideo-graphed.

8.1.18. Thelockingsealofcassetteswillbekept intactandnotbroken,sothatcopyingofthe contents of cassette on another cassette does become impossible, but shall becoveredbyatapebeforeconsigningthecassetteforstoragewithaviewtopreventingaccidentalerasingofcontents,editing,manipulation,etc.

8.1.19. Inpursuanceofrule93(2)readwithsection76oftheIndianEvidenceAct,1872,theCommissionhasissuedthefollowingdirections.� Inspection–

(a)Everyapplicationforinspectionofavideocassetteshallbemadeinwritingandshould contain the full particulars concerning the cassette of which inspection isrequired,(b) an inspection of the cassette shall be allowed to any person applying for thesame on payment of Rupees 25/- per hour of inspection or part thereof unlessinspection is required to bemade urgently inwhich case the fee shall be Rupees50/-(c)Inspectiononanordinaryapplicationshallbeallowedonthedatefollowingthedateonwhichtheapplicationismadeoronasubsequentdayandinspectiononanurgentapplicationshallbemadeonthesameday.

� Certifiedcopy–(a)CertifiedprintofthevideocassetteshallbegiventoanypersonapplyingforthesameonpaymentofRs.25/-asapplicationfeeandtheactualcostofcopyingasmaybelocallyapplicable.Theapplicationshouldestablishtherightoftheapplicantforinspection or for supply of certified copies- (prints) and for that purpose shouldclearly disclose that the applicant has a direct and tangible interest in thevideocassetteandthenatureofsuchinterest.(b)Nofeeshallbechargedwheninspectionorcertifiedcopy(print)ofacassetteisrequired for official purposes. To avoid removal of any footage of the cassette ordamage or mutilation of the cassette, effective supervision by officials shall beensured and simultaneous inspection by a large number of persons shall not beallowed.

8.1.20. ThevideocassetteswillbemadeavailableforinspectionintheofficeoftheDistrictElectionOfficerorChiefElectoralOfficerasthecasemaybe;

8.1.21. Noguarantee forauthenticityandveracityof the contentsof the cassetteswillbeundertakenunderanycircumstancesandthesewillbemadeavailableon‘asis’basis.

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9. INTRODUCTIONTOEVMANDVVPAT

9.1. INTRODUCTORY9.1.1. TheElectronicVotingMachine(EVM),thereplacementoftheballotboxismainstay

in the electoral process. First conceived in 1977 in the Election Commission, theElectronicsCorporationofIndiaLtd.(ECIL),Hyderabadwasassignedthetasktodesignanddevelop it. In1979,aproto-typewasdeveloped,whichwasdemonstratedby theElectionCommissionbeforetherepresentativesofpoliticalpartieson6thAugust,1980.TheBharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Bangalore, another public-sector undertaking,wasco-optedalongwithECILtomanufactureEVMsonceabroadconsensuswasreachedonitsintroduction.

9.1.2. First time use of EVMs occurred in the general election in Kerala in May, 1982;however, the absence of a specific law prescribing its use led to the Supreme Courtstriking down that election. Subsequently, in 1989, the Parliament amended theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951tocreateaprovisionfortheuseofEVMsintheelections(chapter3).Ageneralconsensusonitsintroductioncouldbereachedonlyin1998 and these were used in 25 Legislative Assembly Constituencies spread acrossthreestatesofMadhyaPradesh,RajasthanandDelhi. Itsusewas furtherexpanded in1999to45ParliamentaryConstituenciesand later, inFebruary2000, to45AssemblyConstituenciesoftheHaryanaAssemblyelections.IntheStateAssemblyelections,heldinMay 2001, in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry andWest Bengal, theEVMs were used in all the Assembly Constituencies. Since then, for every StateAssemblyelection,theCommissionhasusedtheEVMs.In2004,intheGeneralelectiontotheLokSabha,theEVMs(morethanonemillion)wereusedinall543ParliamentaryConstituenciesinthecountry.

9.1.3. TheuseofthevotingmachinesalsorequiredconsequentialchangesintheConductof Elections Rules, 1961 which make detailed provisions for conduct of poll at thepollingstationsandcountingofvotes.Necessarychanges in thesaidRuleshavebeenmade by the Conduct of Elections (Amendment) Rules, 1992 promulgated w.e.f.24.3.1992 (Appendix 19). By these amending Rules, a new Chapter II in Part IVcontainingrules49Ato49Xhasbeeninsertedafterrule49makingdetailedprovisionsfortheconductofpollatthepollingstationswhereelectronicvotingmachinesareused.Further,anewrule66Awasinsertedafterrule66,makingprovisionsforthecountingof votes recorded by means of voting machines. Besides under the newly includedprovisionsofrule66A,rule55C,56Dand57Cwasincludedwhichwouldapplyinplace

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ofRule55,56and57respectivelyincaseofcountingofvotingthroughEVM.BytheseamendingRules,newForms17A,17Band17ChavealsobeeninsertedafterForm17appendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961.

9.2. INTRODUCTIONTOEVM9.2.1. AnEVM consists of two units, namely, Control Unit (CU) andBallotingUnit (BU).

These twounits are interconnected,when the votingmachine is put in operation, bymeans of a 5-meter-long cable, one end of which is permanently attached to theBallotingUnit.ThefreeendispluggedintotheControlUnitwhenthevotingmachineisputtouse.ABallotingUnitcatersupto16candidates(includingNOTA).

9.2.2. Presently,therearetwomodelsofEVMs.ThesearecalledasM2EVMandM3EVM.9.2.3. M2EVM:Post2006EVMsareascalledM2EVM.InM2EVM,4(Four)BallotingUnits

canbecascadedtogethertoaccommodateuptoamaximumof64candidates(includingNOTA),whichcanbeusedwithoneControlUnit.

9.2.4. M3 EVM: Post 2013 EVM are called as M3 EVM. In M3 EVM, 24 (Twenty-Four)Balloting Units can be cascaded together to accommodate up to a maximum of 384candidates(includingNOTA).Provision for insertionofBattery in5th,9th,13th,17thand21BallotingUnit,ifmorethanfourBUareused.Therearetwothumbwheelsonthetop right sideofBUs to set theBUnumber from01 to24.Displaypaneldisplays thedataontworowseachhaving12characters.InM3EVM,thecandidatesetsectionhasbeenseparatedfromBatterysectionandhaveaseparateouterdoor,whichopensfromrighttoleft.BothM2andM3EVMscanrecordupto2000votes.

9.2.5. The appearance and features of EVM manufactured by both BEL, Bangalore andECIL,Hyderabadaremoreor less the same.Numeric inBraille signage (1 to16)hasbeenprovidedontheBallotingUnit(BU)topcoverontherightofthebluebuttonforeach contesting candidate for the convenience of the visually challenged (blind)persons.

9.2.6. The Electronic VotingMachine (EVM) operates on a 7.5 volts battery and can beused anywhere and under any conditions. It is tamperproof, error-free and easy tooperate. Control Unit and Balloting Unit are supplied in two separate carrying caseswhich are easily portable. The polling information once recorded in the machine isretainedinitsmemoryevenwhenthebatteryisremoved.

9.2.7. After the panel containing the name and particulars of the last candidate on theballotpaperforPostalBallot,EVMBallotaswellasTenderandBrailleballot,thereshallbeapanelbelowthelastpanelwiththewords‘NoneoftheAbove’writtentherein,for

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thebenefitofthoseelectorswhomaywishtoexercisetheoptionofnotvotingforanyof the candidates in the fray. Thosewords shall bewritten in the same language orlanguagesasusedincaseofnamesofcandidates.Thesizeofthepanelshallbethesameasinthecaseofthecandidates.

9.2.8. OntheBallotingUnit,thereisprovisionfordisplayoftheballotpapercontainingtheparticularsoftheelection,theserialnumbersandnamesandphotographofcontestingcandidatesandthesymbolsrespectivelyallottedtothem.Thereisabluebuttonagainstthenameofeachcandidate.Bypressingthisbluebutton,thevotercanrecordhisvoteinfavourofthecandidateofhischoice.Alongsidethesaidbutton,thereisalsoalampforeachcandidate.Thislampwillglowredwhenthevoteisrecorded.Simultaneouslyabeepsoundwillalsobeheard.OneBallotingUnitcatersuptosixteenbuttons.Ifthereare15candidates,thelastpanelwillbeforNOTA.

9.2.9. On the topmostportionof theControlUnit, there is provision fordisplaying theinformation and data recorded in the machine, like the number of contestingcandidates, total number of votes polled, votes polled to each candidate, etc. Thisportion is called, for easy reference, ‘Display Section’ of the Control Unit. Below thedisplaysection,thereisacompartmentforfixingthebattery,whichrunsthemachine.Ontherightsideofthiscompartment,thereisanothercompartmentinwhichthereisabuttonforsettingthemachineforthenumberofcandidates,contestingtheparticularelection.Thisbuttoniscalledthe‘Cand.Set’buttonandthewholesectionoftheControlUnitcontainingthesetwocompartmentsiscalledthe‘CandidateSetSection’.BelowtheCandidatesetsectionisthe‘ResultSection’oftheControlUnit.Thissectioncontains(i)‘Close’buttonontheleftside,usedforclosingthepoll,(ii)twobuttonsinthemiddle-‘Result’&'Print'.Resultbuttonisforascertainingtheresult.Printbuttonisforprintoutofthedetailedresult(ForthispurposeaspecialgadgetistobeattachedtotheControlUnit) and (iii) ‘Clear’ button on the right side, for clearing the data recorded in themachine,whenthedataisnomorerequired.InthebottomportionoftheControlUnit,therearetwobuttons-onemarked‘Ballot’andothermarked‘Total’.Bypressingthebutton‘Ballot’,theBallotingUnitbecomesreadytorecordthevoteandbypressingthebutton ‘Total’, the total number of votes recorded up to that stage (but without thecandidate-wise break up) can be ascertained. This section is known as the ‘BallotSection’oftheControlUnit.

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9.3. INTRODUCTIONTOVVPAT9.3.1. AsperprovisotoRule49AoftheConductofElection(Amendment)Rules,2013,a

printerwithadropboxofsuchdesignapprovedbytheElectionCommissionmayalsobeattachedtoavotingmachineforprintingapapertrailofvote,insuchconstituencyor constituencies or parts thereof as the Election commission may direct. This isreferredtoastheVoterVerifiablePaperAuditTrailSystem(VVPAT).VoterVerifiablePaper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is an independent printer system attached with theElectronicVotingMachines(EVM)thatallowsthevoters toverify that theirvotesarecastas intended.TheCommissionhasdirected touseVVPAT inall electionsateveryPollingStation.ThepresidingofficerkeepstheVVPATalongwiththeBallotingUnitinthevoting compartment; theVVPATshall be connected to theEVM in themannerasdirected by Election Commission. For this purpose, the voting compartment isincreasedproportionally.InVVPAT,onpressingtheballotingbuttononBallotingUnit,theelectorsshallbeabletoviewtheprintedpaperslipfor7secondsshowingtheserialnumber, name and the symbol of the candidate forwhomhe has cast his vote. SuchpaperslipstaysdisplayedforsevensecondsbeforeitgetscutanddropinthedropboxattachedtotheVVPAT.

9.3.2. VVPAToperateson22.5-voltbatteryandnowusedinallelectionsateverypollingstation.The thermalpaperused in theVVPATs forprintingofVVPATpaperslipscanprintapproximately1500paperslipsonly,outofwhichapproximately100paperslipsaregotprintedduringthecommissioningofVVPATsandmockpollatpollingstationonpollday.So,themaximumnumberofelectorsassignedtoanyPollingstationis1400.IncaseofM2VVPAT,ControlUnitandVSDUarekeptwith thePresidingOfficer/PollingOfficerandBallotingUnitandVVPATarekeptinthevotingcompartment.ThereisnoVSDUinM3VVPAT.

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10. PREPARATIONFORTHEPOLL-COMMISSIONINGOFEVMANDVVPAT

10.1. PRELIMINARY10.1.1. Asper theamendment in theConductofElection (amendment)Rules,2013,after

rule49AtheprovisoisaddedthataprinterwithadropboxofsuchdesignasapprovedbytheECI,maybeattachedtoavotingmachineforprintingapapertrailofthevote,insuch constituency or Constituencies or part thereof as the ECI may direct. Thisinstrument is known as the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). TheCommissionhasdirectedthatVVPATshallbeusedwithEVMsatallpollingstationsinallElectionstotheParliamentandStateLegislativeAssemblies.

10.2. FIRSTLEVELCHECKINGANDRANDOMIZATIONOFEVM&VVPAT10.2.1. As a general policy, the Commission desires that all EVMs and VVPATs available

withinadistrictshallbestoredatthedistrictheadquartersunderthedirectcontroloftheDistrictElectionOfficer.Itmaybepossiblethatowingtowantofstoragespace,theEVMsandVVPATsmaybestoredinadecentralizedmannerindifferentlocations.Eveninsuchcases, forthepurposeof first levelcheckingandrandomizationprocedure,allEVMsandVVPATsavailableinthedistrictshallbebroughttothedistrictheadquartersunderproperescort.

10.2.2. The first level checking shall be carriedoutby theBEL/ECILengineersunder theoverall control of the DEO in the presence of the representatives of the recognizedpolitical parties, as the casemay be, at the district/Sub-divisional headquarters. Forcoordinating all activities connected with the first level checking, the DEO shallnominate a nodal officer at his level and intimate the name and other particularsincludingphonenumbersofsuchofficertotheCEO.Thefirst levelcheckinginvolvingthecheckingofthefunctionalityofthemachinesbycastingofonevoteagainsteachofthe16buttonsandadditionallymockpollwith1200votesin1%,1000votesin2%and500 votes in 2% of the total machines. After observation of FLC poll andmock pollresult, poll data is cleared for eachEVM (BU+CU)which is followedby sealingof theControlUnitbyPinkPaperSeal(PPS)andpreparationofRegistersthereofandthroughEVMManagementSystem.

10.2.3. For the purpose of tracking, the various steps taken in the process of first levelchecking, randomization and deployment of EVM, an adhesive label (pre-printed

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sticker) will be prepared and kept ready for use. (These stickers are carried by theEngineersatthetimeofFLC).

10.3. NUMBERINGOFEVMANDVVPAT 10.3.1. Assoonas the first levelcheck isover, thesticker ispastedonthebackof theCU

andtheengineerinchargeofcheckingwillputhissignatureindicatingthedateintherelevantslot in thesticker.Thiswouldmean that theCU is inorder ineveryrespect.The unique machine number of the Control Unit (CU) will also be indicated in therelevantslotinthesticker.

10.3.2. Simultaneously,arepresentativeofDEOdulyauthorizedforthispurposewillalsosignintherelevantslot.Afterthis,CUsshallbestoredunderproperlockandkeywithdueprecautionandcare.AnyCUsfounddefectiveduringcheckingshallbeisolatedandkeptseparatelyforfollowupactionforrectificationofdefect.TheaboveprocedurewillalsobeapplicablefortheBallotingUnitsandVVPAT,whichwillbeverified,signedandnumbered.CUs,BUsandVVPATfoundfit foruseinelectionshallalsobemarkedFLCOKinEVMManagementSystem(EMS).TheFirstLevelCheckingshouldbecompletedwellinadvance.

10.4. DATABASEOFVOTINGMACHINES 10.4.1. AdatabaseoftheCUs,BUsandVVPATverifiedandcertifiedwillbepreparedinEMS

separately and kept in readiness for randomization. The data base structure willcontaindetailsofCUs,BUsandVVPATindicatingthemachinenumber(originalnumbergiven by the manufacturer as inscribed on a metallic plate on the back side of theCU/BU/VVPATasthecasemaybe).TheCUs,BUsandVVPATssoverifiedshallbekeptunderproperlockandkey.

10.5. SCHEDULEFORRANDOMIZATIONOFVOTINGMACHINES10.5.1. TheDEOwill fix up a schedule for the randomization of CUs /BUs /VVPATs for

theirdistributiontovariousACs.It istobedoneinpresenceoftherepresentativesofrecognized political parties. The randomization will be done in EMS with the CUs/BUs/VVPATswhich are randomly selected by grouping them tomatch the poll dayrequirement including the reserve required for each constituency. The surplusCUs/BUs/VVPATs shall also be randomly grouped and distributed AC wise for thepurposeoftrainingandawarenessprograms(forthetrainingofthepollingstaffaswellasforthepurposeofvoterawareness).Agreen-colouredstickershallbeaffixedontheCUsandBUsassignedtoACsforpolling.Thestickershallclearlyindicatethenameof

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State/UT and the number and name of Assembly Constituency. “Election” will bewrittenonthestickerofCUsandBUsassignedforpolling.NocurrentIDwillbegivenduringrandomization.Afterrandomization, theCUs,BUsandVVPATswillbemarked“Election”or“Training/Awareness”intheEVMManagementSystem.

10.5.2. ForTraining&Awareness,onlyFLCOKunitsshallbeused.Itistobeensuredthatno data of previous election is remained in the machines and only dummy symbolsshouldbeusedforballotpapersandVVPATs.

10.5.3. ThelistofsuchEVMsandVVPATstobeusedforawarenesspurposeshallbegivento Nationalized and State political parties and also to candidates. A sticker in BrightOrangecolourmentioningVoterAwarenessshallbeaffixedonsuchEVMsandVVPATs.Those shall be stored securely and used by authorized officials deputed by DEOconcerned.TheymustbetrainedcomprehensivelyonfunctioningofEVMsandVVPATs,logbooksshallbemaintained.

10.5.4. The status of 5% EVMs and VVPATs separated for awareness purpose shall bemarkedas“Training&Awareness”inplaceofFLC-OKinEMS.

10.6. DISTRIBUTIONOFLISTANDVOTINGMACHINESTORETURNINGOFFICER

10.6.1. Afterfirstrandomization,separatelistsofCUs,BUsandVVPATsallottedtoeachACforuseatpollingstationsaswell as the trainingshallbepreparedandsignedby theDEOs representative and the R.O and such lists shall be handed over to allrepresentatives of the recognized political parties. Even if a representative is notavailable at the timeof randomization, the list shall be sent to the party office and areceiptobtained. Afterfirstrandomization,listofrandomizedCUs,BUsandVVPATsclearly indicatingwhichCUs,BUsandVVPATsare tobeused inwhichAC forpollingandwhichCUs,BUsandVVPATsaretobeusedinwhichACfortrainingandawarenessshould be given to each recognized political party and a written acknowledgementobtained.Acopyofthis listshouldbegiventoall thecandidatesafterthe lastdateofwithdrawalofcandidatures.RandomizationofEVMsandVVPATsshallbedonebyEVMManagementSystem(EMS)only.

10.6.2. Thereafter, theR.Oof the constituency, shall take chargeof theCUs/BUs/VVPATsrandomlyallotted tohis constituency.TheCUs/BUs/VVPATsmeant foruseatpollingstationshallbetakenseparatelytothestrongroomoftheROunderproperescortandwillbeguardedbysuitableforceroundtheclock.ThetrainingEVMsandVVPATsshallbedistributedtotherelevantofficersforthetrainingpurpose.Atthetimeofsealingthe

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strong room, the representativesofpoliticalparties can remainpresentand they canalsoaffixtheirsealonthelock.

10.7. SECONDRANDOMIZATION 10.7.1. Second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs has to be done before preparing the

EVMsandVVPATsforpollbycandidatesettingastheaddresstagofEVMissealedatthetimeofpreparationofEVM(CandidateSet).ThepurposeofsecondrandomizationofEVMsandVVPATsistoallocateEVMsandVVPATsrandomlytopollingstations.TheReturning Officer should fix the date of preparation of EVMs and VVPATs for poll(Candidate set) and intimate all candidates to remain present or send theirrepresentativesduringtheprocess.Thedateshouldbefixedasearlyaspossibleafterthelastdateofwithdrawalofcandidaturesandfinalizationofballotpapers.OnthedatesofixedsecondrandomizationofEVMsandVVPATsalsoshouldbedoneinEMSbeforedoing theprocessofpreparationofEVMsandVVPATs forpolls so thatCUs,BUsandVVPATsshouldberandomlyallocatedtopollingstations.AlistofCUs,BUsandVVPATsalongwith thenumberofpollingstationsassigned to themshouldbegiven toall thecandidates.Similarly,alistofCUs,BUsandVVPATskeptinreserveshouldalsobegiventothecandidatesandwrittenacknowledgementtaken.

10.8. PREPARATIONOFVOTINGMACHINES 10.8.1. For preparation of EVMs and VVPATs (Candidate Setting), a written invitation

conveyingthescheduleistobesenttotheCandidates,itshallbementionedthatthey/their representatives must be present to oversee preparation of EVM/VVPATs andactivelyparticipateinthemockpollprocess.

10.8.2. Atthisstage,theCU,BUandVVPATrandomlyearmarkedPSwiseasaboveshallbeidentifiedbymatchingthePSno.andwillbekeptinpairbytaggingthemtogether.Anycandidate/agentpresentatthepreparationhallmaychoosetogettheCU/BU/VVPATcheckedagainbythemastertrainers/technicalpersonnel,ifavailable,througha‘mockpollcumresultverification’inordertosatisfyhimselfaboutthefunctioningoftheEVMandVVPAT.TheR.O.shouldalso,asapro-activemeasure,doarandomverificationofatleast 5% of such CU/BU/VVPAT pairs to test the working status of the EVMs withVVPATs.

10.8.3. After preparation of the Balloting Units, it should be sealedwith Pink Paper Seal(PPS) having signature of the Candidates. Common address tag should be used forCU/BU/VVPAT.

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10.8.4. The address tag attached to reserve CU/ BU/VVPAT shall indicate the ‘Reserve’statusoftheunit.Thetaggingofaddresstagsshallalsobedoneatthisstageitself–inthe presence of candidates/ agents/ observer. All the CUs/ BUs/ VVPATs allotted toPolling Stations as above aswell as the reservemachines shall be kept in the strongroominthepresenceofcandidates/agents.Theycanalsobeallowedtoaffixtheirsealonthelockofthestrongroom.EVMs/VVPATsfounddefectiveduringcandidatesettingormockpollonpolldayshallbestoredinaseparatewarehouse.

10.9. DISPERSALOFVOTINGMACHINESFORACTUALPOLL 10.9.1. WhentheEVMsandVVPATsaretakenoutofthestrongroomfordispatchtopolling

stations,theusualpracticeofinformingthedateandtimeofopeningofstrongroominwritingtothecandidates/agentsshallbefollowed.

10.9.2. At the time of dispatch, the Presiding Officers shall be advised to compare themachinenumberinscribedonthemetal labelandtheadhesivestickerandalsoverifythePSNumber indicatedon the sticker comparedwithPSNumbermentioned in theaddresstagbeforeacceptingtheEVMandVVPAT.Discrepancyifany,shallbebroughttothenoticeoftheofficerinchargeofdispatcharrangementandbereconciled.

10.9.3. ThecandidatesmaybeadvisedtosharethemachinenumberoftheEVM(bothCU/BU)andVVPATallottedtothespecificPSwiththeirpollingagent/agentsappointedbythemsothattheyareinapositiontoinspecttheEVMandVVPATfortheirsatisfactionbeforethecommencementofmockpollonthepollday.ThePresidingOfficersshallbeadvisedtodisplaythestickercontainingthemachinenumberetc.,totheagentspresentbeforethecommencementofthemockpoll.ItisrelevanttonotethataspertheexistinginstructionsthePresidingOfficerissupposedtomentionthenumberofCU/CUsused;serialnumbersofCU/CUsused;numberofBU/BUsusedandserialnumbersofBU/BUsused;numberofVVPAT/VVPATsusedandserialnumbersofVVPAT/VVPATsusedatthepollingstation in thePresidingOfficer’sDiary. All thestagesof randomizationofEVMs and VVPATs as enumerated above, shall invariably be fully video-graphed andrecordsarekeptproperly.

10.10. REPLACEMENTOFCU,BUANDVVPATFROMCOMMISSIONINGTILLMOCKPOLL

10.10.1. IncaseanyBUorCUdoesnotworkproperlyduringcommissioningofEVMsandVVPATs,dispersalofPollingPartiesorduringmockpollatthepollingstation,thefollowingactionshallbetaken:

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i. incaseofBUdoesnotworkproperly,onlythedefectiveBUistobereplacedfromreserveBU.

ii. incaseofCUdoesnotworkproperly,onlythedefectiveCUistobereplacedfromreserveCU.

10.10.2. ThelistofreplacedBUs,CUsandVVPATsshallbeprovidedtothecontestingcandidatesortheirelectionagentsandnecessaryentriesshallbemadeintheEMS.

10.11. REPLACEMENTOFCU,BUANDVVPATDURINGACTUALPOLL10.11.1. IncasetheCUorBUdoesnotworkproperlyduringactualpollatanypolling

station,replacementofthewholeEVM(BUs,CUandVVPAT)isrequiredandincasetheVVPATdoesnotworkproperlyduringactualpollatanypollingstation,replacementofonlyVVPAT is required.TheSectorOfficeroranyauthorizedofficerwhoeffectssuchreplacement, shall prepare a special report indicating the machine number ofCU/BU/VVPATandnewCU/BU/VVPATseparately.Theofficershallalsomentioninthespecialreport, thereason fordeploymentof thespareCU/BU/VVPATandthetimeofsuchreplacement,votespolledinthereplacedmachineatthatpointoftimeandleaveonecopyof the special reportwith thePresidingOfficerwhile retaininga copy tobehandedovertotheR.O.

10.11.2. IncasereplacementofEVMsbecomesnecessaryduringactualpoll,theentiresetincludingtheCU,alltheBUsandVVPATshallbereplaced.Beforestartingpollwiththe new EVM, only one vote to each contesting candidate includingNOTA should bepolledintheMockPollandamockpollcertificatewillbegivenbythepresidingofficerseparately for this EVM. In case of replacement of onlyVVPATduring actual poll, noMockPollwillbeconducted.

10.11.3. In caseof replacement, theunique IDnumbersof theCU,BUsandVVPATswhich have been used after replacement should be marked against the concernedpollingstationintheEVMManagementSystem.

10.12. RECEPTIONOFCU,BUANDVVPATAFTERPOLL10.12.1. Afterthepollisover,themachinesshallbetransportedbacktothereception

centres under proper escort. After all formalities are completed, the complete set ofCUs,BU(s)andVVPAT(s)ofaparticularpollingstationshallbekeptinthesamestrongroom and the room sealed in the presence of the candidates/their agents and theobserver.UnusedVVPATsandunusedEVMsshallbestoredinseparatestrongroom.

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10.13. EVMSANDVVPATSUSEDFORREPOLL10.13.1. Incaseofrepoll, theEVMandVVPATrequiredforthesameshallbedrawn

from the reserve list and the CU/BU/VVPAT number shall be informed to thecandidates/agentsinwriting.CareshallbetakentoensurethattheaddresstagontheCU,BU(s)andVVPATclearlymentionsittobetheEVMandVVPATforuseintherepollindicatingthedateandPSno.

10.13.2. After repoll, the strong room shall be re-opened in presence of thecandidates/ their agentsandobserver for the storageof theEVMsandVVPATsused.ThisEVMandVVPATusedinrepollshouldbeplacedtogetherwiththerespectiveoldEVMandVVPAT thatwasusedearlier in theoriginalpoll.A tag ‘Not tobecounted’shallbeputprominentlyontherespectiveoldEVMandVVPATandanothertag‘RepollEVM–tobecounted’shallbeputonthenewrepollEVMandVVPAT.ROshallsignonboththetags.

10.13.3. Incaseofre-poll,theuniqueIDnumberoftheCU,BUsandVVPATusedinre-pollshouldbeenteredintheEVMManagementSystem(EMS).

10.14. COMMUNICATIONTOPOLITICALPARTIES/CANDIDATES10.14.1. The political parties/candidates should be advised in writing to properly

traintheircountingagents.TheyshouldalsobeaskedtobringtheircopiesofForm17-Cwhichshowsthemachinenumbersusedatthepollingstationandwashandedovertothematthecloseofthepollingbythepresidingofficer(fortallyingpurpose).Besides,thecandidateshavealsobeengivenaconsolidatedlistofpollingstationwiselistofCUsandVVPATsusedduringthepolls.ThisalongwiththeadditionalinformationgivenbyRO inwriting to the candidates regarding themachine numbers of CUs and VVPATsusedasreplacementandtheCUsusedduringrepollwillgiveacompletepictureofalltheEVMsusedatpollingstations. Inordertofurtherfacilitate,theROshallpastetheEVMdeploymentaccountindicatingtheCUnumbersofEVMandVVPATsusedpollingstationwiseintherelevantcountinghallitselfforeveryonetosee.

10.14.2. Theaboveinstructionsshouldbestrictlycompliedwith,andbroughttothenoticeofallconcerned,viz.thepoliticalparties,contestingcandidates,allfieldofficersconcernedandtheobservers.The instructions forthepreparationofvotingmachineshavebeen issuedby thecommissionvideECINo51/87/2007-EMSdated12.10.2007and51/87/2010-PLN-IVdated23.9.2010).PolledmachinesshallbekeptintheStrongRoomwithminimumstrengthof1platoon.

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10.15. VIDEOGRAPHYOFTHEEVENTS10.15.1. All the stages enumerated above shall invariably be fully covered with

videographyandrecordskeptproperly.

10.16. NOTICETOTHECANDIDATESABOUTDATEANDTIMEOFPREPARATIONOFVOTINGMACHINES

10.16.1. TheDistrictElectionOfficer/ReturningOfficerwill,atleastoneweekbeforethedateonwhichthepreparationofthevotingmachinesistobetakenup,givenoticeofthesameinwritingtorecognisedPollingparties/eachcandidateorhiselectionagentintimatinghimtheplaceorplaceswheretheEVMsandVVPATswillbesopreparedandthedateandtimeatwhichsuchpreparationwillcommence.ReturningOfficerwillalsoinform the candidate/his election agent the number of representatives that everyrecognisedpoliticalparty/every candidatewill bepermitted tobringwithhimat theaforesaidplaceorplaces.ThiswillagaindependonthenumberofEVMsandVVPATstobepreparedforuse.ThewholeprocessofpreparationoftheEVMsandVVPATsdoneinthepresenceofobserversshallbevideo-graphed.

10.16.2. Ifforanyreason,noneofthecandidatesortheiragentsispresentonthedateand time given in the notice sent to them, Returning Officer has instruction not topostpone the process of preparing the EVMs and VVPATs. Returning Officer will goaheadevenifnocandidateoragentispresent.However,announcementsshallbemadethroughthepublicaddresssystemfittedinthebuildingbeforestartingthepreparation.If any candidate/ his election agent or person duly authorized by the candidate inwritingcomeslate,hewillbeallowedtowitnesstheprocessfromthereon.

10.16.3. When the candidates and their agents are present, the District ElectionOfficer /Returning Officer shall explain to them the procedure to be followed byhim/her for preparing the EVMs and VVPATs. The DEO/Returning Officer will allowthem to inspect the Control Units, Balloting Units and VVPATs during the process oftheirpreparation.

10.17. PREPARATIONOFTHEBALLOTINGUNIT10.17.1. EachBallotingUnithastobepreparedattheReturningOfficer’slevelby:

A. Insertingandfixingballotpaperinthespacemeantforthepurpose;B. Masking thecandidate’sbuttonswhicharenot required tobeused,dependingon

thenumberofcontestingcandidates;

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C. Setting the slide switch (or thumbwheel switch in M3 EVM) at the appropriateposition,i.e.1,2,3or4(or01,02,…….24inM3EVM)asthecasemaybe,accordingto thenumberof suchunitswhichare tobeuseddependingupon thenumberofcontestingcandidatesandthesequenceinwhicheachunitistobeused,and

D. SealingtheunitasperprocedureforsealingBU.

10.18. FIXINGTHEBALLOTPAPER10.18.1. Oneveryballot unit, a printedballot paper shall bedisplayed in the space

specially provided for the purpose under a transparent acrylic sheet (ballot paperscreen).Theballotpapershallcontaintheserialnumberofeachcandidate,hisname,photo and the election symbol allotted to him/her as per the list of contestingcandidates. Where the number of contesting candidates (including NOTA) exceedssixteen, theballotpaper shallbeprintedonmoresheets thanoneaseachballotunitwill cater up to sixteen candidates only.Where the number of candidates (includingNOTA)exceedssixteenbutisequaltoorlessthanthirty-two,theballotpapershallbeprintedontwosheets–thefirstsheetcontainingthenames,etc.,ofcandidatesfromSl.Nos. 1 to 16 and the second sheet containing the names, etc., of candidates from Sl.Nos.17onwards.Likewise,wherethenumberofcandidates(includingNOTA)exceedsthirty-two and is up to forty-eight, the third sheet will contain the names, etc., ofcandidatesfromSl.Nos.33onwardsandupto48,andwherethenumberofcandidates(includingNOTA) exceeds forty-eight, the fourth sheetwill contain thenames etc., ofcandidatesfromSl.Nos.49onwards.Insuchcases,eachsheetoftheballotpaperwillbedisplayedonaseparateBallotingUnit.Thereisprovisionforfixingtheballotpaperonthe Balloting Unit under a transparent acrylic sheet (ballot paper screen). TheReturning Officer shall either sign/affix his facsimile signature on the back of everyballotpaperbeforeitisfixedinaBallotingUnit.

10.18.2. Every ballot paper shall have a serial number and sheet number whereprintedonmorethanonesheet.Thesheetnumberwillbeindicatedas½,ifitisthefirstsheetandtwosheetsareused,3/4,ifitisthethirdsheetandfoursheetsareusedandsoon.Beforeitisinsertedandfixedonaballotunit,itshallbeeithersignedonitsbackby the Returning Officer or stamped on its back with a rubber stamp bearing thefacsimilesignatureoftheReturningOfficer.

10.18.3. Forfixingtheballotpaperundertheballotpaperscreen,firstthetopcoveroftheballotunithastobeopened.Thiscanbedonebypressingsimultaneously,towardsright,thelatchesatthetopandbottomontherightedgeoftheunitandswingingthe

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coverup.The topcoverand the lowerportionof theballotunitwill thenopen likeabook. Thereafter, the ballot paper screen, which is hinged to the top cover on theextreme left sidewill be opened. The release latches of the screen are inside the topcover. By pressing the latches simultaneously, first slightly towards right and thenpushingthemdownwardstheballotpaperscreenwillbecomefreeforopeningontheuppersideofthetopcover.Aftersoopeningtheballotpaperscreen,theballotpaperwillbeplacedinthespaceprovidedforthepurposeontheuppersideofthetopcoverof the ballot unit. The ballot paperwill be properly aligned so that each candidate'snameandhissymbolareinlinewiththecorrespondinglampandbuttonandthethicklines dividing the panels of candidates on the ballot paper are in line with thecorrespondinggroovesontheballotunits.

10.18.4. Afterballotpaperhasbeenfirmlyfixedandtheballotpaperscreenhasbeenpressed-fitontheuppersideofthetopcover,thescreenwillbesealedontheinnersideof the top cover, by passing a thread through the two holes on the screen speciallyprovided for thepurposeon the inner side.The threadwill be tightenedandgivenafirmknot.ThetwoendsofthethreadwillbeplacedonanaddresstagandReturningOfficerwillputhis/hersealonthethreadandtheaddresstag.

10.19. MASKINGOFCANDIDATESBUTTONWHICHARENOTTOBEUSED

10.19.1. OntheBallotingUnit,onlythosecandidates'buttonsshouldbevisiblewhichare to be used by voters. In other words, the number of candidates' buttons, whichshouldbevisiblewillbeequaltothenumberofcontestingcandidatesandonepanelforNOTA.Forexample,ifthenumberofcandidatesisnine,onlythetenbuttonsfromthetop(i.e.,1to10)shouldbevisibleandtheremainingsixbuttons(i.e.,11to16)shouldbemasked. Themasking of the unwanted buttonswill be done bymoving thewhitemasking tabson to the candidates'button,when theballotingunit is still open likeabookasexplainedabove.Theunmaskedbuttonswilllookblueandmaskedbuttonswilllookwhite.

10.20. SETTINGOFSLIDESWITCHINM2BALLOTINGUNIT10.20.1. Inside theM2 Balloting Unit, on the top right side, there is a slide switch,

whichhasfourpositions1,2,3,and4.ThepositioningofthisslideswitchdeterminestheserialorderinwhichaparticularBallotingUnitistobelinkedwiththeotherBallotingUnitsandkeptinsidethevotingcompartmentforuseatapollingstation.

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10.20.2. Where the number of contesting candidates is up to fifteen, only oneBallotingUnitwillbeused(SinceNOTAwillbe insixteenthposition). Insuchacase,theslideswitchshallbesettothepositionmarked1.Wherethenumberofcontestingcandidatesismorethanfifteenanduptothirty-one,twoBallotingUnitswillbeused.InthefirstBallotingUnitinwhichtheballotpapercontainingthenamesofcandidatesatserialnos.1to16isfixed,theslideswitchshallbesettothepositionmarked‘1’andthesecondBallotingUnitwheretheballotpapercontainingthenamesofcandidatesfrom17onwardsisfixed,shallbesettotheposition‘2’.

10.20.3. Likewise,ifthreeBallotingUnitsaretobeusedinaconstituencywherethenumberofcontestingcandidatesexceedsthirty-oneandisuptofortyseven,theslideswitch will be set to the positionmarked ‘1’ in the first Balloting Unit in which thenames of candidates at serial nos. 1 to 16 appear, to the positionmarked ‘2’ in thesecondBallotingUnitinwhichthenamesofcontestingcandidatesatserialnos.16to32appearandtothepositionmarked‘3’inthethirdBallotingUnit.Similarly,ifthefourthBallotingUnit is also tobeused in case thenumberof contesting candidatesexceedsforty-seven, then the slide switch will be set to the position marked ‘4’ in the lastBallotingUnit.Note:It isabsolutelyessentialtoensurethattheslideswitchisset intheappropriateposition ineachBallotingUnitasanywrong linkingof theBallotingUnitswill renderthemachinenon-functionalandonpressinganybuttonsontheControlUnittheletters‘LE’ indicating linking errorwill appear on thedisplaypanel of theControlUnit. Thelinking error should be set right by interlinking the Balloting Units in the propersequentialorder.

10.21. SETTINGOFTHUMBWHEELSINM3BALLOTINGUNIT10.21.1. Inside the M3 Balloting Unit, on the top right side, there is thumbwheel

switch. The positioning of these determines the serial order in which a particularBallotingUnit istobelinkedwiththeotherBallotingUnitsandkeptinsidethevotingcompartmentforuseatapollingstation.

10.21.2. Where the number of contesting candidates is up to fifteen, only oneBallotingUnitwillbeused(SinceNOTAwillbe insixteenthposition). Insuchacase,thethumbwheelswitchshallbesetas‘01’.Wherethenumberofcontestingcandidatesismorethanfifteenanduptothirty-one, twoBallotingUnitswillbeused. In the firstBallotingUnit inwhich the ballot paper containing the names of candidates at serialnos. 1 to 16 is fixed, that thumbwheel switch shall be set as ‘01’ and the second

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Balloting Unit where the ballot paper containing the names of candidates from 17onwardsisfixed,shallbesetas‘02’.Likewise,ifthreeBallotingUnitsaretobeusedinaconstituencywherethenumberofcontestingcandidatesexceedsthirtyoneandisuptofortyseven,thethumbwheelswitchwillbesetas‘01’inthefirstBallotingUnitinwhichthenamesofcandidatesatserialnos.1to16appear,as‘02’inthesecondBallotingUnitinwhichthenamesofcontestingcandidatesatserialnos.16to32appearandas‘03’inthe third Balloting Unit. If the fourth Balloting Unit is used in case the number ofcontestingcandidatesexceeds forty-seven, then the thumbwheel switchwillbesetas‘04’ inthefourthBallotingUnit.Similarly, if thefifthBallotingUnit isusedincasethenumberofcontestingcandidatesexceedssixty-three,thenthethumbwheelswitchwillbesetas ‘05’ in the fifthBallotingUnit. In thisway,24BallotingUnitscanbesetandconnectedtoControlUnitinM3EVM.Note: It isabsolutelyessential toensurethat thethumbwheelswitch isset in theappropriatepositionineachBallotingUnitasanywronglinkingoftheBallotingUnitswillshowerroronCUdisplay.TheerrorshouldbesetrightbyinterlinkingtheBallotingUnitsinthepropersequentialorder.

10.22. SEALINGOFTHEBALLOTINGUNIT10.22.1. Afterthat,theBallotingUnitwillbeclosedbybringingthetopcoverbackto

itsoriginalposition.TheBallotingUnitwillthenbesealedbytheReturningOfficerwithhisownseal.Forthispurpose,passtwothreadsonethroughthethreeholesatthetopand the other through the three holes at the bottom specifically provided for thepurpose, give a firm knot to each thread and seal each thread with the ReturningOfficer’s seal by placing its two ends on an address tag after duly filling up theparticulars.

10.22.2. The candidates or their agentswill be permitted to affix their seals also, iftheysodesire,inadditiontothesealoftheReturningOfficer.

10.22.3. Additionally,theBUshallbesealedwithaspecial“pinkpaperseal”suppliedbyIndiaSecurityPress,Nasik,inthepresenceofcandidatesortheirrepresentativesatthe time of preparation of EVMs. Pink paper seal shall be fixed at the lower mostportionoftheBUinsuchamannerthatnocandidate’sbuttonorcandidate’snameorsymbolishiddenbytheseal.Afteraffixingthepinkpaperseal,BELandECILengineershall sign on the pink paper seal. Candidates or their representatives shall also beallowedtosignonthepinkpapersealwithnameof thecandidate,nameof thepartybefore the signature. Candidates and their representatives should also be allowed to

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note down the serial number of the pink paper seal on the BU. A register shall bemaintainedtonotedowntheserialno.ofthepinkpapersealusedontheBallotingUnitby clearly mentioning unique ID of the BU and pink paper seal no. Signatures ofcandidatesandtheirrepresentativeswillalsobeobtainedonthisregister.Photocopiesofthisregisterwillbegivenfreeofcosttoallcandidatesoncepreparationisover.

10.22.4. After theBallotingUnithasbeensopreparedandsealed, it shouldbekeptbackinthecarryingcase.Anotheraddresstagcontainingtheaboveparticularsshouldbeattachedtothehandleofthecarryingcase.

10.23. INTER-LINKINGOFBALLOTINGUNITS,CONTROLUNITANDVVPAT

10.23.1. Where thenumberof contestingcandidatesexceeds fifteen,more thanoneBallotingUnit,dependingupontheactualnumberofcontestingcandidates,willhavetobeused.AllsuchBallotingUnitstobeusedatapollingstationaretobeinter-linkedandthefirstBallotingUnitwillalonebelinkedwiththeVVPATunit.

10.23.2. TheBallotingUnitsshallbesointer-linkedthatthesecondBallotingUnit,i.e.theBallotingUnit inwhich theslideswitch(thumbwheelswitch inM3EVM) issetatposition2(as02inM3EVM), is linkedwiththefirstBallotingUnit inwhichtheslideswitch(thumbwheelswitchinM3EVM)issetatposition1(as01inM3EVM).Wherethree Balloting Units are to be used, the third Balloting Unit will be linkedwith thesecondBallotingUnitandthesecondwiththefirst,andwherethefourBallotingUnitsare to be used, the fourth unit will be linked with the third unit, the third with thesecondandsoon.

10.23.3. For linkingoneBallotingUnitwithanother, there isa socketprovided inacompartment at the back of the Balloting Unit. The connector of the interconnectingcableof thesecondBallotingUnitwillbeplugged intotheabove-mentionedsocketofthe first Balloting Unit. Likewise, the connector of the third Balloting Unit’sinterconnectingcablewillbeplugged into the secondunitand thatof the fourthunitintothethirdunit.InM3EVM,acascadeof24BallotingUnitscanbeconnectedtooneControlUnit(Catering384candidatesincludingNOTA).ThereisprovisionforinsertionofBatteryin5th,9th,13th,17thand21stBallotingUnit,ifmorethanfourBUareused.Batterywillbeinsertedin5th,9th,13th,17thand21stBallotingUnit,ifmorethanfourBUsareused.

10.23.4. The rear compartment in theControlUnit also contains the ‘Power’ switchand this switch when put to ‘ON’ position makes the battery of the voting machine

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operationalandsuppliespowertotheControlUnitaswellastoalltheBallotingUnitswhenlinkedtotheControlUnitinthemannerdescribedabove.

10.24. PREPARATIONOFCONTROLUNIT10.24.1. LiketheBallotingUnit,somepreparationsaretobemadealsointheControl

UnitofthevotingmachineattheReturningOfficer’slevel.Thesepreparationsare:-i. Installationofthebattery,ii. SettingthenumberofcontestingcandidatesandpanelforNOTA,andiii. SealingthatsectionoftheControlUnit,whichiscalled ‘CandidateSetSection’and

whichcontainsthebatteryandthebuttontosetthenumberofcandidates.

10.25. BATTERYINSTALLATION10.25.1. The Electronic Voting Machine operates on a special battery, which is

suppliedbythemanufacturingcompany.Onlyanewbatteryshouldbeusedwheneveramachine isusedatanyelection.There isprovision for installationof thebatteryonthetopsideoftheControlUnit.

10.26. SETTINGTHENUMBEROFCONTESTINGCANDIDATES10.26.1. AControlUnitof theM2EVMcan caterup to sixty-three candidatesanda

NOTAoption.i.e.atotalof64.InM3EVM,ControlUnitcancater383candidatesandaNOTAoption.Therefore,ateveryelectionwherethevotingmachineisused,theControlUnithastobesetaccordingtothenumberofcontestingcandidatesatthatelectionandaNOTAoption.

10.26.2. For setting the number of contesting candidates, the following operationsshallbeperformed:i. ThenumberofcontestingcandidatesandaNOTAoptioncanbeset intheControl

UnitonlybylinkingthisunitwiththeBallotingUnitorwithalltheBallotingUnitswhere more than one Balloting Units are to be used. The process of linking theBallotingUnitswiththeControlUnithasalreadybeenexplainedabove.

ii. After the Control Unit and the Balloting Unit(s) have been linked, lift the ‘Power’switchto‘ON’positionsothatboththeunitsgetthenecessarypowertomakethemoperational.

iii. Pressthebuttonmarked‘Cand.Set’inthe‘CandidateSetSection’oftheControlUnit.Thereupon,DisplayPanelwillflash‘SETCANDIDATE--’.

iv. Whentheletters‘SETCANDIDATE--’startflashingontheDisplayPanelsontheControl Unit, the candidate’s button against NOTA option in the Balloting Unit

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should be pressed. For example, if there are nine contesting candidates and themachinesistobesetforninecandidates,candidate’sbuttonofthetenthcandidateon the Balloting Unit against NOTA option should be pressed. If the number ofcontesting candidates ismore than16, say, 23, the candidate’s button against thenameof thecontestingcandidateatserialno.24andaNOTAoption in thesecondBallotingUnitshouldbepressed.Onthatbuttonbeingpressed,theDisplayPanelswillstop flashing the letters ‘SETCANDIDATE - -’and insteadthe fullpanelwilldisplay the number of candidates for which the machine has been so set, like‘CANDIDATE10’or,asthecasemaybe‘CANDIDATE24’.

10.26.3. If by mistake, a wrong button on the Balloting Unit has been pressed e.g.instead of 10, either 9 or 11 was pressed, such wrong setting can be corrected bypressing the ‘Cand. Set’ button again. The machine will again flash the letters ‘SETCANDIDATE--’andthecorrectbuttonontheBallotingUnitshouldbepressedsoastosetthecorrectnumberofcontestingcandidates.

10.27. CLEARINGTHEMACHINE10.27.1. AfterthenumberofcontestingcandidatesandpanelforNOTAhasbeenset

intheControlUnitinthemannerdescribedabove,allthedatarecordedinthemachinerelating to votes polled formock poll during the first level checking of EVMs, if any,shouldbecleared.Forthispurpose,thebuttonmarked ‘Clear’ intheResultSectionoftheControlUnitshouldbepressed.Onthe‘Clear’buttonbeingpressed,allthecountsinthemachinewill be automatically set to ZERO and the display panels on the ControlUnitwill start displaying that the number of votes recorded in themachine for eachcontestingcandidateis‘0’(ZERO).

10.27.2. After the Control Unit has been set according to the number of contestingcandidatesattheelectionandthepreviousdatacleared,thepowerwillbeswitchedoffand the Control Unit and the Balloting Unit(s) will be delinked by removing theinterconnectingcablefromtheControlUnit.

10.28. SEALINGTHE‘CANDIDATESETSECTION’10.28.1. After the battery has been installed and the Control Unit has been set

accordingtothenumberofcontestingcandidates,the‘CandidateSetSection’shouldbeclosed and sealed so that nobody can have access to the battery and the ‘Cand. Set’buttoninthe‘CandidateSetSection’,thereafter.

10.28.2. The‘CandidateSetSection’willbeclosedbyreplacingthecoverandpressingit tight. Itwill be sealed by passing a thread through the two holes provided for the

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purposeson the left side in caseofM2EVMs (left sideand right side inM3EVMsastherearetwoseparatedoorsforBatteryandCandidateSetbutton),givingatightknottothethreadandplacingthetwoendsofthethreadonanaddresstagwhichshouldbesealedwiththeReturningOfficer’sseal.

10.28.3. Thecandidatesandtheiragentsshallbeallowedtoputtheirseals,iftheysodesire,ontheaddresstagalongwiththesealoftheReturningOfficer.TheControlUnitwillthenbeputinitscarryingcase,whichwillnowbereadyfortransportationtothepollingstation.OnthehandleoftheControlUnitalso,anaddresstagwillbeattachedcontainingtheaboveparticulars.

10.29. SETTINGUPOFVVPAT10.29.1. The VVPAT will be prepared for poll. A new battery power pack will be

installed in the VVPAT unit and shut the door of the battery compartment, but nosealing is requiredonbatterycompartmentas thepowerpackcanbereplaced (afterswitchingofftheCU)iflowbatterystatusisindicatedduringthePoll.AfreshpaperrollwillbeinstalledintheVVPAT.Serialnumbers,nameofcandidatesandsymbolsallottedtothemandNOTAoptionanditssymbolasgiveninBUwillbeloadedinVVPATwiththehelpofBEL/ECILengineers.AtestprintoutwillbecheckedwiththeballotpaperinBalloting Unit (BU). Then one vote to each candidatewill be given to check that theVVPATisprintingthepaperslipsaccurately.

10.30. SAFEPRESERVATIONOFPREPAREDVOTINGMACHINES10.30.1. All the votingmachineswhich have been prepared for use at the election,

includingthereservemachines,willbekeptandpreservedinsafecustodyinastrongroomunderdoublelockwhichwillbesealedwiththesealoftheReturningOfficer.Thecandidatesandtheiragentswillalsobepermittedtoputtheirsealsonthelock,iftheysodesire.

10.30.2. Thestrongroomwillbeopenedonlyontheappointeddateandtimewhenthemachines are to be supplied to polling parties before they leave for their pollingstations.Allcontestingcandidatesortheirelectionagentswillbegivenapriornoticeinwritingofsuchdateandtimeofopeningofthestrongroom.Aproperlogbookwillbemaintainedgivingdetailsofclosingandopeningofthestrongroom.

10.30.3. Ifforanyemergentorunavoidablereason,itbecomesnecessarytoopenthestrongroombeforetheappointeddateandtime,ReturningOfficerwillsendnoticeforthecandidatesortheirauthorizedrepresentativesandopentheroomintheirpresence.Theroomshouldbeagainclosedandsealedimmediatelyafterthepurposeforwhichit

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wasopened,isover.Detailsofsuchopeningandclosingshouldalsobeaccuratelyandfullyreflectedintheabove-mentionedlogbookandtheentireprocessshouldbevideographed.

10.30.4. ThestrongroomshouldbekeptfullyguardedatalltimesunderthechargeofaseniorpoliceofficernotbelowtherankofDeputySuperintendentofPolice.Whereverpossible,theCentralPoliceForcesshouldbeusedforsuchguardduty.

10.31. MAINTENANCEOFRECORDSOFVOTINGMACHINES10.31.1. ReturningOfficerwillmaintaincompleterecordofallCUs,BUsandVVPATs

usedattheelection.ThatrecordwillshowclearlythenumberofCUs,BUsandVVPATsusedateachpollingstationalongwiththeserialnumbersofeachsuchunit.Therecordwill also show the number of CUs, BUs andVVPATs alongwith their serial numbers,whichhavebeenpreparedforuseandkept inreserve.IfanyofsuchControlUnitsorBallotingUnitsorVVPAT isput touse,a complete recordas towhereeachsuchunitwasusedshouldbeproperlymaintainedanditshouldshowalsothereasonsforwhichtheuseofsuchreserveunitbecamenecessary.

10.32. SUPPLYOFVOTINGMACHINESTOPOLLINGPARTIES10.32.1. The voting machines will be supplied only to the Presiding Officer of the

pollingstationagainstaproperreceipttobeobtainedfromeachPresidingOfficer.Forthispurpose,ReturningOfficerwillkeepaseparateregistershowingthenumberandnameof thepolling stations, thenameof thePresidingOfficer and serial numbersofControl Unit, Balloting Unit(s) and VVPAT supplied to him and his full signature intokenofhavingreceivedthesame.

10.32.2. That registerwill have furtherprovision forkeepingproperaccountof themachinesreceivedbackfromthePresidingOfficers.

10.32.3. The reserve machines will be kept at a central place or places in theconstituencyonthedayofpollsothatthesamemaybesuppliedwiththeleastpossibledelay to any polling station where an emergent need arises for replacement of anyControl Unit or Balloting Unit(s) or VVPAT. These machines will be kept under thecharge of one of the Assistant Returning Officers or some other senior officerspecificallynominatedforthepurposebyReturningOfficer.

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11. POSTALBALLOTPAPERS

11.1. SERVICEVOTERS11.1.1. Service voters (other than thosewhohave opted for proxy voting) are eligible to

receivepostalballot(Appendix40).11.1.2. Postal ballot papers have to be sent to all service electors, whose names are

included in last part of electoral roll, provided they have not opted for proxy voting.ServiceelectorswhohaveappointedproxyarecalledClassifiedServiceVoters(CSVs).Intheircase,theproxywillvoteinthepollingstationassignedfortheareacovingthehouseaddressoftheservicevoter.ByanamendmenttotheConductofElectionsRules,1961,bynotificationdated21.10.2016,thepostalballotpapersforServiceVotersmaybetransmittedbytheReturningOfficerbysuchelectronicmeansasmaybespecifiedbytheElectionCommissionofIndiafortheServiceVoters.Whereapostalballotpaperistransmitted electronically, the provisions of this rule and rules 22, 24 and 27 shall,mutatismutandis,apply.

11.1.3. In terms of the provisions of the SecondProviso to sub-rule (l) of Rule 23 of theConductofElectionsRules,1961,theCommissionhaslaiddownthefollowingmannerfortransmissionofpostalballotpapersbyelectronicmeanstotheServiceVoters.TheReturningOfficershalltransmitthefollowingdocumentselectronically:a. PostalBallotPaper,b. Form13-A-DeclarationbyElector,c. LabelforForm13-B-CoverA(InnerEnvelope),d. LabelforForm13-C-CoverB(OuterEnvelope),e. Form13-D-InstructionsfortheGuidanceofElector.Assoonasthelistofcontestingcandidatesisdrawnupaftertheperiodforwithdrawalof candidature is over, theReturningOfficer shall get postal ballot paper for ‘ServiceVoters’preparedandarrangetouploadthepostalballotpapersandconnectedpapersfor ServiceVoterson theElectronically transmittedPostalBallots (ETPBs) by thedayfollowingthelastdateforwithdrawalofcandidatures.

11.2. POSTALBALLOTPAPERS–FORMANDLANGUAGE11.2.1. Itmay be noted that therewould be different specifications for the two types of

postalballotpapers,i.e.i. Postalballotpapersforservicevoters.

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ii. Postal ballot papers for the other categories of electors entitled to vote by postalballot.

11.2.2. Forservicevoters,theparticularsregardingnamesofcandidatesandpartyaffiliation will continue to be printed in the official language of the State and inEnglish. Election Symbol is not to be printed on the Postal Ballot for service voters.Photographs of candidateswill also be printed on it. Alongwith name of candidates,theirpartyaffiliation,ifany, isalsotobeprintedi.e.nameofthepoliticalpartywhichsetsupthecandidate is tobeprintedbelowthenameof thecandidate. In thecaseofindependentcandidates,theword“Independent”hastobeprinted.

11.2.3. As for the Postal Ballot papers for the other categories of electors i.e. for thoseentitled to vote by postal ballot (other than service voters), the election symbolsallottedtothecandidatesandphotographsofcandidateswillalsobeprintedthereon.Theparticularsontheballotpaperwillbeprintedintheofficial languageoftheStateandalsoinEnglish(whereEnglishisnottheofficial language).Thepartyaffiliationisnot required to be printed on the ballot paper in the case of postal ballot for thesecategoriesofelectors.Theelectionsymbolwillbeprintedbetweenthephotographofthecandidateandthespaceformarkingvote.

11.2.4. Onbothtypesofpostalballotpapers,thephotographofcandidateswillbeprinted.The photograph of the candidates will be printed in the panel for the name of thecandidates and will appear on the right side of the name in between the name andsymbolofthecandidateorthecolumnformarkingvote/preference,asthecasemaybe.Thesizeofthephotographprintedontheballotpaperwillbe2cmx2.5cm.

11.3. POSTALBALLOTPAPERSTOPERSONNELONELECTIONDUTY11.3.1. PersonsonelectiondutywhoareentitledforPostalBallots(PB)andElectionDuty

Certificate(EDC)–Allpersonsappointedonelectiondutywhoarenotabletocasttheirvoteatthepollingstationwheretheyareenrolledasavoterareentitledtothefacilityof either anEDCor apostal ballot. In case they areputon electionduty in the sameconstituency in which they are enrolled as a voter, they are entitled to get an EDC,whichentitlesthemtovoteatthepollingstationwheretheyareonduty.Iftheyareondutyinaconstituencyotherthantheconstituencywheretheyareenrolledasavoter,theyareentitledtoaPostalBallot.Thesepersonsincludeemployeesinpollingparties,Sector Officers, Zonal Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers.District Elections Officer, Deputy District Election Officer, employees posted in theoffices ofDistrict ElectionOfficer, returningOfficer, Control Roomand other election

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relatedoffices,micro-observers,allpolicepersonnel,homeguards,drivers,conductorsandcleanersofvehicles,engagedforelectionworketc,ifsuchpersonsarenotabletocasttheirvoteatthepollingstationwhereheorsheisenrolledasavoterbyreasonofbeing on duty in relation to elections. Polling agents of candidates also fall in thecategoryofvotersonelectiondutyforthispurpose.ApersonisentitledtoanEDCifheorsheisondutyinthesameconstituencywhereheorsheisenrolledasavoter,andentitledtoapostalballotifheorsheisondutyinanyconstituency.

11.3.2. InformationtoPoliticalParties-AllRecognizedPoliticalPartieswillbeinformedinwriting thescheduleof facilitationofpostalballotingat theFacilitationCentres.TheyshallbeallowedtosendtheirrepresentativestowitnessthefacilitationprocessattheFacilitationcentres.

11.3.3. Timetobesetapart forPostalBalloting- Ineachtrainingsessionat least2hourswillbesetapartforfacilitationofpostalballoting.Ifnecessary,morethan2hoursmaybesetapartforthispurposeasperneed.PostalBallotingistobedoneafterthetrainingisover.PoliticalPartiesrepresentativesshallbeallowedintheFacilitationCentreafterthetrainingisoverandwhentheprocessoffacilitationofpostalballotingbegins.

11.3.4. Arrangements for representatives of candidates - Arrangement shall bemade forcandidates to sit and watch the process of facilitation without interfering with theprocess.Ifanypersoninterfereswiththeprocessoffacilitation,theofficerin-chargeoffacilitationcanordersuchapersontoleavethepremisesimmediately.

11.3.5. Castingofpostalballots in the facilitationballotbox:A large steel trunkwithoneopeningatthetopforcastingofpostalballotsshallbeusedasafacilitationballotboxatthe facilitation centre. Before the casting of postal ballots is started, the emptyfacilitationballot boxwill be opened and shown to all present. The facilitationballotboxwill thenbesealedby theofficer in-chargeof theFacilitationCentre.Everyvotershall cast his or her postal ballot in the Facilitation Ballot Box after marking it andsealingitintheenvelopesasdescribedabove.

11.3.6. Sortingofpostalballots-Afterallpostalballotsforthedayhavebeencast,theboxwillbeopenedbytheofficerin-chargeoftheFacilitationCentreinthepresenceoftherepresentativesofpoliticalparties.Allthepostalballotswillbetakenoutoftheboxandtheemptyboxwillbeshowntothesaidrepresentativesofpoliticalparties.Thepostalballot envelops will be sorted Assembly Constituency wise and the total number ofpostal ballot envelopes received for eachAssembly Constituencywill be entered in aStatement in FORMAT-1 to bemaintained for this purpose at the facilitation centre.Representativesofpoliticalpartiespresentwillberequestedtoputtheirsignatureson

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the register andwill be given a copy of the relevant pages of the register. All postalballotenvelopesforoneAssemblyConstituencywillbekeptinalargeenvelopemeantfor that Assembly Constituency. The name of the Facilitation Centre, the date ofFacilitationandthenumberofpostalballotscontainedthereinwillbedearlywrittenonthis envelope. The number and name of the Assembly Constituency for which theenvelopeismeantwillalsobeclearlywrittenontheenvelope.Thisenvelopewillthenbesent to theReturningofficerof theconcernedAssemblyConstituencyalongwithacopyof the relevant Statement in Format-1 through specialmessenger appointed forthispurposenotbelowtherankofDeputyTahsildar.

11.3.7. Onthedayofdispatchofpollingpartiesalsoasteel trunk(facilitationballotbox)shallbekeptat thedispatchcentreso thatanyelectiondutyofficialwhodidnotcastvoteatthetrainingsessioncandroptheenvelopecontainingthepostalballot insuchfacilitationballotbox.Afterall thepartieshave left, this facilitationballotboxwillbeopenedandsortedconstituencywiseandsenttotherespectiveROsinsealedenvelopesin the same manner as explained above. Candidates should be informed in advanceaboutthisactivitysothatiftheywanttodeputeanyrepresentative,theymaydoso.

11.3.8. Ifanyvoterdidnotcastvoteatthefacilitationcentre/dispatchcentrethenhecanvoteonlybypost.

11.3.9. ReceiptofPostalBallotsbyPost-a) ArrangementtobemadewithPostalDepartment-Forreceivingbackpostalballotsby post, the Chief Electoral Officer will make an arrangement with the PostalDepartment and ask them to nominate one post office for each Parliamentary /Assembly Constituency which will deliver postal ballots every day to the respectiveReturningOfficer.Thetimeofdeliverywillbefixedat3PMeverydayattheofficeoftheReturningOfficer,exceptforthecountingdaywhenthetimefordeliverywillbebefore8AMorsuchothertimefixedforcommencementofcounting,atthecountingcentreforthat Assembly Constituency. The list of counting centres and the addresses of ROsofficeswillbecommunicatedinwritingtothePostalDepartmentbytheCEO.b) PoliticalPartiesandCandidatestobepresentatthetimeofreceiptofpostalballotsby post - Contesting candidates will be informed in writing that they or theirrepresentativesmayremainpresentatthetimeofdeliveryofpostalballotsbythepostoffice.Apassshouldbeissuedtothenominatedpostaldepartmentemployeetoenterthecountingcentreoncountingdayforthispurpose.c) Procedure on receiving postal ballots by post - The number of postal ballotsdelivered by the post officewill be ascertained in the presence of the political party

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representativesandcandidaterepresentativesandanacknowledgementofthenumberof postal ballots received will be given to the post office. A copy of thisacknowledgementshallbekept in therecordof theRO.ThenumberofpostalballotsreceivedwillbeenteredinthedailyreturninFORMAT-3bytheRO.Theentireprocesswillbevideo-graphed.d) Storageofpostalballotsreceivedbypost-TheRetuningOfficerwillkeepallpostalballotsreceivedfromthepostofficeeverydayinaseparateenvelopeforthatdayandwriteon theenvelope thedateandwords - "PostalBallotsReceivedbyPost".Hewillkeepthisenvelopealsointhestrongroomforpostalballotseverydayaftertheposthasbeenreceived.

11.3.10. SendingpostalballotstotheplaceofcountingwherecountingisnotdoneatROheadquarter-InthosecaseswherethecountingisdoneataplaceotherthantheRO headquarters, the postal ballots for the Parliamentary / AssemblyConstituency will be transferred to another strong room for the postalballotsfor the concernedParliamentary/AssemblyConstituencyatthecountingcentres, onedaybefore theday of counting. For this purpose, theRO shall inform inwritingtothecandidatesthetimeatwhichthiswillbedone.Thestrongroomforpostalballots shall be opened in the presence of the candidates or their representativespresent.Allpostalballotswillthenbekeptinalargesteelboxwhichwillbesealedinthe presence of candidates and their representatives. This box will then be carriedunderguardofarmedCPFtothestrongroomforpostalballotsatthecountingcentre.Candidates and their representatives shall be allowed to follow the vehicle carryingpostalballots.Theboxcontainingpostalballotswillthenbekeptinastrongroomforpostal ballots at the counting centre in the presence of the candidates and theirrepresentatives.Strongroomwillthenbesealedandsignaturesofcandidatesandtheirrepresentatives will be taken as proof of their presence. Candidates and theirrepresentatives shall be allowed tokeepwatchon the strong room, if they sodesire.The whole process will be video graphed. On the day of the counting. the returningofficerwillopenthestrongroomandbringallpostalballotsandcopiesoftherelevantpagesof registers received from the facilitation centres to the tablewhere thepostalballotswillbecounted.

11.3.11. Tallyingofpostalballotnumbersbeforecounting:-Theenvelopesreceivedfrom facilitation centreswill be openedoneby one and the number of postal ballotsfound in each envelope will be tallied with the numbersmentioned in the copies ofrelevantpagesoftheregistersreceivedfromthefacilitationcentre.Theresultofsuch

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tallyingwillbeshowntothecandidatesandtheirelectionagentsbeforethecountingofpostal ballots. Similarly, the register of postal ballots received by post shall also beshowntothecandidatesandtheirelectionagents.

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12. POLLINGPERSONNEL

12.1. FORMATIONOFPOLLINGPARTIES12.1.1. A District Election Officer-wise database, of all eligible poll personnel shall be

maintained inelectronic format,which can facilitate computerized randomization.AllrelevantparticularslikeName,Sex,Place(constituency)ofresidence,workplace,HomeConstituency,Designation,OfficeandDepartment/Institutionsshouldbeentered.

12.1.2. The database shall contain, distinctly and separately, the State Govt. employeesincluding Public Sector Undertakings, teachers etc. who can be employed as pollingpersonnel.

12.1.3. Similarly, the database shall distinctly and separately contain all CentralGovernmentemployeesincludingPSU,Banketc.

12.1.4. Unlessotherwiseadvised,thepollingpartiesshallbeformedoutoftheStateGovt.employees.TheCentralGovernmentemployeesincludingPSUsandBanks,etc.shallbeutilizedforselectingsuitablepersonsasMicroObservers.

12.1.5. PresidingOfficersandPollingOfficersshallbeclassifiedonthebasisofscaleofpayand their post and rank. As far as practicable, Gazetted Officers will be deployed asPresidingOfficersandfailingthatofficialswhoareworkinginsupervisorycapacityonlyshould be deployed as Presiding Officers. The Presiding Officer should be of higherscale/gradeincomparisontootherPollingOfficersofthatformation.

12.1.6. Inviewoftherecentinstructionsregardingissueofpostalballotpapers,AssemblyConstituencyNo.,PartNo.,Sl.No.ofeachandeveryofficialshallbeindicated.Incase,heis not a voter, in the process of continuous updation he should be enrolled in theelectoral roll of Assembly Constituency concerned and Elector Photo Identity Cardissued.Similarly, thepersonnelmeant forbeingappointedasMicroobserversshouldinvariably be enrolled as voter and Elector Photo Identity Card issued. Therefore,personsput onpolling duties should invariably be voters. Further, nopersonwill beassignedpollingdutiesinanassemblyconstituencyinwhichheispostedorinwhichheresidesortheconstituency,whichishishomeconstituency.

12.1.7. Inordertoavoidanyallegationofcollusionamongthepollingpersonnelinfavourof any candidate or political party and to instil confidence in the minds of PoliticalParties and candidates about free and fair elections, propermix of polling personneldrawnfromdifferentofficesanddepartmentsatthetimeofformationofapollingpartyshouldbeensured.Twoofficialsof thesameserialgroup/categoryshouldnotbeput

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together. Further, two members of the polling party should not be from the samedepartment(incaseofschoolteachers,theyshouldnotbefromthesameschool.

12.1.8. Polling personnel database should include personnel both from the StateGovernment departments as well as the Central government offices. CentralGovernmentemployeesshouldbeutilized formicroobserverduties tobedecidedbyObservers.Pollingpersonneltobepostedwithinthedistrictunlessspecificallydirectedotherwise.

12.2. PROCEDUREFORFORMATIONOFPOLLINGPARTIES12.2.1. Database&softwareshouldbepreparedanddevelopedbytheCEOanddistributed

among DEOs. District Election Officers should obtain a complete database of officerseligible for polling party duties from respective authorities. All relevant informationshould be entered into an electronic database of the computerized randomizationapplicationsoftwareapprovedbytheCEOforthatstate.

12.2.2. Fromthisfulldatabaseofofficers,alistof120%oftherequirednumberofpollingpersonsshouldbegenerated(includingreserve)randomly,usingthesoftware.Thisisthefirstofthethree-stagerandomizationprocess.Presenceofobserversisnotrequiredat this stage. It shouldbenoted that this randomized list isDEO-wiseandnot at anyother level like subdivision, tehsil, block, assembly constituency etc. This is only toidentifyandselecttheofficialsthatwouldbegiventrainingforpolldutiesaspresidingandpollingofficersinwhicheverconstituencyofthatdistrict.Innocase,atthisstage,theidentityoftheassemblyconstituencytowhichthepollingpersonnelarelikelytobedeployedwillbeknown.Allthatthepollingpersonnelwillknowatthisstageiswhetherhe(orshe)isapresidingofficerorapollingofficerandthevenueandtimeoftrainings.

12.2.3. Thesecondstageofrandomizationexerciseshouldbedone inthepresenceof theObservers deployed in the constituency. At this stage actual polling parties shall beformed on random basis using the randomization software. The Observer must bepresentatthisstage.Atthisstagethoughtheactualpollingstationwillnotbeknown,however, the Assembly Constituency and the team compositionmay be known. Thisrandomization shouldnot takeplacebefore6or7days from thedayofpoll. For thepurpose of serving the appointment letters, the DEO can use the services of thesponsoring departments/ authority and/or organize a training programme of pollpersonnel in team formation on that date when final briefing can be given andappointmentlettersissuedtothem.ItwillalsofacilitatePostalBallot.

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12.2.4. Thethirdstageofrandomisationexerciseshalltakeplaceatthetimeofdispersalofpollingpartieswhentheallocationofpollingstationstothepolingpartieswillbedone.This third stage randomization for final allocation of Polling Stations to each PollingParty should also be done in the presence of Observers. The actual polling stationallottedto individualpollingpersonnel is tobedisclosed justbefore thepollingpartyactuallyleavesthedispersalcentre.

12.2.5. TheDistrict ElectionOfficer shall furnish to theElectionCommission through theObserversandseparately to theChiefElectoralOfficerof theState/UTacertificate tothe following effect immediately after the polling parties have been formed for anelection:-Certifiedthat(i) The polling parties have been formed by a proper mix of officials drawn fromdifferentofficesanddepartments,inpresenceofObserversand(ii)Theofficershavebeendrawn from theStateGovernmentdepartmentsaswell asfromtheStatePublicUndertakingetc.asfaraspracticable.(iii) For the purpose of making polling parties complete data base of all eligibleemployeesinthedistricthasbeenused.”

12.2.6. TheentirerandomizationexerciseexceptthefirststagemustinvariablybedoneinthepresenceoftheObserverssenttotheconstituency.If,byanychance,theformingofthepollingpartiesthroughrandomization(secondstage)hasbeendoneintheabsenceof theObservers, thenthe2ndstagerandomizationexerciseshouldbedoneafresh inthepresenceofObserversandcompliancereportshouldbesubmittedinthisregard.

12.2.7. The femalepollingpersonnel shouldnotbeputondutyon thebasisof computerrandomizationprocess.They shouldbeput ondutybymanual randomizationby theObserversintheneighbouringpollingstationssothattheycangotothepollingstationsinthemorningofthepolldayitself.

12.3. COMPOSITIONOFPOLLINGPARTY12.3.1. Apollingpartywould,innormalcase,consistofaPresidingOfficerandthreepolling

officers. Fourth pollingOfficer is required if VSDU is attachedwith VVPAT. The FirstPolling Officer is in charge of the marked copy of electoral roll and responsible foridentificationofthevoters.TheSecondPollingOfficermakestheentriesintheRegisterofVoters(Form17A) includingEPIC/other identificationdocumentdetails, takes thesignatureofthevotersorthethumbimpression(inthecaseofilliteratevoters),appliesindelible ink on the left forefinger of the voters and issues voters slip to the votersindicatingtheserialnumberinwhichtheywouldbegoingintothevotingcompartment

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tocastvote.TheThirdPollingOfficeristhecustodianofthe“CU”andactivatesthe“BU”bypressing “BALLOT’buttonof the “CU”andallows thevoter togo inside thevotingcompartment for casting vote, in the order of the serial number on the voters’ slipissuedbytheSecondPollingOfficer.TheCommissionhasdecidedthat intheeventofshortageofpollingstaffinanyparticularDistrict/Constituency,andtheninsuchplaces,thepollingpartymayconsistofaPresidingOfficerandtwopollingofficersasagainstthethreepollingofficerswhichisthestandardnorm.Inthatcase,thedutyoftheFirstPollingOfficerwill also includeapplicationof indelible inkon the fingerof thevoter,afteridentificationofthevoter.TheSecondPollingOfficerwillbethecustodianofthe‘CU’alsoinsuchcases,inadditiontohisnormaldutiesofmakingtheentriesinForm17A(RegisterofVoters)andtakingthesignature/thumbimpressionofelectorstherein.Itis clarified that in such cases where only two polling officers are used, it is notnecessarytopreparethevotersslipserialnumbers.Instead,theSecondPollingOfficerwillactivatethe“CU”andthensendthevotersinsidethevotingcompartmentexactlyinthesamesequenceinwhichtheysignintheRegisterofVoters(Form17A).Therewillbenoneedtopreparethevotersslipsatthepollingstationsinsuchcases.Further,inthe cases where number of polling officers is restricted to two, the contestingcandidates should be informed in writing in advance about this. The duties to beperformedbythetwopollingofficersshouldalsobeexplainedtothecandidates.

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13. OBSERVERS

13.1. PRELIMINARY13.1.1. TheElectionCommissionof Indiaappoints seniorandexperiencedadministrative

serviceofficersasitsObserverstoassistintheconductoffreeandfairpolls.Theyalsooverseetheefficientandeffectivemanagementoftheelectoralprocessatthefieldleveland provide direct inputs to it from the field as an interface with the electionmachinery,thecandidates,politicalparties,andelectorstoensurethattheacts,rules,procedures,instructionsandguidelinesrelatedtoelectionsarestrictlyandimpartiallycompliedwithbyalltheconcerned.

13.2. STATUTORYPOWERSOFOBSERVERS13.2.1. TheCandidate’sattentionisinvitedtoSection20BofRepresentationofPeopleAct,

1951whichreadsasfollows:-1. The Election Commission may nominate an Observer who shall be an officer of

Government to watch the conduct of election or elections in a constituency or agroupofconstituenciesandtoperformsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeentrustedtohimbytheElectionCommission.

2. TheObservernominatedunder sub-section (1) shallhave thepower todirect theReturningOfficerfortheconstituencyorforanyoftheconstituenciesforwhichhehasbeennominated,tostopthecountingofvotesatanytimebeforethedeclarationof the result or not to declare the result if in the opinion of the Observer, boothcapturinghastakenplaceatalargenumberofpollingstationsoratplacesfixedforthepollor countingof votesoranyballotpapersusedat apolling stationorat aplace fixed for the poll are unlawfully taken out of the custody of the ReturningOfficer or are accidentally or intentionally destroyed or lost or are damaged ortamperedwithtosuchanextentthattheresultsofthepollatthatpollingstationorplacecannotbeascertained.

3. Where an Observer has directed the Returning Officer under this section to stopcountingofvotesornottodeclaretheresult,theObservershallforthwithreportthematter to the Election Commission and thereupon the Election Commission shall,after taking all material circumstances into account, issue appropriate directionsunder Section 58A or Section 64A or Section 66. The observers are also tooversee/monitor the expenditure incurred by the candidates and to ensure thatCommission’sguidelinesregardingmaintenanceofday-to-dayaccountsofelection

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expenditure by the candidates are strictly enforced and are also required toscrutinizetheregisterofaccountsmaintainedbythecandidates.

13.3. MICROOBSERVERS13.3.1. The Election Commission of India has introduced the system of appointment of

MicroObservers at thepolling station levelwhoworkdirectlyunder the control andsupervision of Observer of the Commission. The Micro Observers are deployed atpolling stations on the basis of various factors which contribute to vulnerability tovoters likedominationofonesocialgroupoverother, inaccessibilityofthearea,EPICnon-availability,previoushistoryofviolenceetc.Incasethepollisvitiatedinanyway,hewillbringthemattertothenoticeoftheObserverimmediately.Hewillalsoobserveas to whether the poll procedure is properly being followed by the pollingofficials/pollingagentsandprepareareportattheendofthepollandsubmitthesametotheObserveratthecollectioncentre.

13.4. SECTOROFFICERS13.4.1. The Election Commission of India has introduced the system of appointment of

sectorofficersforevery10-12pollingstationsforelectionmanagementfromthedayofannouncement of schedule of election till completion of poll process. They will bedesignated as Zonal Magistrate 7 days before the poll day and will have powers ofspecialexecutivemagistrateandwillbeaccompaniedbypoliceofficer.Themaintasksandresponsibilitiesofsectorofficersaregivenbelow.

13.4.2. Pre-pollresponsibility:1. Ascertainingtheapproachandaccessibilitytopollingstations2. Ascertaining infrastructure at polling stations – water, shade, ramps, toilets,

telephoneetc.andphysicalstatusofbuilding.3. Ensuringthatwidepublicityisgiventonewpollingstation.4. Tocollectphonenumbers,ascertainmobileconnectivityatpollingstation.5. Heshallkeepaneyeandreportonmovementofunauthorizedcampaignvehicles,

defacement of property, unauthorized campaigning, misuse of public buildings /governmentvehicles/governmentservantsandallpossibleviolationofModelcodeofconduct.

6. EVM and VVPAT demonstration to the voters in catchments and introduction of‘NOTA’optiontobeexplainedtothevoters.

7. GivespecificinformationaboutEPICcoverageprogramme.8. Informvotersabouthelplinesandlocationsoftheirpollingstations.

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9. InformvoterstochecktheirnamesandentriesinPERthroughBLO.10. Frequentvisits for confidencebuildingmeasuresand fine tuning thevulnerability

mapping;11. VulnerabilityMapping.12. Identificationofvillages,hamletsandsegmentsofvotersvulnerable to threatand

intimidation.13. Identificationandreporttoreturningofficeraboutpersonswhomakeitvulnerable.14. Ensuringfreeaccessofvotersforvoting.15. Contactpointswithinthevulnerablecommunitywiththeirtelephonenumbers.

13.4.3. Poll-everesponsibility1. Ensurethatthepollingteamsandallmaterialshavereachedtheirpollingstations.2. Ensurethatforcehasarrivedatpollingstationsaccordingtotheplan.3. Clarifyanylast-minutedoubtonEVMandVVPAToperationorthepollingprocess,

amongstthepollingpersonnel.4. Giveokreporttocontrolroom.

13.4.4. Polldayresponsibility1. Toascertainthemockpollstatusbeforecommencementofpoll.Remedialactionto

sortouttheproblem,ifany.2. Frequentvisit andattentionon thepolling stationwhere themockpollhad tobe

conductedintheabsenceofthepollingagents.3. Reportcommencementofpolls.4. ToensurethatForcesdeployedatthepollingstationsareinposition.5. Replacement of EVMs and VVPATs where required (Sector officer to have spare

EVMsandVVPATs).6. Trackandreportthepresence/absenceofpollingagents.7. Toassistpollingteaminsidethepollingstationwithprocedures.8. Tomaintainthepurityofpollprocessandcheckallaspectsofpollingduringtheir

visitstopollingstations.9. Mockpollstatustobereportedwithin30minutestoReturningOfficer.10. Check voting pattern – any segment / section conspicuous by its absence. Inform

Returningofficerforremedialmeasures.11. ReportvotingpercentagefromtimetotimetoReturningOfficerasinstructed.12. Handlingofpolldaycomplaints.13. CheckthesealingofEVMs,VVPATsandpreparationofpapersbypollingparties.14. EscortEVMsandVVPATswithpollingteamstoreceiptcentre.

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15. Replacementofpollingpersonnelfromthereserveparties.16. Attheendofpoll,hewillensurethat:presidingofficer’sdiaryisfilledupproperly,

EVMs andVVPATs are properly sealed, Copies of 17C are given to polling agents,Register of Voters 17A is properly filled up and Format for Presiding Officer’sadditionalreporttobesubmittedtoObserversfilledupproperly.

13.4.5. Afterpoll,thesectorofficershallsubmitareportonpollingtotheReturningOfficer.

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14. SECURITYARRANGEMENTSATPOLLINGSTATIONS

14.1. SECURITY14.1.1. During elections, the Commission deploys Central Police Forces for the smooth

conduct of elections. The Local State Police (including all its variants) and CentralParamilitaryForces standdeputed to theElectionCommissionof Indiaat the timeofelections and they come under its superintendence and control for all purposes. TheCommission uses the services of personnel of these forces for smooth conduct ofelections.

14.1.2. As per the Commission’s instructions where CPF personnel are deployed at thePollingstation,theyareusedasstaticforceoutsidethePollingstation.

14.1.3. Asper thedirectionsof theHon’bleSupremeCourt inCANo.9228of2003(JanakSinghVs.RamDasRaiandothers)inthepollingstationswithCPFcoverage,oneCPFJawanfromtheCPFpartypostedatthepollingstationwillbestationedattheentranceofthepollingstationsothathecankeepawatchontheproceedingsthataregoingoninside the polling station, particularly, to ensure that no unauthorized personentersinsidethepollingstationand/ornoirregularityiscommittedeitherbythepolling staff or outsiders in thepoll process.However, it shouldbe ensured that thisCPFpersonnelisnotlocatedinsidethepollingstation.

14.1.4. The CPF Jawan posted at the entrance of the polling stations shall keep a watchspecificallyonthefollowing:-1. Nounauthorizedpersonispresentinsidethepollingstationatanytimeduringthe

poll.2. Thepollingpartyor thepolling agentsdonot attempt to cast or cast anyvoteor

voteswhennovoterispresentinsidethepollingbooth.3. No Presiding Officer/polling officer accompanies any voter to the voting

compartment.4. No polling agent or polling officer threatens any voter or makes any gesture to

threatenthem.5. Noarmsarecarriedinsidethepollingstation.6. Noriggingtakesplace.

14.1.5. IftheCPFJawanpostedattheentranceofthepollingstationdiscoversviolationoftheelectionprocessasaboveorobservessomethingunusualgoingoninsidethepollingstation,heshallnot interfere inthepollprocessbutreportthesametotheofficer in-chargeof theCPFpartyatpollingstationor to theobserver. Theofficer in-chargeof

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CPFpartywillinturnbringittothenoticeoftheReturningOfficerandalsoObserverimmediatelyinwritingforfurthernecessaryaction.

14.1.6. In the buildingswhich havemore than one polling station andwhere only half asection of the CPF personnel is deployed, the CPF Jawan selected for duty at theentrance of the polling stationmay be asked to oscillate from one polling station toanotherandlookatwhatisgoinginsidethesepollingstationsandreporttotheofficerinchargeoftheCPFpartyortotheobserver,ifanyirregularityisobservedbyhim.

14.1.7. Returning Officer/Observer will report cases from where adverse reports arereceivedfromtheCPFpartiesforfurtherinstructionsoftheCommission.

14.1.8. ItisclarifiedthattheCPFJawanshallbepostedattheentranceofonlythosepollingstations,whereCPFisdeployed.

14.1.9. ItisfurtherclarifiedthattheCPFJawanpostedattheentranceofthepollingstationshall not verify the identity of electors coming into the polling stations to cast theirvotesassuchverificationisthedutyofthepollingpersonnel.

14.1.10. According to the Commission’s instructions, the CPF Jawans should not bepositionedinsidethepollingstation.

14.1.11. Afterthepolliscompleted,thepolledEVMsandthePresidingOfficersshallbeescortedbyacontingentofCPFtotheReceptionCentre.DetailsinthisregardshallbeworkedoutbytheDEOandSPinconsultationwithObserverinadvance.

14.1.12. TheCPFshall alsobe responsible forguarding theStrongRoomwhere thepolledEVMsarestoredandkepttillthedayofcounting.

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15. POLLINGDAY

15.1. INTRODUCTORY15.1.1. Polling is themost important event in the election process. In a democracy, it is

through the poll that the electors express their choice of the candidate to representtheminParliamentorStateLegislature.

15.2. DECLARATIONOFHOLIDAYONPOLLINGDAYS15.2.1. The election law provides that every person employed in any business, trade,

industrialundertakingoranyotherestablishmentandentitledtovoteatelectiontotheHouse of the People or Legislative Assembly of a State, shall, on the day of poll, begrantedaholiday.Nodeductionorabetmentofwagesofanysuchpersonshallbemadeonaccountofsuchpaidholiday.

15.3. PROHIBITIONOFCANVASSING15.3.1. Theelectionlawprohibitscanvassinginornearpollingstationsonpollingday.No

personshallcommitanyofthefollowingactswithinapollingstationorinanypublicorprivateplacewithinadistanceof100metersofapollingstation,namely:(a)canvassingforvotes;(b)solicitingthevoteforanyelector.(c)persuadinganyelectornottovoteforanyparticularcandidates;(d)persuadinganyelectornottovoteattheelection;(e)exhibitinganynoticeorsign(otherthananofficialnotice)relatingtotheelection;(f) usingoroperatingwithinorattheentranceofthepollingstationorinanypublicorprivate place in its neighbourhood any apparatus for amplifying or reproducing thehumanvoice,suchasmegaphoneoraloudspeaker;and(g)shoutingorotherwiseactinginadisorderlymannerwithinorattheentranceofapollingstationorinanypublicorprivateplaceintheneighbourhood.N.B.-Thedistancefromwhichaloudspeaker,etc,isusedisimmaterial.Theoffencewillbe committed even if it is used froma distance ofmore than100meters if it causesannoyancetoanypersonvisitingthepollingstationforthepollorinterferencewiththeworkofofficersandotherpersonondutyatthepollingstation.

15.4. PROHIBITIONOFGOINGARMEDTOORNEARAPOLLINGSTATION15.4.1. Thecandidate’sattentionisinvitedtoSection134BofRepresentationofPeopleAct,

1951whoseunderlyingintentionistoensurethat,exceptthoseexpresslypermittedby

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thatSection,nooneelsecarriesanyarmsorindulgesinshowofarmsinpollingstationsorintheirvicinity.Hence,theElectionCommissionhasissuedtheinstructionsthatnoperson,behearecipientofanyformofsecurityfromanyquarter,shouldenterintoanypolling station or go within its neighbourhood, accompanied by such securitypersonnel.However, in respect of SPG protecteewho happens to be a candidate, theCPTwitharmswillfollowtheprotecteetothedoorofthepollingboothandthereafteronlyonePSOwithconcealedfirearmwillaccompanytheprotecteeinsideandpositionhimselfinsuchamannerastobeabletoprovidetherequisitecovertothePRshoulditbecomeessential,withoutotherwiseinterferingwiththeproceedingsinanymanner.

15.5. CANDIDATE’SELECTIONBOOTHS15.5.1. According to the instructions issuedby theCommission,noelectionboothsof the

candidatesshouldbeallowedtobesetupnearthepollingstationonthedayofpoll,assuchboothsposemanydifficultiesinthewayofholdingfree,fairandsmoothelectionsbycreatingobstructionstovoters,confrontationamongvariouspartyworkersandlawandorderproblems.However,thecandidatesmayprovideonetableandtwochairsforthe use of their agents andworkers for the distribution of unofficial identity slips tovotersbeyondadistanceof200metersfromthepollingstationwithanumbrellaorapiece of tarpaulin over their head to protect from the sun/rain. No crowd should beallowedtocollectaroundsuchtables.

15.6. PREVENTIONOFVOTERSFROMVOTING15.6.1. It iscognizableoffencetodetainanyvoters inacamporanyotherplacewhether

with orwithout his consent or obstruct hisway to polling station or to prevent himfromvotinginanymanner.Ifthecandidatereceivesinformationthatanypersonissodetainedorobstructedorprevented,he/sheshouldreportthemattertothePresidingOfficer, or to the nearest police station or to the Returning Officer, who will takeeffective action to enable the person who are wrongly detained or obstructed orpreventedtoexercise their franchiseeven if thedetentionorobstruction isdone inaprivateplace.

15.7. ILLEGALHIRINGOFVEHICLESFORTHECONVEYANCEOFVOTERS15.7.1. Thecandidatemustnotallowanyoneonhis/herbehalftoprovideconveyancefor

voterson thepollingday. It isbotha corruptpracticeandanelectoraloffence. If thecandidate finds any other candidate or his agents, supporters or workers providingsuch conveyance for voters, he/she shouldmake a complaint in this regard then and

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there and take action to prosecute the offender, under section 133 of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Ifthecandidatedoesnotdosoandmerelysenda complaint to the election authorities,much valuable evidence against the offenderswouldbelost.Thecandidatemayalsousethisasgroundforfillinganelectionpetitionagainst theoffendingcandidate induecourseas freeconveyanceofvoters fromortopollingstationisalsoacorruptpractice.Thecandidate’spollingagentcanalsomakeawrittencomplaintinthisregardtothePresidingOfficerwhowillforwardthesametotheMagistrateconcernedwhohas jurisdiction todealwithsuchcases.ThecandidatemayalsoaskthePresidingOfficertorecordhisremarksonthecomplaintfromhisownobservations.

15.8. REGULATIONOFTRAFFICONTHEDAYOFPOLL15.8.1. In order to check the corrupt practice and electoral offence of providing free

conveyanceforvotersonthedayofthepoll,theCommissionhasdevisedascheme.Themainguidelinesoftheschemeareasunder:(1)The objective is that the polling areas should be cordoned off from all vehiculartrafficonthepollingdayinordertopreventthevotersfrombeingcarriedtoandfrompollingboothsincontraventionoftheelectionlaw.(2)Public transportvehicles likebuses,minibusesareallowed toplybut it shouldbeensuredthattheyarenotusedclandestinelyfortheconveyanceofvoters.(3)Private cars, taxies carrying passengers to places other than polling booths likehospitals, airports, railway stations, bus stands, friends and relations houses, clubs,restaurantswill, however,beallowedon the road.But they shouldnotbeallowed tocome clandestinelynear thepolling areas for the conveyanceof voters. The traffic ofthesevehicleswillbesodivertedastoeffectivelycontroltheirmisuse.(4)Theplyingoflorries,truckswillalsobesimilarlyregulated.(5)The district magistrate, Regional Transport Authorities etc., will be instructed toenforce effectively and fully the regulation, both in letter and spirit, and a certificateshallbeobtainedfromtheconcernedauthorities.(6)Thepoliticalpartiesandcontestingcandidatesandamongstthem,theiragentsandworkersshallbewarnedthatanycontraventionoftheregulationwouldreceiveseriousnoticeandmayprovidesufficientmaterials forchallenging theelection inanelectionpetitionandalsoinvitepenalactionunderthelaw.

15.8.2. ForanelectiontotheHouseofthePeople,eachcontestingcandidatewillbeentitledto:

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a. Onevehicleforhisownuseinrespectoftheentireconstituency.b. Onevehicleforuseofhiselectionagentforentireconstituency.c. Inaddition,onevehicleforuseofhisworkersorpartyworkers,asthecasemaybe,

ineachoftheassemblysegmentscomprisedintheParliamentaryConstituency.15.8.3. ForanelectiontotheStateLegislativeAssembly,eachcontestingcandidatewillbe

entitledto:a. Onevehicleforhisownuseb. Onevehicleforuseofhiselectionagentc. Inaddition,onevehicleforuseofhisworkersorpartyworkers.Note(i):Thecandidateorhisagentorpartyworkersorworkerswillbeallowedtouseonlyfour/three/two-wheelervehiclesi.e.cars(ofalltypes),taxies,autorickshaw,rickshawsandtwowheelers.Inthesevehiclesnotmorethanfivepersonsincludingdriversshallbeallowedtomoveonthedayofpoll.(ii)Onthedayofpoll,ifthecandidateisabsentfromtheconstituency,nootherpersonwillbeallowedtousethevehicleallottedforhisuse.

15.8.4. Thepermitsprintedinboldletterswiththelegend“ElectionPermit”withthesuperinscription of the seal and signature of the authority issuing the permit shall bedisplayedprominentlyonthewindscreenofthevehicle.

15.8.5. The candidate should follow the above guidelines of the Commission’s schememeticulously and should obtain permits for the vehicles to be used by him/her andhis/herpartyworkersonthedayofthepollwellinadvance.

15.9. REMOVALOFBALLOTPAPERSONEVMFROMPOLLINGSTATIONTOBEANOFFENCE

15.9.1. Ifthecandidateorhis/heragentshonestlysuspectthatanyvoterisillegallytakingany ballot paper or a voting machine out of polling station or unauthorizedly orfraudulently tampering with the same, he/she should draw the attention of thePresidingOfficertothematterimmediatelyfornecessaryactiononhispart.

15.10. REMOVALOFDISORDERLYPERSONS15.10.1. Anyperson,whomisconductshimselforfailstoobeylawfuldirectionsofthe

PresidingOfficer during the poll,maybe removed from the polling station under hisorderbyanypoliceofficerorotherpersonsauthorisedbyhim.

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15.11. POLLINGAGENTS15.11.1. Everycontestingcandidate isentitledtoappointonepollingagentandtwo

reliefagentstoactasthepollingagentsateachpollingstation.Onlyoneof themcan,however, remain present inside the polling station at a time. They can relieve eachotherfromtimetotime.Anyreliefagentcantaketheplaceofthepollingagentwhenthe latter goes out. Of the three, whoever is inside the polling station is treated aspolling agent of the candidate for the time being; he has the same rights andresponsibilitiesasgiventothepollingagentbylaw.Further,thepollingagentsmaybeallowedtogooutofthepollingstationsevenafter3.00pmtoattendthenature’scall,etc.andcomebackinsidethepollingstation.However,itmaybeensuredthatonlythepollingagentorhissubstitutecanbepresentinsidethepollingstationatatime. ThePresidingofficershallbrief thepollingagents toremainpresent in thepollingstationtillthevotingisovertooverseethesealingprocedureofEVMsandVVPATsandsignthedeclaration, etc. Polling agents/relieving agent’smovement sheet is provided to eachpolling station, in which each and every polling agent shall be required to sign,indicating the timeofarrivalat thepollingstationand timeofdeparture.Further theCommissionhas instructedthattheMinistersoftheUnionandStatesandMPs,MLAs,MLCs and any other person provided with security cover by the State shall not beappointed as Polling agents as the Security Personnel accompanying them cannot bepermittedtoenterpollingstation,norcantheirsecuritybejeopardisedintheabsenceoftheirsecuritypersonnel.Nopersonwithsecuritycovercanbeallowedtosurrenderthesecuritycovertoenablehimtobecomeapollingagent.

15.11.2. TheappointmentofpollingagentsismadeinwritinginForm10(Appendix23).Thepollingagentswhoareappointedbythecandidate,shallbeordinarilyresidentand shall be voters in the same polling station only. Such polling agents must haveElectors’Photo IdentityCards. Ifanypersonwho isaregisteredelector in thepollingareaandproposedtobeappointedaspollingagentbythecandidatebutdoesnothaveElector’sPhotoIdentityCard,inthatcase,thecandidateorhis/herelectionagentmaymakeawrittenrequesttotheReturningOfficerwhoshallmakenecessaryarrangementforissueofElector’sPhotoIdentityCardtosuchelector.Allpollingagentsshalldisplaytheir Elector’s Photo Identity Card prominently on. The candidate is not required tosendacopyoftheappointmentordertotheReturningOfficer.Thepollingagentshouldproduce theappointmentorder inoriginalat thepollingstationso that thePresidingOfficermayadmithimintothepollingstation.Apollingagentshouldsigntheletterofappointment in Form 10 in token of his agreement to act as the candidate’s polling

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agent. It isadvisable thathissignature isplaced in thecandidate’spresenceor in thepresenceofthehis/herelectionagent,ifthelattermakestheappointment.ThepollingagentwillalsohavetosignagaininthepresenceofthePresidingOfficeratthepollingstation.HeshouldbeaskedtosignbeforethePresidingOfficerinthesamemannerashe signed before the candidate or his/her election agent so that there will nodiscrepancyinhissignature.Thiswillhelpinhisidentitybeingreadilyaccepted.

15.11.3. ToenablethePresidingofficerofapollingstationtoverifythesignatureofthe candidate or his election agent as given in appointment letter in Form 10, thecandidate’s specimen signature or that of his/her election agent shall be obtainedbythe Returning Officer on the format (Appendix - 25) and copies thereof in sufficientnumbershallbesuppliedtoeachPresidingOfficer,ObserversoftheCommission,ZonalMagistrate and Sector Magistrate etc., in the constituency. If the candidate has notappointedanyelectionagent,theninthecolumnmeantforthesignatureoftheelectionagent thewords "NoElection agent appointed" shall be recorded in the said Format.The candidate is at liberty to revoke the appointment of an election agent and toappointanotherpersoninhisplace.IfsuchachangeintheappointmentismadeatthelastmomentwhenthePresidingOfficerhasalreadybeensuppliedwiththecopyoftheFormat (Appendix25) containing the specimensignaturesasoriginally furnishedbythecandidate,thenitshallbethecandidate’sresponsibilitytosupplyacopyofForm9revoking the appointment of the election agent and to supply a copy of Form 8appointingthenewelectionagenttothePresidingOfficer.

15.11.4. Thecandidateorhis/herElectionagentmayrevoketheappointmentofanyofhis/herpollingagentsinwritinginForm11(Appendix24)andlodgetherevocationorderwiththePresidingOfficerofthepollingstation.Ifapollingagenthappenstodiebefore the poll, the candidate or his/her election agent should inform the PresidingOfficer.Inthecaseofrevocationordeath,thecandidateorhis/herelectionagentmayappointanotherpollingagentbyafreshletterofappointmentinForm10inthesamemanner as before, but in such a case, state in the letter the facts leading to suchappointment.

15.12. WHENPOLLINGAGENTSHOULDREACHTHEPOLLINGSTATION

15.12.1. Thepolling agent should reach thepolling station at least onehourbeforethecommencementofthepoll.ThiswillenablehimtobepresentwhenthePresidingOfficerpreparestheVotingMachinesandVVPATfortakingthepollandgoesthrough

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theotherpreliminary/arrangementsbeforethecommencementofthepoll.Ifanypartof these preliminaries has already been gone through, the proceedings will not becommenced de-novo to accommodate any latecomer. Each polling agent will besuppliedbythePresidingOfficerwithapassontheauthorityofwhichthepollingagentcangoinandoutofthepollingstationasmaybenecessary.

15.13. TRACKINGPRESENCEOFPOLLINGAGENTSATTHEPOLLINGSTATIONSANDMANDATORYCONDUCTOFMOCKPOLLANDCERTIFICATION

15.13.1. The candidate is advised to ensure that his/her polling agents reach thepollingstationswellinadvancebeforethecommencementofpollsothatthepre-pollformalitiessuchasissueofentrypasstotheagents,conductofmockpolletc.,aredoneintime.

15.13.2. ThePresidingOfficers shall conductmockpoll asexplained inpara21.2 inthepresenceofthepollingagentsandprepareandsignthemockpollcertificateintheprescribedformat(Appendix28).

15.13.3. The Presiding Officers shall mention the names of the agents and thecandidatestheyrepresentandobtaintheirsignaturesforthepurposeofrecord.

15.13.4. Mockpollshallbeconductednormallyonehourbeforethescheduledhourofcommencementofpoll.Allcontestingcandidatesshouldbeinformedinwritingwellinadvance thatmock poll would start one hour before the commencement of poll andthey should be advised to instruct their polling agents to be present in time for themockpoll. Pollingagentsof at least twocandidates shouldbepresent at the timeofMock Poll. However, if polling agents of at least two candidates are not present, thePresidingOfficermaywaitfor15moreminutesbeforeconductingthemockpollandiftheagentsstilldonotcome,thenthePresidingOfficermaygoaheadandstartthemockpoll. It is further clarified that afterwaiting for15minutes, there is apossibility thatonly one Polling agent may be present, in that situation also, the Presiding Officershouldgoaheadandstartmockpoll.Insuchcase,thereshouldbespecificmentioninthemockpollcertificateonthisaspect.

15.13.5. The Returning Officer through the Sector Officers and using thecommunication linkwith thepollingstation/mobile teamsshall track theconductorotherwise of mock poll and ascertain the mock poll status within 30 minutes. Non-confirmationofmockpollcouldbeindicativeofsomeproblemonthepartofpresidingofficerortheEVMandhencetheReturningOfficershallmakeimmediateinterventiontosortouttheproblem.

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15.13.6. Thepollingstationsnothavingthepresenceofrivalcandidatesofrecognizedparties andwhere themock poll had to be conducted in the absence of agents shallmeritfocusedattentionoftheelectionmachinery.Interventionssuchasdeploymentofreserve micro-observers, deployment of video cameras, frequent visits by sectorofficersandotherseniorofficerscouldbemade.

15.13.7. Afterthecompletionofpollonthebasisofmockpollcertificationsreceivedfrom the Presiding Officers, the Returning Officer shall prepare a list of such pollingstationswherethemockpollhadtobeconductedintheabsenceofagentsorwhereatthetimeofmockpolltheagentsofmorethanonerivalcandidatesofrecognizedpartieswerenotpresent and special attention shall bepaid to thedocuments received fromsuchpollingstationsforproperscrutiny.Theobserversshallalsopaytheirattentiontothisaspect.

15.14. DUTIESOFPOLLINGAGENT15.14.1. Themaindutyofthepollingagentistoseethatthecandidate’sinterestsare

safeguardedatthepollingstation, forwhichhehasbeenappointedashis/herpollingagent.Hisotherdutiesare-(a)to help the Presiding Officer to detect and prevent impersonation of voters bychallengingpersonswhotrytoimpersonatevoters;(b)tohelpinhavingtheVotingMachinesproperlysecuredandsealedaccordingtotherulesbeforeandafterthepoll;(c)totakeacopyoftheaccountofvotesrecordedandpapersealaccountinForm17-CfromthePresidingOfficerafterthecloseofthepoll;and(d)toseethatthedocumentsrelatingtothepollarealsosecuredandsealedproperlyasrequiredbylaw.

15.14.2. TheCommissionhasbroughtoutaseparate “Handbook forPollingAgents”which the candidate may purchase in sufficient numbers for distribution among thepolling agents, if considered necessary. These are available with the Chief ElectoralOfficeroftheState/UnionTerritory.

15.15. THINGSTOBEBROUGHTBYPOLLINGAGENT15.15.1. Thepollingagentshouldprovidehimselfwith the following itemswhenhe

comestothepollingstation:-(a)hisletterofappointment;(b)acopyoftheelectoralrollforthepollingstation;

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(c)alistofthenamesofthedeadabsenteeorshiftedandduplicatevotersincludedinthelist;(d)asmallbrassseal,whichhecanuseforputtinghissealonthecarryingcase(s)oftheBallotingUnits(s)beforetheyaretransportedtothecounting/collectioncentre;and(e)pen,paperandpencil.

15.16. WEARINGOFBADGES,ETCINSIDEPOLLINGSTATION15.16.1. Nopersonisallowedwithinthepollingstationorwithin100metresthereof

to wear badges, emblems, etc., bearing the names of candidates or political leadersand/or their symbols or pictorial representation thereof, as it may amount tocampaigningforacontestingcandidate.

15.16.2. Wearablelikecaps,shawletc.withpoliticalparty’sname,symbolorsloganisnotallowedinsidethepollingstationonthepollday.

15.16.3. Thepollingagentsmay,however,displayon theirpersonabadge showingthenameof the candidatewhose agents they are for thepurposeof their immediateidentification.

15.17. ARRANGEMENTSATPOLLINGSTATIONS15.17.1. Outside each polling station, there will be displayed prominently a notice

specifying thepollingarea, theelectorswhoareentitled tovoteat thepollingstationandthelistofthecontestingcandidates.

15.17.2. PresidingOfficershouldensurethattheBLOappointedfor‘HelpDesk’dutyat each polling station by the DEO is provided with sufficient separate seatingarrangementsoutsideofPollingstationataplaceconvenientforthevotersandsoastoprovidenecessaryassistancetotheelectors. It isrecommendedtoarrangetheirseatsveryclosetothemainentranceofthepollingstationasfaraspossiblesoastocatchtheattention of the electors on their arrival at polling station. A display board as “HELPDESK-BoothLevelOfficer,PSNo…….”shouldbedisplayednearhisseat.

15.18. ADMISSIONTOPOLLINGSTATIONS15.18.1. Apartfromtheelectors,onlythefollowingpersonscanbeadmittedintothe

pollingstationbythePresidingOfficer:(a)PollingOfficers;(b)eachcandidate,hiselectionagentandonepollingagentofeachcandidateatatime;(c)personsauthorizedbytheElectionCommission;(d)publicservantsondutyinconnectionwiththeelection;

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N.B: Theexpression "public servantsonelectionduty"wouldnot includepoliceofficers(unlesscalledforbythePresidingOfficerformaintenanceoflawandorderinthe polling station or any other purpose), Ministers, Ministers of State and DeputyMinistersoftheUnionortheState/UnionTerritories.(e)ObserversappointedbytheCommission;(f) achildinarmsaccompanyinganelector;(g)apersonaccompanyingablindoran infirmvoterwhocannotmovewithouthelp;and(h)such other persons as the Presiding Officermay from time to time admit for thepurposeofidentifyingvotersorotherwiseassistingthePresidingOfficerintakingthepoll.NB: No security personnel accompanying, if any, an elector, candidate or hiselectionagentorpollingagentshallbeallowedtoenterinthe100-meterperimeterofpollingstationsdescribedasthe“PollingStationNeighbourhood”andwithinthepollingbooth.

15.19. SEATINGARRANGEMENTSFORPOLLINGAGENTS15.19.1. ThePresidingOfficerwillmakearrangementstoprovideseatstothepolling

agentsatsuchpollingstationinsuchawaythatthepollingagentsareseatedinsidethepollingstationssothat theymayseethe faceofanelectorasandwhenheentersthepolling station so that they can challenge the identity of the elector, if needed. Theyshould also be able to watch entire operation inside the polling station includinghis/hermovementtothevotingcompartmentandhis/herexitfromthepollingstationafter recording his/her vote. But they should not, in any event, be seated in a placewhere they have the chance of seeing voter actually recording his/her vote whichwouldcompromisesecrecyofvoting.

15.19.2. According to the latest instructions of the Commission, the seatingarrangementatthepollingstationforthepollingagentsofcandidatesshallbeguidedbythefollowingcategoriesofpriorities,namely,(i) candidatesofrecognisednationalparties,(ii)candidatesofrecognisedstateparties,(iii) candidatesofrecognisedstatepartieswhohavebeenpermittedtousetheirreservedsymbolsintheconstituency,(iv) candidatesofregisteredunrecognizedparties,and(v)independentcandidates.

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15.20. PRELIMINARIESBEFORETHECOMMENCEMENTOFPOLL15.20.1. About one hour before the time fixed for the commencement of poll, the

PresidingOfficerwillstartgoingthroughthepreliminarypreparationsfortheconductofpoll.ThePresidingOfficerwill–(a)demonstrate to the polling agents and other persons present that the EVM andVVPATisinperfectworkingorderandthatnovoteshavealreadybeenrecordedinthemachines.(b)conduct a mock poll to satisfy the polling agents that the EVM and VVPAT isfunctioningproperly;(c)clear the votes recorded at such mock poll from the Control Unit of the votingmachineandremovepaperslipsfromVVPATsothatnodatarelatingtothemockpollremainsinEVMandVVPAT.(d)preparemockpollcertificateandobtainthesignaturesofthepollingagents;(e)fix green paper seal in the frame provided for fixing the green paper seal on theinnerdooroftheinnercompartmentofresultsectionoftheControlUnit;(f) closetheinnerdooroftheresultsectionoftheControlUnitwiththreadandsealitwith 'SpecialTag'.ThedropboxofVVPAT shall alsobe sealedby fixing the commonAddressTag.(g)closetheoutercoverofthat(Result)sectionoftheControlUnitwiththreadandsealitwith'AddressTag';(h)secureandsealtheResultSectionfromoutsidewith'StripSeal';(i) demonstratetothepollingagentsandotherpersonspresentthatthemarkedcopyof the electoral roll (copy of the electoral roll to be used for 'marking' the names ofelectorswhoareallowedtovote)doesnotcontainanyremarksotherthanthoseusedfor issuing postal ballot papers and election duty certificates; and that the deletionsappearing in the supplement, if any, appended to the draft roll as well as thesupplement prepared after disposal of claims and objections before final publicationhavebeenreflectedinthereprintedmotherrollbystrikethroughmethodtheword"DELETED"superimposedontheconcernedelectordetailboxincaseofphotoelectoralroll;(theelectoralrollwouldbedulysignedbyoneoftheAEROsandonemoreofficial)and(j) demonstrate to thepolling agents andotherpersonspresent that the 'Register ofVoters'(From17A)doesnotalreadycontainanyentryinrespectofanyelector.

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15.21. PREPARATIONSOFEVMANDVVPATBEFOREPOLL15.21.1. Before anEVMandVVPAT isusedat thepolling station for takingpoll, its

ControlUnitneedstobepreparedfurtherbytakingthefollowingstepsinthepresenceofthecandidates/theiragents.ThePresidingOfficershallstartthepreparationsaboutanhourbeforethetimefixedforthecommencementofthepoll.Ifanypollingagentisnot present, the preparations by thePresidingOfficerwill not be postponed so as toawaitthearrivalofthepollingagent.Ifanypollingagentturnsuplatethereisnoneedto do the preparations again. Any polling agent arriving late will be able to watchsubsequentstagesofpreparationonly.

15.22. PREPARATIONSONTHEBALLOTINGUNIT15.22.1. TheBallotingUnit isalreadydulyprepared inall respectsat theRO’s level

andassuchPresidingOfficerisnotrequiredtodoanythingmoreatthepollingstationonthedayofpoll,exceptthatitsinterconnectingcablehastobepluggedcarefullyintotheVVPATunit.

15.22.2. Wheremore than one Balloting Unit to be used at a polling station, theseBalloting Units have to be inter-connected in the correct sequential order. In such acase, only the firstBallotingUnitwill be connectedwith theVVPATunit. ThepollingagentsmaysatisfythemselvesthatthePresidingOfficerhascorrectlylinkedtheControlUnitwiththeVVPATandBallotingUnit(s).Ifthereisanydefectinsuchinterlinking,itwillimmediatelybenoticedonthedisplaypanelsoftheControlUnit.

15.22.3. Thepollingagentsshouldalsocheckandensurethati. theballotpaperisproperlyfixedintheballotdisplaypanelundertheballotpaper

screen;andii. thetwosealsaffixedbyROatthetopandbottomportionontheright-handsideof

theBallotingUnitareintact.iii. pinkpapersealisfixedatthelowermostportionoftheBUinsuchamannerthatno

candidate’sbuttonorcandidate’snameorsymbolishiddenbytheseal.iv. thecableconnectingVVPATunittotheControlUnitshouldbevisibletobepolling

agentsthroughoutitsentirelength.v. Theslideswitch(orthumbwheelswitchinM3EVM)onBUiscorrectlyadjusted.

15.23. PREPARATIONSONTHECONTROLUNIT15.23.1. Polling Agent will be allowed to check that the seal put by the Returning

Officeronthe'CandidateSetSection'ontheControlUnitisintact.Thissealhasbeenput

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bytheReturningOfficerafterthesettingthenumberofcandidatesintheControlUnitaccording to the number of the contesting candidates (including NOTA) in theconcernedparliamentary/assemblyconstituency.

15.23.2. ThefollowingpreparationsarethentobemadebyPresidingOfficerontheControlUnit:i. Connecting the Control Unit with the VVPAT: Presiding Officer should plug the

interconnecting cable of the BallotingUnit or the first BallotingUnitwheremoreBallotingUnitsthanoneisusedintothesocketprovidedforthepurposeintherearcompartment of theVVPAT. Plug the interconnecting cable of theVVPAT into thesocketprovidedforthepurposeintherearcompartmentoftheControlUnit.

ii. Switching the ‘Power’ switch to ‘ON’ position:The ‘Power’ switchprovided in therearcompartmentoftheControlUnitshouldthenbeputto‘ON’position.Therewillbeabeep soundand the ‘ON’ lampon thedisplay sectionof theControlUnitwillglowgreen.Closetherearcompartmentafterperformingthefunctionsat(i)and(ii)above.Forthepurposeofkeepingitfirmlyclosed,apieceofthinwiremayberunthroughthetwoholesprovidedforthepurposeandtheendsofthewiremaybescrewedforafewturns.However,therearcompartmentisnottobesealed,asitwillrequiretobeopenedagainafterthecloseofpollforswitchingoffthe‘Power’anddisconnectingtheVVPAT.

15.24. PREPARATIONSONVVPAT15.24.1. PresidingOfficershouldplugtheinterconnectingcableoftheBallotingUnit

orthefirstBallotingUnitwheremorethanoneBallotingUnitsareusedintothesocketprovided for the purpose in the rear compartment of the VVPAT. Plug theinterconnectingcableoftheVVPATintothesocketprovidedforthepurposeintherearcompartmentoftheControlUnit.IncaseofM2VVPAT,plugtheinterconnectingcableof theVSDU into thesocketprovided for thepurpose in therearcompartmentof theVVPAT.

15.25. DEMONSTRATIONOFEVMANDVVPAT15.25.1. Before commencing the poll, the Presiding Officer has to satisfy not only

himselfbutallpollingagentspresentatthepollingstationthattheEVMandVVPATisinperfectworkingorderandthatnovoteshavealreadybeenrecordedinthemachines.Forsuchsatisfaction,heshallfirstshowtoallpresentthatallcountshavebeensettoZERObypressingthe‘Clear’button.The‘Clear’buttonisprovidedinacompartmentin

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theresultsectionoftheControlUnit.Thiscompartmentiscoveredbyaninnerdoorandan outer cover. The inner door covers the compartments containing ‘Clear’ button,‘Result’buttonand‘Print’button.Adjacenttothis‘CLOSE’buttonisavailableinanotherchamber.Thischambercontaining‘CLOSE’buttoniscoveredwhenothercoverofresultsectionisclosed.Theoutercoverisprovidedabovetheinnerdoorandcoversalsothecompartmentcontainingthe‘Close’button.Forreachingthe‘Clear’button,hewillfirstopen theouter coverbypressing the latchprovidedon the left side slightly inwards.Thereafter,theinnerdoorcanbeopenedbyinsertingthethumbandafingerthroughthe two apertures above the ‘Result’ and ‘Print’ buttons and then simultaneouslypressingthelatchesinsideslightlyinwards.Innocase,shouldthisinnerdoorbeforceopenedwithoutreleasingthelatchesinthemannerdescribedabove,asotherwisethismost vital compartment will get damaged. When the ‘Clear’ button is pressed, theDisplay Panels on the Control Unit will start displaying the information sequentially(everyindicationisfollowedbyabeepsound).

NOTE:Ifonpressing‘Clear’button,thedisplaypanelsdonotdisplaytheinformationasindicatedabove, itmeans that someof the earlier operationsneeded for clearing themachinehavenotbeenperformed.Toclear themachine, thePresidingOfficershouldensure that Balloting Units, VVPAT and Control Unit have been properly linked. Heshouldthenpressthe‘Close’buttonandthereafterpressthe‘Result’button.Nowwhenhepresses the ‘Clear’ button, thedisplaypanelswill startdisplaying the information.The display of the information on the display panels shall satisfy the polling agentspresent at thepolling station thatnovotes are already recorded in themachine.ThePresidingOfficershallalsoshowthatthedropboxofVVPATisempty.

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15.26. MOCKPOLL15.26.1. Before commencing the mock poll, the Presiding Officer should place the

BallotingUnit(s) andVVPAT inside the voting compartment.While placing theBU(s)and VVPAT in voting compartment, it must be ensured without fail, that secrecy ofvoting is not compromised. After demonstrating as above that no votes are alreadyrecordedinthemachine;thepresidingofficershallconductamockpollbyrecordingatleast50votesatrandomforeachofthecontestingcandidates.Forthatpurpose,hewillperformthefollowingoperations:-a. Hewillpressthe‘Ballot’buttonontheballotsectionoftheControlUnit.Onpressing

the‘Ballot’button,‘Busy’lampinthedisplaysectionwillglowred.Simultaneously,the‘Ready’lampontheBallotingUnitwillalsostartglowinggreen.

b. ThenPresidingOfficerwillaskanypollingagent topress,according tohischoice,anyofthecandidate’sbluebuttonsontheBallotingUnit. Ithastobeensuredthateachoftheblue(unmasked)buttonsispressedatleastonce,sothateachbuttonleftunmaskedistestedandfoundfunctioningproperly.

c. Onthecandidate’sbluebuttonbeingsopressed,the ‘Ready’ lampontheBallotingUnitwillgooffandthecandidate’slampnearthebuttonwillstartglowingred.TheVVPAT will print a small slip of paper that carry the symbol, name and serialnumberofthecandidatevotedwhichwillbevisibleforsevensecondsintheVVPATwindow.Also,abeepsoundwillbeheardfromtheControlUnit.Afterafewseconds,theredlightinthecandidate’slamp,redlightinthe‘Busy’lampandthebeepsoundwill go off. Thiswill be the indication that the vote for the candidate,whosebluebutton has been pressed, has been recorded in the Control Unit and that themachineisnowreadytoreceivethenextvote.

d. Thisprocessasexplainedintheprecedingparas(a),(b)and(c)willberepeatedforrecordingoneormorevotesforeachoftheremainingcandidates.Acarefulaccountofthevotessorecordedinrespectofeachcandidatehastobekept.VVPATpaperslipswillbeprintedwitheachvote.

e. When thevotes arebeing so recorded, thePresidingOfficermaypress the ‘Total’buttonontheballotsectionof theControlUnit toverifyatany timethat the totalvotes recorded in the machine tally with the number of votes which have beenpolleduptothatstage.NOTE: ‘Total’ button should bepressed only after the vote has been recorded foranycandidateandthe‘Busy’lampinthedisplaysectionisoff.

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f. Attheendofthemockpoll,whenthePresidingOfficerpressesthe‘Close’buttonintheresultsection,thedisplaypanelsinthedisplaysectionwillshowtheinformationsequentially.

g. Nowonpressingthebuttonmarked‘Result’intheResultSection,theDisplayPanelswill start showing the information sequentially.After themockpoll, ascertain theresult inControlUnit and count theVVPATpaper slips (after takingout from theVVPATdropbox)inrespectofeachcandidateinthepresenceofpollingagentsandconfirmthattheresulttallieswiththevotespolledinrespectofeachcandidate.

h. Next,thePresidingOfficerwillagainpressthe‘Clear’buttontocleartheaccountofvotes recordedduring themockvoting.On the ‘Clear’buttonbeingsopressed,allcountswillshowZERO.Also, thepaperslips inVVPATshouldbeclearedfromthedropboxandthedropboxshouldbesealed.

15.26.2. As the presence of polling agents helps in preventing impersonation andensures that the EVM and VVPAT used at the polling station is in proper workingcondition and clearedof the votes cast at the timeofmockpoll, theCommissionhasintroduced a certificate to be issued by the Presiding Officer whichwill indicate thenamesofthepollingagentspresentandthecandidatestheyrepresentandobtaintheirsignaturesonit.AproformaofthemockpollcertificateisgiveninAppendix–28.

15.27. FIXINGGREENPAPERSEALINTHECONTROLUNIT15.27.1. In order to maintain the secrecy of ballot, in the conventional system of

votingwhereballotpapersandballotboxesareused, theballotboxesaresealedandsecuredbyfixingagreenpapersealspeciallygotprintedbytheCommission.Oncethegreenpapersealisfixedinaballotboxandthelidoftheboxisclosed,theboxcannotbeopenedandtheballotpaperscontainedthereincannotbe tamperedwithor takenout for counting unless the green paper seal is torn. Similar safeguard has beenprovidedintheEVMsothatoncethepollcommences,nobodyshouldbeabletotamperwiththeEVM.Toachieveandensurethis,provisionhasbeenmadeforfixingthesamegreenpaperseal,whichisusedforsecuringaballotbox,intheControlUnitoftheEVM.

15.27.2. There isa frameprovided for fixing thepapersealon the innersideof thedooroftheinnercompartmentoftheresultsectionofthecontrolunit.Beforethegreenpapersealisfixedintheframeprovidedforthepurposeontheinnersideofthedooroftheinnercompartmentoftheresultsectionofthecontrolunit,thePresidingOfficerwillaffixhis/hersignatureinfullimmediatelybelowtheserialnumberofthepapersealonthewhitesurfaceofthepaperseal.Itshallalsobegotsignedbysuchofthecandidates

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ortheirpollingagentsasarepresentandaredesirousofaffixingtheirsignatures.ThePresidingOfficerwillverifythatthesignaturesofthepollingagentsonthepapersealtallywiththeirsignaturesontheirlettersofappointment.

15.27.3. Thesealwillbesofixedthatitisseenthroughtheaperturefromoutsideandserialnumberofthegreenpapersealisvisiblefromoutside.

15.27.4. Afterfixingthepaperseal,thedooroftheinnercompartmentwillbeclosedbypressingitfit.Itwillbeclosedinsuchamannerthatthetwoopenendsofthepapersealprojectoutwardsfromthesidesoftheinnercompartment.Beforethegreenpaperseal is fixed in the frame provided for the purpose, the Presiding Officer will affixhis/hersignatureinfullimmediatelybelowtheserialnumberofthepapersealonthewhitesurfaceofthepaperseal.Itshallalsobegotsignedbysuchofthecandidatesortheir polling agents as are present and are desirous of affixing their signatures. Thecandidatesortheirpollingagentsareallowedtonotedowntheserialnumberofpapersealssosuppliedforuseandactuallyused.

15.28. SPECIALTAG15.28.1. After the green paper seal has been fixed and secured and signed by the

PresidingOfficerandPollingagents,thedooroftheinnercompartmentoverthe“Clear”buttonand “Result” buttonswill bepressed fit and closedby thePresidingOfficer insuchamannerthatthetwoopenendsofthepapersealcontinueprojectingoutwardsfromthesidesoftheinnerdoor.Thenthisinnerdoorwillbesealedwitha'SpecialTag'.Forthis,thePresidingOfficerwillpassthehigh-qualitytwinethreadspeciallysuppliedforthispurposebytheReturningOfficerthroughthetwoholesprovidedinthe innerdoorandthroughtheholeprovidedinthespecialtagandtiethethreadintoaknotandseal the thread on the special tagwith sealingwax. Thereafterwithout breaking theseal,hewilladjusttheSpecialTaginthecompartmentof“CLOSE”buttonensuringthatthe“CLOSE”buttonprotrudesthroughtheholecutinthemiddleofthespecialTag.

15.28.2. Before the Special Tag is used, the Presiding Officer shall write the serialnumberoftheControlUnitonthespecialtag.

15.28.3. Afterwriting the serial number of the Control Unit on the special tag, thePresidingOfficerwillputhissignatureontheBACKofthespecialtag.Hewillalsoaskthecandidates/pollingagentspresentinthepollingstationbeforethecommencementof thepoll tosignon theback, if theysodesire.Hewillalsoreadout thepre-printedserialnumberonthespecialtagandaskthecandidates/pollingagentspresenttonotedownthatserialnumber.

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15.28.4. The special tag is used to seal the inner compartment over the ‘Clear’ and‘Result’ buttonsafter theprocessof signing thegreenpaper sealbyPresidingOfficerand contesting candidates/polling agents and fixing and securing it in the frame(s)provided for fixing the paper seal on the inner side of the door of the innercompartment of the result section of the control unit is over. The door of the innercompartment over the “Clear” button and “Result” buttons should be pressed fit andclosed insuchamannerthat thetwoopenendsof thepapersealcontinueprojectingoutwardsfromthesidesoftheinnerdoor.Thenthisinnerdoorshouldbesealedwiththe special tag. For this, Presiding Officer should pass the high-quality twine thread(specially supplied for this purpose by the Returning Officer) through the two holesprovidedintheinnerdoorandthoughtheholeprovidedinthespecialtag.

15.28.5. It shouldbeensuredbyPresidingOfficer that spoiledor tornspecial tag isnotusedinanycase.If,byanychance,thespecialtagisspoiledortorn,heshoulduseanotherone.Forthispurpose, like"GreenPaperSeals",theReturningOfficersuppliestoPresidingOfficerwith3or4‘SpecialTags’.

15.28.6. After doing all this, tie the thread into a knot and seal the thread on the‘SpecialTag’withsealingwax.Thereafterwithoutbreakingtheseal,hewilladjusttheSpecial Tag in the compartment of ‘Close’ button ensuring that the ‘Close’ protrudesthroughtheholecutinthemiddleoftheSpecialTagforthepurpose.

15.28.7. After the inner compartmentof result sectionof theControlUnit hasbeenclosedandsealed,theoutercoveroftheresultsectionshouldbepressedfitforclosingthatSection.Beforepressingthatoutercover, itshouldbeensuredthat thetwoopenendsofthepapersealprojectoutwardsfromtheeithersidesoftheoutercover.

15.28.8. Aftertheoutercoverofresultsectionhasbeenclosed,thatcovershouldbesealedby(i)passinga thread through the twoholesprovided for thepurposeon theleftsideoftheoutercover,(ii)tyingthreadintoaknot(iii)attachingalabel(addresstag)similartotheonewhichisattachedtothe‘CandidateSetSection’attheReturningOfficer’s level and sealing the threadon theaddress tagwithwaxand the sealof thePresidingOfficer.Thecandidatesortheirpollingagentsshallalsobepermittedtoaffixtheirseals,iftheysodesire,ontheoutercover.

15.28.9. The Returning Officer will provide sufficient number of blank commonaddress tags as part of polling materials. Particulars in the address tag should becarefullyfilledbypresidingofficer.TheserialnumberofeachControlUnitisinscribedonitsbottomportion.

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15.28.10. The candidates or their polling agents present should also be permitted toaffixtheirseals,iftheysodesire,ontheoutercoversaddresstagalongwithPresidingOfficer’sseal.

15.28.11. By so closing and sealing the inner compartment and the outer cover, thewholeresultsectiongetssealedandsecuredandthevoteswhichwillberecordedbytheControlUnitcannotbedeletedorresultcannotbetamperedwith.

15.29. STRIPSEAL15.29.1. To further improve the sealing arrangements for EVMs, the Election

Commission of India has introduced an additional outer seal for sealing the “ResultSection” of the Control Unit completely with an Outer Paper Strip Seal (hereafterreferred to as “Strip Seal") so that this portion of theControlUnit cannot be openedoncethepollinghasstartedandtillthecountingistakenup.Thiswillensurethatfromthetimethefirstvoteiscastinthemachineatthepollingstationandtillitisbroughttothecounting table,nopersoncouldhaveopened theresult sectionwithoutdamagingthestripseal.

15.29.2. Accordingly,ateverypollingstationwheretheelectionisheldwiththeuseofEVMandVVPAT,theControlUnitshallbesecuredandsealedwiththestripsealasdetailedbelow,fromoutsidecompletelywiththestripsealsothatthissectioncannotbe openedwithout damaging the strip seal. The strip seal shall be positioned on theouterdoorof“ResultSection”justbelowtherubbercapcoveringthe“CLOSE”buttoninsuchawaythattherubbercapcoveringthe“CLOSE”buttonisnotcoveredbythestripseal.

15.29.3. Stripseal–physicalfeatures:Thefollowingarethemajorphysicalfeaturesofthestripseal;1. Strip seal is a paper seal with a measurement of 23.5” (twenty-three points five

inches)inlengthand1”(oneinch)inwidth.ThelengthofthestripsealissuchthatitcaneasilybewrappedroundthebreadthoftheControlUnittoprovideanextraouter seal of theControlUnit before the commencement of thepoll and after theotherstandardsealshavebeenaffixedintheControlUnit.

2. Eachstripsealhasa'UniqueIdentityNumber'.3. ThesestripsealswillbesuppliedbyafirmdulyapprovedbytheCommission,and

theChiefElectoralOfficerswillcentrallyprocurethemforeachState.4. Atboththeendsofthestripseal,thereareFOUR(4)pre-gummedportions.Ofthese

threeareaboutonesquareincharea(identifiedbyletters‘A’,‘B’&‘C’)andoneisof

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about two square inch area (identified by letter ‘D’). Each gummed portion iscoveredbyastripofwaxpaper.

5. Thestripsealhasaninnersideandanouterside.Ontheinnersideofthestrip,atoneendtherearetwoadjacentpre-gummedportionsmarkedbyletters‘A’&‘B’.Atthe other end of the inner side of the strip, there is about 2” (two inches) pre-gummedportionmarked ‘D’.On theouter sideof the strip, there isonlyonepre-gummedportionmarked‘C’.Adrawingofthestripsealshowingtheoutersideandinnersideisgivenbelow:

TheA,B,CandDarethegummedportionsoninnersideandoutersideoftheseal.

15.29.4. For the sake of easy understanding, the complete sequential order of thestepstobetakenbythePresidingOfficeratthepollingstationuntilandincludingfixingthestripsealisgivenbelow:i. Before the commencementof the actual poll, thePresidingOfficer conductsmock

poll.ii. Afterconductingmockpollandshowingtheresult,thePresidingOfficershallclear

theControlUnitofthedatarelatingtomockpollbyoperating“Clear”button.iii. Afterclearing,heshallinsertthegreenpapersealtocoverthewindowsoftheinner

door of the result section. While inserting the green paper seals, care should betakentoensurethatthegreenportionofthesealisvisiblethroughthewindowsoftheinnerdoorafteritisclosed.

iv. Afterinsertingthegreenpaperseals,theinnerdoorabovetheresultbuttonwillbeclosed.

v. Thentheinnerdooroftheresultsectionwillbesealedoffwiththespecialtag.vi. After fixing the special tag, the Presiding Officer will close the outer door of the

resultsectionensuringthatthelooseendsofthegreenpaperseal(s)protrudeoutfromboththesidesoftheclosedouterdoor.

vii. ThenthePresidingOfficershallsealtheouterdoorwiththreadandaddresstag.viii. Next,heshallproceedtofixthestripsealaroundtheControlUnittosealtheresult

section from outside completely so that this section cannot be opened withoutdamagingthestripsealafterthepollcommences.

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ix. Beforethestripsealisfixedtosealtheresultsectionfromoutside,PresidingOfficershouldaffixhissignatureinfullimmediatelybelowtheserialnumberofthepaperseal. It shall be got signed by such of the contesting candidates or their pollingagentsasarepresentandaredesirousofaffixingtheirsignatures.HeshouldverifythatthesignaturesofthepollingagentsontheStripSealtallywiththeirsignaturesontheirlettersofappointment.

x. Thestripsealshallbepositionedjustbelowthe“CLOSE”button.

15.30. METHODOFSEALINGCONTROLUNITWITHSTRIPSEAL15.30.1. FollowingarethestepstosealEVMwithStripSeal:

� Step-1:ThePresidingOfficerwillfirstdoublefoldtheinnerendofthegreenpapersealinthemiddleensuringthatthegreenportionofthesealremainoutside

� Step-2:Hewillthenkeepthestripsealwiththepre-gummedportion‘A’positionednearthebaseoftheinnerfoldofthegreenpapersealprotrudingfromtheinnersideoftheouterdooroftheresultsection.Afterremovingthewaxpaperover‘A’andhewillpresstheinnerfoldofthegreenpapersealoverthisgummedportionandpaste.

� Step-3:Thereafterhewillremovethewaxpaperoverthepre-gummedportion ‘B’andpressthisgummedportionovertheouterfoldofthegreenpaperseal.

� Step-4:Afterpasting‘B’overtheGreenPaperSealthepre-gummedportion‘C’willcometothetopposition.ThePresidingOfficerwillremovethewaxpaperover‘C’,andpressthegreenpapersealprotrudingfromthetopportionofouterdoorsothatthegreenpapersealisfirmlypastedover‘C’.

� Step-5:Hewill taketheremainingportionof thestripsealroundtheControlUnitfrom left side taking care that the strippassesbelow the “CLOSE”button.HewillthenbringtheotherendofthestripsealfromrightsideoftheControlUnitontopoftheouterdoorwherethepre-gummedportions‘A’,‘B’and‘C’havebeenpasted.

� Step6:Afterremovingthewaxpapercoveringthepre-gummedportion‘D’hewillpressitfirmlyoverthegreenpapersealprotrudingfromthetopportionofthedoor.Thepre-gummedportion‘D’spillsoverthestripsealbelowthe“CLOSE”button.ThePresidingOfficerwillpressthisspilledoverportionof‘D’firmlyoverthestripseal.Bytheaboveprocess,boththelooseendsofthegreenpapersealprotrudingfromboththesidesoftheouterdoorgetfirmlypastedandheldbythestripseal.AtthesametimetheouterdoorovertheResultSectionisalsosealedwiththisstripsealfromallsidesandthissectioncannotbeopenedwithoutdamagingthisseal.

AfterfixingtheStripSeal

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15.30.2. Aftersealing theControlUnitwith thestripseal, thePresidingOfficershalltakecare that theseal isnotdamagedor tamperedwithduring thepolland thissealshallNOTberemovedduringorafterthepoll inthepollingstation.At theendof thepollatprescribedhour,thePresidingOfficershallremovethecapover“CLOSE”buttonwithout disturbing the strip seal and press the “Close” button to close the poll andreplace the cap. After completing the other formalities at the end of the poll, thePresidingOfficershallcarefullypacktheControlUnit in itscarryingcaseandseal thecarrying case with address tag. This sealed carrying case shall be delivered at thecountingcentre.Onthedayofthecounting,theControlUnitwiththestripseal intactshall be allowed to be examined by the candidates/counting agents present at thecounting table. Only thereafter, the seal shall be removed taking care that the greenpapersealsarenotdamaged.Afterexaminingthegreenpapersealsprotrudingoutside,thethreadsealontheouterdooroftheControlUnitshallbeopened.

Importantprecautions

� Thestripsealshallbepositionedtocovertheportionbelowthe“CLOSE”buttoncapontheouterdooroftheresultsection.Whilefixingthisstrip,itwillbeensuredthatthe“CLOSE”buttonisleftclearandnotcoveredevenpartiallybythisstripsothatthereisnodifficultytooperatethatbutton.

� Thestripsealshallbefixedtautandshallnotbeloose.� Damagedstripsshallnotbeusedinanycircumstances.� Eachpollingstationwillbesuppliedwithfour(4)stripsealslikegreenpaperseals.� PresidingOfficersshallaccountforeachstripsealsuppliedtothepollingstationfor

theconductofpoll.� Theyshouldreturneverystripsealthatisnotused(includingthestrips(orpieces

thereof) damaged accidentally to the Returning Officers who will be heldresponsibleifanystripsealisfoundinthehandsofanyunauthorizedpersonatanytime.

� TheChiefElectoralOfficerand theDistrictElectionOfficersshallkeepa recordofthe serialnumbersof the strip seals supplied to eachReturningOfficer. Similarly,eachReturningOfficershallkeeparecordofthestripsealssuppliedtoeachpollingstation.

� The Commission issues samples of strip seals to the State for the purpose ofdemonstration as well as training. These sample strips also shall be kept in safe

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custody.Afterusingthestripsfortrainingordemonstration,asthecasemaybe,theusedstripsshouldbedestroyedbyshreddingthem.

15.31. ACCOUNTOFPAPERSEAL15.31.1. ThePresidingOfficershouldkeepacorrectaccountofthegreenpaperseals

suppliedtohimforuseatthepollingstationandthepapersealsactuallyusedbyhimforsealingandsecuringtheControlUnit. Suchaccountshallbemaintainedbyhiminthe form specifically prescribed for the purpose vide Item 9 of Part I of Form 17CappendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961.

15.31.2. The Presiding Officer shall allow the candidates or their polling agentspresenttonotedowntheserialnumbersofpapersealssosuppliedforuseandactuallyused.

15.32. EVMANDVVPATREADYFORACTUALPOLL15.32.1. TheEVMandVVPATarenowreadyinallrespectsforactualpoll.

15.33. MAINTENANCEOFSECRECYOFVOTING15.33.1. Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 requires every

polling agent tomaintain and to aid inmaintaining the secrecy of voting; no pollingagent should communicate any information calculated to violate such secrecy to anyperson. Any person contravening the above provisions of law is punishable withimprisonmentforaterm,whichmayextendto3monthsorwithfineorwithboth.

15.33.2. Beforecommencingthepoll,thePresidingOfficerwillbringtothenoticeofallpresenttheprovisionsofaforesaidSection128oftheR.P.Act,1951regardingtheirdutytomaintainthesecrecyofthevoteandthepenaltyforanybreachthereof.

15.34. DECLARATIONBYTHEPRESIDINGOFFICERBEFORECOMMENCEMENTOFTHEPOLL

15.34.1. After the Presiding Officer has gone through the preliminaries, as statedabovehewillmakeadeclarationintheprescribedform(Appendix-26)PartI,totheeffectthathehascompletedthosepreliminaries.Hewillreadoutthedeclarationaloudtothehearingofallpersonspresentinthepollingstationandsignthedeclarationandwillalsoobtainthereonthesignaturesofsuchofthepollingagentsasarepresentandwilling to affix the same. The polling agents should sign that declaration as itwouldsatisfy all that the poll had commenced in free and fairmanner. If any polling agent

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refusestosignthatdeclaration,thePresidingOfficerwillmakeanoteofhisnameintheparagraphprovidedforthatpurposeintheformofsaiddeclaration.

15.35. COMMENCEMENTOFTHEPOLL15.35.1. Thepollwillbecommencedatthestrokeofthehourfixedforthepurpose.

BythattimethepreliminarieswouldhavebeencompletedbythePresidingOfficer. Iffor any unforeseen reasons the preliminaries are not over, the PresidingOfficermayadmitaboutthreeorfourvotersatthehourfixedforthecommencementofthepollandletthePollingOfficersdealwiththemsoastoenablethemtogothroughtheprocessofvoting.

15.35.2. Inanyevent,thePresidingOfficercannotextendtheappointedclosingtime,except for allowing such of the voters to votewho have already reached the pollingstationbeforetheappointedclosingtimeandtakentheirplaceinthequeueforvoting.Forthispurpose,thePresidingOfficershoulddistributeslipsdulysignedbyhimtotheelectors,whowerepresentatthepollingstationatthehourappointedforthecloseofpollstartingfromthetailofthequeuetowardsthehead.

15.36. ENTRYOFVOTERSINPOLLINGSTATION15.36.1. Normally, there will be separate queues for men and women voters. The

personswhoenforcethequeueswillallowthreeorfourvotersintothepollingstationatatimeorasthePresidingOfficermaydirect.Othervoterswaitingtocomeinwillbemadetostandinaqueueoutside.Formationofmorethanonequeueformenvotersorforwomenvotersshouldnotbeallowed.Thepollingagentsshouldnotobjecttothis.Inviewofthefactthatwomenelectorscomingtovoteatpollingstationshavetoattendmanyhouseholdchores, twowomenvotersmaybeallowedentry intopollingstationforeverymalevoter.PresidingOfficershouldensurethatSeniorcitizensandphysicallychallengedelectorsaregivenpriorityforenteringthepollingstation,withouthavingtowait inthequeuewiththeotherelectorsAllnecessaryassistanceasmayberequiredshould be provided to them at the polling station. For this purpose, if necessary,arrangements should bemade for such persons to form a separate queue. PresidingOfficershouldensurethatfullfacilityisprovidedforsuchelectorstotaketheirwheel-chair inside the polling station.Men andwomen voters should be admitted into thepollingstationinalternatebatches.

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15.37. FACILITIESTOPRESSREPRESENTATIVESANDPHOTOGRAPHERS

15.37.1. Subject tothemaintenanceofpeaceandorder, there isnoobjectiontoanyphotographer taking photographs of voters lining up outside the polling station.However, no one including the publicity officials of the State Government should beallowed inside a polling station without a letter of authority from the ElectionCommission.Undernocircumstances,anyphotographbeallowedtobetakenofavoterrecordinghisvote.

15.38. METHODOFRECORDINGOFVOTESINEVM15.38.1. PollingAgentshouldbecompletelyfamiliarwiththemethodofrecordingof

votes on the EVM so that they may not be raised unnecessary objections about theprocedurefollowedatthepollingstation.

15.38.2. After the procedural requirements relating to identification of an elector,application of indelible ink on his left forefinger and obtaining his signature/thumbimpressionon theof (asexplained indetail in the succeedingparagraphs)havebeencompleted and the elector allowed to record his vote in the voting machine, thePresiding Officer/Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit of the voting machineshallpressthe'Ballot'buttonontheControlUnit.ThiswouldmaketheBallotingUnit(s)readyforrecordingthevoteoftheelector.Whenthe'Ballot'buttonispressed,thelampmarked 'Busy' on the Control Unit will glow red. Simultaneously, the lamp marked'Ready'oneachBallotingUnitkeptinthevotingcompartmentwillstartglowinggreen.For recording his vote, the elector will press the blue button (called the candidate'sbutton) provided against the name, photograph and symbol of the candidate of hischoice on theBallotingUnit. (For each candidate, a separate blue button is providedagainst his name, photograph and symbol).When the elector presses the candidate'sblue button, the 'Ready' lampwill go off and the candidate's lamp provided near hisbluebuttonon theballotingunitwill startglowingred.TheVVPATwillprinta smallslip of paper that carry the symbol, name and serial number of the candidate votedwhichwillbevisibleforsevensecondsintheVVPATwindow.Also,a'beep'soundwillbeheardbyallpresent,emanatingfromtheControlUnit.Afterafewseconds,theredlightinthecandidate’slampontheballotingunit,theredlightofthe'Busy'lampontheControlUnit and thebeep soundwill gooff. Thesevisual andaudio signswill be theindication that thevote for thecandidatewhosebuttonwaspressedby thevoterhasbeenrecordedintheControlUnit.Theballotingunitwillthengetautomaticallylocked

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andthenextvotecanberecordedonlywhenthe'Ballot'buttonontheControlUnitispressedagainforallowingthenextvotertorecordhisvote.

15.38.3. IfanyvoterisnotproperlyawareofthemethodofvotingthroughEVM,thePresiding Officer will demonstrate using the cardboard model of EVM kept in thepolling station. Polling agent should not go inside the voting compartment to assistvoters.

15.39. VOTINGPROCEDUREATTHEPOLLINGSTATIONThevotingproceduresarebrieflyasfollows:-

1. When an elector enters a polling station, he will proceed direct to the first pollingofficerwhowillbein-chargeoftheidentificationofelectorsandofthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll.Afterhisidentityhasbeenestablishedandthereisnochallengetohisidentitybyanyof thepolling agents, the elector's left forefingerwill bemarkedwithindelible ink by the second polling officer. This will be done by the second pollingofficer beforemaking entries in the register of voters (Form17A) to ensure that theindelibleinkmarkdriesupbeforethevoterleavesthepollingstation,ashewillalsobein-chargeofthe'RegisterofVoters'(Form17A).Thatpollingofficerwillnotedownincolumn(2)ofthatregisterhisserialnumberaspertheelectoralroll.Incolumn(3)ofForm17A(RegisterofVoters)thelastfourdigitsoftheIdentificationdocumentshouldbe mentioned by him. In the case of electors voting on the basis of the EPIC, it issufficientthattheletters‘EP’(denotingEPIC),ismentionedintherelevantcolumn,anditisnotnecessarytowritedownthenumberoftheEPIC.However,inthecaseofthosewhovoteonthebasisofanyalternativedocuments,theinstructionstonotedownthelast four digits of the document shall continue to apply. The type of the documentproduced should also be mentioned therein. He will obtain the signature or thumbimpressionoftheelectorincolumn(4)ofthesaidregisteragainsttheentryrelatingtohim.LastfourdigitsoftheEPIC/Identitydocumentsproducedbytheelectorshouldbeenteredinthe‘Remarks’column(Column5)oftheRegisterofVoters(Form17-A)Thesecondpollingofficerwillalsothenprepareavoter'sslipfortheelector.

2. Theelectorwillthengowiththisvoter'ssliptothePresidingOfficerorthethirdPollingOfficerwhoever is in-chargeof theControlUnitof thevotingmachine.ThePresidingOfficer/ThirdPollingOfficer,asthecasemayby,willinspecttheelector'sleftforefingerfor the indelible ink mark thereon and allow him to record his vote in the votingmachineonthebasisoftheaforesaidvoter’sslip.Theprocedureforrecordingthevotebymeansofthevotingmachinehasbeenexplainedintheprecedingparagraphs.

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3. Theelectorswillbeallowedtorecordtheirvotesinthevotingmachineintheinexactlythesamesequenceinwhichtheyhavebeenregisteredintheregisterofvoters.Ifithasnotbeenpossibletofollowsuchexactserialorderinrespectofanyelector,duetoanyexceptional circumstance or unforeseen or unavoidable reason, a suitable entryshowing the exact serial number at which he has voted should be recorded in theremarkscolumnoftheregisterofvotersagainstthepersonconcerned.Similarentriesshouldalsobemade inrespectof thesubsequentvoterswhoseserialorderhasbeendisturbedthereby.

4. Thecheckingof the left forefingerof thevoterbeforehe leaves thepolling station inorder to ensure that there is a clear indelible ink mark may be entrusted by thePresidingOfficertosomeothermemberofhisparty. Ifhefindsthatsuchmarkisnotclearlyvisibleortheindelibleinkhasbeenwipedoff,heshallagainmarkthevoter'sleftforefingerwithindelibleink.

15.40. CHALLENGETOTHEIDENTITYOFAVOTER15.40.1. As stated above, one of themain duties of the polling agent is to help the

Presiding Officer to detect and prevent impersonation of voters. Polling Agent is,therefore,entitledtochallengetheidentityofapersonwhocomesasavoter,ifhe/shehas personal knowledge that the person claiming to be that voter is not the sameperson.Thepollingagentsshouldnot,however,makeindiscriminatechallengesasthiswould hamper the smooth progress of the poll leading to delay in which case somevoters, including the supporters of his own candidate, might get tired and leave thequeuewithoutvoting.

15.41. LISTOFDEAD,ABSENTANDALLEGEDLYSUSPICIOUSVOTERS15.41.1. It isexpectedthatapollingagentwillhavewithhimacopyoftheelectoral

roll and also a list of the names of the dead, absent and allegedly suspicious voterswhichmighthavebeenpreparedbythecandidateorhisparty.Acopyofthislistshouldbe supplied to thePresidingOfficer also. If anyperson claiming tobeavoterhashisname mentioned in that list, the polling agent should draw the Presiding Officer'sattentiontothatfact.Thiswillnotamounttoaformalchallenge.ThePresidingOfficerwillcheckthatperson'sidentity.

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15.42. FORMALCHELLENGETOVOTER’SIDENTITY15.42.1. If the Presiding Officer disregards the list, Polling agent may formally

challenge the identity of the person provided he/she is satisfied that the personconcernedisimpersonatingavoter.

15.42.2. Evenifthenameofavoterisnotmentionedintheabovelistofdead,absentand allegedly suspicious voters, but Polling agent has personal knowledge that thepersonclaimingtobethevoterisnottherealvoter,he/shemayformallychallengethatperson'sidentity.

15.42.3. Everypersonwhosenameisenteredintheelectoralrollisentitledtovoteattheelectionandapersonclaimingtobeavoterandgivingthenameandotherdetailscorrectly and producing EPIC or one of the alternative documents approved by theCommission for this particular election is normally presumed to be that voter.Therefore,Pollingagentsareadvisedtochallengetheidentityofavoteronlywhentheyaresureabouttheiridentityofthepersonchallenged.

15.43. CHELLENGEFEE15.43.1. ThePresidingOfficerwillnotentertainanychallengebyapollingagent,until

thechallengerpayshimRupees2incash.Aftertheamounthasbeenpaid,thePresidingOfficerwill furnishareceipt there for to thechallenger in the formprescribedby theElectionCommission.

15.44. SUMMARYINQUIRYINTOACHELLENGE15.44.1. Whentheidentityofanelectorisformallychallengedbyapollingagent,the

PresidingOfficerwillwarnthepersonchallenged,aboutthepenaltyforimpersonation,readout the relevant entry in theelectoral roll in full andaskhimwhetherhe is theperson referred to in that entry, enterhisnameandaddress in the list of challengedvotes(Appendix27)andaskhimtosignoraffixhisthumbimpressionthereon.Ifthepersonchallengedrefusestodoso,thePresidingOfficerwillnotallowhimtovote.

15.44.2. AfterthePresidingOfficerhascompletedtheentriesinthelistofchallengedvotesandobtainedthesignatureorthumbimpressionofthepersonchallengedintherelevantcolumninthesaidlist,hewillaskthechallengertoproduceevidencetoshowthatthepersonchallengedisnotthevoterthatheclaimstobe.Ifthechallengerfailstoadduce prima facie evidence in support of his challenge, the Presiding Officer willdisallow the challenge and allow the person challenged to vote. If the challengersucceedsinmakingoutaprimafaciecasethatthepersonchallengedisnotthevoterin

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question,thePresidingOfficerwillcalluponthelattertoproduceevidencetorebutthechallenge,i.e.,toprovethatheisthevoterheclaimstobe.Inthecourseoftheinquiry,the Presiding Officer is free to ascertain the true facts by putting any questionsnecessaryforthepurposeofestablishingtheidentityofanypersonandrequirehimtoanswerhimonoath.Hemayalso takeevidenceof anypersonwhomhe thinks tobehelpfulinhisinquiry,like,thevillageofficer,theneighboursofthevoterinquestionoranyotherpersonpresent.While takingsuchevidence,hemayadministeroath to thepersonchallengedoranyotherpersonofferingtogiveevidence.

15.44.3. Afterthecompletionoftheinquiry,ifthePresidingOfficerconsidersthatthechallenge has not been established, he should allow the person challenged to vote.Where, however, he considers that the challenge has been established, the PresidingOfficershalldebarthepersonchallengedfromvoting.Inthatcase,thePresidingOfficerhasalsobeeninstructedtohandoverthepersonconcernedtothepolicemanonduty,togetherwithacomplaintaddressedtotheSHOofPoliceStation,inthejurisdictionofwhichthepollingstationfalls,forprosecutionofthepersonconcerned.

15.45. RETURNOFFORFEITUREOFCHELLENGEFEE15.45.1. Aftertheinquiryisover,ifthechallengeisestablished,thePresidingOfficer

willreturnthechallengefeeofRupees2tothechallengeraftertakinghisreceiptintheappropriate column (column 10) in the list of challenged votes, referred in above(Appendix27),andonthecounterfoiloftherelevantreceiptinthereceiptbook.

15.45.2. Where, however, the Presiding Officer is of the opinion that the challengewas frivolous or was not made in good faith, he will forfeit the challenge fee toGovernmentandwillnotreturnittothechallenger.

15.46. CLERICALANDPRINTINGERRORSTOBEOVERLOOKED15.46.1. The particulars in respect of a voter as entered in the electoral roll are

sometimesincorrectlyprintedorhavebecomeoutofdate,forexample,theageofthevoter.Thepollingagentshouldoverlookmereclericalorprintingerrors inanyentryrelating toavoter’s age in theprinted roll and shouldnot raiseobjectionabout suchvoter,ifheisotherwisesatisfiedabouttheidentityofthatvoter.Whentheelectoralrollhasbeenpreparedinmorethanonelanguageandthenameofapersonhasnotbeenincluded in the marked copy of the electoral roll, the Presiding Officer has beeninstructedtoallowsuchvotertovoteifhisnameappearsintheversionoftheelectoralroll in the other language. Polling agents are advised not to raise any objection inrespectofsuchanelector.

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15.47. ELIGIBILITYOFVOTERNOTTOBEQUESTIONED15.47.1. Everypersonwhosenameisenteredinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll

isentitledtovoteattheelection.Aslongasthereisnodoubtabouttheidentityofsuchperson,noquestion canbe raisedby apolling agent at thepolling stationbefore thePresidingOfficerabouttheeligibilityofsuchapersontoberegisteredasavoter.

15.48. PRECAUTIONSAGAINSTVOTINGBYUNDERAGEVOTERS15.48.1. As stated above, the eligibility of a personwhose name is included in the

electoral roll to be a voter cannot be questioned or enquired into by the PresidingOfficer at thepolling station.However, if thePresidingOfficer isprima facie satisfiedabout the identity of a voter and also about the fact of inclusion of his name in theelectoral roll, but considers such person to be below the minimum voting age, thePresidingOfficerhasbeeninstructedbytheCommissiontoobtainadeclarationintheprescribed form from the person concerned about his age. Before obtaining thedeclaration from such elector, the Presiding Officer will inform him of the penalprovisionsinsection31oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950formakingafalsedeclarationrelatingtotheinclusionofhisnameintheelectoralroll.

15.48.2. PollingAgentmaybring to thenoticeof thePresidingOfficersuchcasesofvoterswhosenamesareincludedintheelectoralroll,butwhoseemtobemuchbelowthevotingage,sothatthePresidingOfficermaytakeactioninrespectofsuchvotersasmentionedabove.

15.49. VOTINGTHROUGHPROXY:CLASSIFIEDSERVICEVOTERS15.49.1. Asanalternativetothepostalballot,servicevotersbelongingtotheArmed

Forcesandmembersbelonging toaForce towhichprovisionsof theArmyAct,1950applies,havebeenprovidedthefacilitytoopttovoteeitherthroughproxyorthroughpostal ballot papers. Such service voters, who opt to vote through proxy, have beencategorized as “Classified ServiceVoters” (CSVs). The CSVs are required to appoint aperson who is a resident of the area covered by the constituency concerned, as hisproxy.Theproxyshouldbeofatleast18yearsofageandshallnotbedisqualifiedforregistrationasanelector.TheappointmentwillbemadeinForm13F.Anappointmentonce made will be valid for all future elections so long as the person making theappointmentcontinues tobeaservicevoteror till theappointment is revokedor theproxydies.TheCSVhastheoptiontorevoketheappointmentandappointanewproxy

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onthedeathoftheearlierproxyorforotherreasons.SuchrevocationofappointmentistobedoneinthenewlyinsertedForm13G.

15.49.2. On receipt of intimation of appointment of proxy by a CSV, the ReturningOfficerwillmarktheletters‘CSV’againstthenameoftheservicevoterinthelastpartoftheelectoralroll to indicatethattheelectorhasappointedaproxytocastvoteonhisbehalf.Forusingthefacilityofproxyvotingatthenextearliestelection, intimationofappointment of proxy should reach the Returning Officer by the last date for filingnominationat thatelection.TheReturningOfficerwillalsomaintainaseparate listofCSVsandtheirproxieswiththeircompleteaddressesintheformandmannerspecifiedbytheCommission.Afterthelastdateforfilingnominations,theReturningOfficerwillpreparepollingstation-wisesub-listsofallCSVsandtheirproxies.Thesesublistswillbe added at the end of the part of the electoral roll pertaining to the polling stationconcernedandthepartoftheelectoralrollalongwiththesub-listwillbethemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollforthatpollingstation.

15.49.3. TheproxywillrecordthevoteonbehalfoftheCSVsatthepollingstationtowhich the CSV is assigned, in the samemanner as any other elector assigned to thatpollingstation. Itmaybenotedthat in thecaseofproxy,markingof the indelible inkunderRule37willbedoneonthemiddlefingerofthelefthandoftheproxy.TheproxywillbeentitledtovoteonbehalfoftheCSVinadditiontothevotethathemaycastinhisownnameifheisaregisteredelectorintheConstituency,atthepollingstationtowhichhehasbeennormallyassigned.

15.49.4. ACSVwhohasappointedaproxywillnotbeissuedapostalballotpaper.

15.50. VOTINGBYBLINDANDINFIRMVOTERS15.50.1. If the Presiding Officer is satisfied that a voter is unable to recognise the

symbolsontheballotpaperaffixedontheBallotingUnit(s)oftheEVMortorecordhisvoteonitwithoutassistanceonaccountofbeingblindorinfirmity,hewillpermitthevotertotakeanadultcompanionofnotlessthan18yearsintothevotingcompartmentwithhimforrecordingthevoteonhisbehalfandinaccordancewithhiswishes.Buttheilliteracyofavoterisnotasufficientcauseforgivinghimassistanceofacompaniontorecordvoteonhisbehalf.NumericinBraillesignage(1to16)hasbeenprovidedontheBalloting Unit (BU) top cover on the right of the blue button for each contestingcandidatefortheconvenienceofthevisuallychallenged(blind)persons.

15.50.2. InfirmvoterswhoarecapableofvotingbythemselvesbypressingthebuttonofthecandidateofhischoiceontheballotingunitofEVMshallbepermittedauthorized

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companiononlyuptoVotingcompartmentinthepollingstation,notinsidethevotingcompartment.Thiswillapplyincaseswherethenatureofphysicalinfirmityissuchthattheelectorneedsassistanceonly forhismovement andnot for voting.ThepresidingOfficerhastotakedecisioninsuchcases.

15.50.3. Further,noneofthepollingstaffcanactasacompaniontorecordvoteonhisbehalf.

15.50.4. Acandidate,hiselectionagentorpollingagent(providedheisnotlessthan18yearsofage)canalsoactassuchcompaniontoablindorinfirmvoter.Buthecanactas such companion of only one elector on that day. The person acting as suchcompanionisrequiredtomakeadeclarationintheprescribedformtotheeffectthathewillkeepsecretthevoterecordedbyhimonbehalfoftheelectorandthathehasnotalreadyactedasacompanionofanyotherelectoratanypollingstationonthatday.

15.50.5. Asperthefirstprovisotosub-rule(1)ofRule49N,onepersoncannotactasthecompanionofmorethanoneelector.Inordertofacilitatethepollingstafftoensurecompliance of these provisions, application of indelible ink shall also apply to thecompanion. Indelible ink shall be appliedon the right index fingerof the companion.Marking of ink on the left index finger of the elector in such cases shall continue toapplyaspertheexistingprovisions.

15.50.6. Before an elector is permitted to take with him a companion inside theVoting Compartment, the right index finger of the companion should be checked toensure that it is not already marked with indelible ink. If it is found to be alreadymarked,suchpersoncannotbepermittedtobecompanionforthepurposeofrule49N.

15.50.7. Beforeanypersonispermittedtoactasacompanionofanelector,heshallbe required to declare that he will keep the vote recorded by him on behalf of theelectoracloselyguardedsecretandthathehasnotalreadyactedasacompanionofanyotherelectoratanyotherpollingstationfromthatday.ThedeclarationwillbeobtainedbythePresidingOfficerfromthecompanionintheprescribedformat.

15.50.8. Sub-rule (2) of Rule 49N provides that the Presiding Officer shall keep arecord of cases where electors record vote with the assistance of the companion inForm14A.Thisshouldcoverallcaseswherethecompanionispermittedtogointothevotingcompartmentwiththeelectortoassisthiminrecordingthevote.Caseswhereacompaniononlycomestoassist theelector inhismovementanddoesnotgo intothevotingcompartmentshallnotbeincludedinForm14A.

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15.51. TENDEREDVOTES15.51.1. It may happen that a person claiming to be a particular elector comes

forwardtovoteaftersomeotherpersonhasalreadyvotedassuchelector.InthatcaseifthePresidingOfficerissatisfiedabouttheidentityofsuchpersontobetherealvoterafternecessaryquestioning,thePresidingOfficerwillpermithimtovotebymeansofatenderedballotpaper,butnotbymeansof thevotingmachine.For thatpurpose, thePresiding Officer will make necessary entry in the list of tendered votes (Form 17BappendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961)andobtainthesignatureorthumbimpressionof thevoter therein.Thevoterwillbe suppliedwithaballotpaperwhichshallbesimilar to theballotpaperaffixedontheballotingunitof thevotingmachineand the words 'Tendered ballot paper' will be stamped or written on its back. Theelectorwillrecordhisvoteonthetenderedballotpaperbyplacingamarkbymeansofthe arrow mark rubber stamp, which is used for marking ballot papers under thetraditionalmarkingsystemofvoting.Suchtenderedballotpaper,afteritismarkedbythevoterinthevotingcompartmentandfolded,shallbehandedovertothePresidingOfficer,whowillplaceitseparatelyinacoverspeciallykeptforthepurpose.

15.52. ELECTORSDECIDINGNOTTOVOTE15.52.1. If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the

registerofvoters(Form17A)andhehassigned/affixedhisthumbimpressiononthatregister,decidesnottorecordhisvote,heshallnotbeforcedorcompelledtodoso.Aremarktotheeffectthathehasdecidednottorecordhisvote–“RefusedtoVote”shallbe made in the remarks column against the entry relating to him in the register ofvoters by the PresidingOfficer and the signature or thumb impression of the electorshallbeobtainedagainstsuchremarkunderrule49-O.Itshallnotbenecessarytomakeanychange intheserialnumberof theelectororofanysucceedingelector incolumn(1)oftheregisterofvoters.

15.52.2. Ifthe“Ballot”buttonontheControlUnithasbeenpressedtoreleasevotingontheBallotingUnitbyavoterandherefusestovote,eitherthePresidingOfficer/thirdPollingOfficer,whoever is in-charge of theControlUnit, shoulddirect thenext voterstraightaway to proceed to the voting compartment to record his vote or put the‘Power’ switch in the rear compartmentof theControlUnit to ‘OFF’position, then to‘ON’position,pressthe‘Ballot’buttonanddirectthenextvotertoproceedtothevotingcompartment to record his vote. If the “Ballot” button on the Control Unit has beenpressed to release voting on the balloting unit and the last voter refuses to vote, the

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PresidingOfficer/thirdPollingOfficer,whoeverisin-chargeoftheControlUnitshallputthe ‘Power’ switch in the rear compartmentof theControlUnit to ‘OFF’ position anddisconnecttheVVPATandBallotingUnit(s)fromtheControlUnit.AfterdisconnectingtheVVPATandBallotingUnit(s)fromtheControlUnit,the‘Power’switchshouldagainbe put ‘ON’. Now the ‘Busy’ lamp will go off and the ‘Close’ button will becomefunctionaltoclosethepoll.

15.52.3. Theelectorswhodonotwish tovote foranyof thecandidatecanexercisetheir right not to vote for any candidate without violation of the secrecy of theirdecision.Aballotpanelwith thewords “Noneof theAbove’written thereinandwithNOTAsymbolisavailabletocastthevote.

15.53. VIOLATIONOFSECRECYOFVOTING15.53.1. Every elector, who has been allowed to record his vote, is required to

maintain secrecy of voting within the polling station and to observe the prescribedvoting procedure. If any elector refuses tomaintain the secrecy of voting even afterwarninggiventohimbythePresidingOfficerandobservethevotingprocedure,hewillnot be allowed to vote by the Presiding Officer or by a Polling Officer under hisdirection.Thevoter'sslip,ifalreadyissuedtosuchelectorshallbetakenbackfromhimandcancelled.ThePresidingOfficerwillmakearemarktothateffect–“Notallowedtovote–Votingprocedureviolated”intheregisterofvotersunderhissignature.Itshallhowevernotbenecessarytomakeanychangeintheserialnumberofthatelectororofanysucceedingelectorsincolumn1ofthatregister.

15.54. PROCEDUREINCASEOFCOMPLAINTABOUTPARTICULARSPRINTEDONPAPERTRAIL

15.54.1. If an elector after having recorded his vote alleges that the paper slipgeneratedbytheVVPAThasshownthenameorsymbolofacandidateotherthantheone he voted for, the Presiding Officer shall obtain a written declaration from theelectorastotheallegation,afterwarningtheelectorabouttheconsequenceofmakingafalsedeclaration.Iftheelectorgivesthewrittendeclaration,thePresidingOfficershallmakeasecondentryrelatedtothatelectorinForm17AandpermittheelectortorecordatestvoteintheEVMinhispresenceandinthepresenceofthecandidatesorpollingagentswhomaybepresentinthepollingstationandobservethepaperslipgeneratedbytheVVPAT.Iftheallegationisfoundtobetrue,thePresidingOfficershallreportthefactsimmediatelytotheReturningOfficer,stopfurtherrecordingofvotesinthatEVMandactasperthedirectionthatmaybegivenbytheReturningOfficer.If,however,the

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allegationisfoundtobefalseandthepaperslipsogeneratedmatcheswiththetestvoterecordedbytheelector,then,thePresidingOfficershall-a. makearemarktotheeffectagainstthesecondentry,relatingtothatelectorinForm

17Amentioningtheserialnumberandnameofthecandidateforwhomsuchtestvotehasbeenrecorded;

b. obtainthesignatureorthumbimpressionofthatelectoragainstsuchremarks;c. makenecessaryentriesregardingsuchtestvoteinitem5inPartIofForm17C.

15.55. RESTRICTIONSONPRESIDING(ANDOTHER)OFFICERTOGONEARTHEVOTINGCOMPARTMENT

15.55.1. Sometimes,thePresidingOfficermayhaveasuspicionorreasontosuspectthat theBallotingUnit(s)andVVPATkept in thescreenedvotingcompartment is/arenotfunctioningproperlyorthatanelectorwhohasenteredthevotingcompartmentistamperingorotherwiseinterferingwiththeBallotingUnit(s)/VVPATorhasremainedinside thevotingcompartment foranunduly longperiod.ThePresidingOfficerhasarightunderRule49Qtoenterthevotingcompartment insuchcasesandtotakesuchstepsasmaybeconsiderednecessarybyhimtoensurethat theBallotingUnit(s)andVVPAT are not tampered or interferedwith in anyway and that the poll progressessmoothlyandinanorderlymanner.

15.55.2. Inordertoensurethatnovoterhascommittedanymischiefbypastinganypaper, tapesetc., on the symbol/names/ballotbutton, thePresidingOfficermay fromtimetotimemakeaninspectionofBallotingUnit(s)andVVPAT,butheshouldnotmakeitapointtodosointheimmediatepresenceofpollingagentswhenthereisnovoterinsidethevotingcompartment.

15.56. VOTINGBYPERSONSPRESENTATCLOSINGHOUR15.56.1. ThePresidingOfficerwill close thepolling stationat thehour fixed for the

purpose and will not thereafter admit any elector into the polling station. But allelectorspresent at thepolling stationbefore it is closedwill be allowed to cast theirvotes, even if for that purpose the polling is to be continued beyond the specifiedclosinghour.For theabovepurpose, thePresidingOfficerwilldistributetoallvoters,whoarestanding in thequeueandwaiting tovoteat thespecifiedclosinghour, slipssigned by him in full and serially numbered from 1 onwards. He will not thereafterallowanypersontojointhequeueandforensuringthisheshallstartdistributionoftheabove slips to such voters from the tail end of the queue and proceeding backwardtowardsitshead.

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15.57. CLOSEOFPOLL15.57.1. ThePresidingOfficershallclosethepollafterthelastvoterhasrecordedhis

vote,sothatnofurtherrecordingofvotesinthemachineispossible.Forthispurpose,the Presiding Officer shall press the ‘CLOSE’ button on the Control Unit and set thepowerswitchofControlUnitto‘OFF’positionanddisconnecttheBallotingUnit(s)andVVPATfromtheControlUnit.Whentheclosebuttonispressed,displaypanelsontheControl Unitwill show “Poll Closed”. The votingmachinewill not accept any furthervotesnow.

15.57.2. ThetotalnumberofvotesrecordedintheEVMshallbeimmediatelynotedbythePresidingOfficerintheAccountofVotesRecordedinForm17C.

15.58. FURNISHINGOFCOPYOFACCOUNTOFVOTESRECORDED(FORM17C)BYTHEPRESIDINGOFFICER

15.58.1. Rule49SoftheConductofElectionsRules,1961providesthatthePresidingOfficer should, at the close of the poll, prepares an account of votes recorded in thevotingmachine in theprescribedForm17C.He is also requiredby the above rule tofurnish toeverypollingagentpresentat thecloseof thepoll, anattestedcopyof theaccountafterobtainingareceiptthereforfromthePollingAgent.Pollingagentshould,therefore, ensure that he/she receive a copy of the said account from the PresidingOfficer as such accountwill be greatly needed by their candidates at the time of thecountingofvotes.EverypollingagentwhoreceivesacopyofthesaidaccountfromthePresiding Officer should sign on the form of declaration (Appendix 26 Part III)prescribedbytheCommission,whichthePresidingOfficerhastomakeatthecloseofthepoll.Ifanypollingagentrefusestoacceptacopyoftheaboveaccount,thePresidingOfficer will note down the name of such polling agent in the above-mentioneddeclaration.

15.59. SEALINGOFEVMANDVVPATAFTERTHECLOSEOFPOLL15.59.1. Afterthepollhasbeenclosedandtheaccountofvotesrecordedinthevoting

machine has been prepared in Form17C and copies thereof furnished to the pollingagentspresent,thevotingmachineshallbesealedandsecuredbythePresidingOfficerfortransportationtothecounting/collectioncentre.

15.59.2. For sealing and securing the voting machine, the Balloting Unit(s), theControlUnitandVVPATwillbedisconnectedafterthepowerswitchintheControlUnitswitchedoff.TheBallotingUnit(s),theControlUnitandVVPATwillbeputbackintheir

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respectivecarryingcases.ThecarryingcaseswillthenbesealedonbothsideswiththePresidingOfficer'ssealoncommonaddresstagshowingtheparticularsoftheelectionandthepollingstation.

15.59.3. The candidates or their polling agents who are present and desirous ofputtingtheirsealsonthecarryingcasesshallbeallowedtodoso.

15.59.4. Thenamesofthecandidates/pollingagentswhohaveaffixedtheirsealsonthe carrying cases of Balloting Unit(s), Control Unit and VVPATwill be noted by thePresidingOfficerinthedeclarationwhichhemakesatthecloseofthepollvidePartIVofAppendix-26.

15.60. SEALINGOFELECTIONPAPERS–AFFIXATIONOFSEALSTHEREONBYPOLLINGAGENTS

15.60.1. Afterthecloseofthepoll,thePresidingOfficerwillalsosealalltheelectionpapersinseparatepacketsinaccordancewiththerulesandinstructionsoftheElectionCommission. The polling agents present at polling station are also permitted to affixtheirseals,inadditiontothesealofthePresidingOfficer,ontheenvelopesandpacketscontainingthefollowingdocuments:-i. Themarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll;ii. RegisterofVoters;iii. Votersslips;iv. ThetenderedballotpapersandthelistoftenderedvotesinForm17B:v. Theunusedtenderedballotpapers;vi. Thelistofchallengedvotes;vii. Theunusedanddamagedpaperseals,ifany;viii. Appointmentlettersofpollingagents;andix. Any other papers that the Returning Officer has directed to be kept in a sealed

packet.15.60.2. Pollingagentisadvised,intheinterestofhis/hercandidatetoaffixsealson

theabovepacketsofelectionpapers.

15.61. TRANSMISSIONOFEVM,VVPATANDELECTIONPAPERSTOTHECOLLECTION/STORAGECENTRE

15.61.1. AftertheEVM,VVPATandallelectionpapershavebeensealedandsecuredby the Presiding Officer, he will deliver them or cause them to be delivered at thecollection/storagecentre.

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15.62. ACCOMPANYINGVEHICLESCARRYINGVOTINGMACHINES15.62.1. PollingagentsarepermittedtoaccompanythevehicleinwhichtheEVMand

VVPATandelectionpapersarecarriedtothecollection/storagecentre.ButHe/shewillhavetomakehis/herowntransportarrangementsandwillnotbepermittedtotravelinthevehiclecarryingthevotingmachineandelectionpapers.

15.63. ARRANGEMENTATRECEPTIONCENTREFORCOLLECTIONOFEVM,VVPATANDOTHERMATERIALSCUSTODYOFEVMANDVVPAT

15.63.1. Afterthecompletionofpollinaconstituency,EVMandVVPATwillbetakentotheplaceofstorageandkeptinsafecustodyunderproperguardtilltheyaretakentothecountingplace.ThecandidatewillbeinformedinadvancebytheReturningOfficerabouttheprogrammeandrouteofthecollectionpartiesthatwillbesentbyhimforthecollectionofthepolledEVMandVVPATfromthepollingstationsandforbringingthemtoplaceofstorage.Ifthecandidatewants,he/shemayaskhis/heragentstoaccompanythose collection parties. The candidate will, however, have to make his/her ownarrangement for their transport as theywouldnotbeallowed to travel in theofficialvehicle.Ifthecandidatelikes,he/shemayalsopostanagenttokeepwatchattheplacewhereEVMandVVPATarekept,andtheagentwillbeallowedtoaffixhissealonthedoorsandwindowsofthebuildinginwhichthemachinesarestoredinadditiontothesealthatmaybeaffixedbytheReturningOfficer.Incasethecandidatehimself/herselforhis/herelectionagenthimselfisnotputtingupsuchseals,thecandidateshouldgivefullparticularsoftheagentwhowouldputsuchseals,toenabletheverificationofhisidentity.AfterEVMsandVVPATshavebeenreceivedandstoredandtheroomhasbeenlocked,noonewillbeallowedtogoinuntilthemorningofthedayfixedforcounting.Ifduringtheinterval,theroomistobeopenedforsomereason,theReturningOfficerwillinformthecandidatesandopentheroomintheirpresenceandimmediatelyafterthepurpose for which the room is opened has been served, the candidate or theirrepresentativeswill againbeallowed to seal thedoorsandwindows.A logbookwillalsobemaintainedinorderthatafullrecordisavailableofpersonsenteringtheroom,thepurposeofthevisit,timeofentry,timeofexitetc.SETTINGUPOFSPECIALCOUNTERFORRECEIVINGEVMsANDOTHERDOUCMETSFROMSPECIFICPOLLINGSTATIONSABOUTWHICHCOMPLAINTSRECEIVED.

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15.63.2. A separate special counterwill be set up for receiving EVMs, VVPATs andother documents from the specific polling stations aboutwhich complaints had beenreceivedfrompoliticalparties/candidatesduringthecourseofpolling;pollingstationsinwhichsignificanteventssuchasviolentincidents,heatedargumentswiththepollingpersonnel,clashbetweenpollingagents,break-downofEVMsreportedandwheretheEVM replacement had taken place etc. During the course of polling, the ReturningOfficer will maintain a separate register to identify such polling stations and evenbefore the arrival of the polling party at the reception centre a hoarding or a noticeboardindicatingnumberanddetailsofthepollingstationsthatwouldbehandledatthespecialcountershouldbeputup.Thiswouldbehelpfulindecidingaboutrepoll,ifanynecessary.

15.64. ADJOURNEDPOLL15.64.1. Ifthereisariotoropenviolenceatthepollingstationoranaturalcalamity

like severe storm, heavy snowfall or the like or some other sufficient cause, thePresidingOfficerwilladjournthepollundertheprovisionsofsub-section(1)ofsection57. A passing shower of rain or strong wind would not be sufficient cause foradjournmentofpoll.TheCommissionhas,however,decidedthatanadjournedpollmaybeorderedatall thosepollingstationswherepolling fails tostart for twohours.Theadjourned poll will be held on a date and at the time and place to be fixed by theReturningOfficerwiththepriorapprovaloftheElectionCommission.Thecountingofthe votes in the constituency will not commence until the adjourned poll has beencompleted.

15.64.2. Wherethepollhasbeenadjournedatapollingstationtheadjournedpollwillrecommence fromthestageatwhich itwas left immediatelybefore theadjournment.i.e.,onlythoseelectors,whohadnotalreadyvotedbeforethepollwasadjourned,willbepermittedtovoteattheadjournedpoll.ThePresidingOfficerofthepollingstation,at which such adjourned poll is taken, will be provided with the sealed packetscontaining(i)themarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll,and(ii)RegisterofVotersreceivedearlierfromthepresidingofficerofthepollingstationconcernedatwhichthepollwasadjourned,andalsoanewvotingmachine.

15.64.3. Before the commencement of the poll, the sealed packets containing themarked copy of the electoral roll and Register of Voters will be reopened by thePresidingOfficerinthepresenceofthecandidatesortheiragentswhomaybepresent

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at thepolling stationand thisverymarkedcopy for theelectoral roll andRegisterofvoterswillbeusedforadjournedpoll.

15.64.4. Theprovisions of rules 28 and49A to 49Vwill apply to the conduct of anadjournedpollastheyapplytothepollbeforeitwassoadjourned.

15.65. FRESHPOLL15.65.1. Ifanyvotingmachineusedatapollingstation–i. hasbeenunlawfullytakenawaybyunauthorisedperson;orii. has been accidentally or intentionally destroyed or lost or damaged or tampered

withandtheReturningOfficer issatisfiedthattheresultofthepollatthatpollingstationcannotbeascertainedforthatreason;or

iii. anyerroror irregularity inprocedure is likelytovitiatethepoll iscommittedatapollingstation;

The Returning Officerwill report the facts of the Election Commission and the ChiefElectoralOfficeroftheState.

15.65.2. After considering all the material circumstances the commission will, ifnecessaryi. declarethepollatthatpollingstationtobevoid;andii. formallyfixthedateandhoursforfreshpollandnotifyit.

15.65.3. On receiving intimation from the Commission, the Returning Officer willinformthecontestingcandidatesortheirelectionagentofthedate,timeandplacefixedforthefreshpollandaffixanoticeonhisnoticeboardnotifyingthedateandhourssofixed. Also, he would announce by beat of drum or otherwise in the polling areaconcernedtheplace,thedateandhourssofixed.

15.65.4. The fresh poll will be taken in the same manner as is prescribed for theoriginalpoll.

15.65.5. Thereisnolegalbaragainstthecountingofvotesinrespectoftherestoftheconstituency.TheReturningOfficerwillnot,howeverdeclaretheresultoftheelectionuntilthefreshpollhasbeencompletedandthevoterecordedinsuchfreshpollcountedandincorporatedintheresultsheet.

15.66. FRESHPOLLORCOUNTERMANDINGOFELECTIONINCASEOFBOOTHCAPTURING

15.66.1. Undersection58A,ifboothcapturing(asdefinedinsection135A)hastakenplace at a polling station in such amanner that the result of the poll of that pollingstationcannotbeascertained,theReturningOfficershallforthwithreportthematterto

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the Election Commission. On receipt of that report from the Returning Officer, theElectionCommissionshall,after takingallmaterialcircumstances intoaccount,either(i)declarethepollatthatpollingstationtobevoidanddirect;freshpolltobetakenonadatetobeappointedbyit,or(ii)countermandtheelectionifitissatisfiedthatinviewofthelargenumberofpollingstationinvolvedinboothcapturing,theresultoftheelectionislikelytobeaffected.

15.66.2. If the Commission directs fresh poll to be taken at any polling station, theReturning Officer will proceed for taking such fresh poll in accordance with theinstructionscontainedintheprecedingparagraph.

15.66.3. If the election is countermanded by the Commission on account of boothcapturing,allproceedingsforthatelectionwillcommenceanewandafreshnotificationcallingfortheelectionwillbeissuedinduecourse.

15.67. FRESHPOLL,IFAFTERSCRUTINYOFREGISTEROFVOTERS(FORM17A)ANDOTHERDOCUMENTSFOUNDTHATPOLLHAVEBEENVITIATEDATTHEPOLLINGSTATION

15.67.1. Inordertocheckbogusvoting,theElectionCommissionkeepsatabonthepollingpercentage.Reportsonpollingpercentageofallpollingstationsarecollectedbyit through the Chief Electoral Officer/Returning Observer after the polling is over.Wherever it is foundthat thevotespolledatapollingstation isunusuallyhighwhichcannot be apparently explained, the Commission, if needed, may order the electionauthoritiestoscrutinizevariousdocumentslikePresidingOfficer’sdiaries,visitsheets,diariesmaintainedbyPatrolling/Sector/ZonalMagistrates,Forms17Aand17Cetc. inrespectofthosepollingstationswherethepollinghascrossedaspecificpercentage.

15.67.2. In such cases, the Returning Officers and the concerned Observers shallscrutinizeForms17Aandsuchotherdocuments,inrespectofallthosepollingstations,where polling has beenmore than the percentage as prescribed by the Commission,after the endofpoll of eachphase.TheReturningOfficers andObservers shall checkForm17Aforsimilaritiesofsignatures/thumbimpressions,themannerinwhichvoteshavebeencast (continuousserialnos.), crosscheck theentries inForm17Avis-à-visForm17C,themarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollandtheremarkscolumninForm17A.

15.67.3. The procedure for receipt, scrutiny, verification and storage of forms 17Aand17Cetc.isgivenbelow-RECEIPTANDSTORAGE

1. TheexistinginstructionsstipulatethatattestedcopiesofForm17C(AccountsofVotesRecorded)will be handed over by the PresidingOfficer to each of the polling agents

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presentatthetimeofcloseofpoll,evenwithouttheiraskingfor it,andtwocopiesofForm17CwillbesenttotheReturningOfficer.OfthetwocopiesofForm17Creceivedfromeachpollingstation,onecopy is tobekeptalongwith theEVMandVVPATandothercopyistobekeptseparatelyalongwithotherelectionpapers.

2. Atthecollectioncentre,aseparatecountershallbeopenedtoreceivethematerialsofthosepollingstationswithpollingpercentagemorethanthepercentageprescribedbytheCommissionforaparticularelection,aftertheendofpoll.ThePresidingOfficersofpollingstationswherepollingpercentagehasbeenmorethanthesaidpercentageshallbe instructed toapproach thiscounter forhandingover theEVMs,VVPATsandothermaterials.

3. TheEVMsandVVPATsofallpollingstations, irrespectiveofpollingpercentage,alongwithonecopyofForm17C(AccountofVotes),shallbekeptinthestrongroomasistheexistingpractice.

4. Aspertheexistingpractice,theotherelectionpapersreceivedfromthepollingstationsaretobekeptinaseparatestrongroom(otherthanthestrongroominwhichtheEVMsandVVPATsarekept).ForthesakeofconvenienceintakingouttheForms17Aandtheotherdocumentsforscrutinyinrespectofpollingstationswherepollinghasbeenmorethantheprescribedpercentage,itwillbeidealifaseparateroomcanbeidentifiedforstoring theelectionpapersof suchpolling stations. If a separate suitable room isnotavailable,thesedocumentsmaybekeptinthesameroominwhichelectionpapersinrespect of other polling stations are kept. In such cases election papers relating topolling stations where polling percentage has been more than the percentageprescribedbytheCommissionaftertheendofpollmaybekeptinaclearlydemarcatedplacesothatthereisnoconfusionatthetimeoftakingoutthedocumentsinrespectofthesepollingstationsforscrutiny.

SCRUTINY

5. Scrutiny of Forms 17A and other documents andmaterial in respect of such pollingstations, where polling has been more than the percentage as prescribed by theCommissionaftertheendofpoll,shallbetakenupat9A.M.onthedayfollowingthedayofpoll.However, ifbythattime,asubstantialnumberofpollingparties,say10%areyettoreturn,thescrutinymaybedeferredtillsuchtimepollingpartiesreturn.Thescrutiny shall be done by the Returning Officer and the Observer at a place/roomidentified in advance, preferably near the strong room itself. Adequate security

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arrangementshallbemade forsuchplace.Allcontestingcandidatesshallbegivenadvancenotice,inwriting(underproperacknowledgement),aboutthescrutinyofForms17A,17Candotherdocumentsandmaterialindicatingtheplace,dateandtimeofcommencementofsuchscrutiny.Insuchnotice,itshallbementionedthateitherthecandidate himself or his election agent or one representative duly authorized by thecandidatemaybepresentonly towatch theproceedings of scrutinyofForms17A,17CandotherdocumentsandmaterialsbyReturningOfficerandObserverinrespectofthosepollingstationswherepollinghasbeenmorethanthepercentageasprescribedby the Commission after the end of poll. The presence ofcandidates/agents/representatives is required for thepurposeofsatisfying themthattheserecordsarenottamperedwithbyanyoneatthetimeofscrutiny.However,thediscussion between theObserver andReturningOfficer and their observation on thescrutiny of the record shall be kept confidential. The candidate, his election agent orauthorizedrepresentativeofthecandidateshallnotbeallowedtokeepcellularphonesduringthisactivity.

6. Duringtheprocessofscrutiny,thecandidates/theirelectionagentsortheirauthorizedrepresentativesmaywatchtheproceedingsfromasafedistancesothattheycangeta clear view of the proceedings but, are not able to handle the election papers /materialorinterferewiththeproceedings.Thereshallbeproperbarricadingtoensurethis, and the candidates or their representatives shall not be allowed to cross thebarricadeunderanycircumstance.

7. Proper log-books shall bemaintained for recording the time andpurpose of openingand closing the storage room where election records are kept. The room shall beopened in the presence of Observer(s) and the candidates /their electionagents/representativesatthetimefixedforthepurpose.But,ifanycandidate/electionagent/representative chooses not to attend these proceedings, despitewritten noticehavingbeenserved,theproceedingsshallbeconductedattheappointedhourandnotdelayed/adjournedmerelybecauseofhisabsence.Iftheyreportlatewhenproceedingsaregoingon,theymaybeallowedintowatchtheproceedingsonwardonly.

8. AftertakingoutcopiesofForms17CandthepacketscontainingForms17Aandmarkedcopiesofelectoralrollinrespectofsuchpollingstations(wherepollinghasbeenmorethanthepercentageasprescribedbytheCommissionaftertheendofpoll)forscrutiny,thestrongroomshallbedulyclosedandsealedaftermakingentryinthelog-bookandobtainingthesignaturesofallcandidatesortheirrepresentativesasmaybepresent.

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9. Afterscrutiny,theForms17A,17Candmarkedcopiesofelectoralrollforeachpollingstation,otherdocumentsandmaterialshallbere-sealedwiththesealoftheReturningOfficer. The candidates or their election agents/representatives present,may also beallowedtoaffixtheirsealorsignaturethereon,iftheysodesire.Thesesealedenvelopesshallthenbekeptbackinthestrongroomfromwhichtheyweretakenout.Thisshallalsobedoneinthepresenceofthecandidatesortheirelectionagents/representatives.TheroomshallthenbesealedwiththesealoftheReturningOfficer.Thecandidatesortheirrepresentativesmayalsoaffixtheirseals/signaturesthereoniftheysodesire.

10. After scrutiny of Forms 17A, 17C and other documents and material, the ReturningOfficer and Observer shall make necessary recommendations to the Commission forrepoll,wherever considerednecessary, giving reasonspolling stationwise. In caseofanydifferenceofopinion,thesameshallbereflectedindicatingthereasonforthesameintheirrespectivereports.

11. Normal requirement of scrutinizing the PresidingOfficers’ diaries, visit sheet, diariesmaintainedbyPatrolling/Sector/ZonalMagistrates, complaint registersmaintainedattheDistrictControlroom,statementsofimagesshallbefollowedstrictly,forallpollingstationsirrespectiveofpollpercentage,andthefactsrevealedonthescrutinyofthesedocumentswillbetakenintoaccountforformingopinionforrecommendingre-poll.

15.67.4. If the Commission directs fresh poll to be taken at any polling station, theReturningOfficerwillproceedfortakingsuchfreshpoll.

15.67.5. The fresh poll will be taken in the same manner as is prescribed for theoriginalpoll.

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16. COUNTINGOFVOTES

16.1. INTRODUCTORY16.1.1. Counting of votes is the last major step towards the culmination of the election

process. It is on the correct and proper counting of votes that the true choice of theelectorate finds expression and it is on the basis of such ascertainment of their truechoicethattheirchosenrepresentativeisdeclaredelected.Therefore,theimportanceoftheprocessofcountingofvoteshardlyneedstobeemphasized.

16.1.2. Under the law, counting of votes is to be done by, or under the supervision anddirectionof,theReturningOfficeroftheconstituencyinthepresenceofthecandidatesandtheiragents.ThelawauthorizestheAssistantReturningOfficeralsotoundertakethecountingofvotes.Thecountingofvotesmaybesimultaneouslydoneatplacesmorethanoneandattablesmorethanoneatthesameplace.Asthecandidateorhiselectionagentcannotbeexpectedtobephysicallypresentateachofsuchcountingplacesandtables, the lawpermits thecandidate toappointhis/hercountingagentswhomaybepresent at each of the said counting places and counting tables and watch his/herinterests.

16.2. APPOINTMENTANDRANDOMIZATIONOFCOUNTINGOFFICIALS16.2.1. The posting of Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants must be done

randomly in such a way that the counting official come to know of the AssemblyConstituency and the table assigned to them only at the time of their arrival at theCountingCentreonthedayofthecounting.

16.2.2. TheDistrict ElectionOfficers shall issue photo-identity cards to all counting staff.AftertheRandomization,explainedinthefollowingparagraphsisover,thereservestaffwouldbeseatedseparatelyinanenclosurewithinthecountingcentrecampus.

16.2.3. TheDistrictElectionOfficermustkeepapoolofwell-trainedofficials(includingthereserved pool) available for counting purposes. The counting officials be directed toreachthecountingcentreat6amonthedateofcounting.AsalreadymentionedinPara1above, theseofficialswouldnotbeallotted theAssemblyConstituencyor theTablenumberinadvance.

16.2.4. 2.4. TheObserversandtheDistrictElectionOfficerwouldassembleatoneplaceforcarryingouttherandomizationat5amonthedayofthecounting.Thisplacemaybe the NIC centre, Counting Centre or any other office where the process can beconvenientlycarriedout.ThelistoftrainedofficialswouldbeprovidedbytheDistrict

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ElectionofficertotheObservers.Therewouldbetwolists,oneofCountingSupervisorsand another of Counting Assistants and each counting official would be assigned aunique serial or code number which would be so labelled as to indicate clearly thecategory towhich he belongs i.e.whether he is a Counting Supervisor or a CountingAssistant.

16.2.5. The randomizationwouldbe carriedout eithermanually orbyusing a computer.Formanual randomization, the seniormostObserverpresentwould randomlyassigntheConstituencyandthetablenumbertothecountingofficialsbythedrawoflots.ThishastobedonewiththetwolistsmentionedaboveseparatelyandindependentlysothatforeachofthetablesthenameofoneCountingSupervisorandoneCountingAssistantisgenerated.TheDistrictElectionOfficerwouldmakeallpriorarrangementstoensurequickandsmoothconductofthisrandomizationprocess.Thiswouldincludepreparingchits of the unique serial numbers assigned to counting officials and theconstituency/tablenumbers.

16.2.6. Alternatively,theDistrictElectionOfficermaymakearrangementsforcarryingouttheabovementionedrandomizationwiththeaidofacomputerinconsultationwiththeObservers.However,beforeusingacomputeraidedmethod theObserversmust fullysatisfythemselvesthattheprocessisfreefromallerrorsandthatittrulygeneratestheresultsinarandommanner.

16.2.7. The District Election Officers would ensure that Videography of the process ofrandomizationiscarriedoutforrecord.

16.2.8. Toillustrateitbyapracticalexample, letusassumeadistricthas10Ac's,with14countingtableseach.Forthisdistrict154(including10%reserve)CountingSupervisorsand154CountingAssistantswouldberequired.Thesemanyofficialswouldhavebeenalreadytrainedandgivencodeswhileissuingthedutyorders.Onthedateofcountingat5am,these154codeseachofCountingSupervisorsandCountingAssistants,writtenonindividualslips,wouldbekeptintwoseparateboxes.TheseniormostObserver,inthe presence of District Election Officer and all other Observers would start therandomizationprocessforaparticularassemblyconstituencybyrandomlypickinguponeslipeachfromthetwoboxes.TheCountingSupervisorandtheCountingAssistantsopickeduponthefirstsetofdrawswouldbeassignedtableno1inthatConstituency.Thiswouldcontinueinasimilarwaytilleachofthe14tablesareassignedoneCountingSupervisorandoneCountingAssistant.ThesameprocesswouldthenberepeatedforotherAssemblyConstituenciesinasimilarmanner.Theofficialswhoareleftattheendofthisexercisewouldbetreatedaspartofthereservedpool.

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16.2.9. Once the randomization process is over, the Constituencywise posting lists, dulysigned by the District Election Officer and the Observers would be brought to theCountingCentreby theObservers andDistrict ElectionOfficer, in time, to behandedovertotherespectiveReturningOfficersandthecontrolroomstaffby6a.m.

16.2.10. The counting officials on reaching the control room at the counting centerwould be provided the posting details and directed to reach the counting hall of theassignedConstituencyattherespectivetable.

16.2.11. Itmustbeensuredthatthewholeprocessofrandomizationisoverby6:00amsothatthecountingofficialsareabletoreachtheirassignedpositionconvenientlybeforethescheduledstartofthecountingprocess.

16.3. RESERVEPOOL16.3.1. The officials who have not been assigned any Constituency/table would form a

reservepool.16.3.2. Therewouldbenodeploymentofofficials inshiftsas thecountingprocesswould

normallynottakemorethan6to8hours.However,theDistrictElectionOfficerswouldhave the liberty of replacing officials in case such an exigency arises, but thisreplacementwould also be done randomly from the pool of officials in reserve afterconsultingtheObserveroftheconstituencyconcerned.

16.4. CROSSCHECKINGBYTHEOBSERVERATRANDOM16.4.1. Asper the instructions issuedearlier, after each roundof counting, theReturning

OfficerwoulddothetabulationoftheroundbasedonthetablewiseresultprovidedbytheCountingSupervisors.ThetablewiseresultoftheroundistobecountersignedbytheObserverbeforetheReturningOfficerannouncestheresultoftheround.

16.4.2. Asystemisnowbeingintroducedthroughthepresentinstructionsbywhichtherewouldbearandomcheckingby theObservers, in themanner indicatedbelow,of thetablewiseresultsprovidedbythecountingofficials.

16.4.3. During the course of counting (for a round) the observer shall keep oscillatingbetweencountingtablesandcloselyobservethecountingprocess.

16.4.4. At the closure of each round, the Observer would randomly select any two EVMControlUnitsfromamongsttheControlUnitsoftheconcernedroundwhichhasbeencounted.Hewouldthendirectthecountingstaffspecificallydeployedforthispurposeby the Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer through random selection toindependentlynotedownfromtheControlUnitsselected,thedetailsofthevotespolledas indicated by the machine. These details he would then compare with the details

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providedbytheofficialsinthetablewiseresulttocheckforanydiscrepancybetweenthetwo.Caremustbetakenthatthestaffassignedforrandomcheckingisnotawareofthedetailsprovidedinthetablewiseresult.

16.4.5. The District Election Officer/Returning Officers would ensure that there is aseparate and sufficient space earmarked in the same counting hall for this randomcross-checking so that the normal counting of vote for subsequent round continueswithoutanyhindrance.

16.4.6. ThestafftoassisttheObserverforthiscrosscheckingwouldberandomlyselectedfrom the reservedpool. If required, after a few rounds, fresh staff from the reservedpoolshouldreplacethisstaff.

16.4.7. Only after being satisfied that the result displayed by the Control Unit and thatshown in the round wise result sheet and Form 17C match would the Observercountersign the result sheet of the round. The Observers would ensure that thisexercise is carried out in each round and the selection of the two Control Units isabsolutelyrandom.

16.4.8. If any discrepancy is found between the result obtained from the table and thatascertainedthroughtherandomcheckingbytheobserverasmentionedabove,then:� TheresultofthatroundforeachtableshallbereverifiedfromtheEVMs.� Suchstaffasisfoundtobewronglynotedthecountingresultwouldbetakenoffand

replacedbyanothersetofstaff.Severedisciplinaryactionshouldthenfollowontheerringstafffortheiromissionsandcommissions.

� The result provided by such staff (and table) in the preceding rounds would bechecked again in presence of observer and corrected sheets prepared wherevernecessary.

16.4.9. The counting officials as well as candidates and their counting agents would beinformed about this provision of random cross checking to be carried out by theObservers. It would also be informed that any discrepancy found during thisrandomized cross checkingwould be viewed seriously by the Commission and couldresultinseriousdisciplinaryactionandprosecutionoftheresponsibleofficials.

16.4.10. TheObserverswould continuouslymaintain theirpresence in the countinghall and periodically inspect the counting tables to ensure that counting is going onaccordingtotheinstructionsoftheCommissioninatransparentandsystematicway.

16.4.11. The Observers, in their final report after the counting would specificallymentionthattherandomizationofpersonnelandtherandomcheckingofControlUnitdetailswascarriedoutaspertheinstructionsoftheCommission.

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16.4.12. Apart from one Counting Supervisor and one Counting Assistant for eachcountingTable,oneadditionalstaffwouldbeseatedineachofthe14countingtables.TheadditionalstaffwillinvariablybeaCentralGovt./CentralGovt.PSUemployee.ThisadditionalstaffwillnotedownthedetailsofvotesexhibitedbytheEVMsbeingcountedineachroundinthatTable.Theseadditionalcountingstaffwouldbeprovidedwithapre-printedstatementasgivenbelowonwhichtherewillbespacefornotingdowntheCUNo.,RoundNo.,TableNo.,PollingStationNumberandthereafterthenamesofallthecontestingcandidatesastheyappearintheballotpaper.TheywillputtheirsignatureattheendofthestatementandshallhandoverthestatementtotheObserveraftereachround.

PROFORMAFORRECORDINGOFVOTESBYADDITIONALCOUNTINGSTAFF

NoandNameofAC:

RoundNo:TableNo:

CUNumber:PollingStationNumber:

S.No. NameofCandidate(pre-printed)

No.ofvotesrecorded

Date:

Signatureofadditionalcountingstaff(withfullname)

*tobehandedovertotheObserveronly

16.4.13. TheObserver/ReturningOfficerwillcrosscheckthefiguresnotedinPart-IIofForm17CassubmittedbytheCountingstaffwiththeadditionalstatementsubmittedbytheadditionalstaff.

16.4.14. Wherever adequate number of Central Govt. staff are not available, theshortfallwillbemadegoodbytheDivisionalCommissionerbymobilizingtherequirednumber of staffs from the neighbouring districts within the Division. The additionalstaff will be given a brief orientation training before being deployed at the countingcenter as above. The additional staff also will be provided a ID Card by the District

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Election Officer. The constituency- wise and subsequently Table-wise deployment ofsuchadditionalstaffshallalsobedonerandomlybytheObserver.

16.5. ROLEOFOBSERVER16.5.1. TheObserverhasthepowertodirecttheReturningOfficerfortheconstituencyor

foranyoftheconstituenciesforwhichhehasbeennominated,tostopthecountingofvotesatanytimebeforethedeclarationoftheresultornottodeclaretheresultifintheopinionof theObserver,boothcapturinghastakenplaceata largenumberofpollingstationsoratplacesfixedforthepollorcountingofvotesoranyballotpapersusedatapollingstationorataplacefixedforthepollareunlawfullytakenoutofthecustodyofthe Returning Officer or are accidentally or intentionally destroyed or lost or aredamagedortamperedwithtosuchanextentthattheresultsofthepollatthatpollingstationorplacecannotbeascertained.

16.5.2. Where an Observer has directed the Returning Officer under this section to stopcountingofvotesornot todeclare theresult, theObservershall forthwithreport themattertotheElectionCommissionandthereupontheElectionCommissionshall,aftertaking all material circumstances into account, issue appropriate directions underSection58AorSection64AorSection66ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951.

16.6. DATE,PLACEANDTIMEOFCOUNTING16.6.1. TheReturningOfficerwillgivenoticetothecandidateortohis/herelectionagent,

atleastoneweekbeforethedateorthefirstofthedatesfixedforthepoll,oftheplace,date and time fixed for the counting of the votes, in the forms prescribed by theCommissionforthepurpose,videAppendix29orAppendix30asmaybeapplicable.ForaGeneralElection throughout thecountry, thedate for thecountingofvoteswillgenerally be the date following the last of the dates of poll in the election. When aGeneralElection isheld inasingleState/UnionTerritory, thedate forthecountingofvotes will generally be the date following the last date of poll in that State/UnionTerritory.Forabye-election, thedateofcountingofvoteswouldnormallybethedayfollowingthedateor the lastof thedatesofpollorthesecondday incasewheretheconstituencyisfarflunganditisphysicallyimpossiblefortheboxesor,asthecasemaybe, thevotingmachinestoreachtheplace fixedforcountingbytheday followingthedateofthepoll.

16.6.2. If for anyunavoidable reason theReturningOfficer is unable toproceedwith thecountingat theplaceandat the timeandon thedate fixedandcommunicated to thecandidate,hewillpostponethecountingandfixanotherdateandtimeandifnecessary

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anotherplaceforthecountingofvotes.Thecandidateorhis/herelectionagentwillbegivennoticeofeverysuchchangeinwriting.

16.7. COMMENCEMENTOFCOUNTING16.7.1. AccordingtotheinstructionsoftheCommission,theReturningOfficerisrequiredto

send certain comprehensive reports on the poll, which are statutory, to theCommission.BasedonthesereportstheCommissiondecidesastowhetherrepollataparticularpollingstation/constituencyhastobetakenornot.Incasethereisnoorderfrom the Commission for repoll, the Returning officer will commence the countingwithoutwaitingforanyclearancefromtheCommission.

16.7.2. Underthenewlyinsertedsection20BoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct.1951,theObserversappointedbytheElectionCommissiontowatchtheconductofelectionsshallhavethepowerstodirecttheReturningOfficerstostopthecountingofvotesatanytimebeforethedeclarationofresultornottodeclaretheresult,ifintheiropinionbooth-capturinghastakenplaceatalargenumberofpollingstationsoratplacesfixedforthepollorcountingofvotesortheballotpapersorthevotingmachinesusedatapolling station or place fixed for poll are unlawfully taken out of the custody of theReturningOfficerorareaccidentallyor intentionallydestroyedor lostordamagedortamperedwithtosuchanextentthattheresultofthepollatthatpollingstationorplacecannotbeascertained.TheelectionproceedingsinsuchcasesshallproceedfurtherinaccordancewithsuchdirectionsoftheCommissionasitmayissueonthereportsoftheObserversandaftertakingallmaterialcircumstancesintoaccount.

16.8. COUNTINGATDIFFERENTPLACES16.8.1. The counting for an entire Assembly Constituencywill be done at one place and

everyeffortwillbemadetocompletethecountingonthesameday.Forthispurpose,thecountingwillcommenceearlyinthemorning.

16.8.2. WhilethecountingofvotesforanAssemblyConstituencywillbedoneatoneplace,thecountingofvotesforelectiontotheHouseofthePeoplemaybedoneinmorethanone place, i.e. in all the places fixed for the counting of votes of the AssemblyConstituenciescomprisedwithinthatParliamentaryConstituency.

16.8.3. IfthevotesforaParliamentaryConstituencyarecountedatmoreplacesthanone,theReturningOfficerwillinformthecandidateorhis/herelectionagentsufficientlyinadvanceso that thecandidatemayappointaseparatesetofcountingagents foreachsuchplace.

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16.8.4. InthesimultaneouselectionstotheLokSabhaandtheStateLegislativeAssembly,the counting of votes will be done simultaneously, assembly segment-wise. In suchevent,thecandidatesforparliamentaryandtheassemblyelectionswillbepermittedtoappointtheircountingagentsseparately.

16.9. PERSONSALLOWEDINCOUNTINGHALLS16.9.1. Onlythefollowingpersonswillbeallowedinsidethecountinghall:-

� countingsupervisorsandcountingassistants;� personsauthorizedbytheElectionCommission;� publicservantsondutyinconnectionwiththeelection;� thecandidate,his/herelectionagentandcountingagents.N.B. (1)The'publicservantsonduty'willnotincludethePoliceOfficers,whetherinuniformorwithoutuniform(unlesscalledforbytheReturningOfficer formaintenanceof lawandorderorotherduty),Ministers,StateMinistersandDeputyMinistersoftheUnionandStatesandtheSpeaker/Chairmanof theLokSabha/RajyaSabha/StateLegislativeAssemblies/LegislativeCouncils.(2)No security personnel accompanying, if any, a candidate or his election agent orcountingagentshallbepermittedtoentertheCountingCampusandCountingHall.

16.10. NUMBEROFCOUNTINGAGENTSTHATMAYBEAPPOINTED16.10.1. Each candidate has been allowed to appoint as many counting agents as

therearecountingtablesandonemoretowatchthecountingattheReturningOfficer’stable.UndertheinstructionsoftheElectionCommission,notmorethanfourteentablesinaddition toone table for theReturningOfficercanbeprovided forcounting inonecountinghall.Thenumberofcountingagentsthatmaybeappointedbyacandidatemaynotordinarilyexceedfifteen,asthenumberofcountingtablesmayalsonotordinarilyexceedfifteen,includingthetableoftheReturningOfficer.

16.10.2. TheCommissionmay,however,byageneralorspecialdirectionpermittheReturningOfficertoprovidetablesmorethanfifteen. Inthatevent, thecandidatewillalsobepermittedtoappointcountingagentsmorethanfifteenandequaltothenumberofcountingtablesprovidedbytheReturningOfficer.

16.10.3. Asmentioned above, theReturningOfficerwill intimate inwriting to eachcandidateorhiselectionagent,atleastoneweekbeforethedatefixedforthepoll,theplaceorplaceswherethecountingofvoteswillbedoneanddateandtimeatwhichthe

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counting will commence. He will also inform them sufficiently in advance about thenumberofcountingtablesthatwillbeprovidedinthecountinghall,sothattheymayappointtheircountingagentsaccordingly.

16.10.4. The above-mentioned limit in regard to themaximumnumber of countingagentswillapplyseparatelyinrespectofeachcountingplacewhencountingisdoneatmoreplacesthanone.

16.11. QUALIFICATIONOFCOUNTINGAGENTS16.11.1. The law does not prescribe any specific qualifications for persons to be

appointedascountingagents.However,thecandidatesareadvisedtoappointmatureandmajorpersonsastheircountingagentssothattheirinterestsareproperlywatched.

16.11.2. However, aMinister/M.P./MLA/MLCoranyotherpersonbeingcoveredbysecuritycover,shallnotbeappointedasacountingagent,ashispersonalsecurityshallbe jeopardizedwith suchappointment,becausehis securitypersonnelwillnotunderany circumstances be permitted to accompany him into the “Counting Campus” andwithintheCountingHall.Also,anypersonhavingsecuritycoverwillnotbeallowedtosurrenderhissecuritycovertoactassuchagentofacandidate.

16.11.3. AGovernmentservantalsocannotactascountingagentofacandidateandifhe so acts, he is punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to 3monthsorwithfiveorwithboth.

16.12. APPOINTMENTOFCOUNTINGAGENTS16.12.1. Appointment of a counting agent is to be made either by the candidate

himselforbyhiselectionagent.SuchappointmentismadeinForm18appendedtotheConductofElectionsRules,1961(Appendix31).Thenameandaddressofthecountingagentwillbefilledinthatformandthecandidateorhiselectionagentwillpersonallysignthatform.Thecountingagentwillalsosignthatformintokenofhisacceptanceoftheappointment.Twocopiesofsuchformstogetherwiththephotographsoftheagentswillbepreparedandsigned,inallcases.Onecopyofthatformistobeforwardedbythecandidate/electionagenttotheReturningOfficerwhilethesecondcopyisgiventothecountingagentforproductionbeforetheReturningOfficer.

16.12.2. A candidate may appoint all his counting agents by a single letter ofappointmentinForm18.Inthatcase,allthecountingagentsarerequiredtosignthatletterofappointmentintokenofhavingacceptedtheappointment.

16.12.3. The facsimile signature of a candidate in the form of appointment is alsoacceptedifthereisnodoubtaboutthesignatures.

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16.13. TIMELIMITFORMAKINGAPPOINTMENTOFCOUNTINGAGENT

16.13.1. TheElectionCommissionhasdirectedthatinallconstituencies,irrespectiveof the number of contesting candidates, the contesting candidates should submit thelistsoftheircountingagentswithphotographsofsuchagentstotheReturningOfficer,latest by 17:00 hours three days prior to the date fixed for counting of votes. TheReturningOfficerwillprepareidentitycardsforeachsuchagentandissuethesametothecandidate.

16.13.2. Thecountingagentsmustproducethoseidentitycardsalongwiththeirletterofappointmentwhentheycometoattendthecounting.

16.13.3. Theletterofappointmentalongwiththeidentitycardofcountingagentmustbe produced before the ReturningOfficer at least one hour before the time fixed forcountingofvotes.TheReturningOfficerwillnotacceptanyappointmentletterwhichisreceivedaftertheaforesaidtime.

16.14. REVOCATIONOFAPPOINTMENTOFCOUNTINGAGENT16.14.1. Thecandidateorhiselectionagentisauthorisedtorevoketheappointment

ofacountingagent.16.14.2. SuchrevocationofappointmentismadeinForm19appendedtotheConduct

ofElectionsRules,1961(Appendix32)andbecomesoperativefromthetimeatwhichit is lodgedwith theReturningOfficer. In such a case, the candidate is authorised toappoint another counting agent in place of the one whose appointment has beenrevoked, at any time before the commencement of counting. Once the counting hascommenced,noappointmentoffreshcountingagentcanbemade.

16.14.3. Appointmentofsuchfreshcountingagentistobemadeinthesamemannerasexplainedabove.

16.15. ADMISSIONOFCOUNTINGAGENTSTOTHECOUNTINGHALL16.15.1. Onproductionofhis letterofappointmentandthe identitycardbefore the

ReturningOfficer,thecountingagentwillberequiredtosignthedeclarationcontainedin his letter of appointment regarding maintenance of secrecy of voting before theReturning Officer. After verification of the letter of appointment, identity card anddeclaration,theReturningOfficerwillpermitthecountingagenttoenterthecountinghall.

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16.15.2. TheReturningOfficerisempoweredtosubjectanycountingagenttosearchhispersonbeforeentryintothecountinghall.

16.16. BADGESFORCOUNTINGAGENTS16.16.1. EachcountingagentwillbegivenabadgebytheReturningOfficerindicating

whoseagenthe isandshowingtheserialnumberof thetableatwhich,hewillwatchthecounting.Heshouldkeepsittingatthetableallottedtohim.Hewillnotbeallowedtomoveaboutalloverthehall.However,thecandidate,hiselectionagentandintheirabsence,onlyhiscountingagentat theReturningOfficer's tablewillbeallowedtogoaroundallcountingtables.

16.17. MAINTENANCEOFDISCIPLINEANDORDERINTHECOUNTINGHALL

16.17.1. Everyonewill be required to fully cooperatewith the Returning Officer inmaintainingstrictdisciplineandorder insidethecountinghall.Theyshouldcarryoutall directions given by the Returning Officer. They should note that the ReturningOfficer may send any person who persists in disobeying his directions out of thecountinghall.

16.17.2. Countingagentandotherwillnotbeallowedtogooutsidethecountinghallduring counting process. In otherwords, when once counting agents and others areinside the counting hall, they will ordinarily be allowed to go outside only after thedeclarationofresult.

16.17.3. All reasonable facilities for drinkingwater, refreshment, toilet, etc. will beprovidednearthecountinghall.

16.17.4. Counting Agents are not allowed to carry Mobile Phone in the CountingCentre. Commission’sObserverswill be allowed to carry themobile phones but theywillkeeptheirmobilephonesinsilentmode.

16.18. SMOKINGINCOUNTINGCAMPUSANDCOUNTINGHALLISPROHIBITED

16.18.1. TheCandidate’sattentionisinvitedtoSection-4oftheCigarettesandotherTobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade andCommerce,Production,SupplyandDistribution)Act,2003Act(No.34of2003)whichprohibitssmokinginany“publicplace”.Hence,theElectionCommissiondirectsthatnopersonshallbeallowedsmokingintheCountingCampusandCountingHall.

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16.19. SEATINGARRANGEMENTFORCOUNTINGAGENTS16.19.1. Thecountingwillbedoneonthetablearrangedinrows.Thetablesineach

rowwillbeseriallynumbered.16.19.2. Oneachcountingtable,theControlUnitofthevotingmachinewillbekeptat

itscentre.TherewillbeacountingSupervisorandonecountingAssistantseatedononeside.ThecountingagentsmaybeseatedinfrontofthetablefacingtheControlUnitsothattheycanwatchalloperationsbeingcarriedoutbythecountingsupervisorontheControlUnit.

16.19.3. Oneachcountingtable,theseatingarrangementforthecountingagentsshallbemadehavingregardtothefollowingcategoriesorpriority,namely:-i. candidatesofrecognisedNationalparties;ii. candidatesofrecognisedStateparties;iii. candidatesofrecognisedStatepartiesofotherStateswhohavebeenpermittedto

usetheirreservedsymbolsintheConstituency;iv. candidatesofregistered-unrecognisedparties;v. independentcandidates.

16.20. MANAGEMENTOFCOUNTINGHALLSANDSECURITYTHEREOF

16.20.1. AcountingCentremeansaplacewherecountingofvoteswillbedoneandmayhaveoneormoreCountingHalls.

16.20.2. A countingHallmeans a separate roomwalled on all sides and preferablywithseparateexitandentryfacilities.

16.20.3. Wherepre-constructedseparateroomsarenotavailablebutlargeroomsareproposedtobedividedforcreatingHalls,eachpartconstitutionaHallwillbeseparatedbytemporarypartitions.Thesepartitionswillbeofstrongmaterial,butpreferablyCGIsheetsonly.WheretheownersoftheBuildinghaveobjectionstodigholesonthefloor,asuitablerigidframe,withCGIsheetsfixedontwosides,maybeused.Thepointtobeensuredisthatafterthenecessaryportioning,eachHallisanindependentroomwalledonallfoursides.ItshouldnotonlybenotpossibleforpersonstomoveoutfromaHallwithoutcomingoutofit,butitshouldbeimpossibletoslipanymaterialsfromoneHalltootherthroughthepartitions.Onbothsidesofthepartitions,guardsshouldbepostedtoensurethatthesearenotdisturbed.

16.20.4. EachcountingcentrewillhaveadistinctnumberandwithineachCountingCentreeachHallwillhaveadistinctnumber.

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16.20.5. EachHall,asdefinedearlier,willbeusedforcountingforonlyoneAssemblySegmentatagivenpointoftime.ThecountingofoneassemblysegmentcanbetakenupinmaximumoftwoHallsprovidedthatinonehallthephysicaldistributionofspacedoesnot allowplacing ofmore than8 tables (including the table of theRO/ARO). Incases where the size of the electorate in an Assembly segment is unusually large amaximumof15tableseachcanbeputintwoHallsforthatAssemblysegment.Allsuchcases will be personally scrutinized by the DEO and the observers after taking intoaccountall relevant factorssuchasnumberofcandidates,numberofcountingagentsetc.BARRICADINGOFCOUNTINGTABLES

16.20.6. Ineachcountinghall,barricadeswillbeprovidedforeachcountingtablesothat the votingmachines are not handled by the counting agents.However, countingagentswillbeprovidedallreasonablefacilitiestoseethewholecountingprocessatthecountingtable.TheReturningOfficerwillensurethatthebarricadesaretransparentorthatthespaceinbetweenorabovethebamboosorothermaterialusedforpurposeoferectingbarricadesisadequatetopermitfullviewingofthecountingprocess.Theexactmanner inwhichbarricadesmaybe erected is left to thediscretion of theReturningOfficerwhohastoadoptsuchapproachashemaydeemfitforattainingtheobjectiveofensuring that the voting machines are not handled by unauthorized persons ortamperedwithinanymannerinprocessofcounting.

16.20.7. IncaseswheretwoHallsarebeingusedtocountanAssemblysegmentthePolling Station numberswill and pre-allotted to the twoHalls (each roombeing oneseparateHall)inadvance.

16.20.8. Assembly Segmentsmust be pre-allotted to Halls and this allotmentmadeknowntoallconcernedinadvance.

16.20.9. If the total number of Halls is less than the total number of AssemblySegmentsforaParliamentaryConstituency,thesequenceofcountingwillbeaspertheascendingACnumbers.Thus,iftherearesevensuchACsegmentsinaPCandonlythreeHalls,thensegmentswiththethreelowestserialnumberswillbetakenupforcountinginthethreeHallsavailable.AssoonascountingiscompletedinrespectofoneAssemblySegmentinaparticularHallandafternecessaryclearanceoftheHall,countingforthenextACpre-allottedtotheHallwillbetakenuptherein.

16.20.10. Under no circumstances, more than one AC segment will be taken up forcounting simultaneously, inside one Hall, and, under no circumstances, Electronic

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Voting Machines (or Ballot Papers) of more than one AC segment will be physicallyavailableforcountingpurposesinsideoneHallatanytime.

16.20.11. The Commission has already prescribed limits for the number of countingtables,whichcanbeplacedinsideaHall.Importantconsiderationsfordecidingonthenumberof counting tableswouldbe thenumberofPollingStations, sizeof theroom,thenumberofcountingagents,asperthenumberofcandidates,andthetotalnumberofcountingpersonnelproposedtobedeployedandthesecurityaspects.

16.20.12. Theupper limitof15 tables (including theTableofReturningOfficer) in acountingHALLwillnotbeincreasedunderanycircumstances.Aloweractuallimitmaybefixedconsideringallrelevantfactors.

16.20.13. ObserversoftheCommissionwillundertakedetailedinspectionofcountingcentresduringtheirvisitandensurethatthecountingHallshavebeenplannedasperthe above instructions andAssembly segments have been accordingly pre-allotted toeachHall.Theyshouldalsoobtainrelevantdrawingsofeachcountingcentresandkeepitasapartoftherecordfortheirfinalreport.

16.20.14. TheCountingHalls, includingpartitions asplanned, shouldbegot readyatleastthreecleardays,aheadofthedateofcounting.TheseroomsshouldbelocatedinamannerthatthesmoothflowofpolledEVMsandotherpaperstoandfromthestrongroomarenotinterruptedbythepresenceofnon-officialsandmediapersons.

16.20.15. Three tier cordoning system should be set up in all counting centres toprevent the entry of unauthorized persons inside the counting centres. No countingagentwithoutproperidentitycardhavingthephotograph,dulydisplayedonitsperson,shallbeallowedtocrossthefirstcordonofthecountingcentre.Similarly,theidentityofallcandidates,theirelectionagentsandofallthecountingstaffshallalsobethoroughlyverified with reference to their identity cards at the first cordon itself. A seniorMagistrateshallbepostedattheentrancetocontrolcrowdandregulateentry.

16.20.16. Beforeallowing theentryof thecandidates, theiragentsandotherofficialswhoseidentitieshavebeenestablishedbymeansofidentitycardtothesecondcordon,properfriskingshouldbemadebythesecuritypersonnel.ThefriskingshallbedonebyState police force personnel only. Women shall be frisked only by women policepersonnel/womenHomeGuards.Thereshouldbenofurtherfrisking.

16.20.17. Theholdersoftheauthorityletters,whilecoveringthecountingprocess,canandshouldbeallowedtocomeoutofthecountinghall(s)iftheysodesire,duringthecounting. They should also be allowed to re-enter on the basis of the very sameauthorityletters.Allentryatalltimeshowever,issubjecttotheover-allrequirementof

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maintenanceof lawandorder,properdecorumandtheconductofpeacefulcounting.Limitedcoverageofshortdurationbymanageableaudio/visualgroupscanbeallowedand the groups,may be conducted by the official designated for this purpose by theofficersinchargeofcounting.

16.20.18. No static (fixed) camera – still or video of themedia is allowed inside anycountinghall.Nocamerastandshouldthereofbeallowedtobe taken insidecountinghalls.Further,whiletakingaudiovisualcoverageofthecountingprocesswithcameracarriedinhandoronshoulders,undernocircumstances,theactualvotesrecordedonanindividualballotpapersistobephotographedorcoveredbyaudiovisualcoverage.Theexactlocationuptowhichthe,stillandvideocameracanmove,shouldbeindicatedby the Returning Officer in advancemarked by a line or a string for guidance of allconcerned.

16.20.19. DEOs, and ROs will accordingly make detailed plans and ensure that thearrangementsareinpositionwellintimeandatleast72hoursbeforestartofcounting.Thiswill facilitatedryrunoftransmissionofcounting informationandsystemchecksbyallconcerned.

16.20.20. Forensuringaccuracyoftheresultofcounting,around-wisestatementshallbepreparedbytheReturningOfficerintheprescribedproformaasgivenbelow.Boththe Returning Officer and Observer shall personally verify that the number of votespostedagainstthenameofeachcandidateinrespectofeverycountingtabletallywiththe figures as shown in Part II of Form 17 ‘C’ (result of counting) pertaining to thattable.Theyshallappendtheirinitialbelowthetotalofeachcountingtable.Acopyofthedetailedtable-wisepollingstation-wiseround–wisebreak-upofthevotesasshowninthesaidproformawillbekeptbytheObserverinhisfolder.

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Inaddition,acomputerwillbeinstalledintheCountingHallwhereparalleltabulationworkwillbedoneinanExcelSheettocountercheckanyhumanerror.Thisdataentrywill also be done Table wise, Polling station wise and Round wise. Even thoughcomputertabulationwillnotsubstitutethemanualtabulationbeingdoneforobtainingfinal result of the counting of votes, the Computer based parallel tabulation/totallingwillbehelpfulasadoublecheckontheaccuracyofmanualtabulation.

16.20.21. Next Round of counting should only start after repeat after all tables ofpreviousroundhavefinishedcountingandtheirresultsheetsareacceptedbyAROs.

16.20.22. TheObserver/ReturningOfficerwill ensure that the resultsof table-wise –round-wisecountingofvotesareimmediatelydisplayedprominentlyonanoticeboardinside the counting centre and announced through public address system. After thecountingiscompletedandtheReturningOfficerhascompiledthefinalresultsheet,theObserverwill tally the figuresof votesobtainedby the candidateswith thedetails ofround-wisebreakupkeptbyhiminhisfolderandallowtheresulttobedeclaredonlywhenthefigurestallywitheachother.

16.20.23. TheCommissionhasissueddetailedinstructionsontheflowofdatathroughGENESYS.TheseinstructionsaretobefollowedscrupulouslybyallReturningOfficers.

16.20.24. Assoonastheresultisdeclared,thedataascontainedinForm21,whichishanded over to the winning candidate, will be handed over to the Observer asprescribedbytheCommissionforimmediatecommunicationtotheCommission.

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16.20.25. It is important that soon after the counting is finished, the fully reconciledcounting data is tabulated and checked thoroughly before the result is formallydeclared.

16.20.26. TheObserverswillensurethattheFinalResultSheetinform20AisfilledbytheRObeforehedeclarestheresultinForm21Candsendsittoappropriatequarters.One copyeachof theForms20A,21Cand21Eduly filled inwill be collectedby theObserversandattachedwiththeirreportsoncounting.

16.20.27. Commission has decided that all Observerswill keep a closewatch on theprocess of counting of votes and compilation of results. Before the Returning Officerdeclares result of an election, he/she shall obtain an authorization for declaration ofresult from the Observer concerned. Every Observer shall completely satisfyhimself/herself about the fairness of counting of votes and complete accuracy ofcompilationof result.Afterhavingdoneso,he/sheshall issueanauthorization to theconcernedReturningOfficerinthefollowingformatfordeclarationofresult:-“___________________________ Observer (Code________), For _____________________AssemblyConstituencyafterhaving satisfiedmyself about the fairnessof countingof votesandcompleteaccuracyofcompilationofresultinForm-20herebyauthorizetheReturningOfficerfor____________________AssemblyConstituencytodeclaretheresult.”SignatureoftheObserver____________________________NameoftheObserver______________________________CodeoftheObserver_______________________________AssemblyConstituencyNo.&Name___________________

16.20.28. No Returning Officer shall declare the result without receiving theauthorization in the format above from the Observer. It shall be the personalresponsibilityof theObserverandReturningOfficer toensure fairnessof countingofvotesandaccuratecompilationofresults.

16.20.29. It shall be the personal responsibility of the concerned District ElectionOfficer toensure that all theabove-mentioned instructionsare strictly compliedwithandbroughttothenoticeofalltheReturningOfficers,Observers,Candidates,CountingAgentsetcsufficientlybeforethecommencementoftheCounting.

16.21. MAINTENANCEOFSECRECY16.21.1. Everypersoninsidethecountinghallisrequiredbylawtomaintain,andto

aidinmaintaining,thesecrecyofvotingandshouldnotcommunicatetoanypersonanyinformation calculated to violate such secrecy. They should note that any person

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contravening the provisions of law in this respect is liable to be punished withimprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months or with fine or with both(Section128oftheR.P.Act,1951)

16.21.2. Beforethecommencementofthecountingofvotes,theReturningOfficerwillread out and explain the provisions of the above-mentioned Section 128 for theinformationofallpresentandforcomplianceontheirpart.

16.22. COUNTINGTOBECONTINOUS16.22.1. The counting of votes will, as far as practicable, be proceeded with

continuouslytillitisover.

16.23. COUNTINGOFPOSTALBALLOTPAPERSFIRSTOnthecountingday,thepostalballotcountingwillbetakenupfirstandafteragapof30minutes, theEVMcountingcanalso start.There shouldbea separate tableandseparatearrangement for the counting of postal ballots. For every500postal ballot papers, extratable should be used for counting. Returning Officer will be responsible for counting ofpostalballotpaperathistable.OneAssistantReturningOfficershallbededicatedtohandlethepostalballotcounting.TheObserverandReturningOfficershouldcloselymonitortheprogress made in postal ballot counting as well as EVM counting simultaneously. Thecandidates/their election agents shall be advised to nominate a separate counting agentandhemayremainpresentnearthetablewherethepostalballotcountingtakingplace.

(A) COUNTING OF ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS(ETPBs)FORSERVICEVOTERS

16.23.1. CountingofETPBsshallbedoneatReturningOfficer’stableasinthecaseoftheotherpostalballots.OnlysuchPostalBallotsasarereceivedbeforethehourfixedforcommencementofcountingshallbecounted.

16.23.2. FirstPhase:OpeningofForm13-C(OuterEnvelope):ThecoversinForm13-C received in time should be verified and opened one after another. QR code on theOuter Envelopewill be scanned using a computer software and QR code reader andnecessaryvaliditycheckswillbeperformed.Afterverificationoftheouterenvelope,auniqueserialnumberwillbeprovidedbythecomputer.Thisserialnumberwillalsobemanuallymarked by RO on the envelope being verified. The computer softwarewillcheck theentry in theQRcode foranypossibleduplicates in the listofPostalBallotsreceivedandflagawarningforsuchcases.ThecomputersoftwarewillalsoprovidethelistofserialnumberswhichareallduplicatetothePostalBallotbeinghandled.TheRO

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willlocateallsuchduplicateenvelopesasindicatedbythecomputersoftwareandkeepthem together physically and invalidate all such duplicate/multiple votes. All suchenvelopesdeclaredinvalidshallnotbeopenedforfurtherprocessingandwillbekeptasideandpreservedforfuturereference.NumberofsuchduplicatePostalBallotsshallbemarked in the register.Onopening the cover "B" (Form13C), twodocuments arerequiredtobefoundinside.Thefirst is thedeclarationbythevoter inForm13Aandthe second the inner cover i.e. Form13B containing the Postal Ballot Paper. As eachcoverisopened,ROshouldtakeoutthedeclarationinForm13AandthecoverinForm13B,scan,verifyandthenscrutinizethedeclaration.

16.23.3. BeforeopeningthecoverinForm13BcontainingthePostalBallotPaper,theReturningOfficermustcheckthedeclarationinForm13Aandallsuchforms13Amustbe kept separately and sealed, before taking up Form13B for opening and counting.ReturningOfficerwillrejectaPostalBallotwithoutopeningitsinnercoverinForm13Bif:� thedeclarationinForm13Aisnotfoundinthecover,or� the Electronic Postal Ballot Identification Number (e-PBID) in the declaration in

Form13Adoesnotmatchtheissuede-PBID,or� the declaration has not been duly signed and, or not attested by an officer

competent to do so, or the e-PBIDof PostalBallot appearing in thedeclaration isdifferentfromthee-PBIDonthecoverinForm13B.

16.23.4. Each such rejected cover should be endorsed suitably and the declarationand the cover should be placed back in the cover in Form13C (Outer Envelope). AllsuchcoversinForm13Cshouldbekepttogetherinaseparatepacketdulysealedandfullparticularssuchas thenameof theconstituency, thedateof countingandabriefdescription of contents should be noted thereon for easy identification. All thedeclarations inForm13A,whichhavebeen foundtobe inorder,shouldthenbekeptseparatelyforcounting.

16.23.5. Forfurthercounting,allinstructionsforcountingofpostalballotpapershallapply.

16.23.6. ScanningofQRCodes SHOULDbedone in the sequencewithout fail. Form13Cshouldbescannedfirst,followedbyboththeQRCodeonForm13AandthenForm13B.SequenceofQRcodescanningshouldnotbechangedunderanycircumstances.

(B)COUNTINGOFPOSTALBALLOTPAPERS

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16.23.7. EachpostalballotpaperreceivedfromavoterwillbecontainedinaninnercoverinForm13B.ThiscoveralongwiththedeclarationoftheelectorinForm13AwillbecontainedinalargercoverinForm13CaddressedtotheReturningOfficer.

16.23.8. The Returning Officer will not open any cover in Form 13C containing apostal ballot paper which he has received late, that is, after the time fixed for thecommencementofcounting.Hewillmakeasuitableendorsementforthispurposeontheoutsideof thecover inForm13C.Thevotescontained in thesecoverswillnotbecounted.Hewillmakeapacketofallsuchcoversandsealthepacket.

16.23.9. AllcoversinForm13Ccontainingpostalballotpaperswhichwerereceivedin time by the Returning Officer will be opened by him, one after another. Thedeclaration by the voter in Form 13A will be found inside each cover in Form 13C.Beforeopeninganyoftheinnercoversinform13Bcontainingthepostalballotpapersproper, theReturningOfficerwill check thedeclarations (From13A).Hewill rejectaballotpaperwithoutopeningitsinnercover(Form13B)inanyofthefollowingcases:a. IfthedeclarationinForm13AisnotfoundinthecoverinForm13C;b. If the declaration has not been duly signed by the elector or has not been duly

attested by an officer competent to do so or is otherwise substantially defective;N.B.:Itmaybenotedthatitisnotnecessaryundertherulesthattheofficerattestingthe declaration should affix his seal and the objection should not, therefore, beraisedonthisgroundiftheidentityoftheattestingofficerisotherwiseknownfromtheparticularsabouthisdesignation,addressetc.,furnishedintheform.

c. if the serial number of the ballot paper appearing on the declaration is differentfromtheserialnumberasendorsedontheinnercoverinForm13B.

16.23.10. All such rejected covers in Form 13B will be suitably endorsed by theReturningOfficer, andwill be replacedwith the respective declarations in the largercoversinForm13C.Allsuchlargercoverswillbekeptinaseparatepacketwhichwillbe sealed by the Returning Officer and full particulars, such as the name of theConstituency,thedateofcounting,andabriefdescriptionofthecontentswillbenotedthereonforidentifyingthepacket.

16.23.11. Thereafter, the Returning Officer will proceed to deal with the remainingcoversinForm13B,i.e.,otherthanthoserejectedasaforesaid.Inorderthattheremaybenocaseofthesecrecyofthepostalvotesbeingviolated,allthedeclarationsinForm13Awhich are foundby theReturningOfficeron scrutiny tobe inorderwill first beplaced in a separate packet and sealed. Identifying particulars will be noted on thepacket. It is necessary to put these declarations away in a sealed packet before any

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ballotpapersproperarebroughtoutof theircovers inForm13B,as thedeclarationscontainthenamesofthevotersalongwiththerespectiveserialnumbersoftheirpostalballotpapers.

16.23.12. After the above procedure has been completed, the Returning Officer willproceedtoopenthecoversinform13B,oneafteranother,andthepostalballotpaperscontainedinthemwillbebroughtout.TheReturningOfficerwillscrutinizeeverysuchballotpaperanddecideitsvalidity.

16.23.13. Apostalballotpaperwillberejected–a. ifnovoteisrecordedthereon;orb. ifvotesaregivenonitinfavourofmorethanonecandidate;orc. ifitisaspuriousballotpaper;ord. if it has been so damaged ormutilated that its identity as a genuine ballot paper

cannotbeestablished;ore. if it isnot returned in thecoversentalongwith it to theelectorby theReturning

Officer;orf. ifthemarkindicatingthevoteismadeinsuchawaythatitisdoubtfultomakeout

thecandidatetowhomthevotehasbeengiven;org. ifitbearsanymarksorwritingbywhichthevotercanbeidentified.

16.23.14. Thereisnoparticularmarkrequiredbylawtobemadebyavotertoindicatehisvoteonapostalballotpaper.Anymarkcanbeacceptedasvalidso longas ithasbeensomadeandsoplacedontheballotpaperthattheintentionofthevotertovotefor a particular candidate is clear beyond any reasonable doubt. Thus, amarkmadeanywhereinthespaceallottedtoacandidatewillbetakenasavalidvoteinfavourofthe candidate concerned. Again, a vote recorded on a postal ballot paperwill not berejectedmerelyonthegroundthatthemarkindicatingthevoteisnotdistinctormademore thanonce for the same candidate, if the intention that thevote shouldbe for aparticularcandidateclearlyappearsfromthewaythepaperismarked.

16.23.15. The valid voteswill then be counted and each candidate creditedwith thevotes given to him. The total number of postal votes receivedby each candidatewillthen be counted, entered in the result sheet in Form 20 and announced for theinformationofthecandidates/electionagents/countingagents.

16.23.16. Thereafter,allthevalidpostalballotpapersandalltherejectedpostalballotpaperswillbeseparatelybundledandkepttogetherinapacketandsealedwiththesealoftheReturningOfficer,andthesealsofsuchofthecandidates,theirelectionagentsor

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countingagents(notexceedingtwoinrespectofanyonecandidate)asmaydesiretoaffixtheirsealsthereon.

16.23.17. Under no circumstances, the results of all the rounds of the EVM countingshouldbeannouncedbeforefinalizingthepostalballotcounting.

16.23.18. Incase,thevictoryisbeingdecidedonlyonaccountofpostalballotcountingthereshouldbeamandatoryre-verification.InthepresenceofObserverandReturningOfficer, all thepostalballotpapers rejectedas invalidaswell as thevotes counted infavour of each and every candidate shall be once again be verified and tallied. TheObserver and Returning Officer shall record the findings of the re-verification andsatisfythemselvesbeforefinalizingtheresult.

16.23.19. Whenever such re-verification/recounting is done, the entire proceedingshould be video-graphed without compromising the secrecy of ballot and thevideocassette/CDshouldbesealedinaseparateenvelopeforfuturereference.

16.24. COUNTINGOFVOTESPOLLEDATPOLLINGSTATIONS16.24.1. WhilethepostalballotpapersarebeingcountedbytheReturningOfficerat

histable,thecountingofvotesrecordedatpollingstationsbymeansofEVMswillalsobe taken up by theAssistant ReturningOfficer(s) at the other tables provided in thecounting hall. For that purpose, the Control Units of EVMs received from the pollingstationswillbedistributed to thevariouscounting tables,beginningwith theControlUnitofEVMofpollingstationNo.1,beingdistributedtotableNo.1,theControlUnitofEVMofpollingstationNo.2beingdistributedtotableNo.2andsoon.Ateachcountingtable,votescastatonepollingstationshallbetakenupatatime.Thus,thecountingofvotes of asmany polling stations as there are the number of counting tableswill besimultaneouslytakenupinthefirstroundofcounting.Thecountingwillbedoneandcompletedinasmanyroundsasarenecessary,havingregardtothenumberofcountingtablesandnumberofpollingstations.TheControlUnitsforthenextroundwillnotbebrought on the counting tables, unless the counting of theprevious round is over. Incaseof simultaneouselections, the totalnumberof counting tables shouldbedividedinto two groups of equal number of tables. The first group should be for Assemblyelection and the other group for the Parliamentary election. For example, if the totalnumberofcountingtablesis14(fourteen),inthefirstroundofcounting,ControlUnitforAssemblyelectionusedatpollingstationnumber1shouldbegiventotablenumber1andtheControlUnitusedforLokSabhaelectionatpollingstationnumber1shouldbegiventotablenumber8, i.e., the first table for thecountingofvotes forLokSabha

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election,andControlUnitforAssemblyelectionusedatpollingstationnumber2shouldbegiventotablenumber2andtheControlUnitusedforLokSabhaelectionatpollingstation number 2 should be given to table number 9, i.e., the second table for thecounting of votes for Lok Sabha election and so on. Counting Agent should keep anaccountofsuchdistributionwithhim/herforhis/herinformation.Itistobenotedthatinthecaseofcountingforsimultaneouselections,thenextroundofcountingshallbetakenuponlyafterthecountinginthepreviousround,inrespectofbothassemblyandparliamentary elections is completed and Control Units used in the polling stationscoveredbytheroundcompletedareremovedfromthecountingtables.

16.24.2. Atthetimeofcounting,onlytheControlUnitoftheEVMusedataparticularPollingStationisrequiredforascertainingtheresultofpollatthatpollingstation.TheBallotingUnitshavetobekeptinstrongroom.

16.24.3. AlongwiththeControlUnit, therelevantaccountofvotesrecordedinform17Cpertainingtothatpollingstationwillalsobesuppliedtothecountingtable.

16.24.4. At the closureof each round, theObserverwould randomly select any twoEVMcontrolunits fromamongst theControlunitsof the concerned roundwhichhasbeen counted. He would then direct the counting staff specifically deployed for thispurposebytheReturningOfficer/AssistantReturningOfficerthroughrandomselectionto independently note down from the Control units selected, the details of the votespolled as indicated by the machine. These details he would then compare with thedetails providedby the officials in the tablewise result to check for anydiscrepancybetweenthetwo.Caremustbetakenthatthestaffassignedforrandomcheckingisnotawareofthedetailsprovidedinthetablewiseresult.

16.24.5. Apart from one Counting Supervisor and one Counting Assistant for eachcountingTable,oneadditionalstaffwouldbeseatedineachofthe14countingtables.TheadditionalstaffwillinvariablybeaCentralGovt./CentralGovt.PSUemployee.ThisadditionalstaffwillnotedownthedetailsofvotesexhibitedbytheEVMsbeingcountedineachroundinthatTable.Theseadditionalcountingstaffwouldbeprovidedwithapre-printedstatementonwhichtherewillbespacefornotingdowntheCUNo.,RoundNo., TableNo., Polling StationNumber and thereafter thenamesof all the contestingcandidatesandpanel forNOTAastheyappear intheballotpaper.TheywillputtheirsignatureattheendofthestatementandshallhandoverthestatementtotheObserveraftereachround.

16.24.6. Wherever adequate number of Central Govt. staff are not available, theshortfallwillbemadegoodbytheDivisionalCommissionerbymobilizingtherequired

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number of staffs from the neighbouring districts within the Division. The additionalstaff will be given a brief orientation training before being deployed at the countingcentre as above. The additional staff alsowill be provided an ID Card by theDistrictElection Officer. The constituency-wise and subsequently Table-wise deployment ofsuchadditionalstaffshallalsobedonerandomlybytheObserver.

16.25. OPENINGOFCARRYINGCASESOFCONTROLUNITS16.25.1. As each carrying case of Control Unit is brought to the counting table, the

sealsputthereonbythePresidingOfficeratthepollingstationwillbeexamined.Evenifthesealofacarryingcaseisnotintactinanycase,theControlUnitkeptthereincouldnothavebeentamperedwith,ifthesealsthereonandparticularlythegreenpapersealsonthatunitareintact.ThecarryingcasewillthenbeopenedandtheControlUnittakenoutandplacedoncountingtablefortheinspectionandcheckingofsealsthereonbythecandidatesortheiragentspresentatthecountingtable.

16.26. CHECKINGSEALSONCONTROLUNITS16.26.1. Before the votes recorded in any Control Unit of a voting machine are

counted, thecountingagentspresentat thecountingtableshallbeallowedto inspecttheouter strip seal, the special tag, thepaper seals and suchothervital seals asmayhavebeenaffixedonthecarryingcaseandtheControlUnitandtosatisfy themselvesthat the seals are intact andControlUnithasnotbeen tamperedwith. If anyControlUnitisfoundtohavebeentamperedwith,thevotesrecordedinthatmachineshallnotbecountedandthemattershallbereportedtotheCommissionforitsdirections.

16.27. CHECKINGOFSEALSANDIDENTITYMARKSONTHECONTROLUNIT

16.27.1. AseachControlUnitistakenoutofthecarryingcase,itsserialnumberwillbecheckedsoastoensurethatitisthesameControlUnitwhichwassuppliedforuseatthat polling station. Then, the seal on the 'Candidate Set Section'which is put by theReturningOfficerbeforethesupplyofthemachinetothepollingstationandthesealonthe outer cover of Result Sectionwhich is put by the PresidingOfficer at the pollingstationwillbechecked.EvenifanyofthesesealsisnotintacttheControlUnitcouldnothavebeentamperedwith,ifthegreenpapersealsputontheinnercoveroftheResultSectionareintact.

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16.28. COMPARISIONOFTHESERIALNUMBEROFTHEPAPERSEAL16.28.1. OnopeningtheoutercoveroftheResultSection,theinnercoversealedwith

the seal of the Presiding Officer will be seen. Even if this seal is also not intact, theControlUnitcouldnothavebeentamperedwithifthegreenpapersealisintactandhasnotbeentamperedwith.IntheinnercoveroftheResultSection,therewillbeagreenpaper seal (two green paper seals in the case of machines manufactured by BharatElectronics Limited, Bangalore before 2006). The green paper sealwill have been sofixed that the twoopenendsof thesealprojectoutwards fromthesidesof the innercompartment in which the result buttons are located. On one such open end of thepaper seal will be the printed serial number of that seal. That serial number on thepapersealwillbecomparedwiththeserialnumberasgiveninthepapersealaccountpreparedbythePresidingOfficerinitem9ofPart1ofForm17C.Thecountingagentspresent at the counting table will be allowed to compare such serial number of thepapersealandsatisfythemselvesthatthepapersealisthesamewhichhadbeenfixedbythePresidingOfficeratthepollingstationbeforethecommencementofpoll.

16.28.2. IftheserialnumberofthepapersealactuallyusedintheControlUnitdoesnot tallywith the serial number as shown by the Presiding Officer in the paper sealaccount,itmaybethatthepapersealaccountcontainsaclericalmistakeortherewouldbe a prima-facie suspicion that the voting machine has been tampered with. TheReturningOfficerwilldecidethequestionbycheckingtheserialnumbersoftheunusedpaper seals returned by the Presiding Officer. If he finds it to be the case of clericalmistake,hewillignorethediscrepancy.

16.29. CONTROLUNITSTOBEKEPTAPARTIFFOUNDTAMPEREDWITH

16.29.1. On the other hand, if ReturningOfficer is satisfied that the votingmachinehasbeentamperedwith,orisnotthesamewhichwassuppliedforuseatthatpollingstation,themachineshouldbekeptapartandthevotesrecordedthereinshouldnotbecounted.ReturningOfficershouldreportthemattertotheElectionCommission.Underthe law, it is not necessary to adjourn the entire counting if any votingmachine hasbeenfoundbyReturningOfficertohavebeentamperedwith.ReturningOfficershould,therefore,proceedwiththecountinginrespectoftheotherpollingstations.

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16.30. ASCERTAININGTHERESULT16.30.1. Aftersatisfyingthatthepapersealisintact,thattheControlUnitisthesame

as was supplied at the polling station and that it has not been tampered, the votesrecorded therein shall be counted. For this purpose, the following procedurewill befollowedbytheCountingSupervisor:i. Powerswitchprovided in therearcompartmentof theControlUnitwillbeput to

‘ON’position.The‘ON’lampinthedisplaysectionoftheControlUnitwillthenglowgreen.

ii. Thepapersealoverthe‘Result’Buttonprovidedbeneaththeupperapertureoftheinnercoverofresultsectionwillbepiercedthrough.

iii. The‘Result’Buttonwillthenbepressed.iv. Atthe‘Result’buttonbeingsopressed,thetotalnumberofvotesrecordedforeach

Candidate andNOTAat thepolling station shall bedisplayed automatically in theDisplayPanelsoftheControlUnit.

v. The above result as displayed sequential candidate-wise shall be noted by the

CountingSupervisorin‘PartII-ResultofCounting’ofForm17C.16.30.2. Ifrequired,theResultbuttoncanbepressedagaintoenablethecandidates

and/ortheiragentstonotedowntheaboveresult.

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16.30.3. Aftertheresulthasbeennoted,thecoverofresultsectionwillbeclosedandtheControlUnitswitchedoff.

16.30.4. The Commission has further directed that during each round of counting,CountingSupervisorswillensurethatat thetimeofpressingtheresultbuttonontheControlUnit of theEVM, the counting agents of all candidates are shown thedisplaypanel of the Control Unit to their satisfaction so that they can note down the votespolled in favourofeachcandidateasdisplayedon theControlUnitdisplaypanel.Forthispurpose, theControlUnitmaybekept lifted, ifnecessary,byoneof thecountingassistants in suchmanner andposition that thedisplaypanel is clearly visible to thecounting supervisor, the second counting assistant andmicro observer sitting on thecounting table, and also to counting agents of candidates sitting across the wire-mesh/fence. In case, any counting agent desires to have the result displayedonEVMmore thanonce, it shallbedoneby theCountingSupervisor to thesatisfactionof thecountingagents.

16.30.5. After announcement of result sheet entries, any candidate, their electionagent or their counting agents may apply in writing to the RO to count the printedVVPATpaperslipsinanyorallpollingstations.Ifsuchapplicationismade,theROshallpassaspeakingorderonwhethertheVVPATpaperslipsshouldbecounted.IftheROdecides to allow the counting of theVVPATpaper slips of any or all polling stations,suchdecisionoftheROmustberecordedinwritingalongwiththereasonsthereof.TheROshallgivedueconsiderationtothefollowing:1. Whetherthetotalnumberofvotespolledinthatpollingstationisgreaterorlesser

than the margin of votes between winning candidate and candidate making theapplication.

2. WhetherEVMhadaproblemandwasreplacedatthatpollingstationduringpoll.3. WhethertherewasanycomplaintaboutVVPATnotprintingorcomplaintsbyany

voterunderRule49MAinthatpollingstationduringthepoll.16.30.6. IftheROdecidestocounttheprintedpaperslipsofanypollingstation(s)on

an appeal for recounting of any polling station(s), the following procedures shall bestrictlyfollowed:� Step1:

1. For keeping VVPAT Paper Slips taken out from theDrop Box of the VVPAT, asufficiently sized containerwith lid, of dimensions 14-inch X 10-inch X 5 inch(lengthxbreadthxheight), toeasilyaccommodatearound1400PrintedPaper

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Slips,shallbekeptonthetableofVCB.ThisContainershouldbemadeofsturdytransparentmateriallikeplasticetc.

2. For keeping VVPAT paper slips of the respective candidates, a PigeonholeFrameworkshallbepreparedinadvanceaccordingtothenumberofcandidatesincludingNOTA,withoneadditionalpigeonholeforkeepingself-testslipsoftheVVPAT and shall be kept on the table of VCB. The minimum number ofPigeonholesintheFrameworkmustbeequaltothenumberofcandidatesplus2(two). The size of each compartment (Pigeonhole)must be at least 6 inchX4inchX4 inch.Thepigeonhole structure shouldbemadeof sturdy transparentmaterial like plastic etc., having a fixed base to prevent anyVVPATpaper slipfrom slippingunderneath. The symbol of each contesting candidate as per theBallot Paper should be affixed on the wall of the pigeonhole allotted to theparticular candidates. The symbol should be printed in black and white on aplainpaperofminimumsize4inchX3inch.

3. Atleast100Rubberbandsformakingbundlesof25VVPATpaperslips.� Step2:

1. TheVVPATunit(s)oftherespectivepollingstation(s)shouldbebroughttotheVCBonebyone,asthecasemaybe.

2. In case a VVPAT unit was replaced during poll at that polling station, all theVVPATunitsusedatthatpollingstationshouldbebroughttotheVCB.

� Step3:1. The printed paper slips shall be taken out from all the VVPATs used at the

polling station, before beginning the counting of VVPAT paper slips for thatpollingstation.

2. BeforetakingouttheVVPATPaperSlipsfromthedropbox,theaddresstag(s)ofthedropboxshallbecrosscheckedtoascertain thattheVVPATpertainstotherespectivepollingstation.

3. TheVVPATPaperSlipstakenoutfromtheDropBoxoftheVVPATshallbefirstkeptinthecontainerasperspecificationatstep-1(1).

4. AftertakingouttheVVPATpaperslipsfromDropBox,theCountingSupervisorshall ensure that no VVPAT paper slip is left inside the VVPAT drop box andshowtheemptydropboxtothecountingagents.

5. In case a VVPAT unit was replaced, it may so happen that an uncut fully orpartially VVPATpaper slip is hanging and has not got cut and dropped in thedrop box and still connected to the paper roll. This uncut VVPAT paper slip

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shouldnotbetornandshouldnotbecountedbecausethevoteisnotrecordedelectronicallyintheCUunlesstheVVPATpaperslipiscut.Insuchanevent,thelast voter whose VVPAT paper slip was not cut would have been given anopportunity tocasthisvoteafter replacementofVVPATand theVVPATpaperslip of the vote cast by him shall be in the next VVPAT used in that pollingstation.

6. ThedropboxoftheVVPATwillalsohaveVVPATslipsofself-testreport.Theseareeasily identified,as theydonothaveeither thenameor thesymbolofanycandidate.Theseself-testreportslipsaretobepreservedalongwiththeVVPATpaperslipsaspartoftherecordbuttheyarenottobecounted.

� Step4:1. TheVVPATpaperslipsshouldbesegregatedone-by-oneandput in respective

pigeon holes after showing each slip to the Counting Agents. The paper slipsbearing self-tests report shall also be segregated and put in a separatepigeonholeprovidedforthepurpose.

2. Bundlesof25VVPATpaperslipsofrespectivecandidatesshallbepreparedforcountingpurpose.

3. VVPATPaperSlipsshallthenbecountedbythecountingstaff.4. ResultoftheVVPATpaperslipscountshallbepreparedintheprescribedformat

andattachedtoPart-IIofForm17-C.5. The resultof the countofVVPATpaper slips shallbeannounced loudly in the

counting hall and shown to the counting agents as per Rule 56D(b) of theConductofElectionsRules1961,ifthereisanydiscrepancybetweenEVMcountand paper slip count, the paper slip count shall prevail. Hence, if there isdiscrepancybetween the countof votesdisplayedon theControlUnit and thecountofprinted-paperslips in respectof thatPollingStation, the result sheetwillbeamendedaspertheprinted-paperslipscount.

� Step5:1. AftercompletionofcountingofVVPATpaperslips,thebundlesofalltheVVPAT

PaperSlipsshallbekeptbackintheDropBoxoftherespectiveVVPATanddooroftheDropBoxshallbesealedusingaddresstags.

2. Thecandidate(s)/theiragentsmayalsobeallowedtoaffixtheirsignaturewithpartyabbreviationontheAddressTags.

16.30.7. The polling station(s) whose VVPAT paper slips have already beencountedduetonon-displayofresultfromControlUnit(s)orunderRule56(D)ofthe

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ConductofElectionsRules1961arealsotobeincludedforrandomizationornot.Inthisregarditisclarifiedthat 1. IncasecountingofvotesofVVPATpaperslipsinrespectofthosepollingstations

where more than one VVPAT were used, is required to be done, in such caseVVPAT paper slips of eachVVPATwill be counted separately, one by one andresultofeachVVPAT will beentered separatelyinannexureattachedtoForm17C.Thereafter,aFinalResultsheetshallbepreparedbycombiningallresultsofthatparticularpollingstationandthesameshallalsotobeattachedtoForm17C.

2. FormandatoryverificationofVVPATPaperSlipsofrandomlyselectedonepollingstationofeachAssemblyConstituency/onepollingstationofeachAssemblySegmentofParliamentaryConstituency,thepollingstation(s)whoseVVPATpaperslipshavealreadybeencountedduetonon-displayofresultfromControl Unit(s)orunderRule56(D)oftheConductofElectionsRules1961orwhatsoeverthereasons,willnotbeincludedforrandomizationforthatpurpose.

16.31. COMPLETIONOF“PARTII–RESULTOFCOUNTING”OFFORM17C

16.31.1. As the votes secured by each candidate and NOTA are displayed on theDisplayPanelsoftheControlUnit,thecountingsupervisorshouldrecordthenumberofsuch votes separately in respect of each candidate in ‘Part II - Result of Counting’ ofForm17C.HeshouldalsonotedowninthesaidPartIIofForm17Cwhetherthetotalnumber of votes as shown in that Part tallieswith the total number of votes shownagainstItem6ofPartIofthatFormoranydiscrepancyhasbeennoticedbetweenthesetwototals.Aftercompletingthat forminallrespects, thecountingsupervisorsshouldsign it. He should also get it signed by the candidates or their agents present at thecountingtable.

16.31.2. Sufficientno.ofPart–IIofform17C(Resultofcounting)withthenamesofallthecontestingcandidatesandNOTAbelowthenameofthelastcontestingcandidateshallbepre-printed.TheCommissionhasdirectedthatthePart-IIofForm17Cshallbeprepared in duplicate using carbon paper. And both the copies should be got signedfromthecountingagentspresent.OnecopyofthePart-IIofForm17CwillbehandedovertotheRO/AROforcomputingroundwisetallyofvotes.TheothercopyofthePart-IIwillbecollectedfromeachtablebyanofficialspeciallydesignatedbytheRO.Hewillmake photocopies for distribution among the counting agents present at respective

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Counting Tables for their record and verification. The starting of the next round ofcounting need not wait till distribution of these copies is complete. This can go onsimultaneously.Therefore,necessaryarrangementsforphotocopyingshallbemadeineach counting hall. The original second copy should be returned to the CountingSupervisor of the respective table. They will keep the copy of each round of EVMcounting and at the end of the counting put them in an envelope super scribed“DuplicatecopyofresultofcountinginForm17C-Part-II”,mentiontheTableNo.,totalnumberofroundscountedandtheNameoftheCountingSupervisorandhandovertheenvelopepersonallytotheR.O./A.R.O.aftercompletionofcounting.ThispacketshouldbesealedandkeptseparatelybytheROalongwithotherdocuments.

16.31.3. TheCommissionhasalsodirectedthatwhentabulationsheetofeachpollingbooth (Form 17C) is received at the Returning Officer’s table, it will be theresponsibility of the Returning Officer to show it to the candidates/their electionagents/countingagents sittingat theReturningOfficer’s table toenable them tonotedown the results of each candidate for each polling station. ReturningOfficer shouldcountersigntheFormaftersatisfyinghimself/herselfthatthesamehasbeenproperlyfilledandcompletedinallrespects.TheFormsocountersignedbytheReturningOfficershouldbesent to theofficerwho iscompiling the finalresultandpreparingtheFinalResultSheetinForm20.

16.31.4. Further, Returning Officer should either announce or cause the entries ofvotes polled by each candidate after each round to bewritten on a display-board ofminimumsizeof6x9 feet tobeputupconspicuouslyso thateachcountingagentcansee and note down /cross check the entries and announce through public addresssystem.ThiswillenableReturningOfficertoproceeduninterruptedlywiththecountingofvotesatotherpollingstations.

16.31.5. TheCommissionhasdirectedthathenceforthincaseofnon-displayofresultontheDisplayPaneloftheControlUnit,thefollowingactionshallbetaken:1. In case any ControlUnit does not display result, it should be kept back inside its

carrying case and then be kept in the ReturningOfficer’s custody in the countinghall.Countingofvotesinothermachinesshouldbecontinueasusual.

2. Result fromsuchControlUnit(s)willnotberetrievedusingAuxiliaryDisplayUnitorPrinter.

3. Aftercompletionofcountingofvotes fromall theControlUnits, theprintedpaperslips of the respective VVPAT shall be counted as per the counting produceprescribedbytheCommission.

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4. Thereafter, counting of printed paper slips of VVPAT(s) under Rule 56D of theConductofElectionRules,1961shouldbetakenup,ifany.

16.31.6. A report regarding counting of VVPAT paper slips is to be sent to theCommissionintheprescribedformatthroughChiefElectoralOfficer.

16.32. PREPARATIONOFFINALRESULTSHEET16.32.1. The officer in-charge of compiling the final result and preparing the Final

ResultSheet inForm20(Appendix33)shallmakeentriesonthatFormshowingthevotes polled by each candidate polling station wise strictly in accordance with theentries made in ‘Part II Result of Counting’ of Form 17C in respect of each pollingstation.ThenumberofsuchvotesseparatelyinrespectofNOTAalsoinPartIIofform17C.ThenumberoftestvotesinVVPATandtenderedvotespolled,ifany,atapollingstation shall also be noted in the appropriate column in Form20 against the pollingstationconcerned.

16.32.2. The entries somade in Form20 in respect of each polling station shall beannounced so that the candidates and their agents may take note of the result ofcounting in respect of each polling station. Alternatively, the Returning Officer maycausetheentriesmadeinForm20tobewrittenonablackboard.Thiswillenablethecountingagent toproceeduninterruptedlywith thecountingofvotesatotherpollingstations.

16.33. MANDATORYVERIFICATIONOFVVPATPAPERSLIPSOFONEPOLLINGSTATION

16.33.1. Mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected onepolling station shall be conducted in addition to the provisions of Rule 56D of theconductofElectionRules,1961, after the completionof the last roundof countingofvotesrecordedintheEVMs.IncaseoftheGeneralandByeelectiontoStateLegislativeAssemblies,verificationofVVPATpaperslipsofrandomlyselectedonepollingstationineachAssemblyConstituency.IncaseofGeneralandByeelectiontotheHouseofthePeople, verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected one polling station ofeachAssemblysegmentoftheParliamentaryConstituencyconcernedorasdirectedbytheCommission.

16.33.2. For this mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips, the followingprocedureshallbefollowed:

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1. TheverificationofVVPATpaperslipsof randomlyselectedonepollingstation foreachAssemblyConstituency/SegmentshallbetakenupafterthecompletionofthelastroundofthecountingofthevotesrecordedintheEVMs.

2. TherandomlyselectionofonepollingstationperAssemblyConstituency/Segmentshall be done by the Draw of lots, by the Returning Officer concerned, in thepresence of candidates /their agents and the General Observer appointed by theCommissionforthatConstituency.

3. The draw of lotsmust be conducted immediately after the completion of the lastroundofcountingofvotesrecordedintheEVMs(ControlUnits) inthedesignatedCountingHallfortheparticularAssemblyConstituency/AssemblySegment.

4. A written intimation regarding the conduct of the draw of lots for the randomselectionofonepollingstationforverificationofVVPATpaperslipsshallbegivenbytheReturningOfficertothecandidates/theirelectionagentswellinadvance.

5. Thefollowingprocedureshallbefollowedfortheconductofdrawoflots:a. white colour paper cards of postcard size shall be used for conducting the

drawoflots.b. the total number of such paper cards should be equal to total number of

pollingstationsintheAssemblyConstituency/AssemblySegment.c. The paper cards shall have pre-printed Assembly Constituency/Assembly

Segmentnumber,AssemblyConstituency/AssemblySegmentnameanddateofpollingonthetop,andthepollingstationnumberinthecentre.Eachdigitofthepollingstationnumbershallbeatleast1”X1”(oneinchbyoneinch)sizeandprintedinblack.

d. thepapercards tobeused fordrawof lotsshouldbe four folded insuchawaythatpollingstationnumberisnotvisible.

e. Eachpapercardshallbeshowntothecandidates/theiragentsbeforefoldinganddroppinginthecontainer.

f. ThepapercardsshallbekeptinthebigcontainerandmustbeshakenbeforepickinguponeslipbytheReturningOfficer.

16.33.3. The verification of VVPAT paper slips shall be done in a ‘VVPAT CountingBooth’specificallypreparedforthispurposeinsidetheCountingHall.Theboothshallbeenclosedinawiremeshjustlikeabankcashier’scabinsothatnoVVPATpaperslipcanbeaccessedbyanyunauthorizedperson.OneoftheCountingtableintheCountinghallcanbeconvertedintoVVPATcountingboothandcanbeusedfornormalcounting

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of round-wise EVM votes before the count of VVPAT paper slips as per randomselectionafterthecompletionofround-wiseEVMvotescounting.

16.33.4. The verification count of VVPAT paper slips of the randomly selected onepolling station shall be conducted strictly in accordance with the instructions of theCommissiononcountingofprintedpaperslips.

16.33.5. The Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer, as the casemay be,shallpersonallysupervisethecountingofVVPATpaperslipsatthisbooth.TheGeneralObservershallensurecloseandcarefulobservationof theentireexerciseandensurecomplianceoftheCommissionInstructions.

16.33.6. Theaboveprocessshallbefullyvideo-graphed.16.33.7. After completion of the above process, the Returning Officer shall give

certificateintheformatgivenbelow:VerificationofpaperslipsofVVPATofonerandomlyselectedpollingstationNameofState

No.andNameofAssembly/ParliamentaryConstituency No.andNameofAssemblySegment(incaseofPC) S.No.andNameofPollingStation UniqueIDofControlUnit UniqueIDofVVPATIt is certified that pilot testing of counting of paper slips of VVPAT of one randomlyselectedpollingstationhasbeenconductedaspertheinstructionsoftheCommission.Name ofCandidate

No.ofVotesCast Discrepancy, ifanyAsperEVM AsperPaperslips

1. 2. 3. … … NOTA TOTALVOTES SignatureofCountingAgents1.2.3.SignatureofCountingSupervisor

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SignatureofReturningOfficerSignatureofGeneralObserver

16.34. RECOUNT16.34.1. Normally,therewillbenoquestionofrecountofvotesrecordedinthevoting

machines.Everyvote recordedby thevotingmachines is avalidvoteandnodisputewillariseas to itsvalidityorotherwise.At themost, somecandidatesor theiragentsmaynothavenoteddownproperlytheresultofvotingatanyparticularpollingstationwhenthecontrolunitdisplayedthatinformation.Ifnecessityarisesforre-verification,thesamecanbedonebypressingthe'Result’buttonwhereupontheresultofvotingatthatpollingstationwillagainbedisplayedintheDisplayPanelsofthatcontrolunit.

16.34.2. Despitethenecessityforrecountbeingtotallyeliminatedbytheuseofvotingmachines, the provisions relating to recount contained in Rule 63 of the Conduct ofElectionRules,1961,stillapplyinrelationtoallconstituencies.

16.34.3. Accordingly, after the entire counting is over, the Returning Officer willannounce the result giving the total number of votes polled by each candidate asrecorded in the Final Result Sheet (Form 20). After the announcement is made, thecandidate or his/her election agent or any of his/her counting agents, may apply inwritingforarecountofrecordedatalloranyofpollingstationsstatingthegroundsonwhich he/she demands such recount. For this purpose, the Returning Officer willannouncetheexacthourandminute,uptowhichhewillwaitforreceivingthewrittenapplication for recount. When such an application for recount is made, the groundsurgedfortherecountwillbeconsideredandadecisiontakenbytheReturningOfficer.Hemayallowtheapplicationinwholeorinpartifitisreasonableorhemayrejectitinto if it appears tobe frivolousorunreasonable.Thedecisionof theReturningOfficerwillbefinal.If,inanycase,anapplicationforrecounteitherwhollyorinpartisallowed,the Returning Officer will direct counting of the votes over again. The postal ballotpapersmayalsoberecountedifarequestismadefortheirrecountandsucharequestisallowedbytheReturningOfficer.Aftersuchrecounthasbeencompleted,theresultsheet will be amended to the extent necessary and the amendments so madeannounced. After the total number of votes polled by each candidate has beenannounced,theresultsheetwillbecompletedandsigned.

16.34.4. It should be noted that the candidate or his/her election agent or any ofhis/her countingagentshasno right todemanda recountafter theReturningOfficer

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has completed and signed the result sheet. Any demand for a recount of votesmadeaftertheresultsheethasbeencompletedandsignedwillberejected.

16.34.5. Where printer for paper trail is used, any candidate or in his absence hiselectionagentoranyofhiscountingagentsmayapplyinwritingtotheROtocounttheprintedpaper slips in thedropboxof theprinter in respectof anypolling stationorpolling stations after the entries made in the result sheet is announced. If such anapplication is received, the returning officer shall, subject to such general or specialguidelinesasmaybeissuedbytheECI,decidethematterandmayallowinwholeorinpart ormay reject inwhole, if it appears to him as frivolous or unreasonable. Everydecisionof theROshallbe inwritingandshall contain the reasons thereof. If theROdecidesthecountingofpaperslipseitherwhollyorinpartorparts,heshall–a. dothecountinginthemannerasmaybedirectedbytheCommission,b. amendtheresultsheetinform20asperthepaperslipscountifthereisdiscrepancy

betweenthevotesdisplayedontheControlUnitandthecountingofPaperSlips.c. announcetheamendmentsomadebyhimd. completeandsigntheresultsheet.

16.34.6. IfvotesofaParliamentaryConstituencyarecountedatmoreplacesthanone,then,accordingtorule65oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961,demandforrecountofvotescanbemadeonlyattheendofcountingatthelastplacefixedforthepurpose.SuchlastplacewouldgenerallybetheHeadquartersoftheReturningOfficerwherehewould be collating and consolidating the results of the various Assembly segmentscomprisedwithinthatParliamentaryConstituency.

16.35. ADJOURNMENTOFCOUNTINGINCASEOFFRESHPOLL16.35.1. TheReturningOfficerwillwaitforthedirectionoftheElectionCommissionif

hehasmade any report to it about any votingmachinehavingbeen found tamperedwith. Where the Commission directs a fresh poll to be taken at the affected pollingstations,thecountingwillbeadjournedafterthecountingprocessinrespectofallotherpolling stations has been completed. In such case, all the EVMs, VVPATs and also allother papers relating to elections will be sealed by the Returning Officer. Everycandidateorhisagent,ifhedesirestoplacehissealoneveryvotingmachineandpacketetc., inwhich the election papers are kept,will be allowed to do so. The counting soadjournedshallberecommencedafter the freshpollhasbeenheld,onsuchdateandhourastheReturningOfficermayfixinthisbehalfandcompletedinaccordancewiththeprocedureprescribedabove.

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16.36. RESEALINGOFVOTINGMACHINESAFTERCOUNTING16.36.1. After the result of voting recorded in a Control Unit has been ascertained

candidate-wiseandenteredinPartII-ResultofCountingofForm17CandintheFinalResultSheetinForm20,theControlUnitshallberesealedwithReturningOfficer’sseal,the secret seal of the Commission and the seals of such of the candidates or theirelectionagentswhomaydesiretoaffixtheirsealsthereon.Theresealinghas,however,tobedoneinsuchamannerthattheresultofvotingrecordedintheControlUnitisnotclearedorobliteratedandtheunitretainsthememoryofsuchresult.

16.37. EQUALITYOFVOTES16.37.1. In case of tie, the result will be decided by lot. For example- If, in a

constituency,A,B,CandDarethecontestingcandidatesandthetotalnumberofvotestheyhavesecuredareasfollows-A–12703,B–17567,C–17567,D-16394.AlotwillbedrawbetweenBandC,whohaveeachpolledthehighestnumberofvotes(whichareequal) and the person whose name is drawn will be deemed to have polled oneadditionalvote.TheReturningOfficerwillthencompleteandsigntheresultsheet.

16.38. DECLARATIONOFRESULTOFELECTION16.38.1. After thecounting is complete inall respectsand theReturningOfficerhas

completed and signed the Final Result Sheet, hewill proceed to formally declare theresult of election, if there is no direction of the Commission to the contrary. HewillmakethedeclarationofresultinForm21Cinthecaseofgeneralelection,andinForm21Dinthecaseofbye-election.

16.38.2. IncasetheCommissionhasissuedanydirectionwithholdingthedeclarationofresultinanyConstituencyuntilitsfurtherdirection,anydeclarationofresultbytheReturningOfficerincontraventionofanysuchdirectionshallbenullandvoidabinitio.

16.39. CERTIFICATEOFELECTION16.39.1. Soon after the declaration of result, the ReturningOfficerwill grant to the

returned(elected)candidateacertificateofelectioninForm22andobtainfromhimanacknowledgementofitsreceiptdulysignedbyhim.Incaseheisnotpresentatthetimeofdeclarationofresult,heshouldimmediatelycontacttheReturningOfficerandobtainthecertificateofelection.InthisconnectiontheCommissionhasdecidedthat-(1)thecertificateofelection, inrespectofbothParliamentandtheStateLegislatures,shouldbeissuedinEnglishorinHindibutitshouldbeopentotheelectedcandidatetosigntheacknowledgementinanylanguagehelikes;

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(2)where the elected candidate is not present at the counting nor visits the localityshortly thereafter, thecertificatemaybehandedover toapersondulyauthorizedbythe candidate in this behalf and personally known to the Returning Officer, theacknowledgment(dutysignedbythecandidate)beingalsoobtainedthroughthesameperson.Theacknowledgmentshallbeintheformshownbelow:I…………………………… acknowledge receipt of the certificate of election in Form 22 inrespectofmyelectionto……………………...from…………………….Constituency,declaredon……………………………….

SignatureofthereturnedCandidateDate:………………AttestedandforwardedtotheSecretary……………………………..ReturningOfficer

16.39.2. TheacknowledgementisrequiredbytheauthoritiesconcernedforverifyingtheidentityoftheelectedcandidateatthetimeofhismakingandsubscribingoathoraffirmationbeforetakinghisseatintheHouse.

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17. MULTIPLEELECTIONS

17.1. ELECTIONTOBOTHHOUSESOFPARLIAMENT17.1.1. AcandidatecannotbeamemberofbothHousesofParliament[Article101(1)ofthe

Constitution](Appendix34).17.1.2. IfthecandidateiselectedtobothHousesofParliament,buthavenottakenhis/her

seat in either House, he/she should by notice in writing signed by him/her anddeliveredtotheSecretarytotheElectionCommissionwithintendaysfromthedateorthe later of thedates of such election intimate inwhichof theHousehe/shewish toserve.Thecandidate’sseatintheotherHousewillthenbecomevacant.

17.1.3. Ifthecandidatefailstosendsuchintimationwithinthattime-limit,his/herseatintheCouncilofStateswillbecomevacantautomatically.

17.1.4. Anysuchintimationgivenbythecandidatewillbefinalandirrevocable.[Section68oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.](Appendix35)

17.1.5. Forthispurpose,thedateofthecandidate’selectiontoeitherHouseofParliamentwillbethedate,onwhichhe/shewasdeclaredelectedbytheReturningOfficer.

17.2. MEMBEROFTHEHOUSEOFTHEPEOPLEELECTEDTOTHECOUNCILOFSTATES

17.2.1. If the candidate is already amember of the House of the People and have takenhis/herseatinthatHouse,butaresubsequentlyelectedtotheCouncilofStates,his/herseatintheHouseofthePeoplewillbecomevacantonthedateofhis/herelectiontotheCouncil of States, as defined in section 67-A of theRepresentation of the People Act,1951.[Section69(1)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.]

17.3. MEMBEROFTHECOUNCILOFSTATESELECTEDTOTHEHOUSEOFTHEPEOPLE

17.3.1. IfthecandidateisalreadyamemberoftheCouncilofStatesandhastakenhis/herseat in that Council but are subsequently elected to theHouse of thePeople, his/herseat in theCouncil of Stateswillbecomevacantof thedateofhis/herelection to theHouseofthePeopleasdefinedinsection67-AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.[Section69(2)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.]

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17.4. ELECTIONTOMORETHANONESEATINEITHERHOUSEOFPARLIAMENTOREITHERHOUSEOFASTATELEGISLATURE

17.4.1. ThecandidatemaybeelectedtomorethanoneseatintheHouseofthePeopleortheCouncilofStatesorintheHouseoreitherHouseoftheLegislatureofaState.Insuchacase,he/shehastoresignallbutoneofsuchseatswithinfourteendaysfromthedateof such election of where the dates of his/her election are different in respect ofdifferent seats, fourteen days from the last of those dates. Such resignation is to beintimated by the candidate in writing and signed by him/her. The communicationshould be addressed to the Speaker or Chairman of the House concerned or ifnecessary,tothedeputySpeakerortheDeputyChairmanoftheHouseorfailingthattotheElectionCommission. If the candidate fails todo so, allhis/her seatswillbecomevacant. [Section 70 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and rule 91 of theConductofElectionsRules,1961](Appendix36).

17.5. ELECTIONTOBOTHPARLIAMENTANDSTATELEGISLATURE17.5.1. A candidate cannot be a member both of Parliament and of a House of the

LegislatureofaState. If thecandidatehasbeenelectedbothtoParliamentandto theLegislatureofaStates,he/sheshouldresignoneofhis/herseatswithinfourteendaysfromthedateofpublicationintheGazetteofIndiaorintheOfficialGazetteofthestate,whichever is later, of the declaration that the candidate has been so elected. If thecandidatefailstodoso,his/herseatinParliamentwillbecomevacant.[Article101(2)of the Constitution and rule 2 of the prohibition of simultaneousMembership Rules1950(Appendix37).Rule91oftheConductofElectionsRules,196191.ResignationofseatsincaseofelectiontomoreseatsthanoneinaHouse.(1)ThetimewithinwhichapersonmayresignallbutoneoftheseatsineitherHouseofParliamentorintheHouseoreitherHouseoftheLegislatureofStatetowhichhehasbeenelectedshallbe--(a)fourteendaysfromthedateofhiselectionundersection67-A;or(b)where the dates of his election are different in respect of different seats fourteendaysfromthelastofthosedates.(2)Suchresignationshallbeaddressed-(a)totheSpeakerortheChairmanoftheHouseconcerned;or

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(b)WheretheofficeoftheSpeakerorChairmanisforthetimebeingvacantorisorisdeemedtobeinabeyancetotheDeputySpeakerortheDeputyChairmanoftheHouseconcerned;or(c)wherethepostoftheDeputySpeakerorDeputyChairmanisalsoforthetimebeingvacantorisdeemedtobeinabeyancetotheElectionCommission.(3)Wheretheresignationhasbeenaddressedto theElectionCommissionundersub-rule (2) the Election Commission shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of theresignationsendacopythereoftotheSecretaryoftheHouseconcerned.Article101(2)oftheconstitution--(2)NopersonshallbeamemberbothofParliamentandofaHouseoftheLegislatureofaStateand if aperson is chosenamemberbothofParliamentandof aHouseof theLegislatureofaStatethenattheexpirationofsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedinrulesmadebythePresidentthatperson'sseat inParliamentshallbecomevacantunlesshehaspreviouslyresignedhisseatintheLegislatureoftheState.

17.6. ELECTIONTOBOTHHOUSESOFASTATELEGSLATURE17.6.1. AcandidatecannotbeamemberofbothHousesoftheLegislatureofaState.Ifthe

candidate is elected to both the Houses, he/she should immediately consult theSecretariesoftheHousesinordertoascertainhowhe/sheshouldvacatehis/herseatinoneHouse or the other. The candidatewill have to resign his/her seat in one of theHouses according to the provisions made in this behalf under Article 190(1) of theConstitution.TheperiodattheexpirationofwhichtheseatinParliamentofapersonwhoischosenamemberbothofParliamentandofaHouseoftheLegislatureofaState,specifiedintheFirstScheduletotheConstitutionofIndia(hereinafterreferredtoas"theConstitution")shall become vacant unless he has previously resigned his seat in the Legislature ofsuchState,shallbefourteendaysfromthedateofPublicationintheGazetteofIndiaorintheofficialGazetteoftheStatewhicheverislaterofthedeclarationthathehasbeensochosen.Article190oftheConstitution--VacationofSeats.(1)No person shall be a member of both House of the Legislature of a State andprovisionshallbemadebytheLegislatureofaStatebylawforthevacationbyapersonwhoischosenamemberofbothhousesofhisseatinoneHouseortheother.

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(2)NopersonshallbeamemberoftheLegislaturesoftwoormoreStatesspecifiedintheFirstScheduleandifapersonischosenamemberoftheLegislaturesoftwoormoresuchStatesthenattheexpirationofsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedinrulesmadebythePresidentthatperson'sseatintheLegislatureofallsuchStatesshallbecomevacantunlesshehaspreviouslyresignedhisseatintheLegislaturesofallbutoneoftheStates.The Prohibition of Simultaneous Membership Rules, 1950 published vide M/LawNotificationNo.F46/50-Cdated26.1.1950.ThisperiodshallbetendaysfromthelaterorasthecasemaybethelatestofthedatesofpublicationintheOfficialGazettesofsuchStatesofthedeclarationsthathehasbeensochosen.

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18. MONITORINGOFELECTIONEXPENDITUREANDACCOUNTSOFCANDIDATES

18.1. LEGALPROVISIONS18.1.1. UnderSection77oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,everycandidateat

anelectiontotheHouseofthePeopleorStateLegislativeAssemblyisrequiredtokeep,either by himself or by his election agent, a separate and correct account of allexpenditure in connectionwith the election incurred or authorized by him or by hiselection agent between the date on which he has been nominated and the date ofdeclaration of result of the election, both dates inclusive. The total of the saidexpenditureshallnotexceedsuchamountasmaybeprescribedunderSection77(3)ofR.P.Act1951.Rule90oftheConductofElectionRules,1961prescribesvaryinglimitsofelectionexpenditurefortheParliamentandAssemblyConstituenciesofeachoftheStates & UTs. The incurring or authorizing of expenditure in excess of the limitsprescribedisacorruptpracticeunderSection123oftheR.P.Act,1951.

18.1.2. AccordingtoSection78ofthesaidAct,everycontestingcandidatehastolodgetruecopyoftheaccountofhiselectionexpenseswiththeDistrictElectionOfficerwithin30daysfromthedateofdeclarationofresultoftheelection.Failuretolodgetheaccountofelection expenses within the time and in the manner required by law without goodreasonofjustificationmayresultinthedisqualificationofthecandidateconcernedbytheCommissionunderSection10AofR.P.Act,1951.

18.1.3. Inordertoensurethatallcandidatescomplywiththerequirementsoflawrelatingtomaintenanceofaccountsofelectionexpensesandfillingoftheirreturnsofelectionexpensesinthemannerandwithinthetimerequiredbylaw,theReturningOfficershallinvite the attention of each candidate to the above provisions of law inwriting. Thisshouldbedonebyaddressingalettertoeachcandidate(Appendix42),assoonashefileshisnominationpaper.

18.1.4. Each candidatehas to filehis/her accountsof electionexpenses in theprescribedformat/Expenditure Register (Appendix 41). The account shall contain suchparticularsasprescribedundersection77(2)ofR.P.Act,1951.

18.1.5. AcandidateisrequiredtomaintainthedaytodayaccountofelectionexpensesinaRegistergivingthedetailsoftheexpenditureincurred/authorizedbyi. politicalpartywhichhassethimup,andii. anyotherpoliticalpartysupportinghim,iii. anyotherassociation/organization/bodysupportinghim,and

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iv. anyotherindividualsupportinghim.ThestandardformatoftheRegisterofDaytoDayaccount,theAbstractStatementhavebeengiven inAppendix41.Thecandidatesareadvised toacknowledge thereceiptofdaytodayExpenditureRegister+CashRegister+BankRegister+AbstractStatement+Schedules1to9+AffidavitandtoreceiveacknowledgementfromtheDistrictElectionOfficerafterlodgingtheaccountofelectionexpenseswiththeDistrictElectionOfficerintheformatprescribedinAppendix41.

18.1.6. Thecandidates,whilemaintainingtheirregisterofaccountsofelectionexpenditure,should also account for all expenditure including those incurred prior to the date ofnomination forpreparationofcampaignmaterialsetc.whichareactuallyusedduringthepostnominationperiodinconnectionwiththeelection.

18.2. ELECTIONEXPENDITUREINCURREDONSTARCAMPAIGNERS18.2.1. As per the new explanations 1 and 2 inserted under Section 77(1), only the

expensesonaccountoftravelofstarcampaigners(leaders)ofpoliticalpartiescoveredunder explanation2will be exempted frombeing included in the account of electionexpenses of a candidate. All other expenses incurred/authorized by the politicalparties,otherassociations,bodyofpersons,individuals–arerequiredtobeincludedinthe account of the candidate. Explanation 2 to Section 77(1) requires that the list ofleadersofapoliticalparty (40 in thecaseof recognizedpartiesand20 in thecaseofregisteredunrecognizedparties) is tobesubmittedby thepoliticalpartiesconcernedwithin7daysfromtheissueofnotificationtotheCommissionandtotheChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStateconcernedforavailingofthebenefitofClause(a)ofExplanation.TheChiefElectoralOfficerand theCommissionwill communicate to theReturningOfficerthenamesof suchpolitical leaders.ReturningOfficershallnotentertainanysuch listdirectlyfromanypoliticalparty.

18.2.2. When such a leader who happens to be a candidate himself travels in hisconstituency for election campaigning to promote his own election prospect, theexpenses incurred in connection with the journey has to be treated as part of hiselection expenses and cannot be exempted from the election expenditure account ofthatperson.

18.2.3. ApoliticalpartycannominateonlythosepersonswhoaremembersofthatpartyasitsleadersforthepurposesofExplanations1&2toSection77(1)oftheRPAct,1951.Inotherwords,apersonwhoisnotamemberofthepartycannotbenominatedas‘leader’ofthepartyforthepurposesofSection77(1)ofthatAct.

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18.2.4. (a) If any attendant including security guard, medical attendant, or any otherpersonincludinganymemberoftheparty,whoisnotacandidateintheconstituencyconcerned, or any representative of the electronic or print media, travels with theleader (star-campaigner) of the political party in his vehicle/aircraft/helicopter etc.,then the travel expenses of such leader shall be wholly booked to the account ofpoliticalparty,providedthatsuchperson(s)sharingthetransportwiththeleader(starcampaigner) does not play any role in election campaign for the candidate in anymanner.However,ifanysuchperson(s)sharingthetransportwiththeleaderplaysanyrole in election campaign for the candidate(s) in anymanner then 50%of the travelexpenditureoftheleadershallbeapportionedtosuchcandidate(s).(b)The names of leaders of the political party (star campaigners), as defined inExplanation2 of section77 (1) of theR. P.Act, 1951 are to be communicated to theElectionCommissionofIndiaandtheChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStatebythepoliticalparty,withinaperiodofsevendaysfromthedateofnotificationforsuchelectionandsuchleadersareentitledtothebenefitsprovidedundersection77oftheR.P.Act,1951,from the date on which the list including his name is received by the ElectionCommissionofIndiaandbytheChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStateconcerned.(c)If the leader (star campaigner) is a part of any rally, organized outside hisconstituency,he isentitled to theexemptionprovidedunderExplanation1of section77(1)oftheR.P.Act,1951.However,iftheleader(starcampaigner)isalsocontestingelectioninanyconstituency,thenheisnotentitledtoanybenefitu/s77ofthesaidAct,for the travel expenses incurred within his own constituency and the expenses onmeetingorrallyorganizedbyhiminhisconstituencyincludingthetravelexpensesaretobeaddedtohisaccountofelectionexpenditure.(d)Iftherally/meetingisorganizedintheconstituencyoftheleader(starcampaigner),where the leader shares the daiswith other contesting candidates, then themeetingexpense is to be apportioned to the election expenditure of the leader and all suchcandidates.However, if,he (starcampaigner) is takingpart ina rally/meeting,alongwithothercontestingcandidatesofhispartyoutsidehisconstituency,thenthemeetingexpense shall be apportioned to the election expenditure of all such candidates, forwhose election campaign, such rally/meeting is organized and no part of suchrally/meetingexpense,organizedoutsidehisconstituencyshallbeaddedtotheelectionexpenseoftheleader(starcampaigner).(e)Ifastarcampaignerofanotherpoliticalparty/apartyinalliancewiththepartyofthecandidateattendstherallyandtakesthenameofthecandidateorsharesdaiswith

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the candidate then the travel expense of that campaigner of allied party up to theconstituencyisnotexemptedandshouldbeaddedtothecandidate’sexpenses.(f) All expenditure including lodging/boarding expenses of star campaigners in theconstituency where they campaign for any candidate shall be included in theexpenditureaccountofthatparticularcandidate,providedthat–a) theStarCampaigners/Campaignershaveactuallycampaignedforthecandidate,andb) the Star Campaigners/Campaigners have incurred such boarding and lodging

expenditure while remaining in a commercial hotel or lodge for the purpose ofelectioncampaignofthecandidateirrespectiveofthefactwhetherthepaymentismadebysuchcandidateornot.

Themarketvalueofsuchcommercialboardingandlodgingistobecalculatedtowardstheelectionexpenditureofthecandidate,eveniftheboardingandlodgingisprovidedascomplimentary.Ifthestarcampaignerwhileavailingtheboardingandlodginginoneconstituency,travelstoanotherconstituencytocampaignforothercandidates,thenthelodging and boarding expense will be proportionately distributed as the expense ofthosecandidates.

18.3. THEROLEOFRETURNINGOFFICERRELATEDTOELECTIONEXPENDITURE

18.3.1. TheCommissioninitsorderdated24thOctober,2003hasdirectedthatassoonasacandidatefileshisnominationpaper,adaytodayExpenditureRegister+CashRegister+ Bank Register + Abstract Statement + Schedules 1 to 9 + Affidavit in the standardproforma (Appendix 41) shall be issued with sample letter (Appendix 42) by theReturningOfficertothecandidateorhisdulyauthorisedagentagainstaproperreceiptthereof.EachregisterwillbedulynumberedandauthenticatedbytheDistrictElectionOfficer.Thecandidateshallmaintainhisday-to-dayaccountofelectionexpensesinthatregisteritselfandinnootherdocument.Thatregistercontaininghisaccountshallitselfbe filed by the candidatewith the District Election Officer as his account of electionexpenseswithin30days fromthedateofdeclarationofresultofelectionasrequiredunderthelaw.Theday-to-dayaccountintheRegistershallalsobeaccompaniedbytheabstract statement showing thedetailsof all expenditureandSchedules1 to9 in theprescribedformat.

18.3.2. Theaccountfiledbyacontestingcandidateisalsorequiredtobeaccompaniedbyanaffidavitfromthecandidateintheprescribedproforma.

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18.3.3. The candidatewill be asked to acknowledge the receipt of the said letter and itsenclosuresincludingtheabovementionedregisterthenandthere.

18.3.4. All the acknowledgements obtained from the candidates will be sent by theReturningOfficertotheDistrictElectionOfficerforhisrecordwithinoneweekfromtheexpiryof the lastdate for thewithdrawalofcandidatures.Onlycontestingcandidatesarerequiredtolodgeaccounts.

18.4. ONLYCONTESTINGCANDIDATESTOLODGEACCOUNTS18.4.1. ThoughunderSection77ofR.P.Act,1951,everycandidate isrequiredtokeepan

accountofhiselectionexpensesasaforesaid,underSection78ofR.P.Act,1951, it isonly the contesting candidates who are required to lodge their accounts of electionexpenses.

18.5. ELECTIONFROMMORETHANONECONSTITUENCY18.5.1. Ifacandidatecontestselectionfrommorethanoneconstituency,hehastokeepand

also lodgea separate returnofelectionexpenses foreachelectionwhichhecontests.Theelectionforeachconstituencyisaseparateelection.

18.6. AUTHORITYWITHWHOMACCOUNTSHOULDBELODGED18.6.1. IneveryStateandUnionTerritory,theaccountofelectionexpensesshallbelodged

byacontestingcandidatewiththeDistrictElectionOfficerofthedistrict inwhichtheconstituencyfromwhichhecontestedelectionlies.

18.6.2. As some of the Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in some State extendovermorethanonedistrict,thequestionmayariseastowhichDistrictElectionOfficershould receive the accounts submitted by the candidates in such cases. It is clarifiedthat the accounts of election expenses should be lodged with the District ElectionOfficerof theDistrict,whohadprovidedthepollingstations for theconstituency.Forthe informationof the candidates, thenameanddesignationof theDistrict ElectionOfficer concerned should be published locally indicating the names ofconstituenciesinrespectofwhichhewouldreceivetheaccounts.

18.6.3. Fortheconvenienceofthecontestingcandidates,theDistrictElectionOfficershouldalsoissuealettertoallcontestingcandidatesineveryconstituencywithinthreedaysofthe date of election of the returned candidate intimating the name, designation andaddressoftheDistrictElectionOfficerwithwhomtheaccounthastobelodgedandalsothelastdatebeforewhichtheaccountshouldreachhim.

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18.7. MAINTENANCEOFACCOUNTSBYTHECANDIDATEANDTHEREGISTERSOFELECTIONEXPENDITURE

18.7.1. Each candidate is required to maintain a day to day account of his electionexpenditureinaregister,giventohimbytheReturningOfficeratthetimeof filingofnominationpapers.Thisregisterconsistsofthreeparts:� RegisterofdaytodayaccountsinPartA,inwhitepages,� CashRegisterasPartB,inpinkpagesand� BankRegisterasPartC,inyellowpages

18.7.2. Thecandidateshallhavetosubmittheabove-mentionedregistersforinspectionbytheExpenditureObserveratleastthreetimesduringthecampaignperiod.EverypageoftheregistermustbenumberedandacertificatemustbegivenbyReturningOfficeronthefirstandlastpageoftheregisteraboutthetotalnumberofpagesintheregister.The register should have sufficient number of pages for the entire campaign period.However,iftheregistergetsfilledupearlier,thecandidatecanaskforasupplementaryregister and the ReturningOfficer shall issue a supplementary register to him in thesame format.Thecandidateshallgiveanacknowledgement forhavingreceived theseregisters.ReturningOfficerwillprovidetheDistrictElectionOfficerwiththereceiptsoftheRegistersoftheCandidates.

18.7.3. MAINTENANCEOFTHEDAYTODAYACCOUNTOFELECTIONEXPENDITURE1. All cash, cheque, or draft or pay order received by the candidate, either from his

own fund or from political party or from any other person, body, institution orcompanyistobedepositedinaseparatebankaccountopenedbythecandidateforthepurposeofelectionexpenditure.

2. Ifthecandidatebringshisowncash,thenhe/shehastodepositthecashinthebankaccount opened for election expenses and an entry shall be made in the BankRegister. If the cash is receivedby the candidate fromanyotherperson/party forthe purpose of his election expenditure, then, this amount is to be entered in theCashRegister(PartB)onreceiptside.AftermakingentryintheCashRegister,theamountshallbedepositedinthebankaccount,openedforelectionexpenses.AfterthecashisdepositedinBank,theBankRegister(PartC)willbeupdated.

3. If candidate receives cheque/draft/pay order for his/her election expenditurepurpose fromanyperson/partyetc.orhe issues cheque/draft fromhisownbankaccount, he has to deposit it in the said Bank account opened for election

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expenditure. If,itischequefromhisownbankaccount,thenintheBankRegister,“Candidate’sownfund”istobementioned.

4. Ifanypersonparty/body/associationprovidessomegoodsorservicesinkind,forelectioncampaigningofthecandidate,thenfortheseitems,necessaryentriesshallbemadeintheDaytoDayaccountsregisteroftheCandidate.Further,iftheitemsinkindhavebeenprovidedbythepoliticalpartyoranyperson/association,thenthetotalvalueandnameandaddressofthepoliticalparty/person/associationshallbementionedintheregister.

5. Ontheotherhand,allelectionexpenditureshallbeenteredintheRegisterofDaytoDayAccounts. If theamount ispaidby thecandidate/politicalparty/person, thenthe amount and other details will be mentioned at appropriate columns in theRegister with details of name and address of the payee. All the payments forexpenses (except petty expenses up toRs.10,000/- to a single party during theentireelectionprocess)aretobemadeonlythroughA/cpayeecheques.PaymentofpettyexpensesmaybemadeincashonlyifthetotalamountpaidtoapersonduringwholeperiodofcampaigningdoesnotexceedRs.10,000/-.Afterpaymentismadeforthepettyexpense,suchexpensesshallbeenteredintheRegisteroftheDaytoDayAccounts.

18.7.4. RECEIPTOFDONATIONSETCBYCANDIDATESFORPURPOSEOFELECTIONCAMPAIGN

Donations/contributions in cash received by the candidates from a singleentity/person in a single or multiple transaction shall not exceed to Rs.10,000/-. However, in the case of political parties the receipt fromdonations/contributions shall continue to be governed by the existingprovisionsofSection29CoftheR.P.Act,1951.

18.7.5. EXPENSESBYCANDIDATESINCASH

1. Allcandidates,whilemaintainingtheirregisterofaccountsofelectionexpenditure,shall account for all expenditure incurred on the day of filing of nomination (i.e.fromday1)andalsothoseincurredpriortothedateofnominationlikeexpenditureon campaign materials which are used during the post nomination period. Allexpenses relating to the rally orprocessionorganizedwhile filingnomination areincludedintheaccountsofthecandidates.

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2. When members of public attend a public rally/procession/public meeting ofcandidate(s)byusingtheirownpersonalvehicle,withoutreceivinganypaymentorreimbursement from anybody, it shall not be included in the expenditure of thecandidate. However, the personal vehicles used in the rally or publicmeeting forcampaign purpose by putting flags or banners or poster for the benefit of anycandidate(s)shallbeincludedintheexpensesofthecandidate(s).Ifthecommercialvehicles bearing commercial registration number are used for rally or publicmeetingof any candidate(s) theexpenditureon suchvehicles shallbe included intheaccountofthecandidate(s).

3. One personal vehicle owned and used by the candidate(s) for campaign purposeshall be treated as campaign vehicle and notional expenditure on fuel and driversalaryasperthemarketrateshallbeincludedintheaccountsofthecandidate(s).Incaseothervehicles,ownedbythecandidate(s),areusedforcampaignpurpose,thenthe notional expenses as per the notified rate for hiring of such vehicles shall becalculatedbythecandidate(s).

4. Theexpenseonthevehicleof thedistrict levelpartyofficebearers/leaders(otherthan star campaigners) for the purpose of their visit to multiple ACs within thedistrictforelectioneeringshallnotbeincludedintheaccountsofcandidate(s).Ifthedistrict functionary himself is a candidate, contesting from the same district andsuch vehicle is used for his movement in the constituency from where he iscontesting,orsuchvehicleisusedforcampaignforanyparticularcandidate(s),thenthehiringchargesofthevehicleshallbeincludedintheaccountsofthecandidate(s)usingthevehicleforcampaignpurpose.

5. The expense on such items of flags, mufflers or caps with party symbol shall beaccounted for by the party concerned as its election expense. If they bear thename(s) or photo(s) of candidate(s), it shall be added to the accounts of thecandidate. However,supplyanddistributionofmainapparels likesaree,shirt,T-shirt,dhotietc.byparty/candidateisnotpermittedasitisbriberyofvoters.

6. If during inspection, the seized cash or other items are found to be linkedwith acandidate, then a complaint /FIR will be lodged by the R.O or any other officerauthorized by him. He will send the copy of complaints/FIR to the ExpenditureObserver/Assistant Expenditure Observer who shall mention it in ShadowObservation Register. However, the seized amountwill not be treated as electionexpenditureofthecandidatetillthecasefiledinthecourtisdecidedfinallyandtill

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such time it shall not be entered in Shadow Observation Register. TheComplaint/FIRcopyshallbekeptinthefolderofevidence.

7. Alldocumentssuchasvouchers,receipts,acknowledgements,etc.,insupportoftheexpenditures incurred or authorized shall be obtained from day to day as theexpenditure is incurred or authorized and shall be maintained in the correctchronological order along with the abovementioned Register showing day-to-dayaccount.

1) the account of election expenses to be kept by a candidate or his election agentunderSection77ofthesaidActshallcontainthefollowingparticularsinrespectofeachitemofexpenditurefromdaytoday,namely:-

a. thedateonwhichtheexpenditurewasincurredorauthorized;b. thenatureofexpenditure(asforexample,travelling,postageorprintingand

thelike);c. theamountofexpenditure-(a)theamountpaid;(b)theamountoutstanding;d. thedateofpayment;e. thenameandaddressofthepayee;f. theserialnumberofvouchers,incaseofamountpaid;g. theserialnumberofbills,ifany,incaseofamountoutstanding;h. the name and address of the person towhom the amount outstanding is

payable.2) Avouchershallbeobtainedforeveryitemofexpenditureunlessfromthenatureof

thecase,suchaspostage,travelbyrailandthelike,itisnotpracticabletoobtainavoucher.

3) Allvouchersshallbe lodgedalongwiththeaccountofelectionexpenses,arrangedaccording to the date of payment and serially numbered by the candidate or hiselectionagentandsuchserialnumbersshallbeenteredintheaccountunderitem(f)ofsub-rule(1).

4) Itshallnotbenecessarytogivetheparticularsmentionedinitem(e)ofsub-rule(1)inregardtoitemsofexpenditureforwhichvouchershavenotbeenobtainedundersub-rule(2).

18.8. ACCOUNTTOBEMADEAVAILABLEBYCANDIDATEFORINSPECTIONANDDISPLAY

18.8.1. The Commission has directed that the day-to-day account as maintained by acandidate in the aforesaid register together with the supporting documents shall be

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madeavailableby the candidate for inspectionon threeoccasionsat leastduring theprocessofelectiontotheReturningOfficer/ExpenditureObserverappointedbytheCommissionoranyotherofficialappointedforthispurpose.

18.8.2. The RO shall prepare a schedule for inspection of Expenditure Register of eachcandidate, by the ExpenditureObserver, or a senior officer designated by the R.O. inconsultationwiththeExpenditureObserverforthepurpose.Thecandidateisrequiredto produce the register either in person or through his election agent or any otherpersondulyauthorizedbyhimbeforetheExpenditureObserver/designatedofficerforinspectionatleastthreetimesduringthecampaignperiod.

18.8.3. Thegapbetweentwoinspectionsshouldbeatleastthreedays.Thisscheduleshallbe given wide publicity through the press. For convenience, for each candidate thetimingofinspectionmaybespecifiedbetween10A.Mto5P.M.Timingsshouldbefixedinsuchawaythattheworkshouldbecompletedbefore7P.M.Theinspectionshouldbedone either in Returning Officer’s office room or any other conference room/officechamber. The last inspection should be fixed not before 3 days from the day of poll.After every inspection, during the election process, the day to day election accountregisterofacandidateshallbescannedtillthedateofinspectionanduploadedontotheDEO’sportalwithalinkprovidedtotheCEO’swebsitebesidesdisplayingaphotocopyonthenoticeboardoftheReturningOfficer.

18.8.4. Ifa candidateorhisagentdoesnotproducehisElectionExpenditureRegister forinspectiononthedayfixedforthispurpose,anoticeshallbeissuedtothecandidatebythe Returning Officer in writing, informing him that if he fails again to produce theRegisterfor inspectiononthedayspecifiedinthenotice, itshallbepresumedthathehas failed tomaintainadaytodayaccountofelectionexpenditureasrequiredunderSection77ofRPAct1951.ThisnoticeshallbegiventhewidestpossiblepublicityandacopyshallbedisplayedonReturningOfficer’snoticeboard.If,inspiteofthenotice,thecandidate fails to produce the register of election expenditure for inspection, acomplaintunderSection171-IofIPCshallbefiledinthecompetentcourt.Besidesthis,the permission given to the candidate for use of vehicles during election should bewithdrawn,ifthecandidatedoesnotproducetheregisterafterthreedaysofserviceofthenotice. Thewithdrawalofpermissionforuseofvehiclesshallbe intimatedtoalltheSurveillanceTeamsandFlyingSquadsanddisplayedonReturningOfficer’snoticeboard.

18.8.5. While inspecting the accounts of the candidates as per the schedule of inspectionfixed,ReturningOfficerwill ensure that twophotocopiesof the relevantpagesof the

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register are retainedby the inspectingofficer.One copyof the relevantpageswillbedisplayedonReturningOfficer’snoticeboardandtheothercopywillberetainedinaseparate file for each candidate constituency-wise as proof of recordwith ReturningOfficerandfurnishedtotheDistrictElectionOfficeronconclusionofthepollprocess.Inthis exercise, Returning Officer must ensure that the inspection does not become asource of harassment/oppression to the detriment of the electioneering of thecandidatewhichishislegalright.

18.8.6. Publicity should also be given thatmembers of the public can be present duringinspectionofexpenditureregisters/accountsandthatanybodycanobtainacopyoftheexpenditureregisterofanycandidate,onpaymentofRe.1perpage,fromtheReturningOfficer. The inspection of registers should be done, as far as possible, by theExpenditure Observers only. Where the inspection of register is carried out by adesignated officer, other than the Expenditure Observer due to some unavoidablereasons,theExpenditureObservershallbekeptapprisedoftheoutcomeofeachsuchinspectionandthereasonsforsuchinspectionbyanyotherofficer.

18.8.7. TheElectionCommissionofIndiaherebyissuedthefollowingorderformaintainingthepurityofelectionprocess:1. If the Returning Officer or any officer authorized, by the District Election

Officer/ReturningOfficer, is in receipt of informationduring electionprocess thatany candidate has incurred or authorized certain expenditure and has not showneither a part or whole of it in his day to day account of election expenditure,maintained by him under section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act,1951,orhasnotproduced thesaidaccounts for inspectionon thescheduleddatebefore the authorized officer or ExpenditureObserver, then theReturningOfficershall issue a notice along with the evidence thereof to the candidate preferablywithin 24 hours of the date of receipt of information or inspection of accountsmentioningthedetailsofexpenses,whicharenotshowntrulyorcorrectly inday-to-dayaccountorinforminghimthathefailedtoproducehisaccount ,asthecasemaybe.However,incaseofsuspectedPaidNewsitems,wherenoticeisissuedorisbeing issued by the Returning Officer as per the recommendation of the MediaCertifying andMonitoringCommittee (MCMC), such items shall not be covered inthisnotice.

2. Suchcandidatemayreplytothenoticewithin48hours,explainingthereasonsforomission of default which is brought to his notice. In cases where the candidate

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accepts the factof suppressedexpensementioned in thenotice, thesameshallbeaddedtohiselectionexpenses.

3. Wherecandidatefailstoproducehisdaytodayaccountforinspectionandinspiteofthenotice,thefailurecontinues,thenFIRistofiledundersection171(I)ofIndianPenalCode,after48hoursof serviceof suchnoticeand thepermission foruseofvehiclesetc.bythecandidateforelectioncampaignshallbewithdrawn.

4. Wherenoreplyissubmittedbythecandidateorhiselectionagentwithin48hoursof receipt of the notice, then the candidate shall be deemed to have accepted thesuppressed amount mentioned in the notice and the same shall be added to theelectionexpensesofsuchcandidate.

5. If the candidate or his election agent disputes the suppressed expenditure,mentioned in the notice, he shall submit the reply mentioning the reasons fordisagreement and the same shall be forwarded to the District ExpenditureMonitoringCommittee(DEMC)consistingofthefollowing:

a. ExpenditureObserverinchargeoftheConstituencyb. DEOc. Dy.DEO/OfficerinchargeofExpenditureMonitoringoftheDistrict.

6. The DEMC shall decide the case after examining the evidence mentioned in thenoticeandreplyofthecandidatethereto,preferablywithin72hoursfromthedateof receipt of the reply from the candidate, whether such suppressed expenditureshallbeaddedornottotheelectionexpensesaccountofthecandidate.

7. The candidate shall be given another opportunity to reconcile the under statedaccountoftheelectionexpenditure,ifany,intheAccountReconciliationmeeting,tobeconductedbytheDEO,onthe26thdayofthedeclarationoftheresult.

18.9. PREPARATIONOFRATECHARTS18.9.1. The Commission has directed all District Election Officers to make available the

ratesoftheunder-mentioneditemstoallElectionObserversimmediatelyontheirarrivalintheconstituency.Thelistoftheseitems,notexhaustivebutillustrative,areasfollows: 1. Hiring charges of Loudspeaker with amplifier and microphone 2.Constructionofpodium/pandal(standardsizetoseat4-5persons)3.ClothBanner4.Cloth Flags 5. Plastic Flags 6. Hand Bills (cost to be calculated and print orderascertainedfromprinter–refer127AofR.P.Act,1951)7.Posters8.Hoardings9.Cutouts(wooden)10.Cutouts(Cloth/Plastic)11.VideoCassettes12.AudioCassettes13.Erectionofgates14.ErectionofArches15.Dailyhiringchargesofvehicles:(i) Jeep/

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Tempo / Trucker, etc.(ii) Sumo / Qualis (iii) Cars (iv) Three-Wheelers (v) Cycle-Rickshaw 16. Hiring charges of hotel rooms / guest houses 17. Charges of drivers’salary18.Hiringchargesoffurniture(chairs,sofa,etc.)andfixtures19.Hiringchargesof hoarding sites from municipal authorities 20. Other items commonly used in aDistrict.

18.10. EXPENDITUREONBARRICADESANDROSTRUMSETC.18.10.1. The expenses on construction of barricades/rostrums etc. when done

initiallybythegovernmentagenciesonaccountofsecurityconsiderationsonbehalfofthe party organizers are to be booked as expenditure of a candidate in whoseconstituencythesaidmeetingtakesplaceortoagroupofcandidateswhoarepresentatthetimewhentheleaderofapoliticalpartyaddressessuchameeting.Incaseswherethere ismore thanonecandidateof thepoliticalpartypresentat the timeof thesaidmeetingof the "leader", theexpenditurewillbeapportionedequallyamongstall, andtheDistrictElectionOfficerofthedistrictwheresuchameetingtakesplaceshallobtainthefinalcostsfromtheconcernedgovernmentagencieswithinthreedaysoftheeventandintimatetothecandidatestheirprivateshareofexpenditure.Thisinformationwill also be intimated to the ReturningOfficer/DistrictElectionOfficerof theConstituency/Districttowhichtheothercandidatesbelong.

18.10.2. Where such construction of rostrums/barricades are done on account ofsecurityconsiderationsbythecandidate(s)orthepoliticalpartyortheorganizersfromtheirownfunds,amountwillbereflectedintheaccountsoftheconcernedcandidateoragroupofcandidatespresentinthemeetingofthe"leader".TheseaccountswillbedulyverifiedbytheExpenditureObserverortheDesignatedOfficerappointedforscrutinyoftheaccounts.

18.10.3. The candidate/political party/organizer will deposit the estimated cost ofbarricades/rostruminadvancewheretheconstructionofthesamearebeingdonebythegovernmentagencies.

18.11. MANNEROFLODGINGTHEACCOUNT18.11.1. TheRegistersuppliedbytheReturningOfficertoeachcandidateinwhichthe

candidatehaskepthisaccountofelectionexpensesshallitselfbefiledbythecandidatewith the District Election Officer as his account of election expenses within 30 daysfromthedateofdeclarationofresultofelectionasrequiredunderthelaw.

18.11.2. Further, the candidate is also required to furnish the abstract statement inPartsItoIVoftheproformagiventohimbytheReturningOfficeralongwiththesaid

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Register(s).NocolumnintheRegister(s)orintheabstractstatementoftheproformaistobe leftblank. Ifnoexpenditurehasbeen incurredorauthorizedonany item listedtherein,a‘Nil’entryshouldbemadeintheappropriatecolumn.

18.11.3. Furthermore,eachcandidatewhilelodgingreturnofhiselectionexpenditureintheprescribedproformashallalsofileanaffidavitonoathinsupportofhisaccountofelectionexpenses.Theproformaoftheaffidavittobefiledbyeachcandidateisapartofthemodelproformamentionedabove.

18.11.4. The account filed should be a true and complete account kept by thecandidateorhiselectionagentandshouldbecertifiedassuchbythecandidatehimself.A certificate by the election agent of a candidate is not sufficient and even if henceelectionagentcertifiestheaccount,itshouldagainbecertifiedbythecandidatehimself.

18.12. VOUCHERSTOBEFILEDWITHACCOUNTS18.12.1. Every candidate should lodge along with the account a voucher for every

itemor expenditureunless thenature of the case is such that it is not practicable toobtain voucher, e.g., postage, travel by railway and the likes. All vouchers should beseriallynumberedbythecandidateorhiselectionagent.

18.13. VOUCHERSTOBESIGNED18.13.1. Parts I-IV of the Abstract Statement and Affidavit should be signed by the

candidatehimselfinfullwhilethebills,vouchers,certifiedcopiesofthebankstatementmaybesignedbycandidateorhiselectionagentinfull.

18.14. LASTDATEFORFILINGACCOUNTS18.14.1. Theaccountshouldbelodgedbythecandidatewithin30daysfromthedate

ofelectionofthereturnedcandidatevideSection78oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.[N.B. (i) In computing the period of 30 days, the date onwhich Returning Officerdeclares the returned candidate elected should be excluded. (ii) If the 30th day socomputed is a Sunday or other holiday andDEO’s office is closed on that day, theaccount of election expensesmay be lodged on the next day on whichDEO’s officefunctions.Theaccountwillbedeemedtohavebeenlodgedintimeissuchacase.]

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18.15. MEANINGOFDATEOFELECTION18.15.1. The“dateofelection”ofareturnedcandidateisthedateonwhichReturning

Officerdeclarehimtohavebeenelectedwhetheritwasacontestedoranuncontestedelection.

18.16. ISSUEOFACKNOWLEDGEMENTINTOKENOFRECEIPTOFACCOUNT

18.16.1. Assoonas theaccountof electionexpenses is filedbya candidate,DistrictElection Officer should acknowledge its receipt in the prescribed proforma. If theaccount is received by DEO by post, he/she should send the acknowledgementforthwith by post. One copy of the acknowledgement should be kept by theDEO/DesignatedOfficialreceivingtheaccounts.

18.17. NOTICEOFFILINGACCOUNTS18.17.1. Withintwodaysfromthedateonwhichthecandidatelodgeshisaccountof

electionexpenses,affixanoticeonDEO’snoticeboardspecifying:-i. thedateonwhichtheaccounthasbeenlodged;ii. thenameofthecandidate;andiii. thetimeandplaceatwhichtheaccountcanbeinspected

18.18. INSPECTIONANDCOPIES18.18.1. Anypersoncan,onpaymentofafeeofrupeeone,inspecttheaccountlodged

withReturningOfficerbyacandidate.AccordingtoRule88oftheConductofElectionrules 1961, the Commission has fixed the fee of Re.1 per folio or part of a foliochargeable for the supplyof attested copiesof the accountof electionexpensesorofanypartthereof.

18.18.2. If inspectionofanaccountofelectionexpenseshasbeenapplied foratanytimeduringtheperiodthattheaccountiswiththeElectionCommission,theapplicationshouldbekeptpendinguntil theaccount is receivedback fromtheCommissionafterwhichtheinspectionwillbeallowedtotheapplicant.

18.19. REPORTTOTHECOMMISSION18.19.1. DEO shall scrutinize the statement of accounts of election expenditure

submitted by each candidate after the declaration of results with the help of theExpenditureMonitoring Cell andwith the assistance and support of the ExpenditureObserverandsubmitareporttotheCommissionthroughtheCEOwithin45daysofthe

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declarationoftheresultsintheprescribedformatalongwiththeSummaryReport.ThecommentsoftheExpenditureObservershouldalsobetakenintheDEO’sReport.TheproceduretobeadoptedbyDEOinpreparationofScrutinyreportandSummaryreportin respect of accounts of election expenses of the candidates is explained in ECI No.76/Instructions/2015/EEPS/Vol.XIVdated2ndJune,2016.

18.19.2. DEO’s Reportmay be preparedmeticulously scanned copy of the AbstractStatement(Part-ItoPart-IV)ofallthecandidatesalongwithcopyofallnoticesissuedby theRO, if any, and replies thereto, during the electionperiod,must beput on thewebsiteoftheCEO,positivelywithin3daysoflodgingofaccountofelectionexpensesbythecandidate,forwiderdisseminationofinformationtoallpublic.

18.19.3. TheDEO’sscrutinyreporthastobeenteredinEEMSsoftware,bytheofficeoftheDEOwithin3daysafterfinalisationoftheDEO’sScrutinyReport.

18.20. SEPARATEREPORTFOREACHCONSTITUENCY18.20.1. DEOhastosendaseparatereportinrespectofeachconstituency.Eachsuch

reportshouldcoverallthecontestingcandidatesintheconstituencywhethertheyhavebeenelectedordefeatedatthepoll.

18.21. ACCOUNTSFILEDLATE18.21.1. If a contesting candidate has lodged his account of election expenses after

DEOhassenthis/herreporttotheCommission,sendasupplementaryreportinrespectofhiminthesameForm.

18.22. NATUREOFEXAMINATION18.22.1. Sincethereturnofelectionexpenditurefiledbyacandidatehastoreflectthe

“correct” account of “all” election expenses, the District Election Officer, beforeaccepting the account of the candidate as being in accordance with the mannerprescribedshallconductsuchenquiryashedeemsnecessary,andatthetimeofcommunication of his report to theCommission asrequired underRule89of theConduct of Elections Rules, 1961, certify to the Commission with reference to thedocumentsfiledbeforehimandasverifiedbyhimthroughanappropriateenquiry,thatthestatementofaccountisinthemannerprescribed.

18.23. PUBLICATIONOFREPORT18.23.1. DEOshallpublishacopyofeveryreportsenttotheCommissionbyaffixinga

copythereoftohis/hernoticeboard.

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18.24. COMMISSION’SDECISIONONREPORT18.24.1. TheCommissionwillconsiderthereportanddecidewhetheranycontesting

candidatehasfailedtolodgehisaccountofelectionexpenseswithinthetimeandinthemannerrequiredbylaw.InsuchacasetheCommissionwillcalluponthecandidatetoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbedisqualified.

18.25. DELIVERYOFCOMMISSION’SNOTICETOCANDIDATES18.25.1. InordertoensurethatthenoticesissuedbytheCommissionareservedon

thedefaultingcandidatesexpeditiouslyandtheircasessettledwiththeleastdelay,theCommission now forwards these notices to the District Election Officer to cause thesametobedeliveredtothecandidatesconcerned.Everyeffortshouldbemadetoeffectthe delivery of notice to the candidate concernedwithin three days of receipt of thesameinDEO’sofficefromtheCommission.

18.25.2. Thenoticeshouldbedeliveredtothecandidateconcernedagainstaproperacknowledgementfromhimintokenofhavingreceivedthesame.

18.25.3. Ifthecandidateisnotavailableattheaddressandthemembersofhisfamilyrefuse to takedeliveryof thenotice, thesamemaybepastedon thewall/doorof theresidenceofthecandidateinthepresenceoftwowitnessespreferablyofthelocality.Anote to this effectmust be recorded on the spot and the signatures of thewitnessesalongwiththeiraddressesobtainedthereon.

18.26. REPRESENTATIONBYDEFAULTINGCANDIDATE18.26.1. Any contesting candidate who has been called upon to show cause, may

within twenty days of the receipt of such notice, represent inwriting to the ElectionCommission,andshall,atthesametime,sendDEOacopyofhisrepresentationtogetherwithacompleteaccountofhiselectionexpensesifhehasnotalreadyfurnishedsuchanaccount.

18.27. SUPPLEMENTARYREPORTBYDISTRICTELECTIONOFFICER18.27.1. The DEO should send his supplementary report along with the

acknowledgement obtained from the candidate in token of his having received thenotice to the Commission immediately, and in any case within one week, after theexpiryoftheperiodwithinwhichthecandidatehasbeendirectedbytheCommissiontosubmithisrepresentationwithhisaccount,ifany.

18.27.2. Thesupplementaryreportshouldbesentevenwherethecandidatehasnotfiledanyrepresentation.

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18.28. FINALORDERBYCOMMISSION18.28.1. If, after considering the representation submittedby the candidateand the

comments made by the DEO and after such enquiry it thinks fit, the ElectionCommission is satisfied that the candidatehasnogood reasonor justification for thefailure to lodge his account in the time and in the manner required by law, it shalldeclarehimtobedisqualifiedunderSection10-Aof theRepresentationof thePeopleAct,1951foraperiodofthreeyearsfromthedateoftheorderandcausetheordertobepublishedintheofficialgazette.

18.29. REMOVALOFDISQUALIFICATION18.29.1. Under Section 11 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Election

Commission may, for reasons to be recorded, remove any such disqualification orreducetheperiodthereof.

18.30. TIMELIMITSTOBESTRICTLYADHERED18.30.1. Allsuchtimelimitsasspecified intheforegoingparagraphsforsubmission

ofreportstotheCommission,responsetothenoticebythedefaultingcandidates,etc.shouldbestrictlyadheredto.TheCommissiontakesseriousexceptiontoanylapseinthisregard.

18.31. MAXIMUMELECTIONEXPENSES18.31.1. ThetotaloftheexpenditureofwhichaccountistobekeptunderSection77

oftheR.P.Act,1951andwhichisincurredorauthorizedinconnectionwithanelectioninaStateorUnionterritorymentionedincolumn1oftheTablebelowshallnotexceed-a. InanyoneparliamentaryconstituencyofthatStateorUnionTerritory,theamount

specifiedinthecorrespondingcolumn2ofthesaidtable;andb. Inanyoneassemblyconstituency,ifany,oftheStateorUnionTerritory,theamount

specifiedinthecorrespondingcolumn3ofthesaidtable.

S.No. Name of State or UnionTerritory

Maximum limit (in Rs.) of electionexpensesinanyoneParliamentaryConstituency

AssemblyConstituency

1 2 3I.STATES

1 AndhraPradesh 70,00,000 28,00,000

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2 ArunachalPradesh 54,00,000 20,00,0003 Assam 70,00,000 28,00,0004 Bihar 70,00,000 28,00,0005 Goa 54,00,000 20,00,0006 Gujarat 70,00,000 28,00,0007 Haryana 70,00,000 28,00,0008 HimachalPradesh 70,00,000 28,00,0009 Jammu&Kashmir 70,00,000 ---------10 Karnataka 70,00,000 28,00,00011 Kerala 70,00,000 28,00,00012 MadhyaPradesh 70,00,000 28,00,00013 Maharashtra 70,00,000 28,00,00014 Manipur 70,00,000 20,00,00015 Meghalaya 70,00,000 20,00,00016 Mizoram 70,00,000 20,00,00017 Nagaland 70,00,000 20,00,00018 Orissa 70,00,000 28,00,00019 Punjab 70,00,000 28,00,00020 Rajasthan 70,00,000 28,00,00021 Sikkim 54,00,000 20,00,00022 TamilNadu 70,00,000 28,00,00023 Tripura 70,00,000 20,00,00024 UttarPradesh 70,00,000 28,00,00025 WestBengal 70,00,000 28,00,00026 Chhattisgarh 70,00,000 28,00,00027 Uttarakhand 70,00,000 28,00,00028 Jharkhand 70,00,000 28,00,00029 Telangana 70,00,000 28,00,000

II.UNIONTERRITORIES1 AndamanandNicobarIsland 54,00,000 -----2 Chandigarh 54,00,000 -----3 DadraandNagarHaveli 54,00,000 -----4 DamanandDiu 54,00,000 -----5 Delhi 70,00,000 28,00,0006 Lakshadweep 54,00,000 -----7 Puducherry 54,00,000 20,00,000

18.32. MEASURETOCHECKCORRUPTINGINFLUENCEOFMONEYPOWER

18.32.1. Theincreasingroleofmoneypowerinelectionsistoowellknownandisoneofthemaladieswhichsometimesreducestheprocessofelectionintoamerefarcebyplacing some privileged candidates with financial resources in a distinctly

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advantageouspositionascomparedtoothercandidates.Theresultofsuchanelectioncannot reflect the true choice of the people. The system also sometimes deprivesqualifiedandablepersonsoftheprerogativetorepresentmasses.

18.32.2. It is commonly perceived that the above-quoted provisions of law havebecomeutterlyinadequatetocheckthecorruptinginfluenceofmoneypower.

18.32.3. It is relevant to cite froma recent judgement of the SupremeCourt in thiscontext(GadakhYashwantraoKankarraoVs.E.V.aliasBalasahebVikhePatil&Others-AIR1994SC678):“The existing law does not measure up to the existing realities. The ceiling onexpenditure incurred or authorised by the candidate himself but the expenditureincurredbythepartyoranyoneelseinhiselectioncampaignissafelyoutsidethenetoflegalfunction.Thespiritoftheprovisionsuffersviolationthroughtheescaperoute.Theprescription of ceiling on expenditure by a candidate is a mere eye-wash and nopractical check on election expenses forwhich itwas enacted to attain ameaningfuldemocracy. This lacuna in the law is, however, for the Parliament to fill lest theimpressionisreinforcedthatitsretentionisdeliberatefortheconvenienceofeveryone.Ifthisbenotfeasible,itmaybeadvisabletoomittheprovisiontopreventtheresorttoindirectmethodsforitscircumventionandsubversionofthelaw,acceptingwithoutanyqualmtheroleofmoneypowerintheelections.Thisprovisionhasceasedtobeevenafigleaftohidethereality.”

18.32.4. TheHon’bleCourthasfurtherexpressedthefondwishintheabovequotedjudgement that the “duty of the top echelons of leadership at the State and nationallevelofallpoliticalpartiesistosetthetrendforgivingtheneededinformationtotheelectoratebyadoptingdesirablestandardssothatitpercolatestothelowerlevelsandprovidesacongenialatmosphereforafreeandfairpoll.”

18.32.5. The Commission has recommended to the Government of India severalamendments to theaforesaidprovisionsof law relating to electionexpenses tomakethemreallyeffectiveandmeaningful.Thelawhas,however,notbeenamendedonthelinesrecommendedbytheCommissionsofar.

18.32.6. Inthemeanwhile,theCommissionhascarefullyconsideredwaysandmeansto render the account of election expenditure submitted by the candidates as littleincorrectandasclosetothetruthaspossible,withintheboundsoflawasitstandsatpresent.

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18.33. APPOINTMENTOFELECTIONOBSERVERS18.33.1. TheObserversappointedbytheCommissionwillcloselywatchwhetherthe

provisionsof themodel codeof conduct arebeing followedandwill also analyse theexpenditure incurred by the individual candidate and report to the Commissioninstances of misuse of money power for manipulating the will of the electors. TheCommissionwill alsodetermine themagnitudeof electionexpenditure in the lightofthereportoftheseobservers.

18.34. NOEXEMPTIONFROMFILINGOFACCOUNTFORANYCONTESTINGCANDIDATE

18.34.1. TheObserversappointedbytheCommissionwillcloselywatchwhethertheprovisionsof themodel codeof conduct arebeing followedandwill also analyze theexpenditure incurred by the individual candidate and report to the Commissioninstances of misuse of money power for manipulating the will of the electors. TheCommissionwill alsodetermine themagnitudeof electionexpenditure in the lightofthereportoftheseobservers.

18.35. RELEVANTLEGALPROVISIONS18.35.1. For convenience of reference, relevant provisions relation to account of

electionexpensescontainedinRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951andtheConductofElectionsRules,1961arereproducedinAppendix38.

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19. MISCELLANEOUS

19.1. SIGNINGBYILLITERATEPERSONS19.1.1. Sub-rule(2)(e)ofRule2oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961laysdownthata

personwhoisunabletowritehisnameshallbedeemedtohavesignedoninstrumentorapaperifhehasplacedamarkonsuchinstrumentorotherpaperinthepresenceoftheReturningOfficerorthePresidingOfficerorsuchotherofficerasmaybespecifiedinthisbehalfbytheElectionCommission.TheCommissionhas,accordingly,specifiedevery officer belonging to an administrative service not below the rank of a Sub-DivisionalOfficerasanofficerinwhosepresencesuchmarkmaybeplaced.

19.2. MANUSCRIPT,TYPEWRITTEN,PRIVATELYPRINTEDFORMS19.2.1. Rule2(1) (g)of theabove-mentionedRulesdefines “form”asa formappended to

the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, including a translation thereof in any of thelanguagesusedforofficialpurposesoftheState.Whenthecandidatehastouseaform,whichhasbeenprescribedunder the rules,he/shemustadopt that form. If theStateGovernment has printed the forms, the candidate should get a copy of such printedform. If that is not available, the candidate may use a privately printed, cyclostyled,typedorevenmanuscriptform.Thatwillbeaccepted.Thecandidateshould,however,becarefultoensurethatthetextoftheprescribedformhasbeencorrectlycopiedandthatthereisnodiscrepancywhatsoeverintheformusedbyhim/her.

19.3. PRODUCTIONANDINSPECTIONOFELECTIONPAPERS19.3.1. Rule92of theConductofElectionsRules,1961provides that it is thedutyof the

DistrictElectionOfficerwithinwhosejurisdictiontheconstituencyfalls(inthecaseoftheUnionTerritory,theconcernedReturningOfficer)tokeepinsafecustodyallpapersrelatingtotheelection.

19.3.2. Under rule 93(1) of the said rules, the sealed votingmachines, sealed packets ofregisters of voters, sealedpackets of unusedballot paperswith counterfoils attachedthereto, used ballot papers (whether valid, tendered or rejected) the packets ofcounterfoils of used ballot papers, marked copies of the electoral roll, declarationsmade by the electors entitled to postal ballot and the attestations of their signature,shallnotbeopenedandtheircontentsshallnotbeinspectedbyorproducedbeforeanypersonorauthorityexceptundertheorderofacompetentCourt.

19.3.3. TheCommissionhasdirected that thesealedpacketsofvotersslipswhichwillbeissued to voters inside the polling station under the Commission's instructions shall

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alsolikewisebenotopentopublic inspection,exceptundertheorderoracompetentCourt.

19.3.4. All other election papers can be inspected, and certified copies obtained by anypersonapplyingforitandpayingrequisitefee.

19.4. PRODUCTIONANDINSPECTIONOFOTHERELECTIONPAPERS19.4.1. Sub-rule (2) of Rule 93 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, provides that all

papersrelatingtoanelection,otherthanthosereferredtoinsub-rule(1)thereof,shallbeopentopublicinspectionsubjecttoconditionsandtothepaymentofsuchfee,ifany,astheElectionCommissionmaydirect.

19.4.2. Inpursuanceof thesaidsub-rulereadwithSection76of the IndianEvidenceAct,1872,theCommissionhasissuedthefollowingdirections:

1. Inspection:a. Every application for inspection of the said documents (other than an

accountofelectionexpenses)shallbemadeinwritingandshouldcontaintheparticularsconcerningtherecordofwhichinspectionrequired;

b. Aninspectionofthedocumentsshallbeallowedtoanypersonapplyingforthesameonpaymentof feeofRs.5perhourof inspectionorpart thereof,unlessinspectionisrequiredtobemadeurgentlyinwhichcasethefeeshallbeRs.10perhourorfractionthereof.

c. Inspectiononanordinaryapplicationshallbeallowedonthedayfollowingthe date on which the application is made or on a subsequent day andinspection on an urgent application, shall be allowed on the same day.Instructions for inspection of account of election expenses and supply ofcopiesthereofarecontainedinpreviouschapter.

2. CertifyCopy:A certifiedcopyofanyof the saiddocuments (other thananaccountofelectionexpenses) shallbegiven toanypersonapplying for thesame,onpaymentoffeesatthesamerateasischargedintheStateforacopyofanorderbyaRevenueOfficer.Theproceduretobefollowedinrespectofan application for it shall be the same as for a similar applicationmade inrespectofacasedealtwithbyaRevenueOfficer.

3. Theapplicationshouldestablish therightof theapplicant for inspectionorfor supply of certified copies of documents and for that purpose shouldclearlydisclose that theapplicanthasadirectand tangible interest insuchdocumentordocumentsandthenatureofsuchinterest.

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4. No feeshallbechargedwhen inspectionorcertifiedcopyofadocument isrequiredforofficialpurpose.

19.5. SUPPLYOFCOPIESOFRESULTSHEETSANDELECTIONRETURNS19.5.1. CopiesofresultsheetinForm20maybesupplied,ifaskedfor,onpaymentoffeeas

chargedforsupplyofcertifiedcopiesofotherelectionrecords.19.5.2. Copies of election return in Form21-Emaybe supplied by theReturningOfficer,

District Election Officer, the Chief Electoral Officer, or the Election Commission on apayment of Rupees 2 for each copy under sub-rule (3) of Rule 93 of the Conduct ofElectionRules,1961.

19.6. FORMOFAPPLICATIONFORREFUND19.6.1. Forms of applications for refund of security deposits are given inAppendix 39.

Everyapplicationforarefundshouldbemadebythecandidateorbythepersonwhomadethedepositonhis/herbehalfintheformsasmaybeappropriate.Whenapersonother than the candidate has made the deposit, the candidate should verify theapplication.Ifthecandidatehasdied,hislegalrepresentativemaymaketheapplicationforrefundintheappropriateform.

19.7. WHENTORETURNTHEDEPOSIT19.7.1. Ifthecandidateisnotshowninthelistofcontestingcandidatesorifhediesbefore

the commencement of thepoll, the depositmadebyhimwill be returned as soon aspracticableafterthepublicationofthelistofcontestingcandidatesorafterhisdeath,asthe case may be. Some candidates may have made along with their second andsubsequentnominationsfurthersecuritydeposits.Thesecondandsubsequentdepositsshouldbereturned,as faraspracticable,after thepublicationof the listofcontestingcandidates.Inothercases,thedepositwillbereturnedassoonaspracticableaftertheresultofelectionisdeclared.

19.8. DEPOSITRETURNABLEINONECONSTITUENCYONLY19.8.1. NotethatifacandidatewasacontestingcandidateatageneralelectiontotheHouse

of the People or State Legislative Assembly in more than one Parliamentary orAssemblyConstituency,hecannotgetareturnofmorethanonedepositmadebyhimor on his behalf. Other deposits made by him or on his behalf will be forfeited toGovernment.

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19.8.2. A contesting candidate at an election to the House of the People and also at anelectiontotheStateLegislativeAssemblywhensimultaneouslyheld, isentitledtothereturnofdepositsmadeinboththeelections,ifheisotherwiseentitledtosuchreturn,asthetwoelectionsaredifferent.

19.9. CONDITIONSFORRETURNOFDEPOSIT19.9.1. Thedepositmadebya candidate shallbe returned if the followingconditionsare

satisfied:-i. thecandidateisnotshowninthelistofcontestingcandidates,thatistosayeither

hisnominationwasrejectedorafterhisnominationwasaccepted,hewithdrawshiscandidature;or

ii. hediesbeforethecommencementofthepoll;oriii. heiselected;oriv. heisnotelectedbutgetsmorethan1/6thofthetotalnumberofvalidvotespolled

byallthecandidatesattheelection.

N.B.

i. Ifthecandidatehaspolledexactly1/6thofthetotalnumberofvalidvotespolledbyallthecandidates,thedepositwillnotberefunded.

ii. If the candidatewas elected, the depositwill be refunded even if he did not pollmorethan1/6thofthetotalvalidvotespolledbyallthecandidates.

19.10. REFUNDTOACANDIDATEBELONGINGTOTHESCHEDULEDCASTEORSCHEDULEDTRIBE

19.10.1. Where a candidate belonging to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribecontestsanelectionfromageneralconstituency,heisrequiredunderSection34(1)tomake a deposit of only Rupees 12,500 instead of Rupees 25,000 in the case of anelectionfromaParliamentaryConstituencyandRupees5,000insteadofRupees10,000inthecaseofanelectionfromanAssemblyConstituency.Ifhedeposits,bymistakeorotherwise, the full amount of Rupees 25,000 or Rupees 10,000, as the casemay be,insteadofwhatheisrequiredtodepositasmentionedabove,heisalwaysentitledtotherefundoftheexcessamountactuallydepositedbyhim.ReturningOfficerwillsatisfyhimself/herselfofhisbeingamemberofaScheduledCasteoraScheduledTribebeforeallowingsucharefund.

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19.11. BARTOINTERFERENCEBYCOURTSINELECTORALMATTERS19.11.1. For the candidate’s convenience, relevant provisions relating to bar to

interference by Courts in electoralmatters contained in the Constitution of India arereproducedbelow:“329. Bar to interference by Courts in electoralmattersNotwithstanding anything inthisConstitution,a. thevalidityofanylawrelatingtothedelimitationofconstituenciesortheallotment

ofseatstosuchconstituencies,madeorpurportingtobemadeunderarticle327orarticle328,shallnotbecalledinquestioninanyCourt;

b. no election to eitherHouse of Parliament or to theHouse or eitherHouse of theLegislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petitionpresentedtosuchauthorityandinsuchmannerasmaybeprovidedforbyorunderanylawmadebytheappropriateLegislature.”

19.11.2. TheSupremeCourthasheldinacatenaofdecisionsthattheterm‘election’used in the above quoted Article 329 (b) of the Constitution connotes the entireelectoralprocesscommencingwiththeissueofthenotificationcallingtheelectionandculminatinginthedeclarationofresultofelection(SeeN.P.PonnuswamiVs.ReturningOfficer,Namakkalandothers(AIR1952SC64),MohinderSinghGillVs.ChiefElectionCommissionerandothers(AIR1978SC851),LakshmiCharanSenandothersVs.UnionofIndiaandothers(AIR1985SC1233),ElectionCommissionVs.Shivaji(AIR1988SC61),etc.AllCourtsareperemptorilybarredunderArticle329(b)oftheConstitutiontointerferewith,orinterdict,theelectoralprocessatanyintermediarystage.

19.11.3. All doubts and disputes relating to an election can be raised only in anelectionpetitionpresented to theHighCourt of the State/UnionTerritory concernedafter the election is over in accordance with the provisions of Part VI of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951andinnoothermanner.

19.12. CHILDLABOUR19.12.1. The Commission has taken strong exception to use child labour in various

election activities and has directed that violation of children’s right for nay workconnectedwith theelectionprocesswillnotbeacceptedby theCommissionand thatnecessaryactionwillbetaken.

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20. FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

20.1. WHOCANCONTESTELECTIONSQ1. WhatistheminimumageforbecomingacandidateforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)orVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)election?

Ans. NotlessthanTwenty-FiveYearsofageonthedateofscrutinyofnominationpapers.(Refer:Article84(b)ofConstitutionof IndiaandArticle173(b)of theConstitutionreadwithSec.36(2)oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951.)

Q2. Iamnotregisteredasavoterinanyconstituency.CanIcontestelection?

Ans. No. The candidate has to be registered as a voter in the current electoral roll tocontestelection.(Refer:Sec.4(d)andSection5(c)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q3. IamregisteredasavoterinaparticularState.CanIcontestelectionforLokSabha(HouseofthePeople)fromoutsidethatState?

Ans. Yes.ThecandidatecancontestelectionfromanyconstituencyintheCountry,exceptautonomous Districts of Assam, Lakshadweep and Sikkim. (Refer: Sec. 4 of theRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q4. ApersonisamemberofScheduleCasteinaparticularState.CanhecontestelectionfromanyotherStateforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)fromaseatreservedforScheduledCastes?

Ans. Yes.HecancontestelectionfromanyotherStatefromaseatreservedforScheduledCastes.(Refer:Sec.4oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q5. ApersonisamemberofScheduleTribeinaparticularState.CanhecontestelectionfromanyotherStateforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)fromaseatreservedforScheduledTribes?

Ans. Yes.HecancontestelectionfromanyotherStatefromaseatreservedforScheduledTribes except Lakshadweep, other than those in autonomous Districts of Assam andexcluding the tribal areas of Assam. (Refer: Sec. 4 of the Representation of People Act,1951)

Q6. ApersonisanelectorinaparticularState.CanhecontestelectionforaseatintheVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)ofanyotherState?

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Ans. No.(Refer:Sec.5oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.7 ApersonisregisteredasavoterinaparticularStatebutheisamemberofScheduleCasteofotherState.CanhecontestelectionfromaseatreservedforScheduledCastesforVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)inwhichheisavoter?

Ans. No.(Refer:Sec.5oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q8. ApersonisregisteredasavoterinaparticularStatebutheisamemberofScheduleTribesofotherState.CanhecontestelectionfromaseatreservedforScheduledTribesforVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)inwhichheisavoter?

Ans. No.(Refer:Sec.5oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q9 ApersonisamemberofScheduledCastesorScheduledTribescommunity.Canhecontestanelectionfromageneralconstituency?

Ans. Yes.(Refer:Sec.4&5oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q10.Apersonisconvictedforsomeoffenceandissentencedtoimprisonmentfor2years.Canhecontestelections?

Ans. No.(Refer:Section8(3)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q11 Supposingsuchpersonisonbail,pendingdisposalofhisappeal,canhecontesttheelection?

Ans. No. Even if a person is on bail, after the conviction and his appeal is pending fordisposal,heisdisqualifiedfromcontestinganelectionasperSupremeCourt’sdecision.Butifhisconvictionisalsostayed,thenhecancontest.

Q.12 CanapersonconfinedinJailvoteinanelection?

Ans. No. Suchpersoncannotvoteat anyelection ifhe is confined inaprison,whetherunder a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawfulcustodyofthepolice.(Refer:Section62(5)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951)

Q.13 Isapersonsubjectedtopreventivedetentionunderany lawentitledtovote inanelection?

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Ans. Yes.HeisentitledtovotebyPostalBallotpaper.(Refer:ProvisotoSection62(5)ofthe Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Rule 18 (a) (iv) of Conduct of ElectionsRules1961).

Q.14 Cananoverseaselectorcontesttheelection?

Ans. Yes.Anoverseaselectorwhosenamehasbeenenrolledintheelectoralrollhastherighttocontestelections,subjecttofulfilmentoftheotherrequirementsofthelaw.Oneoftheessentialqualificationsprescribedunderthelawisthatthecandidateshouldmakeandsubscribeanoathoraffirmationintheprescribedform,beforeapersonauthorizedbytheCommissioninthisbehalf.

20.2. SECURITYDEPOSITQ1. Every candidate is required to make security deposit. How much is the securitydepositforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)election?

Ans. Rupees Twenty-five Thousand. (Refer Sec. 34 (1) (a) of Representation of PeopleAct,1951)

Q2. Is thereanyconcession insecuritydeposit foracandidatebelongingtoScheduledCasteorScheduledTribeforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)election?

Ans. Yes. It is Rupees Twelve thousand Five Hundred. (Refer Sec. 34 (1) (a) ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q3. How much is the security deposit for a Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)election?

Ans. RupeesTenThousand.(ReferSec.34(1)(b)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q4 Is thereanyconcession insecuritydeposit foracandidatebelongingtoScheduledCasteorScheduledTribeforVidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)election?

Ans. Yes.It isRs.FiveThousand.(ReferSec.34(1)(b)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.5 If a person, who is a member of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes contestselection fromgeneral seat, howmuch securitydeposit he is required tomake to contestelectionforLokSabha(HouseofthePeople)/VidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly)?

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Ans. RupeesTwelvethousandFiveHundredforLokSabha/Rs.FivethousandforVidhanSabha.(ReferSection34(1)(a)(b)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct1951)

Q6. Whichcandidateslosethedeposit?

Ans. A defeated candidate who fails to secure more than one-sixth of the valid votespolled in the constituency will lose his security deposit. (Refer: section 158(4) ofRepresentationofPeopleAct.1951)

20.3. NOMINATIONSQ.1 Suppose, I am a candidate of a recognised National or State party, how manyproposersIrequireformynomination?

Ans. Onlyone.(Refer:Sec.33(1)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q2. IfIamanindependentcandidateoracandidateofregisteredunrecognizedPoliticalParty,howmanyproposersIrequirefornomination?

Ans. Ten.(Refer:ProvisotoSec.33(1)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q3. Can a person contest election to Lok Sabha (House of People)/Vidhan Sabha(LegislativeAssembly)fromasmanyconstituenciesashelikes?

Ans. No.ApersoncannotcontestfrommorethantwoconstituenciesatageneralelectionforLokSabha(HouseofPeople)/VidhanSabha(LegislativeAssembly).(Refer:Section33(7)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.4 Whether same restriction applies in relation to bye-elections to any House heldsimultaneously?

Ans. Yes.Acandidatecannotcontestmorethantwobye-electionstothesameHouse, ifcalledsimultaneouslybytheElectionCommission.(Refer:Section33(7)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.5 HowmanynominationpaperscanbefiledforstandingasacandidateinthesameConstituency?

Ans. Four.(Refer:Provisotosection33(6)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.6 CanIgototheOfficeofReturningOfficerforfilinganominationwithaprocession?

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Ans. No. The maximum number of vehicles that will be allowed to come within theperipheryof100metresofReturningOfficer’sofficehasbeenrestrictedto3andmaximumnumberofpersons thatwill be allowed to enter theofficeofReturningOfficerhasbeenlimitedto5(includingthecandidate).

Q.7 How many persons are allowed at the time of scrutiny of nominations by theReturningOfficer?

Ans. Thecandidate,hiselectionagent,oneProposerandoneotherperson(whocanbeanadvocate)dulyauthorizedinwritingbythecandidate,butnootherperson,mayattendat the time fixed for scrutiny of nominations by ReturningOfficer. (Refer: Sec. 36 (1) ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.8 Ifacandidate,towhosenominationpaperanobjectionhasbeenraised,appliesfortimetorebutsuchobjection,canReturningOfficergranttimeforsuchcandidate?

Ans. Yes.TheReturningOfficermayadjournthehearingoftheobjectiontillthenextdayorthedayafterthatbutnotbeyond11.00a.m.onthatday.ThehearinginanycaseshouldbecompletedbyReturningOfficerwellbefore3.00p.m.onthedayfixedforwithdrawalofcandidatures.

20.4. OATHORAFFIRMATIONQ.1 IsitnecessaryforacandidatetomakeandsubscribeanoathoraffirmationbeforeanofficerauthorizedbytheElectionCommission?

Ans. Yes.(Refer:Article84(a)orArticle173(a)oftheConstitution,Section4(a)ofGovt.ofUnionTerritoryAct,1963orsection4(a)Govt.ofNationalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991)

Q.2 WhoareauthorizedpersonsbytheElectionCommissionbeforewhomtomakeandsubscribeanoathoraffirmation?

Ans. For any particular election, the authorized persons are, principally, theReturningOfficerandtheAssistantReturningOfficerfortheconstituency.Inthecaseofacandidateconfined in a prison or under preventive detention, the superintendent of the prison orcommandantofthedetentioncampinwhichheissoconfinedorisundersuchdetentionisauthorized to administer the oath. And in the case of a candidate confined to bed in ahospitalorelsewhereowing to illnessoranyother cause, themedical superintendent inchargeofthehospitalorthemedicalpractitionerattendingonhimissimilarlyauthorized.

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If a candidate is outside India, Indian Ambassador or High Commissioner or diplomaticconsularauthorizedbyhimcanalsoadministeroath/affirmation.

Q.3 Whentheoathoraffirmationbythecandidateisrequiredtobemade?

Ans. Thecandidate, inperson, is required tomake theoathoraffirmation immediatelyafterpresentinghisnominationpapersandinanycasenotlaterthanthedayprevioustothedateofthescrutiny.

20.5. ALLOTMENTOFELECTIONSYMBOLSQ.1 Whoallotstheelectionsymbolstocontestingcandidates?

Ans. ReturningOfficer.[Refer:TheElectionSymbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order,1968]

Q.2 Howreservedelection symbol is allotted to candidateof a recognizedNationalorStateParty?

Ans. For allotment of reserve symbol, the candidate has to declare in his nominationform that he has been setup by the concerned recognized party and has to submitprescribeddeclarationinFormBfromtheauthorizedofficebearerofthepartytotheeffectthathehasbeensetupbythatparty.ThedeclarationinFormBshouldbedulysignedbytheofficebearerofthePartywhosespecimensignatureshavebeencommunicatedinFormAsubjecttoconditionthatboththeFormshavebeendeliveredtoChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStateandReturningOfficerbefore3P.Monthelastdateofmakingnominations.[Refer:Paras8and13theElectionSymbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order,1968]

Q.3 Can a candidate deliver the declaration in Form A and Form B with facsimilesignatureor signaturebymeansof rubber stampetc. of theofficebearerof thepoliticalparty?

Ans. No.FormsAandFormBmustbearthesignaturesininkofauthorizedofficebearerof the political party. [Refer: Para 13 the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment)Order,1968]

Q.4 Can a candidate sponsored by a registered unrecognized political party or acandidatecontestingasindependentchooseanyoneofthefreesymbolsspecifiedinthelistoffreesymbols?

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Ans. Yes. For the purpose, such candidatemay choose 3 free symbols from the list, inorderofpreferenceandmentionthesameinhisnominationpaper.[Refer:Para12oftheElectionSymbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order,1968]

Q.5 Isitnecessaryforacandidatesponsoredbyregisteredunrecognizedpoliticalpartytosubmit theFormsA&FormBtotheChiefElectoralOfficerof theStateandReturningOfficer?

Ans. Yes. [Refer: Para 13 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order,1968]

20.6. ELECTIONAGENTQ.1 Asacandidate,canIappointanelectionagent?

Ans. Yes.(Refer:section40ofrepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.2 Whatarethefunctionsofelectionagent?

Ans. An election agentmay perform such functions in connectionwith the election asauthorizedbythecandidateunderthelaw.(Refer:section45ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.3 Is there any restriction on appointment of a Minister/M.P./M.L. A/M.L.C or anyother person who is under security cover as an Election Agent/Polling Agent/CountingAgent?

Ans. Yes. A candidate cannot appoint a Minister/M.P./MLA/MLC or any other personwho isundersecuritycover,asanelection/pollingagent/countingagent,ashispersonalsecurity shallbe jeopardizedwith suchappointment,becausehis securitypersonnelwillnotunderanycircumstancesbepermittedtoaccompanyhimintothe100meterperimeterofpollingstationsdescribedasthe“PollingStationNeighbourhood”andwithinthepollingbooth and campus of counting centre and within the counting centre. Also, any personhaving security coverwill not be allowed to surrender his security cover to act as suchagentofacandidate.

Q.4 Asacandidate,canIappointanadditionalelectionagent?

Ans. Yes, every candidate is permitted to appoint an additional election agent forassistingthecandidateinvariousExpenditurerelatedmatters.Theadditionalagentwould

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be for the purpose of performing only the non-statutory duties relating to expendituremonitoringmatters. The statutoryduties, the election agent is authorized to performonbehalfofthecandidate,canbeperformedonlybytheelectionagent.

20.7. POLLINGAGENTQ.1 Asacandidate,canIappointpersonsaspollingagentsfromanywhere?

Ans. No.Suchpersonwhoisappointedbyyouasapollingagentmustbeanordinarilyresident and electorof the concernedpolling station areaonly andnot fromoutside theconcernedpollingarea.SuchpersonmustalsohaveElector’sPhotoIdentityCard.

Q.2 Is itnecessaryforacandidatetoappointpollingagentsforeachandeverypollingstation?

Ans. The law allows a candidate to appoint three polling agents to act as his/herrepresentativesateverypollingstationtowatchhis/herinterest.Butatanygivenpointoftime, only one such agent can remain inside the polling station. (Refer: Sec. 46 ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951andrule13ofConductofElectionRules,1961)

Q.3 Whatarethedutiesofpollingagents?

Ans. Themaindutyofpollingagentsistoseethatinterestsofthecandidates,whohaveappointedthem,aresafeguardedatthepollingstationsbyhelpingthePresidingOfficertodetectandpreventimpersonationofvotersbychallengingpersonswhoseidentityasrealelector is doubtful and to see that EVM and VVPAT is properly secured/sealed before,during and after the close of poll andmock poll is conducted in their presence and pollproceedings conducted in accordance with the procedure laid down by the ElectionCommission.

Q.4 Whennormallypollingagentsarerequiredtoreachatthepollingstations?

Ans. A candidate is advised to depute his/her polling agents at the polling stations atleastonehourbeforethetimefixedforcommencementofpollsothattheyarepresentatthetimeofpreparationofEVMandmockpollexerciseetc.bythePresidingOfficer.

Q.5 Is replacementofpollingagentbyhis relievingagentallowedatpollingstationatanytime?

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Ans. Yes.Butsuchreplacementofpollingagentisnotallowedtwohoursbeforethecloseofthepoll.

20.8. POLLINGPERSONNELQ.1 Howthepollingpersonnelareselectedforformationofpollingparties?

Ans. Adistrictdatabaseofall eligibleGovt.officials (Central/State) ismaintained inanelectronicformbyDistrictElectionOfficerintheDistrictandthenitisrandomizedwiththeaidofcomputerandpropermixofofficialsdrawnfromdifferentofficesismadeatthetimeof formation of polling parties. Normally, no person is assigned polling duties in anAssembly constituency inwhichhe ispostedor inwhichhe residesor the constituency,whichishishomeconstituency.

Q.2 When the Polling parties are informed about the specific number and name ofPollingStationwhichisassignedtothem?

Ans. The number and name of actual polling station is disclosed to the polling partieswhentheyleavethedisbursalcentreforduty.

Q.3 How can a person be identified that he has been appointed as PollingPersonnel/CountingPersonnelatapollingstation?

Ans. TheGovt.officialswhoareappointedasPollingPersonnelcanbeeasilyidentifiedastheyareissuedPhotoIdentityCardsbytheDistrictElectionOfficer/ReturningOfficer.

Q.4 Isthereanyconcessionforfemalepollingpersonnel?

Ans. Yes. The female polling personnel should not be put on duty on the basis ofcomputerrandomizationprocess.Theyshouldbeputondutybymanualrandomizationbytheobserversintheneighbouringpollingstationssothattheycangotothepollingstationsinthemorningofthepolldayitself.

20.9. ELECTIONCAMPAIGNQ.1 Whetherthereisanyrestrictionforplyingofvehiclesforelectioneeringpurposes?

Ans. Yes.Acandidatecanplyanynumberofvehicles(allmechanized/motorizedvehiclesincluding 2 wheelers) for the purpose but he/she has to seek prior approval of theReturning Officer for plying such vehicles andmust display permit issued by ReturningOfficer in original (not photocopy) prominently on the windscreen of the Vehicle. The

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permitmustbearthenumberofthevehicleandnameofthecandidateinwhosefavouritisissued.Theexpenditureincurredonthiswillbebookedagainstthecandidate.

Q.2 Canavehiclebeusedforelectioneeringpurposeswithoutgettingpermit fromtheDistrictElectionOfficer/ReturningOfficer?

Ans. No. Such vehicle shall be deemed to be unauthorized by campaigning for thecandidateandmayattractpenalprovisionsofChapter IXAof the IndianPenalCodeandshallthereforebeimmediatelyoutofthecampaigningexercise.

Q.3(a) Is thereany restrictionondisplayingposter,placard,banner, flagetcof thepartyconcernedorthecandidateonapublicproperty?

Ans. Acandidatemaydisplayposter,placard,banner,flagetcofthepartyconcernedorthecandidateonapublicpropertysubjecttoprovisionsoflocallawandprohibitoryordersinforce.

Q.3(b) If local law/bye-laws permits wall writings and pasting of posters, putting uphoardings, banners etc. on private premises/properties, is it necessary to obtain priorwrittenpermissionfromtheownerofthepremises/properties?

Ans. Yes.Thecandidateisrequiredtoobtainpriorwrittenpermissionfromtheowneroftheproperties/premisesandphotocopy(s)ofsuchpermissionshouldbesubmittedwithin3daystotheReturningOfficeroranofficerdesignatedbyhimforthepurpose.

Q.3(c) Is there any restriction for displaying/carrying poster/placard/banner/flag of thepartyconcernedorofthecandidateonthevehicleduringtheprocession?

Ans. Acandidatemaydisplay/carryoneposter/placard/banner/flagofhis/herparty/orhis/herownonvehicleduringtheprocessionsubjecttoconformitywiththeprovisionsofMotorVehicleActandanyotherlocallaws/bye-laws.

Q.3(d)Whether there isanyrestriction foruseofeducational institutions including theirgrounds(whetherGovt.aided,PrivateorGovt.)forpoliticalcampaignsandrallies?

Ans. Useofeducationalinstitutionsincludingtheirgrounds(whetherGovt.aided,PrivateorGovt.)forpoliticalcampaignsandralliesarenotallowed.

Q.4 Isexternalfitting/modificationallowedintheVehiclesusedforcampaigning?

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Ans. ExternalmodificationofvehiclesincludingfittingofLoudspeakerthereon,wouldbesubject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act/Rules as well as any other LocalAct/Rules.VehicleswithmodificationsandspecialcampaignvehicleslikeVideoRathetc.,canbeusedonlyafterobtainingtherequisitepermissionfromthecompetentauthoritiesundertheMotorVehiclesAct.

Q.5 Are thereconditions/guidelines forsettingupandoperatingofTemporaryOfficesbyPartyorcandidate?

Ans. Yes.Suchofficescannotbeopenedbywayofanyencroachmenteitheronpublicorprivateproperty/inanyreligiousplacesorcampusofsuchreligiousplaces/contiguoustoany educational institution / hospital /within 200meters of an existing polling station.Further, such offices can display only one party-flag and banner with partysymbol/photographsandthesizeof thebannerusedinsuchofficesshouldnotexceed ‘4feetX8feet’subjecttothefurtherconditionthatifthelocallawsprescribealowersizeforbanner/hoardingetc.,thenthelowersizeprescribedbylocallawshallprevail.

Q.6 What isthedeadlineafterwhichnopublicmeetingsandprocessionscanbetakenout?

Ans. Public meetings cannot be held after 10 PM and before 6.00 AM. Further, thecandidate cannot hold public meetings and processions during the period of 48 hoursendingwith the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. Suppose, poll day is 7th December2018 (Friday)andhoursofpoll are from8.00A.M to5.00P.M., thepublicmeetingsandprocessionsshallbeclosedat5.00P.Monthe5thDecember2018(Wednesday).(Refer:Sec.126ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.7 Is thereanyrestrictiononthepresenceofpolitical functionaries inaconstituencyaftercampaignperiodisover?

Ans. Yes.After the closureof campaignperiod (starting from48Hrs. before closureofpoll),presenceofpoliticalfunctionariesetc.whohavecomefromoutsidetheconstituencyandwhoarenotvotersof theconstituencyshouldnotcontinue toremainpresent in theconstituency.Suchfunctionariesshouldleavetheconstituencyimmediatelyaftercampaignperiodisover.

Q.8 Issuchrestrictionapplicableinthecaseofofficebearerwhoisin-chargeofelectionofapoliticalpartyintheState?

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Ans. Yes.However, suchrestriction isnot insisteduponduring thegeneralelections toLokSabha/StateAssemblyonlyinrespectoftheofficebearerwhoisin-chargeoftheStateduring the election period. Such office bearer shall declare his place of stay in the StateHeadquarters and his movement during the period in question shall remain confinednormally between his party office and place of his stay. The above restrictions will beapplicabletoallotherfunctionariesinallelections.

Q.9 Are there any arrangements for videographyof critical eventsduring the electionprocess?

Ans. Yes.VideoTeamsareformedinconstituencytorecordandvideotapecriticaleventslike meetings addressed/attended by Ministers, National/State level leaders of politicalparties,violentincidents,etc.

Q.10 Is wearing of special accessories like cap, mask, scarf etc. permitted during thecampaigning?

Ans. Yes, provided they are accounted for in the election expenses of the candidateconcerned. However, supply and distribution of main apparels like saree, shirt, etc. byparty/candidateisnotpermittedasitmayamounttobriberyofvoters.

Q.11 Isthereanyrestrictionontheprintingofpamphlets,postersetc?

Ans Yes. A candidate shall not print or publish, or cause to be printed or publishednamesofanyelectionpamphletorposterwhichdoesnotbearonitsfaceandaddressesoftheprinterandthepublisherthereof.(Refer:Section127AofRepresentationof1951)

Q.12 Is there any restriction on use of places of worship as forum for electionpropaganda?

Ans. Yes.Theprovisionsofmodelcodeofconductprohibittheuseofplacesofworshipas forum for election propaganda in any manner. The religious institutions (prevent ofmisuse)Act,1988,prohibitsuseofreligious institutionsor fundsofreligious institutionsforthepromotionorpropagationofanypoliticalideasorpoliticalactivityorforthebenefitofanypoliticalparty.

20.10. POLLDAYQ.1 Are there any guidelines for setting up of election booth by candidate/politicalpartiesnearpollingstationonthedayofpoll?

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Ans. Election booth can be set up beyond a distance of 200 meters from the pollingstations,onlywith1tableand2chairswithanumbrellaorapieceoftarpaulinorclothtoprotect the two occupants with one banner (3 X 4.5 feet) to display the name of thecandidate/party/electionsymbolatthebooth.Nocrowdisallowedthere.

Q.2 Is it necessary to obtain written permission of the concerned Governmentauthoritiesorlocalauthoritiesforsettingupofelectionbooth?

Ans. Yes.ItisnecessarytoobtainthewrittenpermissionoftheGovernmentauthoritiesconcernedor localauthoritiesbeforesettingupofsuchbooths.Writtenpermissionmustbeavailablewiththepersonsmanningtheboothforproductionbeforethepolice/electionauthoritiesconcernedondemand.

Q.3 Ifapoliticalpartycannotsetupornotwillingtosetupaboothinanarea,isthereanyfacilityprovidedtovotersforlocatingtheirnamesintheelectoralrollplaces?

Ans Yes.A“VOTERASSISTANCEBOOTH”issetupinpremises/buildinglocationwherethree or more polling stations are located with a proper signage manned by a team ofofficialswho are providedwith lists of electoral rolls in alphabetical order to assist thevoters for locating their serial number in the roll and polling station. If political partiesinformoftheirinabilityinadvance,theDistrictElectionOfficermayconsidermakingsucharrangementinotherareastoo.

Q.4 Isthereanyrestrictionofcanvassinginornearpollingstation?

Ans. Yes. Canvassing for votes etc.within a distance of one hundredmeters of pollingstationisprohibitedonthedayofpoll.(Refer:Section130ofRepresentationof1951)

Q.5 Isthereanyrestrictionofgoingarmedtoornearpollingstation?

Ans. Yes.NopersonisallowedtogoarmedwitharmsasdefinedinArmsAct1959ofanykindwithintheneighbourhoodofapollingstationonthedayofpoll.(Refer:Section134BofRepresentationof1951)

Q.6 Howmanyvehicles,acandidateisentitledfor,onthedayofpoll?

Ans. (I) ForanelectiontotheHouseofthePeople,acandidatewillbeentitledtoonevehicleforhis/herownuseinrespectoftheentireconstituencyandonevehicleforuseofhis/her election agent for entire constituency. In addition, one vehicle foruseof his/her

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workersorpartyworkers,asthecasemaybe,ineachoftheassemblysegmentscomprisedintheParliamentaryConstituency.

ForanelectiontotheStateLegislativeAssembly,acandidatewillbeentitledtoonevehicleforhis/herownuse,onevehicleforuseofhis/herelectionagent.Inaddition,onevehicleforuseofhis/herworkersorpartyworkers.

Q.7 If thecandidate isabsent fromtheconstituencyonthedayofpoll,canthevehicleallottedinhisnamebeusedbyanyotherperson?

Ans. No. Vehicle allotted for candidate’s use is not allowed to be used by any otherperson.

Q.8 Cananytypeofvehiclewithinthelimitbeusedonthedayofpoll?

Ans. No.Thecandidateorhisagentorpartyworkersorworkerswillbeallowedtouseonly four/three/two-wheeler vehicles i.e. cars (of all types), taxis, auto rickshaws,rickshaws and two wheelers. In these vehicles, not more than five persons includingdriversareallowedtomoveonthedayofpoll.

Q.9 WhetherVideographyorphotographyisdoneinsidethepollingstationstomonitorthepollproceedingsbytheelectionauthority?

Ans. IndeferencetothesuggestionsofSupremeCourt,containedin its judgmentdated11th January 2005 in Civil Appeal No.9228 of 2003 - (Janak Bingham Vs. Das Rai andOther),thephotographybytheOfficialVideographerhasbeenallowedtobecarriedinsidethe polling stations to photograph electors and cover poll proceedings withoutcompromisingthesecrecyofvotingincertainidentifiedpollingstationsassessedascriticalonvariousfactors.

Q.10 CanPresidingOfficeroranyotherpollingofficerinspectthe“VotingCompartment”atanytime?

Ans. Yes.PresidingOfficerandotherpollingofficercanvisitthevotingcompartmentinordertoensurethatnovoterhascommittedanymischiefbypastinganypaper,tapesetc.on symbol/names/ballot button but he will do so in the immediate presence of pollingagents.

Q.11 Whatarethecolouroftheballotpapers?

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Ans. Unless otherwise directed by the Election Commission in any particular case, theballotpapersshallbeprintedforParliamentaryelectionsonwhitepaperandforAssemblyelectionsonpinkpaper.

Q.12 (a)Isthereanyoptionforanelectornottovoteforanyofthecandidates(b)whatismeantbyNOTA?

Ans. Yes.Theelectorswhodonotwishtovoteforanyofthecandidate,canexercisetheirright not to vote for any candidate without violation of the secrecy of their decision. Aballotpanelwith thewords “Noneof theAbove:NOTA”will be available after thepanelcontaining the name and particulars of the last candidate on the ballot paper, for thebenefit those electorswhomaywish to exercise the option of not voting for any of thecandidateinthefray.

Q.10 Isthereisanypreferencetowomenelector?

Ans. Normally,therewillbeseparatequeuesformenandwomenvoters.Inviewofthefactthatwomenelectorscomingtovoteatpollingstationshavetoattendmanyhouseholdchores,twowomenvotersmaybeallowedentryintopollingstationforentryofonemalevoter.

Q.10 (a)Whetheritispossibleforanelectortoknowtowhichcandidatehehascasthisvote?(b)WhatismeantbyVVPAT?

Ans. Yes.ElectionCommissionhasorderedthatVVPATisalsotobeattachedtoEVMforprintingapapertrailofvote.Bypressingtheballotingbutton,theelectorsshallbeabletoviewthroughthetransparentwindow, theprintedpaperslipshowingtheserialnumber,nameandsymbolofthecandidateforwhomhecasthisvotebeforesuchpaperslipgetcutanddropinthedropbox.

20.11. MICROOBSERVERSQ.1 WhatistheconceptofMicroObserver?

Ans. An officer/official of Central Govt./Public Sector undertakings of Central Govt.working in thedistrict isdeployedasaMicroObserveratapollingstationoragroupofpollingstations located inapremises/buildingwhoworksdirectlyunderthecontrolandsupervisionofObserverofElectionCommissionofIndia.

Q.2 WhatisthecriteriafordeploymentofMicroObservers?

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Ans. Pollingstationsareshortlistedforthepurposeonthebasisofvariousfactorswhichcontributetovulnerabilityofvoters.

Q.3 WhatarethedutiesofMicroObserveronthepollday?

Ans. ThedutiesofMicroObserveraremainlytowatchthefollowingaspects:

(i)Mockpollprocedures,(ii)PresenceofpollingagentsandobservanceofECIinstructionswithregardtothem,(iii)Observanceofentrypasssystemandaccesstopollingstation,(iv)Proper identificationof electors in accordancewithECI guidelines, (v) Identificationandrecording procedures for the absentee, shifted and duplicate voters list (ASD list),wherevermade,(vi)ApplicationofIndelibleInk,(vii)NotingdownparticularsofelectorsintheregisterinForm17A,(viii)Maintenanceofsecrecyofvoting,(ix)Conductofpollingagents, their complaints, if theMicroobserver feels that thepoll is, forany reasonbeingvitiated,hewill immediatelybringittothenoticeoftheconstituencyObserverfortakingremedialaction.

20.12. COUNTINGOFVOTESQ.1 Whoisresponsibleforthecountingofvotesanddeclarationofresultofanelection?

Ans. TheReturningOfficer. (Refer:Sections64and66ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.2 Is any other Senior Officer posted in the Counting Centre, apart from ReturningOfficer,tosupervise/overseethecountingprocess?

Ans. Yes. TheElection Commission of India deploys a SeniorOfficer as anObserver tooverseethecountingprocessattheCountingCentre.ACentralGovt.orCentralGovt.PSUOfficialisalsoappointedateachcountingtable.

Q.3 WhatarethepowersofECIObserveronthecountingday?

Ans. TheObserverhastowatchthatthecountingisdonestrictlyinaccordancewithlawandtheinstructionsoftheCommission.Hehastoensurethatthecountingagentsaregiventhe opportunity towatch thewhole process of counting from close quarters, results areannouncedround-wiseandthetotallingismadeerrorfreebydoingitmanuallyaswellasthroughcomputer.TheObserverhasthepowertowithholdthedeclarationofresultbytheReturningOfficerunlessheissatisfiedthatthewholeprocessofcountingisfreeandfairaswellaserrorfree.

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Q.4 Isthereanysystemof“randomization”ofcountingstaffbeforetheyaredeployedatthecountingcentre.?

Ans. Yes.ThepostingofCountingSupervisorsandCountingAssistantsisdonerandomlyinsuchawaythatthecountingofficialscometoknowoftheAssemblyConstituencyandthetableassignedtothemonlyatthetimeoftheirarrivalattheCountingCentreonthedayofthecounting.

Q.5 WhetherMicroObserversforcountingarealsoappointedasinthecaseofPoll?

Ans. Yes. Apart from one counting supervisor and one counting assistant for eachcountingtable,oneadditionalofficialofCentralGovt./CentralGovt.PSUisdeployedineachcountingtabletonotedowndetailsofvotesexhibitedbytheEVMscountedineachroundandhandoverthedetailstoCommission’sObserver.

Q.6 Whoarethepersonsallowedtoenterinthecountinghall?

Ans. Only counting supervisors/assistants/MicroObservers, Persons authorized by theElectionCommission,PublicServantondutyinconnectionwithelectionandcandidateandhiselectionagent/countingagentsareallowedtoenterthecountinghall.

Q.7 Whetheracandidatecanenterthecountingcampusandcountinghallwithsecuritypersonnelaccompanyinghim?

Ans. No.Ifhehappenstobeacandidate,onlySPGprotecteewithonePSOwithconcealedfirearmsisallowedtoaccompanytheprotecteeandpositionhimselfinsuchamannerasto be able to provide the requisite cover to the protectee should it become essential,withoutotherwiseinterferingwiththeproceedings.

Q.8 Whether there is any restriction for appointment of persons who have beenprovidedwiththesecuritycoverbytheStateasacountingagent?

Ans. Yes.Nopersonhavingsecuritycoverisallowedtobeappointedascountingagentasthe security personnel accompanying him cannot be allowed to enter the campus ofcounting centre and such person is also not allowed to surrender the security cover toenablehimtobecomeacountingagent.

Q.9 Howsecurityofcampusofcountingcentreisensured?

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Ans. Athree-tiercordoningsystemissetupinthecountingcentretopreventtheentryofunauthorizedpersonsinsidethecountingcentre.

Q.10 Howmanycountingagentscanbeappointedbyacandidate?

Ans. Eachcandidatehasbeenallowedtoappointasmanycountingagentsas therearecountingtablesandonemoretowatchattheReturningOfficer’stable.(Refer:Section47ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.11 Isthereanyprescribedformformakingappointmentofcountingagents?

Ans. Yes.The candidateorhis electionagenthas to submit a list of counting agents inForm-18alongwiththeirphotographstotheReturningOfficerlatestby1700Hrsontheday3daysbeforethedateofcounting.TheReturningOfficerwillprepareidentitycardsforsuchagentsandissuethesametothecandidate.(Refer:Rule52(2)ofConductofElectionsRules1961)

Q.12 HowcountingagentsaredeployedinthecountingcentrebyReturningOfficer?

Ans. EachcountingagentisgivenabadgeindicatingwhoseagentheisandshowingtheSl.No.ofthetableatwhich,hemaywatchthecountingandisnotallowedtomoveaboutalloverthehall.

Q.13 IsthereanyupperlimitprescribedforthenumberofcountingtableswhichcanbeplacedinsidethecountingHall?

Ans. Normally,theupperlimitis15tablesincludingthetableofReturningOfficer.

Q.14 WhethercountingagentsareallowedtohandleEVMs?

Ans. No.Ineachcountinghall,barricadesaremadeforeachcountingtablesothatEVMarenothandledbythecountingagents.Theagentsareprovidedallreasonablefacilitiestoseethewholeprocessatthecountingtables.

Q.15 HowitisensuredthatControlUnitofEVMhasnotbeentamperedwith?

Ans. BeforevotesrecordedintheEVMarecounted,thecarryingcaseandControlUnitofEVMareplacedonthecountingtablefortheinspectionandcheckingofsealsthereonbythecandidateortheiragentspresentatthecountingtable.IfControlUnitisfoundtohavebeen tampered with, votes recorded in that machine are not counted and matter isreportedtotheCommissionforfurtherdirection.

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Q.16 Atwhatstage,thepostalballotpapersarecounted?

Ans. ThepostalballotpapersarecountedfirstatReturningOfficer’sTable.(Refer:Rule54AofConductofElectionsRules,1961)

Q.17 Canacandidateaskforarecount?

Ans. Yes.Byawrittenapplicationstatingthegroundsonwhichrecountisaskedfor.Suchapplication can be made to the Returning Officer, who prepares and signs Final ResultSheet(Form20).

20.13. ELECTIONEXPENDITUREQ.1 Isacandidatefreetospendasmuchashelikesonhiselection?

Ans. No. A candidate is not free to spend asmuch as he likes on his election. The lawprescribes that the total election expenditure shall not exceed the prescribedmaximumlimitfortheconstituencyconcerned.(Refer:Rule90oftheConductofElectionRules,1961andSection123(6)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.2 Whatisthelimitforelectionexpenditureinaparliamentaryconstituencyinbiggerstates,like,UP,Bihar,AndhraPradesh,M.P?

Ans. Thelimitforelectionexpenditureisrevisedfromtimetotime.Atpresentthelimitof expenditure for a parliamentary constituency in bigger states likeU. P, Bihar, AndhraPradesh,MadhyaPradeshisRs.70lakhs.(Refer:Rule90oftheConductofElectionRules,1961)

Q.3 WhatisthelimitofsuchexpenditureforanAssemblyConstituencyinthesebiggerStates?

Ans. At present, the limit of election expenditure for an assembly constituency in theabovebiggerstatesisRs.28lakhs.(Refer:Rule90oftheConductofElectionRules,1961)

Q.4 Are these limits uniform for all States? If not, can you tell the lowest limit for aParliamentaryConstituencyatpresent?

Ans. No.ThemaximumlimitsofelectionexpenditurevaryfromStatetoState.Thelowestlimit at present for a parliamentary constituency is Rs. 54 lakhs for the constituency ofDadraandNagarHaveli,DamanandDiuandLakshadweep.(Refer:Rule90oftheConductofElectionRules,1961)

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Q.5 Arethecandidatesrequiredtofileanyaccountofelectionexpenses?

Ans. Yes.Everycandidateatanelection to theHouseof thePeopleorStateLegislativeAssembly is required to keep, either by himself or by his election agent, a separate andcorrectaccountofallexpenditureinconnectionwiththeelectionincurredorauthorizedbyhimorhiselectionagentbetweenthedateonwhichhehasbeennominatedandthedateofdeclarationof result,bothdates inclusive.Everycontestingcandidatehas to lodgea truecopyofthesaidaccountwithin30daysofresultoftheelection.(Refer:Sections77&78oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.6 Whoistheauthoritybeforewhomsuchaccountistobelodged?

Ans. TheaccountofelectionexpensesshallbelodgedbyacontestingcandidatewiththeDistrictElectionOfficerofthedistrict inwhichtheconstituencyfromwhichhecontestedlies.(Refer:Section78oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.7 Ifacandidateiscontestingfrommorethanoneconstituency, isherequiredtofileseparateaccountsoronlyoneconsolidatedaccount?

Ans. If a candidate is contesting from more than one constituency, he has to lodge aseparate return of election expenses for every election which he has contested. Theelection for each constituency is a separate election. (Refer: Section 77 of theRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.8 Whatisthepenaltyifacandidatedoesnotfilehisaccountofelectionexpenses?

Ans. IftheElectionCommissionissatisfiedthatapersonhasfailedtolodgeanaccountofelection expenses within the time and in the manner required by or under theRepresentation of People Act,1951 and he has no good reason or justification for thefailure,ithasthepowertodisqualifyhimforaperiodof3yearsforbeingchosenas,andforbeing,amemberofeitherHouseofParliamentortheLegislativeAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilofaState.(Refer:Section10AoftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.9 Whetherexpenditureontravel incurredbyStarCampaigners(leaders)ofpoliticalparty for propagating programme of that party shall be treated as expenditureincurred/authorizedbyacandidateofthatparty?Ifso,whataretheconditions?

Ans. OnlyinthecaseofexpenditureontravelinrespectofStarCampaigners(leaders)ofthePoliticalPartywhohavesubmittedthelistofsuchleaders(40inthecaseofNational

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andStatepartiesand20inthecaseofregisteredunrecognizedparty)within7daysfromthedateofissueofnotificationtotheElectionCommissionandChiefElectoralOfficeroftheState concerned for availingbenefit is exempted, failingwhich suchexpenditure shall betreatedasanexpenditure incurred/authorizedby the concernedcandidateof thatparty.(Refer:Clause(a)ofExplanation1toSection77oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.10 Whether a personwho is not amember of the party can be nominated as a StarCampaigner(Leader)ofthePartyforthepurpose?

Ans. No.(Refer:Section77(1)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.11 CanthenameofaStarCampaigner(s)beallowedtobesubstitutedfromthelistofStarCampaigners(leaders)afteritissubmittedtotheCommission?

Ans. No.Substitutinganamefromthelistispermittedunderthelawonlywhereanyofthe persons mentioned in the list dies or ceases to be a member of the political partyconcernedandnototherwise.(Refer:Explanation2toSection77(1)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

Q.12 Whether a candidate who has been declared as a Star Campaigner (leader) by apoliticalpartycanbeconsideredtobeaStarCampaigner(leader)ofhispoliticalpartyinhisownconstituencyfromwhereheiscontestingelectionforthepurposeofexplanationtoSection77(1)ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951?

Ans. No.SuchleadercannotbeconsideredStarCampaigner(leader)ofhispoliticalpartyinhisownconstituency. Inhisownconstituency,he isacandidate first.Theexpenditureincurredbyhimwithinhisconstituencyistobebookedagainsthiselectionexpenditure.

Q.13 Canafriendofacandidateincurexpenditureforpromotinghiselectionwithouthisapproval?

Ans. Expenditure exceeding the amount of Rs.10/- incurred for promoting of electionwithoutapprovalofthecandidateispunishable.(Refer:Section171HofIndianPenalCode)

Q.14 Supposeanexpenditure is incurredbya friendwith theapprovalofcandidate forpromotinghiselection,issuchexpendituretobebookedagainsttheaccountsofcandidate?

Ans. Yes.(Refer:Section77ofRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951)

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Q.15 Ifthecandidatesaretravellingalongwiththestarcampaignerinthesamevehiclewhethertheexpenditureonthevehiclewillbebookedtotheelectionexpenditureaccountofthecandidates?

Ans. If in the vehicle inwhich a leader of a political party (Star Campaigner) coveredunder Explaination-2 to Section 77 (1) of theRepresentation of the People Act, 1951, istravelling,thecandidateorotherworkersoftheparty/candidatealsotravel,50%oftheexpenditure on the vehicle will be booked to the election expenditure account of thecandidate(s)concerned.[i.e.thecandidate(s)forfurtheringtheprospectofwhoseelectiontheleaderistravelling].Note:vehicleincludesaircraft/helicopteroranyothermeansoftransportusedbytheleader.

Q.16 Whethertheexpenditureincurredbydistrictlevelofficebearers/leadersfortheirvisitwithinthedistrictbebookedintheelectionexpensesofthepartycandidates?

Ans. No. If any political party applies for permission for vehicles to be used by theirdistrict level office bearers / leaders (other than the star campaigner) for their visit tomultipleACswithinthedistrictforelectioneeringpurpose,necessarypermissionshouldbegivenbytheDEOofthedistrictconcerned.Insuchcases,thepermitshallbeinthenameofthepersonwhilealsomentioningtheregistrationnumberofthevehicle.Theexpenditureon this vehicle shall be incurred by the political party and not by the candidates. Thispermit shouldnotbeused for travel inotherdistricts. For aparticulardistrict, onlyonepermit may be issued for a recognized party whether national or state and the permitshouldbeissuedindicatingthenameofthepoliticalleader,theNo.ofvehicleandalsotheperiod for which issued. The permitmay be issued on a paper of colour different fromthoseusedforissuingpermitstocandidatesandstarcampaigners,sothatitcanbeeasilyrecognized.Anattestedcopyofthepermitshallbeprominentlydisplayedonwindscreenof the vehicle and original be kept by the person for checking by police or any otherauthorities.

Q.17 Whethertheexpenditureincurredforpreparationofcampaigningmaterialspriortothedateofnominationbeaccountedforintheelectionexpenditure?

Ans. Yes. The candidates, while maintaining their register of account of electionexpenditure,shouldalsoaccountforallexpenditureincludingthoseincurredpriortothedate of nomination for preparation of campaign materials etc. which are actually usedduringthepostnominationperiod/inconnectionwiththeelection.

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Q.18 Whether the expenditure incurred by a political party on advertisements beaccountedforintheaccountsofthecandidates?

Ans. Yes.Theexpenditureincurredbyapoliticalpartyonadvertisements,inconnectionwith any election could be categorized into the following: (i) Expenditure on generalpropagandaseekingsupport for thepartyand itscandidates ingeneral,but,withoutanyreference to any particular candidate or any particular class/group of candidates; (ii)Expenditureincurredbytheparty,inadvertisementsetc.directlyseekingsupportand/orvoteforanyparticularcandidateorgroupofcandidates;(iii)Expenditureincurredbythepartywhichcanberelatedtotheexpenditureforpromotingtheprospectsofanyparticularcandidateorgroupofcandidates.

Incaseofanyadvertisementbypoliticalparties,whetherinprintorelectronicoranyothermedia, falling in the category (i) above, which is not relatable to the election of anyparticular candidate or a given group of candidates, the expenditure may be treated asexpenditureofthepoliticalpartyongeneralpartypropaganda.Inthecaseofexpenditurefallingincategories(ii)and(iii)above,i.e.caseswheretheexpenditureisrelatabletotheelectionofaparticularcandidateoragroupofcandidates,theexpenditureshallbetreatedas expenditure authorized by the candidates concerned and such expenditure shall beaccountedforintheelectionexpenseaccountsofthecandidatesconcerned.Inthosecaseswhere the expenditure is incurred by the party for the benefit of a given group ofcandidates,theexpenditureistobeapportionedequallyamongthecandidates.

Q.19 Whether the expenditure incurredbypolitical parties for distribution of publicitymaterialsaccountedintheelectionexpensesofcandidates?

Ans. No. Ifanypoliticalpartymakesa request to theChiefElectoralOfficerorgrantofvehiclepermission fordistributionof theirpublicitymaterial to theirpartyoffices in theState, the Chief Electoral Officer may grant permission for one vehicle for a recognisedpoliticalparty(whethernationalpartyorstateparty).Theconcernedpoliticalparty(theapplicant)will have to specify the names of theDistrict, the routemap and the dates ofwhich the vehicle will be required for the above purpose. For such vehicles, the ChiefElectoralOfficer shall issue permission, but hewill ensure that such vehiclewill also besubjected to normal checks and they will not be used for election campaigning. Theexpenditureonaccountofsuchvehicle is tobe incurredbythepoliticalpartyconcernedandnotbythecandidates.

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20.14. ELECTRONICVOTINGMACHINESQ.1 WhatisanElectronicVotingMachine?Inwhatwayitsfunctioningisdifferentfromtheconventionalsystemofvoting?

Ans. AnElectronicVotingMachineconsistsoftwoUnits–aControlUnitandaBallotingUnit – joined by a five meter cable. The Control Unit is with the Presiding Officer or aPollingOfficerand theBallotingUnit isplaced inside thevotingcompartment. Insteadofissuingaballotpaper,thePollingOfficerin-chargeoftheControlUnitwillpresstheBallotButton. This will enable the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on theBallotingUnitagainstthecandidateandsymbolofhischoice.

Q.2 WhohasdevisedtheEVMs?

Ans. TheEVMshavebeendevisedanddesignedbyElectionCommissionincollaborationwith two Central Government Public Sector undertakings viz., Bharat Electronics Ltd.,BangaloreandElectronicsCorporationofIndiaLtd.,Hyderabadafteraseriesofmeetings,test-checkingoftheprototypesandextensivefieldtrials.

Q.3 Whomanufacture&supplyEVMstoElectionCommissionofIndia?

Ans. The two central govt. undertakings i.e. Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore andElectronics Corporation of India Limited, Hyderabad, are the only manufacturers fromwhomtheEVMsareprocuredbytheElectionCommissionofIndia.

Q.4 WhataretheuniquefeaturesofEVMs?

Ans. Itisasimplemachinethatcanbeoperatedeasilybyboththepollingpersonnelandthe voters. It is sturdy enough to withstand rough handling and variable climaticconditions. Being a stand-alone machine without any network connectivity, nobody caninterferewithitsprogrammingandmanipulatetheresult.

Q.5 WhatarethefeaturesofControlUnit?

Ans. TheControlUnitisthemainunitwhichstoresalldataandcontrolsthefunctioningof EVM. The programwhich controls the functioning of the Control Unit is burnt into amicrochipona“one-timeprogrammablebasis”.Onceburnt,itcannotberead,copiedoutoraltered. The EVMs use dynamic coding to enhance security of data transmitted fromBalloting Unit to Control Unit. The EVMs have real time clock and date-time stampingfacilitywhichenablesthemtorecordtheexacttimeanddatewheneverakey ispressed.

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Afterthevotingiscompletedandtheclosebuttonispressed,themachinedoesnotacceptany data or record any vote. Through the press of “total” button, the Control Unit candisplay the number of votes recorded till that timewhich can be crosscheckedwith theregister of voters in Form 17A. The display system of the Control Unit shows the totalnumber of votes polled in a polling station and the candidate-wise votes polled in themachine when the ‘Result’ button is pressed by the counting staff in the presence ofcounting agents at the counting centre. The Control Unit can also detect any physicaltamperingmadewiththeconnectingcableandindicatethesameinthedisplayunit.

Q.6 WhatarethefeaturesofBallotingUnit?

Ans. It holds the ballot paper containing the names and symbols of candidates.Whenpressed,thecandidatebuttonontheBallotingUnitsendsasignaltotheControlUnitwherethis is recorded inanon-volatilememorywhichcanstore thepolldata indefinitelyevenwithoutabatteryback-up.

Q.7 HowdovoterscasttheirvoteusingEVMs?

Ans. Theballotingunitof theEVMwillhaveasecurelyheldballotpaperon itshowingthe names of the candidates along with their symbols. The Presiding/Polling Officer inchargeoftheControlUnitwillpresstheballotbuttonbeforeallowingthevotertoenterthevotingchamber.WhentheballotbuttonontheControlUnit ispressed, theballotingunitbecomesreadyforrecordingthevotewhichisindicatedbythereadylampontheballotingunit. Now the voter has to simply press the blue candidate button on the balloting unitagainstthenameandsymbolofthecandidateofhischoice.

Q.8 HowcanEVMsbeusedinareaswherethereisnoelectricity?

Ans. EVMsrunonanordinarybattery.Itdoesnotdependonelectricity.

Q.9 WhatisthemaximumnumberofvoteswhichcanbecastinEVMs?

Ans. EVMs can record a maximum of 2000 votes. As normally the total number ofelectorsinapollingstationwillnotusuallyexceed1400,thecapacityofEVMsismorethansufficient.

Q.10 WhatisthemaximumnumberofcandidateswhichEVMscancaterto?

Ans. M2EVMscanaccommodateup to amaximumof64 candidates (includingNOTA)andM3EVMcanaccommodateuptomaximumof384candidates(includingNOTA).There

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isprovisionfor16candidatesinaBallotingUnit.Ifthetotalnumberofcandidatesexceeds16,asecondBallotingUnitcanbelinkedparalleltothefirstBallotingUnit.Similarly,ifthetotal number of candidates exceeds 32, a thirdBallotingUnit can be attached and if thetotalnumberofcandidatesexceeds48,afourthBallotingUnitcanbeattachedtocaterto64candidates(includingNOTA).ButonlyoneControlUnitisneededevenforfourballotingunits.IncaseofM3EVM,24BallotingUnitscanbecascadedtogethertoaccommodateuptoamaximumof384candidates(includingNOTA).

Q.11 What will happen if the number of contesting candidates in a constituency goesbeyond384?

Ans. Incasethenumberofcontestingcandidatesgoesbeyond384(includingNOTA)inanyconstituency,EVMscannotbeusedinsuchaconstituency.Theconventionalmethodofvoting by means of ballot box and ballot papers will have to be adopted in such aconstituency.

Q.12 HowdoesavoterknowwhetherhisvotehasbeenrecordedintheEVM?

Ans. ThevoterwillbeaskedtogotheBallotingUnitkeptinthevotingcompartment.Agreenlightontheupperpartofthevotingmachinewillindicatethatthemachineisreadyforvoting.ThevoterhastoidentifyhiscandidateontheBallotingUnitandpressthebluebutton on the right side of the candidate’s name and symbol. Once the blue button ispressedtherewillbeabeepsoundandthecolouroftheindicatornexttothesymbolofthecandidate will turn red which means that the vote has been cast for the candidateconcerned. Inaddition,aballotslip isprintedby theVVPATprintercontaining theserialnumber, name and symbol of the candidate and remains exposed through a transparentwindowforsevenseconds.Thereafter, thisprinterslipautomaticallygetscutandfalls inthesealeddropboxoftheVVPAT.

Q.13 WhatwillhappeniftheEVMinaparticularpollingstationgoesoutoforder?

Ans. AnOfficerisputondutytocoverafewpollingstationsonthedayofpoll.HewillbecarryingspareEVMsandtheout-of-orderEVMcanbereplacedwithanewone.ThevotesrecordeduntilthestagewhentheEVMwentoutoforderwillbesafeinthememoryoftheControlUnitanditwillbesufficienttoproceedwiththepollingwiththenewEVMaftertheearlierEVMwentoutoforder.Itisnotnecessarytostartthepollfromthebeginning.

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Q.14 Inourcountry,asizeablesectionofthepopulationbeingilliterate,willitnotcauseproblemsfortheilliteratevoters?

Ans. Infact,votingbyEVMsissimplercomparedtotheconventionalsystem,whereonehastoputthevotingmarkonornearthesymbolofthecandidateofhischoice,folditfirstverticallyandthenhorizontallyandthereafterputitintotheballotbox.InEVMs,thevoterhastosimplypressthebluebuttonagainstthecandidate’sname,photographandsymbolof his choice and the vote is recorded. Rural and illiterate people had no difficulty inrecordingtheirvotesand,infacttheyhavewelcomedtheuseofEVMs.

Q.15 WhatarethestepstakenbyElectionCommissionofIndiatocreateawarenessaboutEVMamongthevoters?

Ans. AwarenesscampaignsaremadebytheElectionCommissionthroughelectronicandprintmediabywayofadvertisements,readingmaterials.PhysicaldemonstrationonEVMsareheldbytheelectionofficialsatvariousplacesforthebenefitofworkersofthepoliticalparties and the voters. Various NGOs were also roped in earlier by the Commission tolaunchawarenesscampaignforthevoters.

Q.16 CanavoteraskforhelpfromPresidingOfficerastohowtocastvoteintheEVM?

Ans. Yes. Presiding Officer can explain to the voter the voting process using thecardboardmodel (replica) of the Balloting Unit (which is provided at polling station) insuchamannerthatvoterisabletounderstandbutonlyinthepresenceofpollingagentsandnotinsidethevotingcompartment.

Q.17WhetheracandidatecanprintDummyBallotPapersusinghisownnameandsymbolsand indicating theplacewhere itwould appear as a publicitymaterial for educating thevoters?

Ans. Yes. SuchDummyBallotPapers canbeprintedonany colourbutnot inpinkandwhitecolourandnotshowingthenamesandsymbolsofothercandidates.

Q.18 Canbooth–capturingbepreventedbytheuseofEVMs?

Ans. Bybooth-capturing,ifonemeans,takingawayordamagingofballotboxesorballotpapers,thisevilcannotbepreventedbytheuseofEVMs,asEVMscanalsobeforciblytakenawayordamagedbymiscreants.Butifonelooksatboothcapturingasacaseofmiscreantsintimidating the polling personnel and stamping the ballot papers on the symbol and

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escapinginamatterofminutes,thiscanbepreventedbytheuseofEVMs.TheEVMsareprogrammed in suchaway that themachineswill recordonly fivevotes inaminute.AsrecordingofvoteshasnecessarilytobethroughControlUnitandBallotingUnit,whateverbethenumberofmiscreantstheycanrecordvoteonlyattherateof5perminute.Inthecaseofballotpapers,themiscreantscandistributeallthe1000oddballotpapersassignedtoapollingstation,amongthemselves,stampthem,stuffthemintotheballotboxeswithina fewminutes and runawaybefore thepolice reinforcements reach. InEVMs, inhalf anhour,themiscreantscanrecordonlyamaximumof150votesbywhichtime,chancesarethepolice reinforcementwouldhavearrived.Further, thepresidingOfficeroroneof thePollingOfficers can always press the "Close" button as soon as they see some intrudersinsidethepollingstation.Itwillnotbepossibletorecordanyvoteoncethe‘Close’buttonispressedandthiswillfrustratetheeffortsofthebooth-capturers.

Q. 19 Is it possible to use EVMs for simultaneous elections for Parliament and StateLegislativeAssembly?

Ans. No. Two separate EVMs are required for conduct of simultaneous elections forParliamentandStateLegislativeAssembly.

Q.20 WhataretheadvantagesinusingEVMs?

Ans. Themostimportantadvantageisthattheprintingofmillionsofballotpaperscanbedispensedwith,asonlyoneballotpaperisrequiredforfixingontheBallotingUnitateachpollingstationinsteadofoneballotpaperforeachindividualelector.Thisresultsinhugesavings by way of cost of paper, printing, transportation, storage and distribution.Secondly, counting is very quick and the result can be declared within 2 to 3 hours ascomparedto30-40hours,onanaverage,undertheconventionalsystem.Thirdly,thereareno invalid votes under the systemof voting under EVMs. The importance of thiswill bebetterappreciated, if itwasremembered that in thepast inseveralcases, thenumberofinvalid votes is more than the winning margin between the winning candidate and thesecondcandidate,inanumberofconstituencies.Tothisextent,thechoiceoftheelectoratewillbemorecorrectlyreflectedwhenEVMsareused.

Q.21DoestheuseofEVMsslowdownthepaceofpoll?

Ans.No.Infact,thepaceofpollisquickenedbytheuseofEVMsasitisnotnecessaryforthevotertofirstunfoldtheballotpaper,markhispreference,folditagain,gototheplacewheretheballotboxiskeptanddropitinthebox.Whathehastodounderthesystemof

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EVMsissimplytopressthebuttonnearthecandidate’sname,photographandsymbolofhischoice.

Q. 22With ballot boxes counting is done aftermixing the ballot papers. Is it possible toadoptthissystemwhenEVMsareused?

Ans. Thenormalruleistocountthevotespollingstation-wiseandthisiswhatisbeingdonewhenEVMisusedineachpollingstation.Themixingsystemofcountingisdoneonlyin those constituencieswhichare speciallynotifiedby theElectionCommission.Onsuchcases, the EVMs used in a number of polling stations can be connected to the speciallydesigned“Totalizer”andthenthetotalresultofanAssemblyConstituencywillbeknownandnottheresultineachindividualpollingstation.

Q.23 HowlongtheControlUnitstorestheresultinitsmemory?

Ans. TheControlUnitcanstoretheresultinitsmemoryfor10yearsandevenmore.

Q.24 Whereveranelectionpetitionisfiled,theresultoftheelectionissubjecttothefinaloutcome of the petition. The courts, in appropriate cases,may order a recount of votes.WhetherEVMscanbestoredforsuchalongtimeandwhethertheresultcanbetakeninthepresenceof theofficers authorizedby courts?Will not thebattery leakorotherwisedamageEVMs?

Ans. ThebatteryisrequiredonlytoactivatetheEVMsatthetimeofpollingandcounting.Assoonasthepollingisover,thebatterycanbeswitchedoffandthiswillberequiredtobeswitchedononlyatthetimeofcounting.Thebatterycanalsoberemovedassoonastheresultistakenandcanbekeptseparately.Therefore,thereisnoquestionofbatteryleakingor otherwise damaging EVMs. Even when the battery is removed, the memory in themicrochipremainsintact.IftheCourtordersarecount,theControlUnitcanbereactivatedbyfixingthebatteryanditwilldisplaytheresultstoredinthememory.

Q.25 Isitpossibletovotemorethanoncebypressingthebuttonagainandagain?

Ans. No.Assoonasaparticularcandidates’buttonontheBallotingUnit ispressed,thevote is recorded for that particular candidate and themachine gets locked. Even if onepressesthatbuttonfurtheroranyotherbutton,nofurthervotewillberecorded.ThiswaytheEVMsensuretheprincipleof"oneman,onevote".

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Q.26 Isittruethatsometimesbecauseofshort-circuitorotherreason,avoterislikelytogetanelectricshockwhilepressingthe‘bluebutton’?

Ans. No.EVMsworkonabatteryandthereisabsolutelynochanceofanyvotergettingan electric shock at the timeof pressing the ‘bluebutton’ or at any timeof handling theBallotingUnit.

Q.27 IsitpossibletoprogramtheEVMsinsuchawaythatinitially,sayupto100votes,votes will be recorded exactly in the same way as the ‘blue buttons’ are pressed, butthereafter,voteswillberecordedonlyinfavourofoneparticularcandidateirrespectiveofwhetherthe‘bluebutton’againstthatcandidateoranyothercandidateispressed?

Ans. The microchip used in EVMs is permanently sealed by robots at the time ofmanufacturing. It cannotbeopenedandnorewritingofprogramcanbedonebyanyonewithoutdamagingthechip.There is, therefore,absolutelynochanceofprogrammingtheEVMsinaparticularwaytoselectanyparticularcandidateorpoliticalparty.

Q.28 WillitnotbedifficulttotransporttheEVMstothepollingstations?

Ans. No.RatheritwillbeeasiertotransporttheEVMscomparedtoballotboxesasEVMsarelighter,portableandcomewithpolypropylenecarryingcases.

Q.29 Inmanyareasof the country, there isnoelectricity connectionandeven in thoseplaceswherethereiselectricityconnection,powersupplyiserratic.Inthisscenariowillitnotcreateprobleminstoringthemachineswithoutairconditioning?

Ans. There is no need to air condition the room/hallwhere EVMs are stored.What isrequiredisonlytokeeptheroom/hallfreefromdust,dampnessandrodentsasinthecaseofballotboxes.

Q.30 In the conventional system, itwill be possible to know the total number of votespolledatanyparticularpointoftime.InEVMs‘result’portionissealedandwillbeopenedonlyat the timeof counting.Howcan the totalnumberofvotespolledbeknownon thedateofpoll?

Ans. Inadditiontothe‘Result’button,thereisa‘total’buttononEVMs.Bypressingthisbuttonatanytime,thetotalnumberofvotespolleduptothetimeofpressingthebuttonwillbedisplayedwithoutindicatingthecandidate-wisebreak-up.

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Q.31 Theballotingunithasprovisionfor16candidates.Inaconstituency,thereareonly10candidates(includingNOTA).Thevotermaypressanyofthebuttonsfrom11to16.Willthesevotesnotbewasted?

Ans. No. The panels for candidates Nos. 11 to 16 will bemasked before use. Further,recording of votes for candidates 11 to 16will also be blanked off electronically, as thecandidates’switchisseton10.Therefore,thereisnoquestionofanyvoterpressinganyofthebuttonsforcandidates11to16orthevotesforthesecandidatesbeingrecordedintheEVMs.

Q.32 IsthereanyprovisionforissueoftenderedballotpaperswhenEVMsareused?

Ans. Yes.ThereisprovisionforissueoftenderedballotpapersunderthesystemofEVMsalso. But, when such a situation arises, the voter concerned will be issued an ordinaryballot paper. After marking the ballot paper with the arrow cross mark rubber stampsupplied, the tendered ballot paperwill be put inside a cover specially provided for thepurpose,sealedandkeptbythePresidingOfficer.

Q.33 Intheconventionalsystem,beforethecommencementofpoll,thepresidingofficershowstothepollingagentspresentthattheballotboxtobeusedinthepollingstationisempty. Is there any suchprovision to satisfy thepolling agents that there arenohiddenvotesalreadyrecordedintheEVMs?

Ans. Yes. Before the commencement of poll, the Presiding Officer demonstrates to thepollingagentspresentthattherearenohiddenvotesalreadyrecordedinthemachinebypressingthe ‘Result’button.Thereafter,hewillconductamockpollbyaskingthepollingagentstorecordtheirvotesandwilltaketheresulttosatisfythemthattheresultshownisstrictly according to the choices recorded by them. Thereafter, the PresidingOfficerwillpressthe ‘Clear’buttontocleartheresultofthemockpollbeforecommencingtheactualpoll.Amockpollcertificate is furnishedbythePresidingOfficer,which isdulysignedbypollingagentspresentstatingthatmockpollhasbeenconductedandclearedthememoryandthetotalvotespolledshowed‘0’afterclearingthememoryofEVM.

Q.34 How can one rule out the possibility of recording further votes at any time aftercloseofthepollandbeforethecommencementofcountingbyinterestedparties?

Ans. Assoonasthelastvoterhasvoted,thePollingOfficerin-chargeoftheControlUnitwillpressthe‘Close’Button.Thereafter,theEVMwillnotacceptanyvote.Further,afterthe

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closeofpoll,theBallotingUnitisdisconnectedfromtheControlUnitandkeptseparately.VotescanberecordedonlythroughtheBallotingUnit.Again, thePresidingofficer,at thecloseofthepoll,willhandovertoeachpollingagentpresentanaccountofvotesrecorded.Atthetimeofcountingofvotes,thetotalwillbetalliedwiththisaccountandifthereisanydiscrepancy,thiswillbepointedoutbytheCountingAgents.

Q.35 Is there any system of “randomization” of EVMs before same are allotted toconcernedPollingStations?

Ans. Yes.TheEVMsarethoroughlycheckedandrandomizedfirstatthelevelofDistrictElection Officer in the presence of representatives of recognized political parties andthereafterrandomizedlistofEVMsallottedtoeachAssemblyConstituencyisgiventotherepresentativesofsuchpartiesandifarepresentativeofpartyisnotavailable,stillsuchlistissenttosuchparty’soffice.SecondrandomizationofEVMsisdonebyReturningOfficerinthepresenceofObserverandrepresentativesofcandidatesforallottingtospecificpollingstations.AlistofsuchEVMsindicatingmachinenumberallottedtoeachpollingstationisgiventorepresentativesofcandidates.

Q.36 IsthereanyproceduretosealtheEVMbeforeitisusedforpolling?

Ans. Physical sealing of different segments of anEVM is done to prevent access to thebuttonscontrollingvariousprocessesofthepoll.Thisisdoneinseveralstages.SealingofballotscreenoftheBallotingUnitandthecandidatesetsectionoftheControlUnitisdoneunderthesupervisionofReturningOfficerinthepresenceofthecandidatesortheiragentstopreventtamperingwiththealignmentoftheballotpaperandmakingunwantedchangesin the candidate buttons that are actually required for a particular poll. Similarly, the‘Resultsection’ issealedatanythepollingstationafterthemockpoll,sothatnoonecansee the result of a particular polling station before it is taken up for counting at thecounting centre on the specified date. The candidates or their agents are invited by theelectionauthoritiestoputtheirsignaturesonthetags/papersealsalongwiththesealsoftheReturning/PresidingOfficers.

Q.37 Afterpoll,wheretheEVMsarekepttillcounting?

Ans. ThepolledEVMsaregenerallystoredinasecurestoragecentreintheconstituencyor a nearby place on which the candidates or their representatives can keep a watch.Mostlyitisthesameplacewherethecountingismade.

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Q.38 AtthetimeofcountingsupposeadisplayinEVMisnotshowingtheresult.Insuchcasehowtheresultcanbeverified?

Ans. ThemanufacturersoftheEVMshavedevelopedan“AuxiliaryDisplayUnit.Withtheuseof thisADU, results canberetrievedmostof the timeswhen there isa failureof theoriginaldisplayontheControlUnit.

Q.39 HowthevotesarecountedinEVMs?

Ans. In theCountingCentre, theEVMsarekeptonanumberof counting tableswhosenumber does not normally exceed 14. Seating arrangements are made for the countingagentsinsuchawaythattheycanclearlywatchtheEVManditsdisplay.Whenthe‘Result’button on the Control Unit of an EVM is pressed, its display segment indicates the totalnumberofvotespolledinaparticularpollingstationandthenshowsthevotespolledbyeachcandidateinserialorder.Besidesthecountingstaff,thesearenotedbythecountingagentsalso.Attheendofeachround,theresultofthatroundandtheprogressivetotalisannounced.Theresultiscompiledbysumminguptheroundwisetotals.

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APPENDIX1(CHAPTER1,PARA1.18.1)

EXTRACTFROMCONSTITUTIONOFINDIA326 ELECTIONS TO THE HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE AND TO THE LEGISLATIVEASSEMBLIESOFSTATESTOBEONTHEBASISOFADULTSUFFRAGE

TheelectionstotheHouseofthePeopleandtotheLegislativeAssemblyofeveryStateshallbeonthebasisofadultsuffrage;that istosayeverypersonwhoisacitizenofIndiaandwhoisnotlessthaneighteenyearsofageonsuchdateasmaybefixedinthatbehalfbyofunderanylawmadebytheappropriateLegislatureandisnototherwisedisqualifiedunderthis Constitution or any lawmade by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence,unsoundnessofmind,crimeorcorruptorillegalpracticeshallbeentitledtoberegisteredasavoteratanysuchelection.

EXTRACTSFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1950

14. (a)“constituency”meansanassemblyconstituency.(b)“qualifyingdate”,inrelationtothepreparationorrevisionofeveryelectoralroll

under thispart,means (the1stdayof January)of theyear inwhich it is sopreparedorrevised;)(Providedthat“qualifyingdate”,inrelationtothepreparationorrevisionofeveryelectoralrollunderthispartintheyear1989,shallbethe1stdayofApril,1989).15. Electoralrollforeveryconstituency

For every constituency there shall be an electoral roll which shall be prepared inaccordance with the provisions of this Act under the superintendence, direction andcontroloftheElectionCommission.

16. DISQUALIFICATIONFORREGISTRATIONINANELECTORALROLL(1) Apersonshallbedisqualifiedforregistrationinanelectoralrollifhe-

(a) isnotacitizenofIndia;or

(b) isofunsoundmindandstandssodeclaredbyacompetentCourt;or(c) is for the time being disqualified from voting under the provisions of any lawrelatingtocorruptpracticesandotheroffencesinconnectionwithelections.

(2) The name of any person who becomes so disqualified after registration shallforthwithbestruckofftheelectoralrollinwhichitisincluded:

Provided that the name of any person struck off the electoral roll of a constituency byreasonofdisqualificationunderclause(c)ofsubsection(1)shallforthwithbere-instatedinthatrollifsuchdisqualificationis,duringtheperiodsuchrollisinforce,removedunderanylawauthorizingsuchremoval.17. NOPERSONTOBEREGISTEREDINMORETHANONECONSTITUENCY-Nopersonshallbeentitledtoberegisteredintheelectoralrollformorethanoneconstituency.

18. NOPERSONTOBEREGISTEREDMORETHANONCEINANYCONSTITUENCY

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Nopersonshallbeentitledtoberegisteredintheelectoralrollforanyconstituencymorethanonce.19. CONDITIONSOFREGISTRATION

Subjecttotheforegoingprovisionsofthispart,everypersonwho-(a) isnotlessthaneighteenyearsofageonthequalifyingdate;and

(b) isordinarilyresidentinaconstituency;

shallbeentitledtoberegisteredintheelectoralrollforthatconstituency.EXTRACTSFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951

11-A DISQUALIFICATIONARISINGOUTOFCONVICTIONANDCORRUPTPRACTICES

(1) If any person, after the commencement of this act, - is convicted of an offencepunishableundersection171Eorsection171FoftheIndianPenalCode(45of1860),orundersection125orsection135orclause(a)ofSub-Section(2)ofSection136ofthisAct,heshall,foraperiodofsixyearsfromthedateoftheconvictionorfromthedateonwhichtheordertakeseffects,bedisqualifiedforvotingatanyelection.

(2) Any person disqualified by a decision of the President under sub-section (1) ofsection 8A for any period shall be disqualified for the same period for voting at anyelection.

(3) The decision of the President on a petition submitted by any person under sub-section (2) of section 8A in respect of any disqualification for being chosen as, and forbeing,amemberofeitherHouseofParliamentoroftheLegislativeAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilofaStateshall,sofarasmaybe,applyinrespectofthedisqualificationforvotingatanyelectionincurredbyhimunderclause(b)ofsubsection(1)ofsection11AofthisActasis stood immediately before the commencement of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act,1975,as ifsuchdecisionwereadecision inrespectof thesaiddisqualification forvotingalso.62. RIGHTTOVOTE

(1) Nopersonwho isnot, andexceptasexpresslyprovidedby thisAct, everypersonwhois,forthetimebeingenteredintheelectoralrollofanyconstituencyshallbeentitledtovoteinthatconstituency.

(2) Nopersonshallvoteatanelectioninanyconstituencyifheissubjecttoanyofthedisqualificationsreferredtoinsection16oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950(43of1950)

(3) NopersonshallvoteataGeneralElectioninmorethanoneconstituencyofthesameclass, and if a person votes in more than one such constituency, his votes in all suchconstituenciesshallbevoid.

(4) No person shall at any election vote in the same constituency more than once,notwithstanding that his name may have been registered in the electoral roll for thatconstituencymorethanonce,andifhedoessovote,allhisvotesinthatconstituencyshallbevoid.

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(5) Nopersonshallvoteatanyelection ifhe isconfined inaprison,whetherunderasentenceofimprisonmentortransportationorotherwise,orisinthelawfulcustodyofthepolice:

Provided thatnothing in this sub-section shall apply toapersonsubjected topreventivedetentionunderanylawforthetimebeinginforce:

Provided further that by the reason of the prohibition to vote under this sub-section, apersonwhosenamehasbeenenteredintheelectoralrollshallnotceasetobeanelector.Nothing contained in sub-sections (3) and (4) shall apply to a person who has beenauthorisedtovoteasproxyforanelectorunderthisActinsofarashevotesasaproxyforsuchelector.

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APPENDIX2(CHAPTER1,PARA1.21.1)

EXTRACTFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,195022. CORRECTIONOFENTRIESINELECTORALROLLS

IftheElectoralRegistrationOfficerforaconstituency,onapplicationmadetohimoronhisownmotion, issatisfiedaftersuch inquiryashe thinks fit, thatanyentry in theelectoralrolloftheconstituency-

(a) iserroneousordefectiveinanyparticular,

(b) should be transposed to another place in the roll on the ground that the personconcernedhaschangedhisplaceofordinaryresidencewithintheconstituency,or

(c) shouldbedeletedonthegroundthatthepersonconcernedisdeadorhasceasedtobeordinarily resident in theconstituencyor isotherwisenotentitled toberegistered inthatroll,

theElectoralRegistrationOfficershall,subjecttosuchgeneralorspecialdirections,ifany,asmaybegivenbytheElectionCommissioninthisbehalf,amend,transposeordeletetheentryafterproperverificationoffactsinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed:

Providedthatbeforetakinganyactiononanygroundunderclause(a)orclause(b)oranyaction under clause (c) on the ground that the person concerned has ceased to beordinarilyresidentintheconstituencyorthatheisotherwisenotentitledtoberegisteredin the electoral roll of that constituency, the Electoral Registration Officer shall give theperson concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of the actionproposedtobetakeninrelationtohimafterproperverificationoffactsinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed.

23. INCLUSIONOFNAMESINELECTORALROLLS(1) Anypersonwhosenameisnot includedintheelectoralrollofaconstituencymayapplytotheelectedregistrationofficerfortheinclusionofhisnameinthatroll.

(2) TheElectoralRegistrationOfficershall,ifsatisfiedthattheapplicantisentitledtoberegistered in the electoral roll, direct his name to be included therein after properverificationofthefactsinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed:

Provided that if the applicant is registered in the electoral roll of any constituency, theElectoralRegistrationOfficer shall inform theElectoralRegistrationOfficer of that otherconstituencyandthatofficershall,onreceiptoftheinformation,strikeofftheapplicant’snamefromthatrollafterproperverificationoffactsinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed.

(3) Noamendment,transpositionordeletionofanyentryshallbemadeundersection22andnodirectionfortheinclusionofanameintheelectoralrollofaconstituencyshallbegivenunder thissection,after the lastdate for,makingnominations foranelection inthat constituencyor in theparliamentary constituencywithinwhich that constituency iscomprisedandbeforethecompletionofthatelection.EXTRACTSFROMTHEREGISTRATIONOFTHEELECTORSRULES,1960

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26. Correctionofentriesandinclusionofnamesinelectoralrolls-(1)Everyapplicationundersection22orsub-section(1)ofsection23shallbemadeinduplicateinsuchoneoftheForms6,6A,7,8,8Aand8Basmaybeappropriate:

Provided that the statements in Forms 2, 2A and 3, from persons having servicequalifications,receivedafterthefinalpublicationoftheelectoralrollshallbedeemedtobetheapplicationsundersections22and23.

(1A) Every such application as is referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be presented to theRegistrationOfficerinsuchmannerastheElectionCommissionmaydirect.

(3) TheRegistrationOfficershall,immediatelyonreceiptofsuchapplication,directthatonecopythereofbepostedinsomeconspicuousplaceinhisofficetogetherwithanoticeinvitingobjectionstosuchapplicationwithinaperiodofsevendaysfromthedateofsuchposting.(4) The Registration Officer shall, as soon as may be after the expiry of the periodspecifiedinsub-rule(3)considertheapplicationandobjectionsthereto,ifany,receivedbyhim and shall, if satisfied, direct the inclusion, deletion, correction or transposition ofentriesintheroll,asmaybenecessary:

ProvidedthatwhenanapplicationisrejectedbytheRegistrationOfficer,heshallrecordinwritingabriefstatementofhisreasonsforsuchrejections.27. APPEALSUNDERSECTION24OFTHEACT-

(1) Everyappealunderclause(a)ofsection24oftheActshallbe:-(a) intheformofamemorandumsignedbytheappellant;

(b) accompaniedbyacopyoftheorderappealedfrom;and

(c) presented to the district magistrate, or additional district magistrate or executemagistrate or district collector or anofficer of equivalent rank asmaybenotified in theOfficialGazettebytheElectionCommission,withintheperiodoffifteendaysoftheorderappealedfromorsentbyregisteredpostsoastoreachhimwithinthatperiod:

Providedthatsuchmagistrate,collectororofficermaycondonethedelayinpresentationoftheappealtohim,ifhesatisfiedthattheappellanthadsufficientcausefornotpresentingitwithinthespecifiedtime.

(2) Everyappealunderclause(b)ofsection24oftheActshallbe–

(a) intheformamemorandumsignedbytheappellant;

(b) accompaniedbyacopyoftheorderappealedfrom;and

(c) presentedtotheChiefElectoralOfficerwithinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateoftheorderappealedfromorsentbyregisteredpostsoastoreachhimwithinthatperiod:ProvidedthattheChiefElectoralOfficermaycondonethedelayinthepresentationoftheappealtohim,ifheissatisfiedthattheappellanthadsufficientcausefornotpresentingitwithinthespecifiedtime.

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(3) Forthepurposesofsub-rule(1)andsub-rule(2),anappealshallbedeemedtohavebeen presented when the memorandum of appeal is delivered by, or on behalf of, theappellant to the concerned magistrate, collector, officer or, as the case may be, theconcernedchiefelectoralofficer,ortoanyotherofficerappointedbyhiminthisbehalf.

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APPENDIX3(CHAPTER2,PARA2.3.2)

EXTRACTFROMCONSTITUTIONOFINDIA

84. QUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFPARLIAMENT

APersonshallnotbequalifiedtobechosentofillandseatinParliamentunlesshe:-(a) is a citizen of India, andmakes and subscribes before some person authorised inthatbehalfbytheElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheThirdSchedule;(b) is,inthecaseofaseatintheCouncilofStatesnotlessthanthirtyyearsofageand,inthecaseofaseatintheHouseofthePeople,notlessthantwenty-fiveyearsofage;and(c) possessessuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedinthatbehalfbyorunderanylawmadebyParliament.

173. QUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFTHESTATELEGISLATUREApersonshallnotbequalifiedtobechosentofillaseatintheLegislatureofaStateunlesshe:-

(a) isacitizenofIndiaandmakesandsubscribesbeforesomepersonauthorisedinthatbehalfbytheElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheThirdSchedule;(b) isinthecaseofaseatintheLegislativeAssemblynotlessthantwenty-fiveyearsofageandinthecaseofaseatintheLegislativeCouncil,notlessthanthirtyyearsofage;and

(c) possessessuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedinthatbehalfbyorunderanylawmadebyParliament.

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APPENDIX4(CHAPTER2,PARA2.5.1)

FORMOFOATHORAFFIRMATION

[ARTICLE84(A)OFTHECONSTITUTIONOFINDIA]

(TobemadebyacandidateforelectiontoParliament)

I...............................................................................havingbeennominatedasacandidatetofillaseatintheCouncilofStates(*HouseofthePeople)doswearinthenameoftheGod/Solemnlyaffirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as by lawestablishedandthatIwillupholdthesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia.

Signatureandnameinblocklettersofthecandidate

Sworn in the name of God/Solemnly affirmed byShri/Shrimati ...........................................................at ................................................... (Place)at..........................(hour)thisthe..............................dayof.......................200.........................beforeme.

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameanddesignationandSeal

(CertificateforReceiptofOath)

(Tobehandedovertothecandidatebytheauthorizedperson)

Certified that .................................................. (name) a candidate for election to the Council ofStates (*or theHouse of the People) hasmade and subscribed the oath / affirmation asrequired by the Constitution of India before me at my office at .................... (hour) on…................(date).

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameDesignationandSeal

Date:

*Scoreoutwhich isnot applicable.N.B.:ThisFormshouldbe supplied to the candidatesbothinEnglishandintheOfficialLanguageoftheState/UnionTerritory.

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FORMOFOATHORAFFIRMATION

[Article173(a)oftheconstitutionofIndia]

(TobemadebyacandidateforelectiontotheLegislatureofaState)

I...............................................................................havingbeennominatedasacandidatetofillaseatin the Legislative Assembly (*or Legislative Council) do swear in the name of the God/SolemnlyaffirmthatIwillbeartruefaithandallegiancetotheconstitutionofIndiaasbylawestablishedandthatIwillupholdthesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia.

Signatureandnameinblocklettersofthecandidate

Sworn in the name of God/Solemnly affirmed byShri/Shrimati ...........................................................at ................................................... (Place)at..........................(hour)thisthe..............................dayof.......................200.........................beforeme.

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameanddesignationandSeal

(CertificateforReceiptofOath)

(Tobehandedovertothecandidatebytheauthorizedperson)

Certified that .................................................. (name) a candidate for election to the LegislativeAssembly (*or Legislative Council) has made and subscribed the oath / affirmation asrequired by the Constitution of India before me at my office at .................... (hour) on…................(date).

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameDesignationandSeal

Date:

*Scoreoutwhichisnotapplicable.

N.B.: This Form should be supplied to the candidates both in English and in the OfficialLanguageoftheState/UnionTerritory.

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FORMOFOATHORAFFIRMATION

SECTION4(A)OFTHEGOVERNMENTOFNATIONALCAPITALTERRITORYOFDELHIACT,1991(NO.1OF1992)

(TobemadebyacandidateforelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyoftheNCTofDelhi)

I...............................................................................havingbeennominatedasacandidatetofillaseatin theLegislativeAssemblydoswear in thenameof theGod/Solemnlyaffirmthat IwillbeartruefaithandallegiancetotheconstitutionofIndiaasbylawestablishedandthatIwillupholdthesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia.

Signatureandnameinblocklettersofthecandidate

Sworn in the name of God/Solemnly affirmed byShri/Shrimati ...........................................................at ................................................... (Place)at..........................(hour)thisthe..............................dayof.......................200.........................beforeme.

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameanddesignationandSeal

(CertificateforReceiptofOath)

(Tobehandedovertothecandidatebytheauthorizedperson)

Certified that .................................................. (name) a candidate for election to the LegislativeAssembly of theNational Capital Territory of Delhi hasmade and subscribed the oath /affirmationasrequiredbytheGovernmentofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct,1991beforemeatmyofficeat....................(hour)on…................(date).

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameDesignationandSeal

Date:

N.B.: This Form should be supplied to the candidates both in English and in the OfficialLanguageoftheNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhi.

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FORMOFOATHORAFFIRMATION

SECTION4(A)OFTHEGOVERNMENTOFUNIONTERRITORIESACT,1963(NO.20OF1963)

(TobemadebyacandidateforelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyoftheUnionTerritoryofPuducherry)

I...............................................................................havingbeennominatedasacandidatetofillaseatin the Legislative Assembly of Puducherry do swear in the name of the God /Solemnlyaffirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as by lawestablishedandthatIwillupholdthesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia.

Signatureandnameinblocklettersofthecandidate

Sworn in the name of God/Solemnly affirmed byShri/Shrimati ...........................................................at ................................................... (Place)at..........................(hour)thisthe..............................dayof.......................200.........................beforeme.

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameanddesignationandSeal

(CertificateforReceiptofOath)

(Tobehandedovertothecandidatebytheauthorizedperson)

Certified that .................................................. (name) a candidate for election to the LegislativeAssemblyofPuducherryhasmadeandsubscribedtheoath/affirmationasrequiredbytheGovernment ofUnionTerritoryAct, 1963 beforeme atmy office at .................... (hour) on…................(date).

Signatureofauthorizedperson

NameDesignationandSeal

Date:

N.B.: This Form should be supplied to the candidates both in English and in the OfficialLanguageoftheUnionTerritory.

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EXTRACTFROMTHEGOVERNMENTOFUNIONTERRITORIESACT,1963

4. QUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFLEGISLATIVEASSEMBLYApersonshallnotbequalified tobechosen to filla seat in theLegislativeassemblyofaUnionTerritoryunlesshe:-(a) isacitizenofIndiaandmakesandsubscribesbeforesomepersonauthorizedinthatbehalfbytheElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheFirstSchedule;(b) isnotlessthantwenty-fiveyearsofage;and

(c) possessessuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedinthatbehalfbyorunderanylaw.FORMOFOATHORAFFIRMATIONTOBEMADEBYACANDIDATEFORELECTIONTHELEGISLATIVEASSEMBLYI. A.B., having been nominated as a candidate to fill a seat in the Legislative Assemblyof............ do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith andallegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established and that I will uphold thesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia.

EXTRACTFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951

4. QUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFTHEHOUSEOFTHEPEOPLEApersonshallnotbequalifiedtobechosentofillaseatintheHouseofPeopleunless-

(a) InthecaseofaseatreservedfortheScheduledcastesinanyState,heisamemberofanyoftheScheduledCastes,whetherofthatStateorofanyotherState,andisanelectorforanyParliamentaryconstituency;

(b) inthecaseofaseatreservedfortheScheduledTribesinanyState(otherthanthosein the autonomous districts of Assam), he is a member of any of the Scheduled Tribes,whetherofthatStateorofanyotherState(excludingthetribalareasofAssam),andisanelectorforanyParliamentaryconstituency;

(c) inthecaseofaseatreservedfortheScheduledTribesintheautonomousdistrictofAssam, he is a member of any of those Scheduled Tribes and is an elector for theParliamentaryconstituencyinwhichsuchseatisreservedorforanyotherParliamentaryconstituencycomprisinganysuchautonomousdistrict;

(cc) in thecaseof theseatreserved for theScheduledTribes in theUnionTerritoryofLakshadweep,he is amemberof anyof thoseScheduledTribesand is anelector for theParliamentaryconstituencyofthatUnionTerritory;(ccc) in the case of the seat allotted to the State of Sikkim, he is an elector for theParliamentaryconstituencyforSikkim;and

(d) inthecaseofanyotherseat,heisanelectorforanyParliamentaryconstituency.5. QUALIFICATIONSFORMEMBERSHIPOFALEGISLATEASSEMBLY

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Apersonshallnotbequalifiedtobechosento fillaseat in theLegislativeAssemblyofaStateunless:-(a) inthecaseofseatreservedfortheScheduledCastesorfortheScheduledTribesofthatState,heisamemberofanyofthosecastes,orofthosetribes,asthecasemaybe,andisanelectorforanyAssemblyconstituencyinthatState;

(b) inthecaseofaseatreservedforanautonomousdistrictofAssam,heisamemberofa Scheduled Tribes of any autonomous district and is an elector for the Assemblyconstituencyinwhichsuchseatoranyotherseatisreservedforthatdistrict;and

(c) inthecaseofanyotherseat,heisanelectorforanyAssemblyconstituencyinthatState:Providedthatfortheperiodreferredtoinclause(2)ofArticle371A,apersonshallnotbequalified tobechosen to fillanyseatallocated to theTuensangdistrict in theLegislativeAssembly of Nagaland unless he is amember of the regional council referred to in thatarticle.

7. DEFINITIONS-InthisChapter,–(a) "appropriate Government" means in relation to any disqualification for beingchosenasor forbeingamemberofeitherHouseofParliament, theCentralGovernment,and in relation to any disqualification for being chosen as or for being amember of theLegislativeAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilofaState,theStateGovernment;

(b) "disqualified"means disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, amember ofeitherHouseofParliamentoroftheLegislativeAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilofaStateundertheprovisionsofthischapterandonnootherground.

8. DISQUALIFICATIONONCONVICTIONFORCERTAINOFFENCES(1) Apersonconvictedofanoffencepunishableunder–

(a) section153A(offenceofpromotingenmitybetweendifferentgroupsongroundofreligion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial tomaintenanceofharmony)orsection171E(offenceofbribery)orsection171F(offenceofundue influence or personation at an election) or sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) ofsection 376 or section 376A or section 376B or section 376C or section 376D (offencesrelating to rape) or section 498A (offence of cruelty toward a woman by husband orrelative of a husband) or sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) or section 505 (offence ofmaking statement creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes oroffencerelatingtosuchstatement inanyplaceofworshipor inanyassemblyengagedintheperformanceofreligiousworshiporreligiousceremonies)oftheIndianPanelCode(45or1860);or

(b) theProtectionofCivilRightsAct,1955(22of1955),whichprovidesforpunishmentforthepreachingandpracticeof"untouchability",andfortheenforcementofanydisabilityarisingtherefrom;or(c) Section11(offenceofimportingorexportingprohibitedgoods)oftheCustomsAct,1962(52of1962);or

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(d) Sections10 to12(offenceofbeingamemberofanassociationdeclaredunlawful,offence relating to dealing with funds of an unlawful association, offence relating tocontravention of an ordermade in respect of a notified place) of theUnlawfulActivities(Prevention)Act,1967(37of1967);or(e) theForeignExchange(Regulation)Act,1973(46of1973);or

(f) theNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstancesAct,1985(61of1985);or

(g) section3(offenceofcommittingterroristacts)orsection4(offenceofcommittingdisruptiveactivities)oftheTerroristandDisruptiveActivities(Prevention)Act,1987(28of1987);or

(h) section 7 (offence of contravention of the provisions of sections 3 to 6) of theReligiousInstitutions(PreventionofMisuse)Act,1988(41of1988);or

(i) Section125 (offenceofpromoting enmitybetween classes in connectionwith theelection) or section 135 (offence of removal of ballot papers from polling stations) orsection135A (offenceofbooth capturing)or clause (a)of sub-section (2)of section136(offenceoffraudulentlydefacingorfraudulentlydestroyinganynominationpaper)ofthisAct;(or)

(j) section 6 (offence of conversion of a place of worship) of the Places ofWorship(SpecialProvisions)Act,1991,or(k) section2(offenceofinsultingtheIndianNationalFlagortheConstitutionofIndia)orsection3(offenceofpreventingsingingofNationalAnthem)ofthePreventionofInsultstoNationalHonourAct,1971(69of1971);or

(l) theCommissionofSati(Prevention)Act,1987(3of1988);or

(m) thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988(49of1988);or(n) thePreventionofTerrorismAct,2002(15of2002),

shallbedisqualified,wheretheconvictedpersonissentencedto–(i) onlyfine,foraperiodofsixyearsfromthedateofsuchconviction;

(ii) imprisonment,fromthedateofsuchconvictionandshallcontinuetobedisqualifiedforafurtherperiodofsixyearssincehisrelease.(2) Apersonconvictedforthecontraventionof–

(a) anylawprovidingforthepreventionofhoardingorprofiteering;or

(b) anylawrelatingtotheadulterationoffoodordrugs;or(c) anyprovisionsoftheDowryProhibitionAct,1961(28of1961),

andsentencedtoimprisonmentfornotlessthansixmonths,shallbedisqualifiedfromthedateofsuchconvictionandshallcontinuetobedisqualifiedforafurtherperiodofsixyearssincehisrelease.

(3) Apersonconvictedofanyoffenceandsentencedtoimprisonmentfornotlessthantwoyears[otherthananyoffencereferredtoinsub-section(1)orsub-section(2)]shallbe

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disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for afurtherperiodofsixyearssincehisrelease.Explanation–Inthissection–

(a) "lawproviding for the prevention of hoarding or profiteering"means any law, oranyorder,ruleornotificationhavingtheforceoflaw,providingfor–

(i) theregulationofproductionormanufactureofanyessentialcommodity;

(ii) thecontrolofpriceatwhichanyessentialcommoditymaybeboughtorsold;(iii) the regulation of acquisition, possession, storage, transport, distribution, disposal,useorconsumptionofanyessentialcommodity;

(iv) theprohibitionofthewithholdingfromsaleofanyessentialcommodityordinarilykeptforsale;

(b) "drug"hasthemeaningassignedtoit intheDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940(23of1940);

(c) "essentialcommodity"hasthemeaningassignedtoitintheEssentialCommoditiesAct,1955(10of1955);(d) "food"has themeaning assigned to it in thePreventionof FoodAdulterationAct,1954(37of1954).

8A. DISQUALIFICATIONONGROUNDOFCORRUPTPRACTICES-(1) The case of every person found guilty of a corrupt practice by an order undersection99shallbesubmitted,assoonasmaybewithinaperiodofthreemonthsfromthedatesuchorder takeseffect,bysuchauthorityas theCentralGovernmentmayspecify inthisbehalf, to thePresident fordeterminationof thequestionas towhethersuchpersonshallbedisqualifiedandifso,forwhatperiod:Providedthattheperiodforwhichanypersonmaybedisqualifiedunderthissub-sectionshallinnocaseexceedsixyearsfromthedateonwhichtheordermadeinrelationtohimundersection99takeseffect.

(2) Any person who stands disqualified under action 8A of this Act as it stoodimmediatelybeforethecommencementoftheElectionLaws(Amendment)Act,1975(40of1975),may,iftheperiodofsuchdisqualificationhasnotexpired,submitapetitiontothePresident for the removal of such disqualification for the unexpired portion of the saidperiod.(3) Beforegivinghisdecisiononanyquestionmentionedinsub-section(1)oronanypetition submitted under sub-section (2), the President shall obtain the opinion of theElectionCommissiononsuchquestionorpetitionandshallactaccordingtosuchopinion.

9. DISQUALIFICATIONFORDISMISSALFORCORRUPTIONORDISLOYALTY

(1) A personwho having held an office under the Government of India or under theGovernmentof anyStatehasbeendismissed for corruptionor fordisloyaltyof theStateshallbedisqualifiedforaperiodoffiveyearsfromthedateofsuchdismissal.

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(2) Forthepurposesofsub-section(1),acertificateissuedbytheElectionCommissiontotheeffectthatapersonhavingheldofficeundertheGovernmentofIndiaorundertheGovernmentofaState,hasorhasnotbeendismissedforcorruptionorfordisloyaltytotheStateshallbeconclusiveproofofthatfact:Providedthatnocertificatetotheeffectthatapersonhasbeendismissedforcorruptionorfordisloyalty to the State shall be issuedunless anopportunityof beingheardhasbeengiventothesaidperson.9A. DISQUALIFICATIONFORGOVERNMENTCONTRACTS,ETC.-

Apersonshallbedisqualifiedif,andforsolongas,theresubsistsacontractenteredintobyhiminthecourseofhistradeorbusinesswiththeappropriateGovernmentforthesupplyofgoodsto,orfortheexecutionofanyworks,undertakenbythatGovernment.

Explanation–Forthepurposesofthissection,whereacontracthasbeenfullyperformedby the person bywhom it has been entered intowith the appropriate Government, thecontractshallbedeemednottosubsistbyreasononlyofthefactthattheGovernmenthasnotperformeditspartofthecontracteitherwhollyorinpart.10. DISQUALIFICATIONFOROFFICEUNDERGOVERNMENTCOMPANY-

A person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, he is amanaging agent,manager orsecretaryofanycompanyorcorporation(otherthanaco-operativesociety)inthecapitalofwhichtheappropriateGovernmenthasnotlessthantwenty-fivepercentshare.

10A. DISQUALIFICATIONFORFAILURETOLODGEACCOUNTOFELECTIONEXPENSES-IftheElectionCommissionissatisfiedthataperson–

(a) has failed to lodge an account of election expenses, within the time and in themannerrequiredbyorunderthisAct,and(b) hasnogoodreasonorjustificationforthefailure,

theElectionCommissionshall,byorderpublishedintheOfficialGazette,declarehimtobedisqualifiedandanysuchpersonshallbedisqualifiedforaperiodofthreeyearsfromthedateoftheorder.

EXTRACT FROM THE GOVERNMENTOF NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHIACT,1991(NO.1OF1991)

4. ApersonshallnotbequalifiedtobechosentofillaseatintheLegislativeassemblyunlesshe:-(a) isacitizenofIndiaandmakesandsubscribesbeforesomepersonauthorisedinthatbehalfbytheElectionCommissionanoathoraffirmationaccordingtotheformsetoutforthepurposeintheSchedule;

(b) isnotlessthantwenty-fiveyearsofage;and

(c) possessessuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedinthatbehalfbyorunderanylawmadebyParliament.

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15. (1)Apersonshallbedisqualifiedforbeingchosenas,andforbeing,amemberof,theLegislativeAssembly:-(a) IfheholdsanyofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyStateor theGovernmentofanyUnionTerritoryotherthananofficedeclaredby lawmadebyParliamentorbytheLegislatureofanyStateorbytheLegislativeAssemblyoftheCapitalorofanyotherUnionTerritorynottodisqualifyitsholder;or

(b) ifheisforthetimebeingdisqualifiedforbeingchosenas,andforbeing,amemberofeitherHouseofParliamentundertheprovisionsofSub-clause(b),sub-clause(c)orsub-clause(d)ofClause(1)ofarticle102orofanylawmadeinpursuanceofthatarticle.

(2) For thepurposesof thissection,apersonshallnotbedeemedtoholdanofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyStateortheGovernmentofanyUnionTerritorybyreasononly thathe isaMinistereither for theUnionor forsuchStateorUnionTerritory.

(3) If any question arises as to whether a member of the Legislative Assembly hasbecomedisqualified forbeingsuchamemberunder theprovisionof sub-section(1), thequestionshallbereferredforthedecisionofthePresidentandhisdecisionshallbefinal.

(4) Before giving any decision on any such question, the President shall obtain theopinionoftheElectionCommissionandshallactaccordingtosuchopinion.

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APPENDIX5(CHAPTER2,PARA2.5.1)

NOTIFICATIONSNotification 1.: For Council of States or in the House of the People or in the LegislativeAssemblyofaState(otherthanJammuandKashmir)orintheLegislativeCouncilofaState(otherthanJammuandKashmir)havingaLegislativeCouncil.

Datedthe18thMarch1968NOTIFICATION

No3/6/68/(1)–Inpursuanceofclause(a)Article84andclause(a)ofarticle173oftheConstitutionofIndiaandinsupersessionofitsnotificationNo.3/3/66,datedthe25thApril1967,theElectionCommissionherebyauthorizes (i)theReturningOfficer concernedandalltheAssistantReturningOfficerssubordinatetohim(ii)AllstipendiarypresidencyMagistrates of all first class, and all (iii)District judges and all persons belonging to thejudicialserviceofaStateotherthanDistrictjudges,asthepersonsbeforeanyoneofwhomapersonhavingbeennominatedasacandidate(hereinafterreferredtoasthecandidate)for election to fill a seat in the Council of States or in theHouse of the People or in theLegislative Assembly of a State (other than Jammu and Kashmir ) or in the LegislativeCouncilofaState(otherthanJammuandKashmir)havingaLegislativeCouncilshallmakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmationinformsetoutforthepurposeintheThirdScheduletothesaidConstitution.

2.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinparagraph1inpursuanceofclause(a)ofthesaidArticle84andclause(a)ofthesaidArticle173,theElectionCommissionherebyalsoauthorizesasthepersonbeforewhomthecandidatemaymakeandsubscribethesaidoraffirmation,(a)Wherethecandidateisconfinedinaprison,thesuperintendentoftheprison.

(b) Where the candidate is under preventive detention the commandant of thedetentioncamp.(c) Wherethecandidateisconfinedtobedinahospitalorelsewhereowingtoillnessorany other cause the medical superintendent in charge of the hospital or the medicalpractitionerattendingonhim.

(d) Where the candidate is out of India the diplomatic or consular representative ofIndiainthecountrywherethecandidatehappenstobeoranypersonauthorizedbysuchdiplomaticorconsularrepresentative.

(e) Where the candidate is for any other reasonunable to appear or prevented fromappearingbefore theReturningOfficer concerned oranyAssistantReturningOfficerasaforesaidanyotherpersonnominatedbytheElectionCommissiononapplicationmadetoitinthisbehalf.Explanation:-Inthisnotification

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(1)Theexpression“TheReturningOfficerconcerned”means-

(a) whereapersonhasbeennominatedasacandidateforelectiontofillaseatintheHouse of the People from a Parliamentary Constituency or a seat in the LegislativeAssemblyofaStatefromanAssemblyConstituencyoraseatintheLegislativeAssemblyofStatefromanAssemblyConstituency,oraseatintheLegislativeCouncilofaStatefromaCouncilConstituency,theReturningOfficerforthatconstituency;

(b) whereapersonhasbeennominatedasacandidateforelectiontofillaseatintheCouncil of States by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of a State theReturningOfficerforthatelection.

(c) where a person has nominated as a candidate for election to fill a seat in theLegislative Council of a State by the members of the Legislative Assembly of State theReturningOfficerforthatelection.(1-A) theexpression“districtjudge”and“judicialservice”shallhavethemeaningsrespectivelyassignedtotheminArticle236oftheConstitutionofIndia.

(2) the expressions “Parliamentary Constituency” “Assembly Constituency” “andCouncil Constituency” shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1950(43of1950).

ByorderSecretarytotheElectionCommissionofIndia

Notification2. ForLegislativeAssemblyofaUnionTerritory

Datedthe18thMarch1968NOTIFICATION

No.3/6/68(2). In pursuance of clause (a)of section 4 of the Government of UnionTerritoriesAct,1963(20of1963)andinsupersessionofitsnotificationNo.3/3/66,datedthe 2ndMay 1967, the Election Commission hereby authorizes (i) the Returning officerconcernedandall theAssistantReturningOfficerssubordinatetohim,(ii)allstipendiaryPresidencyMagistratesandallstipendiaryMagistratesofthefirstclass,and(iii)allDistrictJudges and all persons belonging to the judicial service of a State other than DistrictJudges, as the persons before any one of whom a person having been nominated as acandidate (hereinafter referred to as the candidate) for election to fill a seat in theLegislativeAssemblyofaUnionTerritoryshallmakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmationintheformsetforthepurposeintheFirstScheduletosaidact.2. Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinparagraph1inpursuanceofclause(a)ofthesaidsection4theElectioncommissionherebyalsoauthorizesasthepersonbeforewhomthecandidatemaymakeandsubscribethesaidoathoraffirmation.

(a) Wherethecandidateisconfinedinaprison,theSuperintendentoftheprison.

(b) Where the candidate is under preventive detention, the commandant of thedetentioncamp.

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(c) Wherethecandidateisconfinedtobedinahospitalorelsewhereowingtoillnessorany other cause the medical superintendent in charge of the hospital or the medicalpractitionerattendingonhim.

(d) WherethecandidateisoutofIndia,thediplomaticorconsularrepresentativeofIndiainthecountrywherethecandidatehappenstobeoranypersonauthorizedbysuchdiplomaticorconsularrepresentative.

(e) Where the candidate is for any reason unable to appear or prevented fromappearingbeforetheReturningOfficerconcernedoranyotherAssistantReturningOfficerasaforesaid,anyotherpersonnominatedbytheElectionCommissiononapplicationmadetoitinthisbehalf.Explanation-Inthisnotification-

(1)theexpression“theReturningOfficerconcerned”meansandReturningOfficerforthe Assembly Constituency fromwhich a person has been nominated as a candidate forelectiontofillaseatinLegislativeAssembly.

(1-A) the expressions “district judge” and “judicial service” shall have the meaningsrespectivelyassignedtothemin,Article236oftheConstitutionofIndiaand

(2) theexpression “AssemblyConstituency” shallhave themeaningassigned to it inclause(c)ofsubsection(1)ofsection2of theGovernmentofUnionTerritoryAct1963,(20of1963)

ByorderSecretarytotheElectionCommissionofIndia

Notification3:ForLegislativeAssemblyoftheNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhi

Datedthe18thMarch1968NOTIFICATION

No .3/6/68 (3) – In pursuance of clause (a) section 4* of the Govt. of National *CapitalTerritory of Delhi Act 1991 (1of 1992) and in supersession of its notification No.3/3/66(1), dated 2nd May, 1967 the Election Commission hereby authorizes (i) theReturningOfficer concerned and all theAssistantReturningOfficers subordinate to him,(ii)AllstipendiaryPresidencyMagistratesandallstipendiaryMagistratesoftheFirstclassand(iii)allDistrictJudgesandallpersonsbelongingtothejudicialserviceofaStateotherthan District Judges, as the persons before any one of whom a person having beennominatedasacandidate(hereinafterreferredtoasthecandidate)forelectiontofillaseatin the * Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi shall make andsubscribeanoathoraffirmationintheformsetoutforthepurposeintheScheduletothesaidAct.

2.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinparagraph1.inpursuanceofclause(a)ofthesaidsection4,theElectionCommissionherebyalsoauthorizesasthepersonbeforewhomthecandidatemaymakeandsubscribethesaidoathoraffirmation-

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(a) Wherethecandidateisconfinedinaprison,theSuperintendentoftheprison,

(b) Where the candidate is under preventive detention, the Commandant of thedetentioncamp,

(c) Wherethecandidateisconfinedtobedinahospitalorelsewhereowingtoillnessorany other cause the medical Superintendent in charge of the hospital or the medicalPractitionerattendingonhim,

(d) Where the candidate is out of India the diplomatic or consular representative ofIndiainthecountrywherethecandidatehappenstobeoranypersonauthorizedbysuchdiplomaticorconsularrepresentative,

(e) Where the candidate is for any other reason unable to appear of prevented fromappearing, before the Returning Officer concerned or any Assistant Returning Officer asaforesaid,anyotherpersonnominatedbytheElectionCommissiononapplicationmadetoitinthisbehalf.

Explanation–Inthisnotification–

(1) Theexpression “theReturningOfficerconcerned”means theReturningOfficer forthe Assembly Constituency fromwhich a person has been nominated as a candidate forelectiontofillaseatinthe*LegislativeAssemblyofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhi.

(1-A) the expression “district judge” and “judicial service” shall have the meaningrespectivelyassignedtotheminArticle236oftheConstitutionofIndia;and

(2) Theexpression“AssemblyConstituency”shallhavethemeaningassignedto it inclause(b)ofsection2oftheGovt.ofNationalCapitalTerritoryofDelhiAct.,1991.

ByorderSecretarytotheElectionCommissionofIndia

Notification4:ForLegislativeAssemblyorCounciloftheStateofJammuandKashmir

Datedthe18thMarch1968

NOTIFICATION

No.3/4/J&K/68- Inpursuanceofclause(a)section51oftheConstitutionof JammuandKashmirandinsupersessionofitsnotificationNo.3/4/J&K/65,datedthe14thMay,1965,theElectionCommissionherebyauthorizes-(i) The Returning Officer concerned and all the Assistant Returning Officerssubordinatetohim.(ii) All stipendiary PresidencyMagistrates and all stipendiaryMagistrates of the firstclass,and

(iii) all District Judges and all person belonging to the judicial service of the State ofJammuandKashmirotherthanDistrict Judges,asthepersonsbeforeanyoneofwhomapersonhavingbeennominatedasacandidate(hereinafterreferredtoasthecandidate)for

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electiontofillaseatintheLegislativeAssemblyorintheLegislativeCounciloftheStateofJammuandKashmir,shallmakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmationintheformsetupforthepurposeintheFifthscheduletothesaidconstitution.

2. Notwithstanding anything contained inparagraph1, inpursuanceof clause (a) ofthesaidsection51, theElectionCommissionherebyalsoauthorisesasthepersonbeforewhomthecandidatemaymakeandsubscribethesaidoathoraffirmation:-

(a)Wherethecandidateisconfinedinaprison,theSuperintendentoftheprison,(b) Where the candidate is under preventive detention, the Commandant of thedetentioncamp,

(c)Wherethecandidateisconfinedtobedinahospitalorelsewhereowingorillnessorany other cause, the medical Superintendent in charge of the hospital or the medicalpractitionerattendingonhim,(d) Where the candidate is outof India, thediplomaticor consular representativeofIndiainthecountrywherethecandidatehappenstobeoranypersonauthorizedbysuchdiplomaticorconsularrepresentative,(e) Where thecandidate is foranyother reasonunable toappearorprevented fromappearing,before theReturningOfficer concernedoranyAssistantReturningOfficersasaforesaid,anyotherpersonnominatedbytheElectionCommissiononapplicationmadetoitinthisbehalf.

Explanation–Inthisnotification–(1) Theexpression“theReturningOfficerconcernedmeans–

(a) WhereapersonhasbeennominatedasacandidateforelectiontofillaseatintheLegislative Assembly Constituency or in the Legislative Council from a CouncilConstituency,theReturningOfficerofthatconstituency,

(b) WhereapersonhasbeennominatedasacandidateforelectiontofillaseatintheLegislativeAssembly,theReturningOfficerforthatelection,

(1-A) the expression “district judge” and “judicial service” shall have the meaningsrespectivelyassignedtotheminSection112oftheConstitutionofJammuandKashmir.(2) Theexpression“AssemblyConstituency”and“CouncilConstituency”shallhavethemeaningsrespectivelyassignedtothemintheJammuandKashmirRepresentativeofthePeopleAct,1957.

ByorderSecretarytotheElectionCommissionofIndia

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APPENDIX6(CHAPTER3,PARA3.3.1)

FORM2A(Seerule4)

NOMINATIONPAPERElectiontotheHouseofthePeople

Recentstampsize(2cmX2.5cm)photographinwhite/offwhitebackgroundwithfullfaceviewtobe

attached.

STRIKEOFFPARTIORPARTIIBELOWWHICHEVERISNOTAPPLICABLEPARTI

(Tobeusedbycandidatesetupbyrecognisedpoliticalparty)

I nominate as a candidate for election to the House of the People fromthe.....................................................Parliamentaryconstituency.

Candidate's name............................................................. Father's/mother's/husband'sname...........................................His postal address .....................................................................His name isentered at S. No................in Part No........................ of the electoral rollfor....................................................................................*(Assembly constituency comprisedwithin).......................................................................ParliamentaryConstituency.

My name is............................................... and it is entered at S. No..............in PartNo...............of the electoral roll for .............................................................*(Assembly constituencycomprisedwithin)..................................................Parliamentaryconstituency.

Date...................……………………………………..

SignatureofProposer

PARTII

(TobeusedbycandidateNOTsetupbyrecognisedpoliticalparty)We hereby nominate as candidate for election to the House of the People from

the..................................................ParliamentaryConstituency.Candidate's name..............................................................Father's/mother's/husband's

name.............................................Hispostaladdress.............................................................................

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His name is entered at S. No....................in Part No............................of the electoral rollfor.............................................................................+(Assembly constituency comprisedwithin)....................................................................Parliamentaryconstituency.

Wedeclare thatweareelectorsof theaboveParliamentaryConstituencyandournames are entered in the electoral roll for that Parliamentary Constituency as indicatedbelowandweappendoursignaturesbelowintokenofsubscribingtothisnomination:-

Particularsoftheproposersandtheirsignatures

S.No. NameofcomponentAssembly

constituency

Electorrollno.ofProposer

FullName

Signature Date

PartNo.of

ElectoralRoll

S.No.inthatpart

1 2 3 4 5 6 71. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

N.B.–Thereshouldbetenelectorsoftheconstituencyasproposers.

PARTIIII, the candidate mentioned in Part I/Part II (Strike out which is not applicable)

assenttothisnominationandherebydeclarethat-(a) IamacitizenofIndiaandhavenotacquiredthecitizenshipofanyforeignStateorcountry.(b) Ihavecompleted...............................yearsofage;

[STRIKEOUTc(i)orc(ii)BELOWWHICHEVERISNOTAPPLICABLE](c)(i) that I am set up at this election by the............................................party, which is arecognisedNational Party/State Party in this State and that the symbol reserved for theabovepartybeallottedtome.

OR(c)(ii)I am setup at this electionby the ........................................party,which is a registered-unrecognised political party/that I am contesting this election as an independentcandidate.(Strikeoutwhichisnotapplicable)andthatthesymbolsIhavechosen,inorderofpreference,are:-(i)................................................(ii).................................................(iii).................................................

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(d) mynameandmyFather's/Mother's/Husband'snamehavebeencorrectlyspeltoutabovein................................................(nameofthelanguage);(e) tothebestofmyknowledgeandbelief,IamqualifiedandnotalsodisqualifiedforbeingchosentofilltheseatintheHouseofthePeople.

*I further declare that I am a member of the..............................................**Caste/tribewhich is a scheduled **caste/tribe of the State of........................................................in relationto......................................(area)inthatState.

IalsodeclarethatIhavenotbeen,andshallnotbenominatedasacandidateatthepresentgeneralelection/thebye-electionsbeingheldsimultaneously, totheHouseofthePeoplefrommorethantwoParliamentaryConstituencies.Date...................

SignatureofCandidate+Scoreoutthewords"assemblyconstituencycomprisedwithin"inthecaseofJammuandKashmir,AndamanandNicobarIslands,Chandigarh,DadraandNagarHaveli,DamanandDiuandLakshadweep.*Scoreoutthisparagraph,ifnotapplicable.**Scoreoutthewordsnotapplicable.N.B.—A "recognised political party" means a political party recognised by the ElectionCommissionunder theElectionSymbols (ReservationandAllotment)Order, 1968 in theStateconcerned.

PARTIIIA(Tobefilledbythecandidate)

Whetherthecandidate—(i) hasbeenconvicted—

(a)ofanyoffence(s)undersub-section(1);or(b)forcontraventionofanylawspecifiedinsub-section Yes/No(2),ofsection8oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951(43of1951);or

(ii) hasbeenconvictedforanyotheroffence(s)forwhich hehasbeensentencedtoimprisonmentfortwoyearsormore.

Iftheansweris“Yes”,thecandidateshallfurnishthefollowinginformation:(i) Case/firstinformationreportNo./Nos......................................(ii) Policestation(s)..................................District(s)..........................State(s)........................(iii) Section(s)oftheconcernedAct(s)andbriefdescriptionoftheoffence(s)forwhich

hehasbeenconvicted.........................................................................(iv) Date(s)ofconviction(s).....................(v) Court(s)whichconvictedthecandidate.....................................(vi) Punishment(s) imposed [indicate period of imprisonment(s) and/or quantum of

fine(s)]...................................(vii) Date(s)ofreleasefromprison..................................(viii) Was/were any appeal(s)/revision(s) filed against above conviction(s)......................

Yes/No(ix) Dateandparticularsofappeal(s)/application(s)forrevisionfiled..........................

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(x) Name of the court(s) before which the appeal(s)/application(s) for revisionfiled......................

(xi) Whetherthesaidappeal(s)/application(s)forrevisionhas/havebeendisposedoforis/arepending.....................................

(xii) Ifthesaidappeal(s)/application(s)forrevisionhas/havebeendisposedof—(a)Date(s)ofdisposal...............................................(b)Natureoforder(s)passed................................

(2) WhetherthecandidateisholdinganyofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaorStateGovernment?.........(Yes/No)-IfYes,detailsoftheofficeheld..............................................

(3) WhetherthecandidatehasbeendeclaredinsolventbyanyCourt?..........(Yes/No)-IfYes,hashebeendischargedfrominsolvency.............

(4) Whether the candidate is under allegiance or adherence to any foreigncountry?.........(Yes/No)-IfYes,givedetails........................................

(5) Whetherthecandidatehasbeendisqualifiedundersection8AofthesaidActbyanorderofthePresident?..................(Yes/No)-IfYes,theperiodforwhichdisqualified....................................

(6) WhetherthecandidatewasdismissedforcorruptionorfordisloyaltywhileholdingofficeundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyState?.........(Yes/No)-IfYes,thedateofsuchdismissal...................

(7) Whetherthecandidatehasanysubsistingcontract(s)withtheGovernmenteitherinindividualcapacityorbytrustorpartnershipinwhichthecandidatehasashareforsupplyof anygoods to thatGovernmentor forexecutionofworksundertakenbythatGovernment?..............(Yes/No)-If Yes, with which Government and details of subsistingcontract(s).......................................................................................................................................

(8) Whether the candidate is a managing agent, or manager or Secretary of anycompanyorCorporation(other thanacooperativesociety) in thecapitalofwhichtheCentralGovernmentorStateGovernmenthasnotlessthantwenty-fivepercentshare?............(Yes/no)-IfYes,withwhichGovernmentandthedetailsthereof............................................................

(9) WhetherthecandidatehasbeendisqualifiedbytheCommissionundersection10AofthesaidAct.................(Yes/No)-Ifyes,thedateofdisqualification...........................

Place........................Date...........................

SignatureofCandidatePARTIV

(TobefilledbytheReturningOfficer)SerialNo.ofnominationpaper....................................This nomination was delivered to me at my office at................(hour)

on.......................(date) by the *candidate/proposer. (name ofproposer................................................)Date...................

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ReturningOfficerPARTV

DecisionofReturningOfficerAcceptingorRejectingtheNominationPaperI have examined this nomination paper in accordance with section 36 of the

Representation of the People Act, 1951(43 of 1951) and decide as follows:—...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Date................

ReturningOfficer.........................................(Perforation).................................

PARTVIReceiptforNominationPaperandNoticeofScrutiny

(TobehandedovertothepersonpresentingtheNominationPaper)SerialNo.ofnominationpaper.......................The nomination paper of........................................a candidate for election from

the................................................ Parliamentary constituency was delivered to me at my officeat...............(hour) on.........................(date) by the *candidate/proposer. All nomination paperswill be taken up for scrutiny at..........................(hour) on...............(date)at....................................................(Place).Date....................

ReturningOfficer*Scoreoutthewordnotapplicable.

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APPENDIX7(CHAPTER3,PARA3.3.1)

FORM2B(Seerule4)

NOMINATIONPAPERElectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyof…………………………………………………(State)

Recentstampsize(2cmX2.5cm)photographinwhite/offwhitebackgroundwithfullfaceview

STRIKEOFFPARTIORPARTIIBELOWWHICHEVERISNOTAPPLICABLE

PARTI(Tobeusedbycandidatesetupbyrecognisedpoliticalparty)

InominateasacandidateforelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyfromthe.............................................................Assemblyconstituency.

Candidate's name............................................................. Father's/Mother's/Husband'sname........................................................Hispostaladdress ..............................................................Hisnameis entered at Sl. No. ....................in Part No. ...................... of the electoral rollfor...................................................Assemblyconstituency.

My name is............................................................. and it is entered at Sl. No..............in PartNo...............oftheelectoralrollfor.......................................................Assemblyconstituency.Date...................

SignatureoftheProposerPARTII

(TobeusedbycandidateNOTsetupbyrecognisedpoliticalparty)We hereby nominate as candidate for election to the Legislative Assembly from

the..................................................AssemblyConstituency.Candidate's name..............................................................Father's/Mother's/Husband's

name......................................................His postal address............................................................His name isentered at Sl. No. ....................in Part No. ............................of the electoral rollfor.................................................Assemblyconstituency.

WedeclarethatweareelectorsoftheaboveAssemblyConstituencyandournames

areenteredintheelectoralrollforthatAssemblyConstituencyasindicatedbelowandweappendoursignaturesbelowintokenofsubscribingtothisnomination:-

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Particularsoftheproposersandtheirsignatures

S.No. ElectorRollno.ofProposer FullName Signature DatePartNo.ofElectoralRoll

S.No.inthatpart

1 2 3 4 5 61. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

N.B.–Thereshouldbetenelectorsoftheconstituencyasproposers.

PARTIIII, the candidate mentioned in Part I/Part II (Strike out which is not applicable)

assenttothisnominationandherebydeclare—(a) that I am a citizen of India and have not acquired the citizenship of any foreignState/country.(b) thatIhavecompleted...............................yearsofage;

[STRIKEOUTc(i)orc(ii)BELOWWHICHEVERISNOTAPPLICABLE](c)(i) that I am set up at this election by the............................................party, which is arecognisedNational Party/State Party in this State and that the symbol reserved for theabovepartybeallottedtome.

OR(c)(ii)thatIamsetupatthiselectionbythe........................................party,whichisaregisteredunrecognised political party/that I am contesting this election as an independentcandidate.(Strikeoutwhichisnotapplicable)andthatthesymbolsIhavechosen,inorderofpreference,are:—(i)........................................(ii)..............................................(iii)..........................................................(d) thatmynameandmyFather's/Mother's/Husband'snamehavebeencorrectlyspelt

outabovein..............................(nameofthelanguage);and(e) thattothebestofmyknowledgeandbelief,Iamqualifiedandnotalsodisqualified

forbeingchosentofilltheseatintheLegislativeAssemblyofthisState.*I further declare that I am a member of the..............................................**Caste/tribe

which is a scheduled **caste/tribe of the State of........................................................in relationto......................................(area)inthatState.

IalsodeclarethatIhavenotbeen,andshallnotbenominatedasacandidateatthepresent general election/the bye-elections being held simultaneously, to the LegislativeAssembly…………………...of(State)frommorethantwoAssemblyConstituencies.Date...................

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SignatureofCandidate*Scoreoutthisparagraph,ifnotapplicable.**Scoreoutthewordsnotapplicable.N.B.—A "recognised political party" means a political party recognised by the ElectionCommissionunder theElectionSymbols (ReservationandAllotment)Order, 1968 in theStateconcerned.

PARTIIIA(Tobefilledbythecandidate)

Whetherthecandidate(i) hasbeenconvicted

(a) ofanyoffence(s)undersub-section(1);or(b) forcontraventionofanylawspecifiedinsub-section(2),Yes/Noofsection8oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951(43of1951);or

(ii) hasbeenconvictedforanyotheroffence(s)forwhichhehasbeensentencedtoimprisonmentfortwoyearsormore.

Iftheansweris“Yes”,thecandidateshallfurnishthefollowinginformation:(i) Case/firstinformationreportNo./Nos.....................................(ii) Policestation(s)....................................District(s)............................State(s).......................(iii) Section(s)oftheconcernedAct(s)andbriefdescriptionoftheoffence(s)forwhich

hehasbeenconvicted...........................................................................................(iv) Date(s)ofconviction(s)....................................(v) Court(s)whichconvictedthecandidate.....................................(vi) Punishment(s) imposed [indicate period of imprisonment(s) and/or quantum of

fine(s)]...................................(vii) Date(s)ofreleasefromprison..................................(viii) Was/wereanyappeal(s)/revision(s)filedagainstaboveconviction(s)..............

Yes/No(ix) Date and particulars of appeal(s)/application(s) for revision

filed....................................................................................(x) Name of the court(s) before which the appeal(s)/application(s) for revision

filed...................................................................(xi) Whetherthesaidappeal(s)/application(s)forrevisionhas/havebeendisposedofor

is/arepending................................(xii) Ifthesaidappeal(s)/application(s)forrevisionhas/havebeendisposedof—

(a)Date(s)ofdisposal............................(b)Natureoforder(s)passed................................

(2) WhetherthecandidateisholdinganyofficeofprofitundertheGovernmentofIndiaorStateGovernment?...............................(Yes/No)-IfYes,detailsoftheofficeheld..............................................

(3) WhetherthecandidatehasbeendeclaredinsolventbyanyCourt?..........(Yes/No)-IfYes,hashebeendischargedfrominsolvency.............

(4) Whether the candidate is under allegiance or adherence to any foreigncountry?.........(Yes/No)

319

-IfYes,givedetails........................................(5) Whetherthecandidatehasbeendisqualifiedundersection8AofthesaidActbyan

orderofthePresident?..................(Yes/No)-IfYes,theperiodforwhichdisqualified....................................

(6) WhetherthecandidatewasdismissedforcorruptionorfordisloyaltywhileholdingofficeundertheGovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofanyState?.........(Yes/No)-IfYes,thedateofsuchdismissal...................

(7) Whetherthecandidatehasanysubsistingcontract(s)withtheGovernmenteitherinindividualcapacityorbytrustorpartnershipinwhichthecandidatehasashareforsupplyof anygoods to thatGovernmentor forexecutionofworksundertakenbythatGovernment?..............(Yes/No)-If Yes, with which Government and details of subsisting

contract(s).......................................................................................................................................(8) Whether the candidate is a managing agent, or manager or Secretary of any

companyorCorporation(other thanacooperativesociety) in thecapitalofwhichtheCentralGovernmentorStateGovernmenthasnotlessthantwenty-fivepercentshare?............(Yes/no)-IfYes,withwhichGovernmentandthedetailsthereof............................................................

(9) WhetherthecandidatehasbeendisqualifiedbytheCommissionundersection10AofthesaidAct.................(Yes/No)-Ifyes,thedateofdisqualification...........................

Place..............Date...............

SignatureofCandidatePARTIV

(TobefilledbytheReturningOfficer)SerialNo.ofnominationpaper....................................This nomination was delivered to me at my office at................(hour)

on............................(date) by the *candidate/proposer. (Name ofproposer..........................................)Date...................

ReturningOfficer*Strikeoutthewordnotapplicable.

PARTVDecisionofReturningOfficerAcceptingorRejectingtheNominationPaper

I have examined this nomination paper in accordance with section 36 of theRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951(43of1951)anddecideasfollows:—.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Date................

ReturningOfficer.........................................(Perforation).................................

PARTVIReceiptforNominationPaperandNoticeofScrutiny

(TobehandedovertothepersonpresentingtheNominationPaper)

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SerialNo.ofnominationpaper.......................The nomination paper of........................................a candidate for election from

the................................................ Assembly constituency was delivered to me at my officeat...............(hour) on.........................(date) by the *candidate/proposer. All nomination paperswill be taken up for scrutiny at..........................(hour) on...............(date)at....................................................(Place).Date....................

ReturningOfficer*Scoreoutthewordnotapplicable.

321

APPENDIX8(CHAPTER3,PARA3.8.1)

FORM26(Seerule4A)

Pleaseaffixyourrecentpassportsizephotograph

here

AFFIDAVIT TO BE FILED BY THE CANDIDATE ALONGWITH NOMINATION PAPERBEFORETHERETURNINGOFFICERFOEELECTIONTO………………………………….(NAMEOFTHEHOUSE)FROM…………………………………………...CONSTITUENCY(NAMEOFTHECONSTITUENCY)

PART-A

I…………………………………………………………………………………………**son/daughter/wife of…………………………………………………………………………Aged…………………..years, residentof………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………… (mention full postal address), a candidate at the above election, dohereby solemnlyaffirmandstateonoathasunder:-

(1) I amacandidatesetupby……………………………………………………………………... (**nameofthepoliticalparty)/**amcontestingasanIndependentcandidate.(**strikeoutwhicheverisnotapplicable)

(2)Myname isenrolled in…………………………………………… (Nameof theconstituencyandtheState),atSerialNo…………...inPartNo.................

(3)Mycontact telephonenumber(s) is/are………………………………………………………..andmyemail id (if any) is ……………………………………………………………………………….… and my socialmediaaccount(s)(ifany)is/are(i)…………………………………………………………….(ii)……………………………………………………………(iii)……………………………………………………………(4)DetailsofPermanentAccountNumber(PAN)*andstatusoffilingofIncomeTaxreturn:

322

Sl.No. Names PAN The financialyear forwhich thelast Income-tax returnhas beenfiled

TotalincomeshowninIncome-Taxreturn(inRupees)forthelastfive

FinancialYearscompleted(ason31st

March)

1. Self (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

2. Spouse (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

3. HUF (If CandidateisKarta/Coparcener)

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

3. Dependent-1 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

4. Dependent-2 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

5. Dependent-3…… (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

Note: It ismandatory forPANholdertomentionPANand incaseofnoPANitshouldbeclearlystated“NoPANallotted”.

(5) Pendingcriminalcases

323

(i) Ideclarethatthereisnopendingcriminalcaseagainstme.(TickthisalternativeifthereisnocriminalcasependingagainsttheCandidateandwriteNOTAPPLICABLEagainstalternative(ii)below)

OR (ii) Thefollowingcriminalcasesarependingagainstme:

(If there are pending criminal cases against the candidate, the tick thisalternativeandscoreoffalternative (i)above,andgivedetailsofallpendingcasesintheTableBelow)

Table

(a) FIRNo.withnameandaddressofPoliceStationconcerned

(b) CaseNo.withNameoftheCourt

(c) Section(s)ofconcernedActs/Codesinvolved(giveno.oftheSection,e.g.Section……ofIPC,etc.)

(d) Briefdescriptionofoffence

324

(e) Whetherchargeshavebeenframed(mentionYESorNO)

(f) Ifansweragainst(e)aboveisYES,thengivethedateonwhichchargeswereframed

(g) WhetheranyAppeal/Applicationforrevisionhasbeenfiledagainsttheproceedings(MentionYESorNO)

(6) Casesofconviction

(i) IdeclarethatIhavenotbeenconvictedoranycriminaloffence.(Tick this alternative, if the candidate has not been convicted and write NOTAPPLICABLEagainstalternative(ii)below)

OR(ii) Ihavebeenconvictedfortheoffencesmentionedbelow:

(ifthecandidatehasbeenconvicted,thentickthisalternativeandscoreoffalternative(i)above,andgivedetailsintheTablebelow)

Table

(a) CaseNo.

(b) NameoftheCourt

325

(c) Section(s)ofActs/Codesinvolved(giveno.oftheSection,e.g.Section……ofIPC,etc.)

(d) Briefdescriptionofoffenceforwhichconvicted

(e) Datesofordersofconviction

(f) Punishmentimposed

(g) WhetheranyAppealhasbeenfiledagainstconvictionorder(MentionYESorNO)

(h) Ifanswerto(g)aboveisYES,givedetailsandpresentstatusofappeal

(6A) Ihavegivenfullandup-do-dateinformationtomypoliticalpartyaboutallpendingcriminalcasesagainstmeandaboutallcasesofconvictionasgiven inparagraphs(5)and(6).

[candidates to whom this Item is not applicable should clearly writeNOTAPPLICATIONINVIEWOFENTRIESIN5(i)and6(i),above]

Note: 1.DetailsshouldbeenteredclearlyandlegiblyinBOLDletters. 2.Details tobegiven separately for each caseunderdifferent columnsagainst each

item.

326

3. Details should be given in reverse chronological order, i.e., the latest case to bementionedfirstandbackwardsintheorderofdatesfortheothercases.4.Additionalsheetmaybeaddedifrequired.5. Candidate is responsible for supplying all information in compliance of Hon’bleSupremeCourt’sjudgmentinW.P.(C)No.536of2011.

(7) That I give herein below the details of the assets (movable and immovable etc.) ofmyself,myspouseandalldependents:

A.Detailsofmovableassets:

Note: 1.Assetsinjointnameindicatingtheextentofjointownershipwillalsohavetobegiven.Note: 2.Incaseofdeposit/Investment,thedetailsincludingSerialNumber,Amount,dateofdeposit,thescheme,NameoftheBank/InstitutionandBrancharetobegivenNote:3.ValueofBonds/ShareDebenturesaspercurrentmarketvalueinStockexchangeinrespect of listed companies and as per books in case of non-listed companies should begiven.Note:4.‘Dependent’meansparents,son(s),daughter(s)ofthecandidateorspouseandanyotherpersonrelatedtobecandidatewhetherbybloodormarriage,whohavenoseparatemeansofincomeandwhoaredependentonthecandidatefortheirlivelihood.Note:5.Detailsincludingamountistobegivenseparatelyinrespectofeachinvestment.Note:6.Detailsshouldincludetheinterestinorownershipofoffshoreassets.Explanation - For the purpose of this Form, the expression “offshore assets” includes,detailsof alldepositsor investments inForeignbanksandanyotherbodyor institutionabroad,anddetailsofallassetsandliabilitiesinforeigncountries.Sl.No.

Description Self Spouse HUF Dependent-1

Dependent-2

Dependent-3

(i) Cashinhand (ii) Details of deposit in

Bank accounts (FDRs,Term Deposits and allother types of depositsincluding savingaccounts),DepositswithFinancial Institutions,Non-banking FinancialCompanies andCooperative societiesand the amount in eachsuchdeposit

(iii) Details of investment inBonds, debentures/sharesandunitsincompanies/Mutualfundsandothersandthe

327

amount.(iv) Detailsofinvestment

in NSS, Postal Saving,Insurance policies andinvestment in anyFinancial instrumentsin Post office orInsuranceCompanyandtheamount

(v) Personalloans/advance given to anyperson or entityincluding firm,company,Trustetc.andother receivables fromdebtorsandtheamount

(vi) MotorVehicles/Aircrafts/Yachts/Ships(Details of Make.registrationnumberetc. year of purchaseandamount)

(vii) Jewellery,bullionandvaluable thing(s) (givedetails of weight andvalue)

(viii) Anyotherassetssuchasvalueofclaims/interest

(ix) GrossTotalValue

B.DetailsofImmovableAssets:Note: 1. Properties in joint ownership indicating the extent of joint ownershipwill alsohavetobeindicated.Note:2.Eachlandorbuildingorapartmentshouldbementionedseparatelyinthisformat.Note:3.Detailsshouldincludetheinterestinorownershipofoffshoreassets.S.No.

Description Self Spouse HUF Dependent-1 Dependent-2 Dependent-3

(i) AgriculturalLandLocation(s)Surveynumber(s)

Area(totalmeasurement inacres)

Whetherinheritedproperty(YesorNo)

328

Date of purchaseincase of self-acquiredproperty

Cost of Land (incaseofpurchase)at the time ofpurchase

Any investmentonthe land by wayof development,constructionetc.

Approximatecurrent marketvalue

(ii) Non-AgriculturalLand:Location(s)Surveynumber(s)

Area(totalmeasurement insq.ft.)

Whetherinheritedproperty (Yes orNo)

Date of purchaseincase of self-acquiredproperty

Cost of Land (incaseof purchase) atthe time ofpurchase

Any investmentonthe land by wayof development,constructionetc.

Approximatecurrentmarketvalue

(iii) CommercialBuildings(includingapartments)-Location(s)-Surveynumber(s)

329

Area(totalMeasurement insq.ft.)

Built-up Area(totalmeasurement insq.ft.)

Whetherinheritedproperty (Yes orNo)

Date of purchasemcase of self-acquiredproperty

Cost of property(incaseofpurchase)at the time ofpurchase

Any investmentonthe land by wayof development,constructionetc.

Approximatecurrentmarketvalue

(iv) ResidentialBuildings(includingapartments)-Location(s)-Surveynumber(s)

Area(totalMeasurement insq.ft.)

Built-up Area(totalmeasurement insq.ft.)

Whetherinheritedproperty (Yes orNo)

Date of purchasemcase of self-acquiredproperty

Cost of property

330

(incaseofpurchase)at the time ofpurchaseAny investmentonthe land by wayof development,constructionetc.

Approximatecurrentmarketvalue

(v) Others(suchasinterest inproperty)

(vi) Totalofcurrentmarket value of(i)to(v)above

(8) I give herein below the details of liabilities/dues to public financial institutions andgovernment:-

(Note: please give separate details of name of bank, institution, entity or individual andamountbeforeeachitem)

S.No.

Description Self Spouse HUF Dependent-1 Dependent-2 Dependent-3

(i) LoanorduestoBank/financialinstitution(s)Name of the Bankorfinancialinstitution, Amountoutstanding,NatureofLoan

LoanorduestoanyOtherindividuals/entityother thanmentionedaboveName(s), Amountoutstanding, natureofloan

Anyotherliability Grandtotalofliabilities

331

(ii) Governmentdues:Dues todepartmentsdealing withgovernmentaccommodation

(A) Has the Deponent been in occupation ofaccommodation provided by the Government at anytime during the last ten years before the date ofnotificationofthecurrentelection?(B) If answer to (A) above is YES, the followingdeclarationmaybefurnishednamely:-(i)TheaddressoftheGovernmentaccommodation:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(ii) There is no dues payable in respect of aboveGovernmentaccommodation,towards-(a)rent;(b)electricitycharges;(c)watercharges;and(d)telephonechargesason______________________(date)[the date should be the last date of the thirdmonthpriortothemonthinwhichtheelectionisnotifiedoranydatethereafter].Note -- ‘No Dues Certificate’ from the agenciesconcerned in respect of rent, electricity charges,water charges and telephone charges for the aboveGovernmentaccommodationshouldbesubmitted.

YES/NO(Pl. tick theappropriatealternative)

(iii) Duestodepartmentdealing withgovernmenttransport(including aircraftsandhelicopters)

Self Spouse HUF Dependent-1 Dependent-2 Dependent-3

(iv) Incometaxdues (v) GSTDues (vi) Municipal/Property

taxdues

(vii) Anyotherdues (viii) Grandtotalofall

Governmentdues

(ix) Whetheranyotherliabilities are indispute, if so,mention theamount involvedand the authoritybefore which it ispending.

(9)Detailsofprofessionoroccupation:

332

(a)Self………………………………………………………

(b)Spouse……………………………………………………....(9A)Detailsofsource(s)ofincome:

(a) Self…………………………………… (b) Spouse………………………………

(c) Sourcesofincome,ifany,ofdependents,…………………………………….

(9B) Contracts with appropriate Government and any public company orcompanies

(a) detailsofcontractsenteredbythecandidate………………………….

(b) detailsofcontractsenteredintobyspouse…………………………. (c) detailsofcontractsenteredintobydependents……………………….

(d) detailsofcontractsenteredintobyHinduUndividedFamilyortrustinwhichthecandidateorspouseordependentshaveinterest………………………….

(e) details of contracts, entered into by Partnership Firms in whichcandidateorspouseordependentsarepartners…………………….

(f) details of contracts entered into by private companies in whichcandidateorspouseordependentshaveshare……………………….(10)Myeducationalqualificationisasunder:-

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

(Give details of highest School/University education mentioning the full form of thecertificate/diploma/degreecourse,nameoftheSchool/College/Universityandtheyearinwhichthecoursewascompleted.)

333

PART-B

(11) ABSTRACTOFTHEDETAILSGIVENIN(1)TO(10)OFPART-A:

1. NameoftheCandidates Sh./Smt./Kum.2. Fullpostaladdress

3. NumberandnameoftheconstituencyandState

4. Nameofthepoliticalpartywhichsetupthecandidate(otherwisewrite‘Independent’)

5. Totalnumberofpendingcriminalcases

6. Totalnumberofcasesinwhichconvicted

7. PANof YearforwhichlastincomeTaxreturnfiled

Totalincomeshown

(a)Candidate (b)Spouse (c)HUF

(d)Dependents 8. DetailsofAssetsandLiabilities(includingoffshoreassets)inRupees Description Self Spouse HUF Dependent-

IDependent-II

Dependent-III

A. MoveableAssets(Totalvalue)

B. ImmovableAssets

I. PurchasePriceofself-acquiredimmovableproperty

II. Development/constructioncostofimmovablepropertyafterpurchase(ifapplicable)

III. ApproximateCurrentmarketprice-a)self-acquiredassets(TotalValue)(b)inheritedassets(TotalValue)

9. Liabilities

334

(i) Governmentdues(Total)

(ii) LoansfromBank,FinancialInstitutionsandothers(Total)

10. Liabilitiesthatareunderdispute (i) Government

dues(Total)

(ii) LoansfromBank,FinancialInstitutionsandothers(Total)

11. Highesteducationalqualification:(GivedetailsofhighestSchool/Universityeducationmentioningthefullformofthecertificate/diploma/degreecourse,nameoftheSchool/College/Universityandtheyearinwhichthecoursewascompleted.)

VERIFICATION

I, the deponent, above named, do hereby verify and declare that the contents of thisaffidavit are trueandcorrect to thebestofmyknowledgeandbelief andnopartof it isfalseandnothingmaterialhasbeenconcealedtherefrom.Ifurtherdeclarethat:-

(a)thereisnocaseofconvictionorpendingcaseagainstmeotherthanthosementionedinitems5and6ofPartAandBabove;

(b) I,my spouse, ormy dependents do not have any asset or liability, other than thosementionedinitems7and8ofPartAanditems8,9and10ofPartBabove.

Verifiedat………………………………thisthe………………dayof………………………….

DEPONENT

Note:1.Affidavitshouldbefiledlatestby3.00PMonthelastdayoffilingnominations.Note:2.AffidavitshouldbeswornbeforeanOathCommissionerorMagistrateoftheFirstClassorbeforeaNotaryPublic.Note: 3. All column should be filled up and no column to be left blank. If there is noinformationto furnish inrespectofany item,either"Nil"or"Notapplicable",as thecasemaybe,shouldbementioned.Note:4.TheAffidavitshouldbeeithertypedorwrittenlegiblyandneatly.Note: 5. Each page of the Affidavit should be signed by the deponent and the Affidavitshould bear on each page the stamp of the Notary or Oath Commissioner orMagistratebeforewhomtheAffidavitissworn.

335

APPENDIX9(Chapter5,Para5.7.5)

STATESANDLANGUAGESINAC

As per direction No. 3/4/2018/SDR dated 31st October 2018 and direction No.3/4/2008/JS.II, dated16thSeptember,2008andinpursuanceofsub-rules(1)and(3)ofRule10oftheConductofElectionsRules1961,theElectionCommissiondirectedthatthelistofcontestingcandidatesinForm7A,atanelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyoftheState/UTmentionedincolumn(1)oftheTablebelow,fromtheAssemblyConstituenciesmentionedundercolumn(2)of theTableshallbeprepared inthe languageor languagesspecifiedagainstthatconstituencyincolumn(3)ofthesaidtable,andthatwherethelistisprepared in more than one language, the name of candidates shall be arrangedalphabeticallyaccordingtothescriptofthelanguagefirstspecifiedincolumn(3):-

Whenanysuch list is forwardedto theElectionCommission, itshall, ifnot inEnglish,beaccompaniedbyatranslationinEnglish.

S.No.

State/UnionTerritory No. and Name ofAssembly

State/UnionTerritory

1 2 31 AndhraPradesh All Assembly

ConstituenciesTelugu

2 ArunachalPradesh All Assembly

ConstituenciesEnglish

3 Assam 1-Ratabari(SC) Bengali

2-Patharkandi3-KarimganjNorth4-KarimganjSouth5-Badarpur6-Hailakandi7-Katlichera8-Algapur9-Silchar10-Sonai11-Dholai(SC)12-Udharbond13-Lakhipur14-Barkhola

336

15-Katigora16-Haflong(ST) EnglishAll other assemblyconstituencies

Assamese

4 Bihar All assembly

constituenciesHindi

5 Chhattisgarh All assembly

constituenciesHindi

6 Goa All assembly

constituenciesEnglish andKonkani/Marathi inDevanagariscript

7 Gujarat All assembly

constituenciesGujarati

8 Haryana All assembly

constituenciesHindi

9 HimachalPradesh All assembly

constituenciesHindi

10 Jharkhand All assembly

constituenciesHindi

11 Karnataka 1-Nippani Kannada and

Marathi2-Chikkodi-Sadalga11-BelgaumUttar12-BelgaumDakshin13-BelgaumRural14-Khanapur47-Basavakalyan51-Bhalki52-Aurad(SC)76-Karwar44-GulbargaDakshin KannadaandUrdu45-GulbargaUttar146- Kolar Gold Fields(SC)

Kannada andEnglish

154-Rajarajeshwarinagar156- Mahalakshmi

337

Layout157-Malleshwaram159-Pulakeshinagar(SC)160-Sarvagnanagar161- C. V. RamanNagar(SC)162-Shivajinagar163-ShantiNagar164-GandhiNagar165-RajajiNagar166-GovindarajNagar167-VijayNagar168-Chamrajpet169-Chickpet170-Basavanagudi173-JayanagarAll other assemblylanguages

Kannada

12 Kerala 1-Manjeswar Malayalam and

Kannada2-Kasaragod88-Devikulam(SC) Malayalam and

TamilAll other assemblyconstituencies

Malayalam

13 MadhyaPradesh 150-BhopalUttar HindiandUrdu

151-Narela152-Bhopal Dakshin-Paschim153-BhopalMadhya180-BurhanpurAll other assemblyconstituencies

Hindi

14 Maharashtra 52-NagpurSouthWest MarathiandEnglish

53-NagpurSouth54-NagpurEast,55-NagpurCentral56-NagpurWest57-NagpurNorth(SC)146-OvalaMajiwada147-KopriPachpakhadi

338

148-Thane149-MumbraKalwa150-Airoli151-Belapur152-Borivali153-Dahisar154-Magathane155-Mulund156-Vikhroli157-BhandupWest158-JogeshwariEast159-Dindoshi160-KandivaliEast161-Charkip162-MaladWest163-Goregaon164-Versova,165-AndheriWest166-AndheriEast167-VileParle168-Chandvali169-GhatkoparWest170-GhatkoparEast171-Nankhurd ShivajiNagar172-AnushaktiNagar173-Chembur176-VandreEast177-VandreWest178-Dharavi(SC)179-SionKoliwada180-Wadala182-Worli183-Shivadi185-MalabarHill187-Colaba205-Chinchwad206-Pimpri(SC)207-Bhosari208-VadgaonSheri209-Shivajinagar210-Kothrud211-Khadakwasala212-Parvati

339

213-Hadapsar214-Pune Cantonment(SC)215-KasbaPeth86-NandedNorth MarathiandUrdu87-NaddedSouth106-Phulambri107-AurangabadCentral108-Aurangabad West(SC)109-AurangabadEast114-MalegaonCentral115-MalegaonOuter136-BhiwandiWest137-BhiwandiEast174-Krula(SC) Marathi,Englishand

Urdu175-Kalina181-Mahim184-Byculla186-Mumbadevi250-Akkalkot Marathi and

Kannada251-SolapurSouth271-Chandgad280-Shirol288-JatAll other assemblyconstituencies

Marathi

15 Manipur 41-Chandel(ST) English

42-Tengnoupal(ST)43-Phunyar(ST)44-Ukhrul(ST)45-Chingai(ST)46-Saikul(ST)47-Karong(ST)48-Mao(ST)49-Tadubi(ST)50-Kanpokpi51-Saitu52-Tamei(ST)53-Temenglong(ST)54-Nungba(ST)55-Tipaimukh(ST)

340

56-Thanlon(ST)57-Henglep(ST)58-Churachandpur(ST)59-Saikot(ST)60-Singhat(ST)All other assemblyconstituencies

Manipuri

16 Meghalaya All assembly

constituenciesEnglish

17 Mizoram All assembly

constituenciesEnglish

18 Nagaland All assembly

constituenciesEnglish

19 Orissa 127-Chhatrapur(SC) OriyaandTelugu

133-Berhampur137-Paralakhemundi138-Gunupur(ST)140-Rayagada(ST)All other assemblyconstituencies

Oriya

20 Punjab All assembly

constituenciesPunjabi

21 Rajasthan All assembly

constituenciesHindi

22 Sikkim All assembly

constituenciesEnglish

23 TamilNadu 3-Tiruttani TamilandTelugu

11-Dr. RadhakrishnanNagar

TamilandEnglish

12-Perambur13-Kolathur14-Villivakkam15-Thiru-Vi-ka-Nagar(SC)16-Egmore(SC)17-Royapuram

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18-Harbour19-ChepaukThiruvallikeni20-ThousandLights21-AnnaNagar22-Virugampakkam23-Saidapet24-Thiyagarayanagar25-Mylapore26-Velachery54-Veppanahalli Tamil, Telugu and

Kannada55-Hosur56-Thalli109-Gudalur(SC) Tamil and

Malayalam232-Padmanabhapuram233-Vilavancode234-KilliyoorAll other assemblyconstituencies

Tamil

24 Telangana 8-Boath(ST) TeluguandMarathi

10-Mudhole13-Jukkal(SC)17-Nizamabad(urban) TeluguandUrdu57-Musheerabad Telugu, English and

Urdu58-Malakpet59-Amberpet60-Khairatabad61-JubileeHills62-Sanathnagar63-Nampally64-Karwan65-Goshamahal66-Charminar67-Chandrayangutta68-Yakutpura69-Bahadurpura70-Secunderabad71-Secunderabad Cantt.(SC)All other assemblyconstituencies

Telugu

25 Tripura All assembly Bengali

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constituencies 26 UttarPradesh 3-SaharanpurNagar HindiandUrdu

4-Saharanpur7-Gangoh8-Kairana14-MuzaffarNagar17-Najibabad18-Nagina(SC)19-Barhapur20-Dhampur21-Nehtaur(SC)22-Bijnor23-Chandpur24-Noorpur26-Thakurdwara27-MoradabadRural28-MoradabadNagar29-Kundarki30-Bilari31-Chandausi(SC)32-Asmoli33-Sambhal34-Suar35-Chamraua37-Rampur40-NaugawanSadat41-Amroha47-MeerutCantt.48-Meerut49-MeerutSouth60-Garhmukteshwar75-Koil76-Aligarh97-Firozabad115-Badaun124-Bareilly125-BareillyCantt127-Pilibhit135-Shahjahanpur171-LucknowWest174-LucknowCentral213-Sishamau214-AryaNagar

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278-Tanda286-Bahraich313-Khalilabad356-MauAll other assemblyconstituencies

Hindi

27 Uttarakhand All assembly

constituenciesHindi

28 WestBengal 22-Kalimpong BengaliandNepali

23-Darjeeling24-Kurseong25-Matigara Naxalbari(SC)26-Siliguri27-Phansidewa(ST)29-Islampur BengaliandHindi30-Goalpokhar31-Chakulia115-RajarhatNewTown English116-Bidhannagar149-Kasba153-BehalaPurba154-BehalaPaschim157-Metiaburaz158-KolkataPort159-Bhabanipur160-Rashbehari161-Ballygunge162-Chowrangee163-Entally164-Beleghata165-Jorasanko166-Shyampukur167-Maniktala168-KashipurBelgachhia224-KharagpurSadar BengaliandEnglishAll other assemblyconstituencies

Bengali

29 NCTofDelhi 20-ChandniChowk Hindi, Urdu and

English21-MatiaMahal

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22-Ballimaran54-Okhla63-Seemapuri(SC)65-Seelampur69-MustafabadAll other assemblyconstituencies

HindiandEnglish

30 Puducherry 29-Mahe Malayalam

30-Yanam TeluguAll other assemblyconstituencies

Tamil

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APPENDIX9A(Chapter5,Para5.7.5)

STATESANDLANGUAGESINPC

As per direction No. 3/4/2018/SDR dated 31st October 2018 and direction No.3/4/2008/JS.II, dated 06th February, 2009, and in pursuance of sub-rules (1) and (3) ofRule10oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961,theElectionCommissionofIndiadirectedthat at an election in a Parliamentary Constituency specified in column 2 of the Tablebelow, the list of contesting candidates shall be prepared in Form 7A in the languagesspecifiedagainstthatconstituencyincolumn3ofthesaidTable,andthatwherethelistisprepared in more than one language, the name of candidates shall be arrangedalphabeticallyaccordingtothescriptofthelanguagefirstspecifiedinthesaidcolumn.

Whenany such list is forwarded to theElection commission it shall, if not inEnglish,beaccompaniedbyatranslationinEnglish.

S.No. State/UT ParliamentaryConstituency

Language /Languages

1 AndhraPradesh All ParliamentaryConstituencies

Telugu

2 ArunachalPradesh All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesEnglish

3 Assam 1-Karimganj(SC) Bengali

2-Silchar3-AutonomousDistrict(ST)

Assamese andEnglish

All otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Assamese

4 Bihar All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

5 Chhattisgarh All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

6 Goa All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesKonkani inDevanagari script,Marathi and

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English 7 Gujarat All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesGujarati

8 Haryana All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

9 HimachalPradesh All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

10 JammuandKashmir 5-Udhampur UrduandHindi

6-JammuAll otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Urdu

11 Jharkhand All ParliamentaryConstituencies

Hindi

12 Karnataka 1-Chikkodi Kannada and

Marathi2-Belgaum7-Bidar12-UttaraKannada23-Bangalore(Rural)

Kannada andEnglish

24-BangaloreNorth25-BangaloreCentral26-BangaloreSouth28-Kolar(SC)All otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Kannada

13 Kerala 1-Kasaragod Malayalam and

Kannada14-Idukki Malayalam and

TamilAll otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Malayalam

14 MadhyaPradesh 19-Bhopal HindiandUrdu

All other Hindi

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ParliamentaryConstituencies

15 Maharashtra 10-Nagpur Marathi and

English25-Thane26-MumbaiNorth27-Mumbai North-West28-Mumbai North-East29-Mumbai North-Central30-Mumbai South-Central31-MumbaiSouth34-PuneAll otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Marathi

16 Manipur 1-InnerManipur Manipuri

2-Outer Manipur(ST)

Manipuri andEnglish

17 Meghalaya All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesEnglish

18 Mizoram EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyEnglish

19 Nagaland EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyEnglish

20 Orissa All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesOriya

21 Punjab 1-Gurudaspur PunjabiandHindi

2-Amritsar4-Jallandhar6-Hoshiarpur8-Patiala9-Ludhiana13-FirozpurAll other Punjabi

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ParliamentaryConstituencies

22 Rajasthan All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

23 Sikkim EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyEnglish

24 TamilNadu 2-ChennaiNorth TamilandEnglish

3-ChennaiSouth4-ChennaiCentral7-Arakkonam TamilandTelugu9-Krishnagiri Tamil, Telugu and

Kannada19-TheNilgiris(SC) Tamil and

Malayalam39-KanniyakumariAll otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Tamil

25 Telangana 1-Adilabad(ST) Telugu and

Marathi5-Zahirabad4-Nizamabad Telugu, English

andUrdu7-Malkajgiri8-Secunderabad9-HyderabadAll otherParliamentaryconstituencies

Telugu

26 Tripura All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesEnglish

27 UttarPradesh 1-Saharanpur HindiandUrdu

4-Bijnor5-Nagina(SC)6-Moradabad7-Rampur8-Sambhal9-Amroha10-MeerutAll otherParliamentary

Hindi

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Constituencies 28 Uttarakhand All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindi

29 WestBengal 4-Darjeeling BengaliandNepali

5-Raiganj BengaliandHindi17-Barasat Bengali and

English21-Diamond34-Medinipur23-KolkataDakshin English24-KolkataUttarAll otherParliamentaryConstituencies

Bengali

30 Andaman and Nicobar

IslandEntireParliamentaryConstituency

HindiandEnglish

31 Chandigarh EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyHindiandPunjabi

32 DadraandNagarHaveli EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyGujarati, MarathiandEnglish

33 DamanandDiu EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyGujarati

34 NCTofDelhi All Parliamentary

ConstituenciesHindiandEnglish

35 Lakshadweep EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyMalayalam

36 Puducherry EntireParliamentary

ConstituencyTamil, Telugu andMalayalam

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APPENDIX10

FORMACommunicationwithregardtoAuthorizedPersonstointimatenamesofthecandidatessetup by recognized National or State political party or Registered un-recognized politicalparty.To

1. TheChiefElectoralOfficer,

………………..(State/UnionTerritory).2. TheReturningOfficerforthe

…………………Constituency.Subject: General Elections to ……………. from ……………. (State/Union Territory) –AllotmentofSymbols–Authorizationofpersonstointimatenamesofcandidates.

Sir,In pursuance of paragraph 13 (c), (d) and (e) of the Election Symbols (Reservation andAllotment)Order,1968,Iherebycommunicatethatthefollowingperson(s)has/havebeenauthorizedby theparty,which isNationalParty/StateParty in theStateof…………………../RegisteredUn-recognizedParty to intimate thenamesof thecandidatesproposed tobesetupbythepartyattheelectioncitedabove.

Name of personauthorizedtosendnotice

Nameofofficeheldintheparty

District(s)/area (s)constituency/constituencies in respectof which he has beenauthorized.

1 2 3

1.

2.

3.

4.

2. Thespecimensignaturesoftheabovementionedperson(s)soauthorizedaregivenbelow:

1. SpecimensignaturesofShri……………………………………………..(i)…………………………(ii)………………………………(iii)…………………………..2. SpecimensignaturesofShri……………………………………………..(i)…………………………(ii)………………………………………(iii)…………………………..

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3. SpecimensignaturesofShri……………………………………………..(i)…………………………(ii)………………………………………(iii)…………………………..Yoursfaithfully,

Place:Date:

President/Secretary

NameoftheParty(SealoftheParty)

NB.

1. Thismustbedeliveredto theReturningOfficerandtheChiefElectoralOfficernotlaterthan3p.m.onthelastdateformakingnominations.

2. Formmustbesignedininkbytheofficebearer(s)mentionedabove.Nofacsimilesignature or signature by means of rubber stamp, etc., of any office bearer shall beaccepted.

3. Noformtransmittedbyfaxshallbeaccepted.

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PARTIII

FORMBNOTICEASTONAMEOFCANDIDATESETUPBYTHEPOLITICALPARTY

(seeparagraphs13(b),(c)and(e)and13AoftheElectionsymbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order1968)

ToTheReturningOfficerforthe

…………………Constituency.Subject: General/byeElectionto…………….from…………….(NameoftheConstituency)in………………..(State/UnionTerritory)–settingupofcandidate.

Sir,In pursuance of paragraphs 13 (b), (c) and (e) and 13A of the Election Symbols(ReservationandAllotment)Order,1968,Iherebygivenoticeonbehalfof———————(party)

(i) thatthepersonwhoseparticularsarefurnishedincolumns(2)to(4)belowistheapprovedcandidateofthepartyabovenamed,and(ii) the person whose particulars are mentioned in columns (5) to (7) below is thesubstitutecandidateoftheparty,whowillstep-inontheapprovedcandidate’snominationbeing rejected on scrutiny or on his withdrawing from the contest, if the substitutecandidate is still a contesting candidate, at the ensuing general/bye election from thisconstituency:Name of theConstituency

Name oftheapprovedcandidate

Father's/Mother's/Husband'sname ofapprovedcandidate

Postaladdress ofapprovedcandidate

Name of theSubstitutecandidatewho willstep-inon theapprovedcandidate'snominationbeingrejected onscrutiny oronhiswithdrawingfrom thecontest ifsubstitutecandidate isstill acontestingcandidate

Father's/Mother's/Husband'sname ofsubstitutecandidate

Postaladdress ofsubstitutecandidate

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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*2. The notice in Form ‘B’ given earlier in favour of Shri/Smt./Sushri…………………………asparty’sapprovedcandidate/Shri/Smt./Sushri…………….………asParty’ssubstitutecandidateisherebyrescinded.

3.Itiscertifiedthateachofthecandidateswhosenameismentionedaboveisamemberofthispoliticalpartyandhisnameisdulyborneontherollsofmembersofthisparty.

Yoursfaithfully,

(NameandSignatureoftheauthorizedpersonoftheParty)

(SealoftheParty)Place……………

Date…………….

*Scoreoff,ifnotapplicable.

N.B.

1. ThismustbedeliveredtotheReturningOfficernotlaterthan3p.m.onthelastdateformakingnominations.

2. Formmustbesignedininkbytheofficebearer(s)mentionedabove.Nofacsimilesignature or signature by means of rubber stamp, etc., of any office bearer shall beaccepted.

3. Noformtransmittedbyfaxshallbeaccepted.4. Para2oftheFormmustbescoredoff,ifnotapplicable,ormustbeproperlyfilled,ifapplicable.

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APPENDIX11

(CHAPTER4,PARA4.10.1)

DO’SANDDON’TSFORGUIDANCEOFCANDIDATESDo’s

1. Do familiarize yourself with the constitutional and legal provisions relating toelections.

2. DocheckupwiththelatestDelimitationOrderrelatingtoyourconstituency.

3. Domakeitapointtogothroughtheelectoralrollofyourconstituencyandhaveitcheckedup.

4. Docheckupyournameandtheparticularsinthecurrentelectoralrollwellbeforedecidingtostandforelection.

5. Docheck-upthatyouarequalifiedtostandforelection.

6. Docheck-upthatyouarenotdisqualifiedfromstandingforelection.

7. Docheck-upthenominationformtoensurethatitisintheprescribedform(Forms2-Aor2-B).

8. Dopresentthenominationformpersonallyorsenditthroughyourproposer.

9. Docheck-upthattheproposer(s)isavoterintheconstituencyfromwhichyouareseekingelection.

10. Dofillthenominationpaperwithoutleavingoutanyparticulars.Signintherelevantplaces.

11. Docollectthereceiptforthenominationpaper.

12. Domakeitapointtoattendthescrutinyofnominationspersonally.

13. Do check-up that your name appears in the list of valid nominations, if yournominationhasbeenaccepted.

14. Do check-up that your name is correctly entered in the list of validly nominatedcandidates.

15. Do check-up that your name and other particulars in the list of contestingcandidates,ifyouhavenotwithdrawnyourcandidature.Makesurethatthephotographiscorrectlyaffixed.

16. Dofindoutthehoursofpollasnotified.

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17. Doappointtheelectionagentinproperformandwellintime.

18. CheckthatyourelectionagentisnotdisqualifiedforvotingatelectionsorforbeingaMemberofParliamentoranyStateLegislature.

19. Dogetacopyofthelistofpollingstationsandcheckitup.

20. Doappointpollingagentsinproperformforeachandeverypollingstationwellintime.

21. Doprovidecopiesofelectoralrolltoyourpollingagents.

22. Doappoint countingagents inproper form foreachandeverycounting tableandoneextraagentwellintime.

23. Domakeitapointtoattendcountingpersonally.

24. Do report immediately toaboveauthoritiesor theReturningOfficer the instanceswhichhavecometoyourknowledgeaboutthepublicationofelectionpamphletsorpostersincontraventionoftheaboverequirementsoflaw.

25. DoattendthemeetingsoftheConstituencyCommitteeconstitutedbytheReturningOfficer for ensuring the observance of Model Code of Conduct for guidance of politicalpartiesandcandidatesasdevisedbytheElectionCommission.

26. Doreport the instancesofviolationof theabovesaidModelCodeofConduct thathavecometoyournoticefornecessaryremedialorpunitiveaction.

27. DomaintainproperandcorrectaccountsaboutelectionexpensesfromthedateofyournominationasacandidatetothedateofelectionintheRegisterspecificallyprovidedtoyoubytheReturningofficerforthepurpose.

28. Do attend with your agents the training rehearsals arranged by the ReturningOfficer.

29. Be present either in person or through authorised representative at the time ofcommissioningofEVMsbyRO.

DON’TS

1. Don’tpresentthenominationpaperthroughanypersonotherthanyourselforanyoneofyourproposers.

2. Don’tpresentnominationpaperonapublicholiday.

3. Don’tpresentthenominationpaperbeforeorafterthespecifiedhoursfixedforthepurpose.

4. Don’tpresentmorethanfournominationpapers.

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5. Don’tpresentthenominationpapertoanypersonotherthantheReturningOfficerortheAssistantReturningOfficer(soauthorisedinthisbehalf).

6. Don’tforgettomaketherequireddepositincashintheReserveBankofIndiaorinaGovernmentTreasuryorwiththeReturningOfficer.

7. Don’t forgettomakeandsubscribetheoathoraffirmationbythe lastdateforthereceiptofnominationsandgetareceiptintokenofhavingmadeandsubscribedtheoathoraffirmation.

8. Donot issueidentityslipsbearingyournameoryoursymbolorthenameofyourpartyorcontaininganyexhortationtovoterstovoteforyouoryourparty.

9. Don’t make any gift or offer or promise of gratification to any person to induceanother to stand or not to stand as a candidate or towithdraw or not towithdraw hiscandidatureortovoteorrefrainfromvotingattheelectionorforhavingsostoodornothavingstoodorforhavingwithdrawnorfornothavingwithdrawnhiscandidatureorforhavingvotesorrefrainedfromvoting.

10. Don’tinterferedirectlyorindirectlyorattempttointerferewiththefreeexerciseoftheelectoralrightofanyperson.

11. Don’t appeal to voters to voteor refrain fromvotingongroundsof religion, race,casteorcommunityorlanguage.

12. Don’tmakeuseof,orappealto,religioussymbolsorNationalsymbols.

13. Don’tpromoteorattempttopromotefeelingsofenmityorhatredbetweendifferentclassesofcitizensongroundsofreligion,race,caste,communityorlanguage.

14. Don’t publish false statements in regard to thepersonal character and conduct ofanycandidateorinrelationtothecandidatureorwithdrawalofanycandidate.

15. Don’thireorprocurevehiclesfortheconveyanceofvoterstoandfromthepollingstations.

16. Don’t incur or authorise expenditure in connection with elections beyond themaximumprescribedforyourelection.

17. Don’tprocurethesupportofGovernmentservants.

18. Don’tindulgeinmisconductatpollingstations.

19. Don’tinducedisorderlyconductinornearthepollingstations.

20. Don’tholdpublicmeetings,processionsetc in thepollingareaanytimeduring48hoursbeforethetimefixedfortheconclusionofthepoll.Also,don’tpublishanyelectionmatter in electronicmediaduring the last 48hours referred to in section126ofRPAct1951.

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21. Don’tcreatedisturbancesatelectionmeetings.

22. Don’tcanvassinornearpollingstationsonthedateordatesofpoll.

23. Don’t print or publish election pamphlets or poster without giving on their facedetailsof theprinterandpublisherandwithoutdeclaring the identityof theprinterandpublisherandsendingcopiesofthedeclarationtotheChiefElectoralOfficerifprintingisinthecapitaloftheState,andtotheDistrictMagistrateincasetheprintingiselsewhere.

24. Dot’s destroy fraudulently any nomination paper or any list, notice or documentsaffixedbyorundertheauthorityoftheReturningOfficer.

25. Don’t destroy any ballot paper or any official remark on the ballot paper or anydeclarationofidentity;don’tputintotheballotboxanythingotherthanyourballotpaper.

26. Don’tdoanyactivityamountingtointerferewithEVMsorBallotpaper.

27. Don’tpublishanystatementorhaveitpublishedwithyourconsentortheconsentofyourelectionagentwhichisfalseorwhichyoubelievetobefalseordonotbelievetobetrueinrelationtothepersonalcharacterandconductofanycandidateorinrelationtothecandidature orwithdrawal of any candidate, being a statement reasonably calculated toprejudicetheprospectofthatcandidateintheelection.

28. Don’t threaten any candidate or any elector or any person with any kind of actincluding social ostracism and ex-communication or expulsion from any caste orcommunity.

29. Don’tinduceorattempttoinduceacandidateoranelectortobelievethatheoranyperson in whom he is interested will become or will be rendered the object of divinedispleasureorspiritualcensure.

30. Don’tabettheoffenceofpersonationatanelection.

31. Don’tforgettolodgetheelectionaccountwiththeDistrictElectionOfficerwithin30daysoftheelection,regardlessofthefactwhetheryouareelectedornotoryoucontestedtheelectionseriouslyornot.

32. Don’tindulgeindefacementofpropertyoranycampaignactivityinviolationoftheprovisionsoflawandthedirectionsoftheCommission.

33. Don’tpublishanypoliticaladvertisementinTVchannel,CableTVorRadiowithoutpre-certificationbytheCommitteeappointedbytheCommission.InthePrintmedia,suchadvertisementsduringthelast48hoursshouldhavetheCertificationbytheCommittee.

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APPENDIX12

(CHAPTER4,PARA4.11.1)

CODEOFCONDUCT-DO’SANDDON’TSFORGUIDANCEOFCANDIDATESANDPOLITICALPARTIES

(TOBEOBSERVEDFROMTHEANNOUNCEMENTOFANELECTIONANDUNTILLTHECOMPLETIONOFTHEPROCESSOFELECTION)

OnWelfareschemesandgovernmentalworks:

1. Announcementofnewprojectsorprogrammeorconcessionsorfinancialgrantsinanyformorpromisesthereoforlayingoffoundationstones,etc.,whichhavetheeffectofinfluencingthevotersinfavourofthepartyinpowerisprohibited.

2. Theserestrictionsapplyequally tonewschemesandalsoongoingschemes.But itdoesnotmeanthatinthecaseofnational,regionalandStateutilityschemes,whichhavealready been brought up to the stage of completion, their utilization or functioning inpublic interestshouldbestoppedordelayed.ThecomingintoforceoftheModelCodeofConduct cannot be given as an excuse for not commissioning such schemes or allowingthemtoremainidle.Atthesametime,itshouldbeensuredthatthecommissioningofsuchschemes is done by civil authority and without associating political functionaries andwithoutanyfanfareorceremonieswhatever,sothatnoimpressionisgivenorcreatedthatsuchcommissioninghasbeendonewithaviewto influencing theelectorate in favourofthe ruling party. If in doubt, a clarification should be obtained from Chief ElectoralOfficer/ElectionCommissionofIndia.

3. ItisfurtherclarifiedthatsimplybecauseabudgetprovisionhasbeenmadeforanyparticularschemeortheschemehasbeensanctionedearlierorareferencetotheschemewasmadeintheaddressoftheGovernororthebudgetspeechoftheMinisteritdoesnotautomatically mean that such schemes can be announced or inaugurated or otherwisetaken up after the announcement of elections while the Model Code of conduct is inoperation, since they will clearly be intended to influence the voters. Such actions ifundertakenwillbeconsideredaviolationofthemodelcodeofconduct.

4. No freshsanctions forgovernmentalschemesshouldbemade.Reviewbypoliticalexecutive(Ministersetc.)andprocessingofbeneficiary-orientedschemes,evenifongoing,shouldbestoppedtillcompletionofelections.Nofreshreleaseoffundsonwelfareschemes

359

andworksshouldbemadeorcontract forworksawardedinanypartof thestatewhereelection is inprogresswithoutpriorpermissionof theCommission.This includesworksunder the Member of Parliament (including Rajya Sabha members) Local AreaDevelopmentfundorMLAs/MLCsLocalAreaDevelopmentFund,ifanysuchschemeisinoperationinthestate.

5. Noworkshallstartinrespectofwhichevenifworkordershavebeenissuedbeforethemodel code came into effect, if thework has actually not started in the field. Theseworks can start only after the completion of election process. However, if a work hasactuallystarted,thatcancontinue.

6. Thereshallbenobartothereleaseofpayments forcompletedwork(s)subjecttothefullsatisfactionoftheconcernedofficials.7.Commissiondoesnotrefuseapprovalforschemesundertakenfortacklingemergenciesorunforeseencalamitieslikeprovidingreliefto people suffering fromdrought, floods, pestilences, other natural calamities orwelfaremeasures for the aged, infirm etc. In these matters, however, prior approval of theCommissionshouldbetakenandallostentatiousfunctionsshouldbestrictlyavoidedandno impression should be given or allowed to be created that suchwelfaremeasures orreliefandrehabilitationworksarebeingundertakenbytheGovernmentinofficesoastoinfluencetheelectorsinfavourofthepartyinpowerwhichatthesametimewilladverselyaffecttheprospectsoftheotherparties.

OnTransfersandpostingofofficials:TheCommissiondirectsthatthereshallbeatotalbanon the transfer of all officers/officials connectedwith the conduct of the election. Theseincludebutarenotrestrictedto:-

(i) TheChiefElectoralOfficerandAdditional/Joint/DeputyChiefElectoralOfficers;

(ii) DivisionalCommissioners;

(iii) TheDistrict ElectionOfficers, ReturningOfficers, Assistant ReturningOfficers andotherRevenueOfficersconnectedwiththeConductofElections;

(iv) OfficersofthePoliceDepartmentconnectedwiththemanagementofelectionslikerangeIGsandDIGs,SeniorSuperintendentsofPoliceandSuperintendentsofPolice,Sub-divisional level Police Officers like Deputy Superintendents of Police and other PoliceofficerswhoaredeputedtotheCommissionundersection28AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951;

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(v) Other officers drafted for electionworks like sector and zonal officers, Transportcell,EVMcell,Pollmaterialprocurement&distributioncell,Trainingcell,PrintingCelletc.Seniorofficers,whohavearoleinthemanagementofelectionintheState,arealsocoveredbythisdirection.

(vi) ThetransferordersissuedinrespectoftheabovecategoriesofofficerspriortothedateofannouncementbutnotimplementedtillthetimewhenmodelcodecameintoeffectshouldnotbegiveneffecttowithoutobtainingspecificpermissionfromtheCommission.

(vii) Thisbanshallbeeffectivetillthecompletionoftheelectionprocess.

(viii) In those cases where transfer of an officer is considered necessary on account ofadministrativeexigencies, theStateGovernmentmay,with full justification,approachtheCommissionforpriorclearance.

(ix) No appointments or promotions in Government / Public Undertakings shall bemadeduringthisperiod,withoutpriorclearanceoftheCommission.

OnMisuseofOfficialMachinery:

1. Officialvehiclescannotbeusedforelectioneeringwork.‘OfficialVehicles'includeallvehiclesbelongingtothe–CentralGovernment,StateGovernment,PublicUndertakingsofthe Central and State Government, Joint Sector Undertakings of Central and StateGovernment, Local Bodies,Municipal Corporations,Municipalities,Marketing Boards (bywhatevernameknown),CooperativeSocieties,AutonomousDistrictCouncils,orAnyotherbodyinwhichpublicfunds,howsoeversmallaportionofthetotal,areinvested,andalsoVehiclesbelonging to theMinistryofDefenceandtheCentralPoliceOrganizationsundertheMinistryofHomeAffairsandStateGovernments.

2. ItisopenforaministeroftheUnionorStatetomakeprivatevisitsusinghisorherprivatevehicle(s).For suchprivatevisits, theofficialpersonal staffof theministers shallnotaccompanythem.However,ifaMinisteristravelinginsomeemergentsituation,outofhisHQonpurelyofficialbusiness,whichcannotbeavoidedinpublicinterest,thenalettercertifyingtothiseffectshouldbesentfromtheSecretaryconcernedoftheDepartmenttothe Chief Secretary of the state where the Minister intends to visit, with a copy to theCommission. During such tour, the Chief Secretary may provide the Minister withGovernment vehicle and accommodation and other usual courtesies for his official trip.However, immediatelyprecedingorduringor in continuationof suchanofficial tour,no

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minister can carry out or combine any election campaign or political activity. TheCommission will keep watch on such arrangements in due consultation with its ChiefElectoralOfficer.

3. NoMinister,whetherofunionorstate,willsummonanyelectionrelatedofficerofthe constituency or the State, for any official discussions during the period of electionscommencing with the announcement of the elections. Only exception will be when aMinister, in his capacity as in charge of the department concerned, or a Chief Ministerundertakesanofficialvisittoaconstituency,inconnectionwithfailureoflawandorderora natural calamity or any such emergency which requires personal presence of suchMinisters/ChiefMinistersforthespecificpurposeofsupervisingreview/salvage/reliefandsuchlikepurpose.

4. Ministers are entitled to use their official vehicles only for commuting from theirofficial residence to their office for official work provided that such commuting is notcombinedwithanyelectioneeringoranypoliticalactivity.

5. Ministers, whether of the Union or State, shall not combine in anymanner theirofficialtourswithelectionwork.

6. Whetheronaprivateorofficialvisit,nopilotcar(s)orcar(s)withbeaconlightsofany colour or car(s) affixed with sirens of any kind shall be used by any politicalfunctionary, even if the State administration has granted him a security cover requiringpresenceofarmedguardstoaccompanyhimonsuchvisit.Thisisapplicablewhetherthevehicleisgovernmentownedorprivateowned.

7. Anyofficialwhomeets theMinisteronhisprivatevisit to theconstituencywhereelectionsarebeingheldshallbeguiltyofmisconductundertherelevantservicerules;andifhehappenstobeanofficialmentionedinSection129(1)oftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951,heshallalsobeadditionallyconsideredtohaveviolatedthestatutoryprovisionsofthatSectionandliabletopenalactionprovidedthereunder.

OTHER ‘DOS AND DON'TS’ FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE CANDIDATES AND POLITICALPARTIESTOBEOBSERVEDFROMTHEANNOUNCEMENTOFANELECTIONANDUNTILTHECOMPLETIONOFTHEPROCESSOFELECTION.

TheCommissionhasdrawnupalistof'dos'and'don'ts'tobefollowedbycandidatesandpoliticalpartiesaftertheannouncementofelectionsandtillthecompletionoftheprocess

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ofelections.TheCommissionhasdirectedthatthisbegiventhewidestpossiblepublicityanditscontentsbroughttotheknowledgeofallcandidatesandpoliticalpartiesincludingintheofficial languageoftheState. ItmustbeclearlybroughttothenoticeofcandidatesandpoliticalpartiesthatthelistofDos'andDon’ts'isonlyillustrativeandnotexhaustiveand isnot intended to substituteormodifyotherdetaileddirections/instructionson theabovesubjects,whichmustbestrictlyobservedandfollowed.

DO'S'

(1) Ongoingprogrammes,whichactuallystartedinthefieldbeforetheannouncementofelectionsmaycontinue.

(2) Reliefandrehabilitationmeasurestothepeopleinareasaffectedbyfloods,drought,pestilence,andothernaturalcalamities,cancommenceandcontinue.

(3) Grantofcashormedicalfacilitiestoterminallyorcriticallyillpersonscancontinuewithappropriateapprovals.

(4) Public places likemaidansmust be available impartially to all parties/contestingcandidates for holding election meetings. So also use of helipads must be availableimpartiallytoallparties/contestingcandidates,toensurealevelplayingfield.

(5) Criticism of other political parties and candidates should relate to their policies,programme,pastrecordandwork.

(6) The right of every individual for peaceful and undisturbed home life should be fullysafeguarded.

(7) The localpoliceauthorities shouldbe fully informedof thevenueand timeof theproposedmeetingswellintimeandallnecessarypermissionstaken.

(8) If there are any restrictive or prohibitory orders in force in the place of theproposedmeeting, theyshallbefullyrespected.Exemption, ifnecessary,mustbeappliedforandobtainedwellintime.

(9) Permissionmustbeobtainedfortheuseofloudspeakersoranyothersuchfacilitiesfortheproposedmeetings.

(10) Theassistanceofthepoliceshouldbeobtainedindealingwithpersonsdisturbingmeetingsorotherwisecreatingdisorder.

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(11) Thetimeandplaceof thestartingofanyprocession, theroute tobe followedandthetimeandplaceatwhichtheprocessionwillterminateshouldbesettledinadvanceandadvancepermissionsobtainedfromthepoliceauthorities.

(12) Theexistenceofanyrestrictiveorders in force in the localities throughwhich theprocession has to pass should be ascertained and fully compliedwith. So also all trafficregulationsandotherrestrictions.

(13) Thepassageoftheprocessionmustbewithouthindrancetotraffic.

(14) Cooperation should be extended to all election officials at all times to ensurepeacefulandorderlypoll.

(15) AllWorkersmustdisplaybadgesoridentitycards.

(16) Unofficial identity slips issued to voters shall be on plain (white) paper and notcontainanysymbol,nameofthecandidateornameoftheparty.

(17) Restrictionsonplyingofvehiclesduringthecampaignperiodandonpolldayshallbefullyobeyed.

(18) (Except voters, candidates and their election/polling agents), only personswith aspecificvalidauthorityletterfromtheElectionCommissioncanenteranypollingbooth.Nofunctionaryhoweverhighlyplaced(e.g.ChiefMinister,Minister,MPorMLAetc)isexemptfromthiscondition.

(19) Anycomplaintorproblemregardingtheconductofelectionsshallbebroughttothenotice of the observer appointed by the Commission/Returning Officer/Zonal/SectorMagistrate/ElectionCommissionofIndia.

(20) Directions/orders/instructions of the Election Commission, the Returning Officer,andtheDistrictElectionOfficershallbeobeyedinallmattersrelatedtovariousaspectsofelection.

(21) Doleavetheconstituencyafterthecampaignperiodisoverifyouarenotavoteroracandidateorcandidate’selectionagentfromthatconstituency.

DON’Ts

(1) Any and all advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer regardingachievementsoftheparty/Governmentinpowerasprohibited.

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(2) NoMinistershallenteranypollingstationortheplaceofcounting,unlessheorsheisacandidateorasavoteronlyforvoting.

(3) Officialworkshouldnotatallbemixedwithcampaigning/electioneering.

(4) Noinducement,financialorotherwise,shallbeofferedtothevoter.

(5) Caste/communalfeelingsoftheelectorsshallnotbeappealedto.

(6) No activity, whichmay aggravate existing differences or createmutual hatred orcausetensionbetweendifferentcastes,communitiesorreligiousorlinguisticgroupsshallbeattempted.

(7) Noaspectoftheprivatelife,notconnectedwiththepublicactivities,oftheleadersorworkersofotherpartiesshallbepermittedtobecriticized.

(8) Otherpartiesortheirworkersshallnotbecriticizedbasedonunverifiedallegationsorondistortions.

(9) Temples,mosques,churches,gurudwarasoranyplaceofworshipshallnotbeusedas places for election propaganda, including speeches, posters, music etc., onelectioneering.

(10) Activitieswhicharecorruptpracticesorelectoraloffences suchasbribery,undueinfluence, intimidation of voters, personation, canvassingwithin 100meters of a pollingstation,holdingofpublicmeetingsduringtheperiodof48hoursendingwiththehourfixedfor the close of the poll and conveyance of voters to and from polling stations areprohibited.

(11) Demonstrationsorpicketingbeforethehousesof individualsbywayofprotestingagainsttheiropinionoractivitiesshallnotberesortedto.

(12) Subject to the local laws, no one canmake use of any individual's land, building,compoundwall,vehiclesetc.forerectingflagstaffs,puttingupbanners,pastingnoticesorwriting slogans etc. without specific permission of the owner (to be shown to anddepositedwiththeDistrictElectionOfficer).

(13) No disturbances shall be created in public meetings or processions organised byotherpoliticalpartiesorcandidates.

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(14) Processions along places atwhich another party is holdingmeetings shall not beundertaken.

(15) Processionists shall not carry any articles, which are capable of being misused asmissilesorweapons.

(16) Postersissuedbyotherpartiesandcandidatesshallnotberemovedordefaced.

(17) Posters, flags,symbolsoranyotherpropagandamaterialshallnotbedisplayed inthe place being used on the day of poll for distribution of identity slips or near pollingbooths.

(18) Loudspeakers whether static or mounted on moving vehicles shall not be usedeither before 6 a.m. or after 10a.m. and without the prior written permission of theauthoritiesconcerned.

(19) Loudspeakersshallalsonotbeusedatpublicmeetingsandprocessionswithouttheprior written permission of the authorities concerned. Normally, suchmeetings/processionswillnotbeallowedtocontinuebeyond10.00p.m. inthenightandwillbefurthersubjecttothelocal laws, localperceptionsofthesecurityarrangementsofthe area and other relevant considerations like weather conditions, festival season,examinationperiod,etc.

(20) Noliquorshouldbedistributedduringelections.

(21) On the day of the poll, no personwho has been assessed to be having a securitythreat and therefore given official security shall enter the vicinity of a polling stationpremise(within100meters)withhissecuritypersonnel.Further,onthedayofthepollnosuchpersonshallmovearoundinaconstituencywithhissecuritypersonnel.Ifthepersonprovidedwithofficialsecurityhappenstobeavoteralso,thenheorsheshallrestricthis/hermovement-accompaniedbysecuritypersonnel,tovotingonly.

(22) No person who has been assessed to be having a security threat and thereforeprovidedofficialsecurityorwhohasprivatesecurityguardsforhimself,shallbeappointedasanelectionagentorpollingagentorcountingagent.

NOTE:TheabovelistofDo's'andDon'ts'isonlyillustrativeandnotexhaustiveandisnotintended to substitute any other detailed orders, directions/instructions on the abovesubjects,whichmustbestrictlyobservedandfollowed.

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APPENDIX13

(CHAPTER5,PARA5.2.1)

FORM5-NOTICEOFWITHDRAWAL[SeeRule9(1)]

NoticeofwithdrawalofCandidatureElectiontothe*.......................................

TheReturningOfficer,I,.......................................................................................,a1[candidatevalidlynominated]attheaboveelectiondoherebygivenoticethatIwithdrawmycandidature.Date............................

Signatureof1[validlynominatedcandidate]This notice was delivered to me at my office at.......................................(hour)on..................................(date)by........................(name),the*.................................Date:Place:

ReturningOfficerReceiptforNoticeofWithdrawal

(Tobehandedovertothepersondeliveringthenotice)The notice of withdrawal of candidature by ........................................, a 1[validly nominatedcandidate] at the election to the* .......................................................... was delivered to me bythe+...............................atmyofficeat.................................................(hour)on................................(date).

ReturningOfficer*Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybeappropriate:(1) HouseofthePeoplefromthe....................constituency.(2) LegislativeAssemblyfromthe......................constituency.(3) Council States by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblyof...................................(State).(4) CouncilofStatesbythemembersoftheelectoralcollegeof...................................(Unionterritory).(5) LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheLegislativeAssembly.(6) LegislativeCouncilfromthe............................................constituency.+Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybeappropriate:(1) Candidate.(2) Candidate's proposer who has been authorised in writing by the candidate todeliverit.(3) Candidate'selectionagentwhohasbeenauthorizedinwritingbythecandidatetodeliverit.

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APPENDIX14

(CHAPTER6,PARA6.1.1)

FORM8-APPOINTMENTOFELECTIONAGENTFORM8

AppointmentofElectionagent

[SeeRule12(1)]

Electiontothe...................To

TheReturningOfficer,I,………………………………...of...........................................................a candidate at the aboveelectiondoherebyappoint......................................of...................................asmyelectionagent fromthisdayattheaboveelection.Place..........................

Date...........................SignatureofCandidate

Iaccepttheaboveappointment

Place..........................

Date........................... SignatureofElectionAgent

Approved

SignatureandSealoftheReturningOfficer

*Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybyappropriate:(1) HouseofthePeoplefromthe..............................constituency.

(2) LegislativeAssemblyfromthe.............................constituency.

(3) Council of States by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblyof...............................(State).

(4) Council of States by the members of the electoral collegeof..........................................(Unionterritory).

(5) LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheLegislativeAssembly.(6) LegislativeCouncilfromthe.........................................................constituency.

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APPENDIX15

(CHAPTER6,PARA6.1.4)

FORM9-REVOCATIONOFAPPOINTMENTOFELECTIONAGENTFORM9

RevocationofAppointmentofElectionAgent

[SeeRule12(2)]Electiontothe...................

To

TheReturningOfficer,I, …………………………………….…. a candidate at the above election, hereby revoke theappointmentof...................................................myelectionagent.Place..........................

Date...........................

SignatureofCandidate___________________________________________________________________

*Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybyappropriate:(1) HouseofthePeoplefromthe..............................constituency.

(2) LegislativeAssemblyfromthe.............................constituency.

(3) Council of States by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblyof...............................(State).

(4) Council of States by the members of the electoral collegeof..........................................(Unionterritory).

(5) LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheLegislativeAssembly.(6) LegislativeCouncilfromthe.........................................................constituency.

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APPENDIX16(CHAPTER7,PARA7.2.1)

(EXTRACTFROMREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951)

PartVII[CorruptPracticesandelectoralOffences]

[ChapterI.-CorruptPractices]123. CORRUPTPRACTICESThefollowingshallbedeemedtobecorruptpracticesforthepurposesofthisAct:-[(1) “Bribery”,thatistosay-(A) anygift,offerorpromisebyacandidateorhisagentorbyanyotherpersonwiththeconsentofacandidateorhiselectionagentofanygratification,toanypersonwhomsoever,withtheobject,directlyorindirectlyofinducing-(a) apersontostandornottostandas,or[towithdrawornottowithdraw]frombeingacandidateatanelection,or(b) anelectortovoteorrefrainfromvotingatanelection,orasarewardto-(i) apersonforhavingsostoodornotstood,or for[havingwithdrawnornothavingwithdrawn]hiscandidature;or(ii) anelectorforhavingvotedorrefrainedfromvoting;(B) thereceiptof,oragreementtoreceive,anygratification,whetherasamotiveorareward-(a) by a person for standing or not standing as, or for [withdrawing or notwithdrawing]frombeing,acandidate;or(b) byanypersonwhomsoeverforhimselforanyotherpersonforvotingorrefrainingfromvoting,orinducingorattemptingtoinduceanyelectortovoteorrefrainfromvoting,oranycandidate[towithdrawornottowithdraw]hiscandidature.[Explanation - for thepurposesof this clause the term “gratification” is not restricted topecuniary gratifications or gratifications estimable inmoney and it includes all forms ofentertainmentandallformsofemploymentforrewardbutitdoesnotincludethepaymentofanyexpensesbonafideincurredat,orforthepurposeof,anyelectionanddulyenteredintheaccountofelectionexpensesreferredtoinsection78.](2) Undue influence, that is to say, any direct or indirect interference or attempt tointerfereonthepartofthecandidateorhisagent,orofanyotherperson[withtheconsentofthecandidateorhiselectionagent],withthefreeexerciseofanyelectoralright:Providedthat-(a) withoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheprovisionsofthisclauseanysuchpersonasisreferredtothereinwho-(i) threatens any candidateor anyelector, or anyperson inwhoma candidateor anelectorinterested,withinjuryofanykindincludingsocialostracismandex-communicationorexpulsionfromanycasteorcommunity;or(ii) inducesor attempts to inducea candidateor anelector tobelieve thathe, or anyperson in whom he is interested, will become or will be rendered an object of divinedispleasureorspiritualcensure,shallbedeemedtointerferewiththefreeexerciseoftheelectoralrightofsuchcandidateorelectorwithinthemeaningofthisclause;

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(b) adeclarationofpublicpolicy,orapromiseofpublication,orthemereexerciseofalegal rightwithout intent to interferewith an electoral right, shall not be deemed to beinterferencewithinthemeaningofthisclause.(3) Theappealbyacandidateorhisagentorbyanyotherpersonwiththeconsentofacandidateorhiselectionagenttovoteorrefrainfromvotingforanypersononthegroundof his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to, religioussymbols or the use of, or appeal to, national symbols, such as the national flag or thenationalemblem, for the furtheranceof theprospectsof theelectionof thatcandidateorforprejudiciallyaffectingtheelectionofanycandidate:Provided that no symbol allotted under this Act to a candidate shall be deemed to be areligioussymboloranationalsymbolforthepurposesofthisclause.(3A) The promotion of, or attempt to promote, feelings of enmity or hatred betweendifferentclassesofthecitizensofIndiaongroundsofreligion,race,caste,community,orlanguage,byacandidateorhisagentoranyotherpersonwiththeconsentofacandidateorhiselectionagentforthefurtheranceoftheprospectsoftheelectionofthatcandidateorforprejudiciallyaffectingtheelectionofanycandidate.(3B) Thepropagationof thepractice or the commissionof sati or its glorificationby acandidateorhisagentoranyotherpersonwiththeconsentofthecandidateorhiselectionagent for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or forprejudiciallyaffectingtheelectionofanycandidate.Explanation. - For thepurposesof this clause, “sati” and “glorification” in relation to satishall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the commission of Sati(Prevention)Act,1987(3of1988).(4) Thepublicationbyacandidateorhisagentorbyanyotherperson[withtheconsentofacandidateorhiselectionagent],ofanystatementoffactwhichisfalse,andwhichheeither believes to be false, or does not believe to be true, in relation to the personalcharacterorconductofanycandidate,orinrelationtothecandidature,orwithdrawal,ofanycandidate,beingastatementreasonablycalculatedtoprejudicetheprospectsof thatcandidate’selection.(5) Thehiringorprocuring,whetheronpaymentorotherwise,ofanyvehicleorvesselbyacandidateorhisagentorbyanyotherperson,[withtheconsentofacandidateorhiselectionagent],[ortheuseofsuchvehicleorvesselforthefreeconveyance]ofanyelector(otherthanthecandidatehimself,themembersofhisfamilyorhisagent)toorfromanypollingstationprovidedundersection25oraplacefixedundersub-section(1)ofsection29forthepoll:Providedthatthehiringofavehicleorvesselbyanelectororbyseveralelectorsattheirjointcostsforthepurposeofconveyinghimorthemtoandfromanysuchpollingstationofplacefixedforthepollshallnotbedeemedtobeacorruptpracticeunderthisclauseifthevehicleorvesselsohiredisavehicleorvesselnotpropelledbymechanicalpower:Provided further that theuseofanypublic transportvehicleorvesselorany tramcarorrailwaycarriagebyanyelectorathisowncostforthepurposeofgoingtoorcomingfromany such polling station or place fixed for the poll shall not be deemed to be a corruptpracticeunderthisclause.Explanation.-Inthisclause,theexpression“vehicle”meansanyvehicleusedorcapableofbeingusedforthepurposeofroadtransport,whetherpropelledbymechanicalpowerorotherwiseandwhetherusedfordrawingothervehiclesorotherwise.

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(6) Theincurringorauthorisingofexpenditureincontraventionofsection77.(7) The obtaining or procuring or abetting or attempting to obtain or procure by acandidate or his agent or, by any other person [with the consent of a candidate or hiselection agent], any assistance (other than the giving of vote) for the furtherance of theprospectsofthatcandidate’selection,fromanypersonwhetherornotintheserviceoftheGovernmentandbelongingtoanyofthefollowingclasses,namely:-(a) gazettedofficers;(b) stipendiaryjudgesandmagistrate;(c) membersofthearmedforcesoftheUnion;(d) membersofthepoliceforces;(e) exciseofficers;(f) revenue officers other than village revenue officers known as lambardars,malguzars,patels,deshmukhsorbyanyothername,whosedutyistocollectlandrevenueandwho are remuneratedby a share of, or commission on, the amount of land revenuecollectedbythembutwhodonotdischargeanypolicefunctions;and(g) suchotherclassofpersonsintheserviceoftheGovernmentasmaybeprescribed:Providedthatwhereanyperson,intheserviceoftheGovernmentandbelongingtoanyoftheclassesaforesaid,inthedischargeofpurporteddischargeofhisofficialduty,makesanyarrangementsorprovidesanyfacilitiesordoesanyotheractorthing,for,to,orinrelationto,anycandidateorhisagentoranyotherpersonactingwiththeconsentofthecandidateorhiselectionagent(whetherbyreasonoftheofficeheldbythecandidateorforanyotherreason),sucharrangements,facilitiesoractorthingshallnotbedeemedtobeassistanceforthefurtheranceoftheprospectsofthatcandidate’selection.(h) classofpersonsintheserviceofalocalauthority,university,governmentcompanyorinstitutionorconcernorundertakingappointedordeputedbytheElectionCommissioninconnectionwiththeconductofelections.(8) Boothcapturingbyacandidateorhisagentorotherperson.Explanation-(1)Inthissectiontheexpression“agent”includesanelectionagent,apollingagentandanypersonwhoisheldtohaveactedasanagentinconnectionwiththeelectionwiththeconsentofthecandidate.(2) Forthepurposesofclause(7),apersonshallbedeemedtoassistinthefurtheranceoftheprospectsofacandidate’selectionifheactsasanelectionagentofthatcandidate.(3) For the purposes of clause (7), notwithstanding anything contained in any otherlaw,thepublicationintheOfficialGazetteoftheappointment,resignation,terminationofservice, dismissal or removal from service of a person in the service of the CentralGovernment(includingapersonservinginconnectionwiththeadministrationofaUnionterritory)orofaStateGovernmentshallbeconclusiveproof-(i) ofsuchappointment,resignation,terminationofservice,dismissalorremovalfromservice,asthecasemaybe,and(ii) where the date of taking effect of such appointment, resignation, termination ofservice,dismissalorremovalfromservice,asthecasemaybe,isstatedinsuchpublication,alsoofthefactthatsuchpersonwasappointedwitheffectfromthesaiddate,orinthecaseof resignation, termination of service, dismissal or removal from service such personceasedtobeinsuchservicewitheffectfromthesaiddate.(4) Forthepurposesofclause(8),“boothcapturing”shallhavethesamemeaningasinsection135A.

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CHAPTERIII-ELECTORALOFFENCES125. PROMOTINGENIMITYBETWEENCLASSESINCONNECTIONWITHELECTIONAny personwho in connectionwith an election under this Act promotes or attempts topromoteongroundsofreligion,race,caste,communityorlanguage,feelingsofenmityorhatred, between different classes of the citizens of India shall be punishable withimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreeyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.125A. PENALTYFORFILINGFALSEAFFIDAVIT,ETC.Acandidatewhohimselforthroughhisproposer,withintenttobeelectedinanelection,-(i) failstofurnishinformationrelatingtosub-section(1)ofsection33A;or(ii) givesfalseinformationwhichheknowsorhasreasontobelievetobefalse;or(iii) concealsanyinformation,in his nomination paper delivered under sub-section 1 of section 33 or in his affidavitwhichisrequiredtobedeliveredundersub-section2ofsection33A,asthecasemaybe,shall,notwithstandinganythingcontainedinanyotherlawforthetimebeinginforce,bepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtosixmonths,orwithfine,orwithboth.126. PROHIBITION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS DURING PERIOD OF FORTY-EIGHT HOURSENDINGWITHHOURFIXEDFORCONCLUSIONOFTHEPOLL(1) Nopersonshall–(a) convene, hold, attend, join or address any public meeting or procession inconnectionwithanelection;or(b) displaytothepublicanyelectionmatterbymeansofcinematograph,televisionorothersimilarapparatus;or(c) propagateanyelectionmattertothepublicbyholding,orbyarrangingtheholdingof, any musical concert or any theatrical performance or any other entertainment oramusementwithaviewtoattractingthemembersofthepublicthereto,inanypollingareaduringtheperiodofforty-eighthoursendingwiththehourfixedfortheconclusionofthepollforanyelectioninthatpollingarea.(2) Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsub-section(1)shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtotwoyearsorwithfine,orwithboth.(3) In this section, the expression ‘‘election matter’’ means any matter intended orcalculatedtoinfluenceoraffecttheresultofanelection.126A. RESTRICTIONONPUBLICATIONANDDISSEMINATONOFRESULTOFEXITPOLLS,ETC.(1) Nopersonshallconductanyexitpollandpublishorpublicisebymeansoftheprintorelectronicmediaordisseminateinanyothermanner,whatsoevertheresultofanyexitpollduringsuchperiod,asmaybenotifiedbytheElectionCommissioninthisregard.(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1) the Election Commission shall, by a generalorder,notifythedateandtimehavingdueregardtothefollowing,namely:-(a) incaseofageneralelection, theperiodmaycommence fromthebeginningof thehoursfixforpollonthefirstdayofpollandcontinuetillhalfanhourafterclosingofthepollinalltheStatesandUnionTerritories;(b) incaseofaby-electionoranumberofby-electionsheld together, theperiodmaycommencefromthebeginningofthehoursfixedforpollonandfromthefirstdayofpollandcontinuetillhalfanhourafterclosingofthepoll:

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Provided that in case of a number of by-elections held together on different days, theperiodmaycommencefromthebeginningofhoursfixedforpollonthefirstdayofpollandcontinuetillhalfanhourafterclosingofthelastpoll.(3) Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofthissectionshallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtotwoyearsorwithfine,orwithboth.Explanation-Forthepurposesofthissection,-(a) “exit poll” means any opinion survey respecting how electors have voted at anelectionorrespectinghowalltheelectorshaveperformedwithregardtotheidentificationofapoliticalpartyorcandidateinanelection;(b) “electronic media” includes internet, radio and television including InternetProtocol Television, satellite, terrestrial or cable channels,mobile and such othermediaeitherownedbytheGovernmentorprivatepersonorbyboth;(c) “print media” includes any newspaper, magazine or periodical, poster, placard,handbilloranyotherdocument;(d) “dissemination”includespublicationinany“printmedia”orbroadcastordisplayonanyelectronicmedia.126B. Offencesbycompanies–(1) Whereanoffenceundersub-section(2)ofsection126Ahasbeencommittedbyacompany,everypersonwho,atthetimetheoffencewascommitted,wasinchargeof,andwasresponsibletothecompanyfortheconductofthebusinessofthecompany,aswellasthecompany,shallbedeemedtobeguiltyoftheoffenceandshallbeliabletobeproceededagainstandpunishedaccordingly:Providedthatnothingcontainedinthissub-sectionshallrenderanysuchpersonliabletoanypunishmentprovidedinthisActifheprovesthattheoffencewascommittedwithouthis knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of suchoffence.(2) Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinsub-section(1),whereanoffenceunderthisActhasbeencommittedbyacompanyanditisprovedthattheoffencehasbeencommittedwith the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, anydirector, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager,secretaryorotherofficershallalsobedeemedtobeguiltyofthatoffenceandshallbeliabletobeproceededagainstandpunishedaccordingly.Explanation–Forthepurposeofthissection,-(a) “company”means anybody corporate, and includes a firm or other association ofindividuals;and(b) “director”,inrelationtoafirm,meansapartnerinthefirm.127. DISTURBANCESATELECTIONMEETINGS(1) Any personwho at a publicmeeting towhich this section applies acts, or incitesotherstoact, inadisorderlymannerforthepurposeofpreventingthetransactionofthebusiness for which the meeting was called together, [shall be punishable withimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtosixmonthsorwithfinewhichmayextendtotwothousandrupees,orwithboth.(1A)Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(1)shallbecognizable.(2) This section applies to any public meeting of a political character held in anyconstituencybetweenthedateoftheissueofanotificationunderthisActcallingupontheconstituencytoelectamemberormembersandthedateonwhichsuchelectionisheld.

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(3) If any police officer reasonably suspects any person of committing any offenceundersub-section(1),hemay,ifrequestedsotodobythechairmanofthemeeting,requirethatpersontodeclaretohimimmediatelyhisnameandaddressand,ifthatpersonrefusesorfailssotodeclarehisnameandaddress,orifthepoliceofficerreasonablysuspectshimofgivingafalsenameoraddress,thepoliceofficermayarresthimwithoutwarrant.127A.RESTRICTIONSONTHEPRINTINGOFPAMPHLETS,POSTERS,ETC(1) Nopersonshallprintorpublish,orcause tobeprintedorpublished,anyelectionpamphlet or posterwhich does not bear on its face the names and the addresses of theprinterandthepublisherthereof.(2) Nopersonshallprintorcausetobeprintedanyelectionpamphletorposter:-(a) Unlessadeclarationas to the identityof thepublisher thereof, signedbyhimandattestedbytwopersonstowhomheispersonallyknown,isdeliveredbyhimtotheprinterinduplicate;and(b) Unless,withinareasonabletimeaftertheprintingofthedocument,onecopyofthedeclarationissentbytheprinter,togetherwithonecopyofthedocument,-(i) whereitisprintedinthecapitaloftheState,totheChiefElectoralofficer;and(ii) inanyothercase,tothedistrictmagistrateofthedistrictinwhichitisprinted.(3) Forthepurposesofthissection,-(a) any process formultiplying copies of a document, other than copying it by hand,shallbedeemedtobeprintingandtheexpression“printer”shallbeconstruedaccordingly;and(b) “election pamphlet or poster” means any printed pamphlet, hand-bill or otherdocument distributed for the purpose of promoting or prejudicing the election of acandidateorgroupofcandidatesoranyplacardorposterhavingreferencetoanelection,but does not include any hand-bill, placard or postermerely announcing the date, time,placeandotherparticularsofanelectionmeetingorroutineinstructionstoelectionagentsorworkers.(4) Anypersonwhocontravenesanyoftheprovisionsofsub-section(1)orsub-section(2)shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtosixmonths,orwithfinewhichmayextendtotwothousandrupees,orwithboth.128. MAINTENANCEOFSECRECYOFVOTING(1) Every officer, clerk, agent or other person who performs any duty in connectionwith the recording or counting of votes at an election shall maintain, and aid inmaintaining,thesecrecyofthevotingandshallnot(exceptforsomepurposeauthorisedbyorunderany law)communicatetoanypersonany informationcalculatedtoviolatesuchsecrecy:Providedthattheprovisionsofthissub-sectionshallnotapplytosuchofficer,clerk,agentor other person who performs any such duty at an election to fill seat or seats in theCouncilofStates.(2) Any personwho contravenes the provision of sub-section (1) shall be punishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreemonthsorwithfineorwithboth.129. OFFICERS,ETC.,ATELECTIONSNOTTOACTFORCANDIDATESORTOINFLUENCEVOTING(1) No personwho is a district election officer or a returning officer, or an assistantreturningofficer,orapresidingofficerorpollingofficeratanelection,oranofficerorclerkappointed by the returning officer for the presiding officer to perform any duty in

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connectionwithanelectionshallintheconductorthemanagementoftheelectiondoanyact(otherthanthegivingofvote)forthefurtheranceoftheprospectsoftheelectionofacandidate.(2) Nosuchpersonasaforesaid,andnomemberofapoliceforce,shallendeavour-(a) topersuadeanypersontogivehisvoteatanelection,or(b) todissuadeanypersonfromgivinghisvoteatanelection,or(c) toinfluencethevotingofanypersonatanelectioninanymanner.(3) Any personwho contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)shall be punishablewith imprisonmentwhichmay extend to sixmonths orwith fine orwithboth.(4) Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(3)shallbecognizable.130. PROHIBITIONOFCANVASSINGINORNEARPOLLINGSTATIONS(1) Nopersonshall,onthedateordatesonwhichapollistakenatanypollingstation,commitanyofthefollowingactswithinthepollingstationorinanypublicorprivateplacewithinadistanceof(onehundredmeters)ofthepollingstation,namely:-(a) canvassingforvotes;or(b) solicitingthevoteofanyelector;or(c) persuadinganyelectornottovoteforanyparticularcandidate;or(d) persuadinganyelectornottovoteattheelection;or(e) exhibitinganynoticeorsign(otherthananofficialnotice)relatingtotheelection.(2) Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsub-section(1)shallbepunishablewithfinewhichmayextendtotwohundredandfiftyrupees.(3) Anoffencepunishableunderthissectionshallbecognizable.131. PENALTYFORDISORDERLYCONDUCTINORNEARPOLLINGSTATIONS(1) Nopersonshall,onthedateordatesonwhichapollistakenatanypollingstation,-(a) Useoroperatewithinorat theentranceof thepollingstation,or inanypublicorprivateplace in theneighbourhood thereof, anyapparatus foramplifyingor reproducingthehumanvoice,suchasamegaphoneoraloudspeaker,or(b) shout, or otherwise act in a disorderly manner, within or at the entrance of thepollingstationorinanypublicorprivateplaceintheneighbourhoodsthereof,soastocauseannoyancetoanypersonvisitingthepollingstationforthepoll,orsoastointerferewiththeworkoftheofficersandotherpersonsondutyatthepollingstation.(2) Any person who contravenes, or wilfully aids or abets the contravention of, theprovisionsofsub-section(1)shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentwhichmayextendtothreemonthsorwithfineorwithboth.(3) If thepresidingofficerofapollingstationhasreasontobelievethatanypersoniscommittingorhascommittedanoffencepunishableunderthissection,hemaydirectanypoliceofficertoarrestsuchperson,andthereuponthepoliceofficershallarresthim.(4) Anypolice officermay take such steps, anduse such force, asmaybe reasonablynecessary forpreventinganycontraventionof theprovisionsofsub-section(1),andmayseizeanyapparatususedforsuchcontravention.132. PENALTYFORMISCONDUCTATTHEPOLLINGSTATION(1) Any person who during the hours fixed for the poll at any polling stationmisconductshimselfor fails toobey the lawfuldirectionsof thepresidingofficermayberemovedfromthepollingstationbythepresidingofficerorbyanypoliceofficerondutyorbyanypersonauthorizedinthisbehalfbysuchpresidingofficer.

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(2) Thepowersconferredbysub-section(1)shallnotbeexercisedsoastopreventanyelectorwhoisotherwiseentitledtovoteatapollingstationfromhavinganopportunityofvotingatthatstation.(3) Ifanypersonwhohasbeensoremovedfromapollingstationre-entersthepollingstation without the permission of the presiding officer, he shall be punishable withimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreemonths,orwithfine,orwithboth.(4) Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(3)shallbecognizable.132A.PENALTYFORFAILURETOOBSERVEPROCEDUREFORVOTINGIf anyelector towhomaballotpaperhasbeen issued, refuses toobserve theprocedureprescribedforvotingtheballotpaperissuedtohimshallbeliableforcancellation.133. PENALTYFORILLEGALHIRINGORPROCURINGOFCONVEYANCESATELECTIONSIfanyperson isguiltyofanysuchcorruptpracticeas isspecified inclause(5)ofsection123atorinconnectionwithanelection,heshallbepunishablewithimprisonmentwhichmayextendtothreemonthsandwithfine.134. BREACHESOFOFFICIALDUTYINCONNECTIONWITHELECTIONS(1) Ifanypersontowhomthissectionappliesiswithoutreasonablecauseguiltyofanyactoromission inbreachofhisofficialduty,heshallbepunishablewith finewhichmayextendtofivehundredrupees.(1A) Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(1)shallbecognizable.(2) Nosuitorotherlegalproceedingsshalllieagainstanysuchpersonfordamagesinrespectofanysuchactoromissionasaforesaid.(3) The persons to whom this section applies are the [district election officers,returningofficers],assistantreturningofficers,presidingofficers,pollingofficersandanyotherpersonappointedtoperformanydutyinconnectionwiththereceiptofnominationsorwithdrawalofcandidatures,ortherecordingorcountingofvotesatanelection;andtheexpression‘officialduty’shallforthepurposesofthissectionbeconstruedaccordingly,butshallnotincludedutiesimposedotherwisethanbyorunderthisAct.134A. PENALTY FOR GOVERNMENT SERVANTS FOR ACTING AS ELECTION AGENT,POLLINGAGENTORCOUNTINGAGENTIfanypersonintheserviceofthegovernmentactsasanelectionagentorapollingagentonacountingagentofacandidateatanelection,heshallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreemonths,orwithfine,orwithboth.134B.PROHIBITIONOFGOINGARMEDTOORNEARAPOLLINGSTATION(1) Noperson,otherthanreturningofficer,thepresidingofficer,anypoliceofficerandanyotherpersonappointedtomaintainpeaceandorderatapollingstationwhoisondutyatthepollingstation,shall,onapollingday,goextendwitharms,asdefinedintheArmsAct,1959(54of1959),ofanykindwithintheneighbourhoodofapollingstation.(2) Ifanypersoncontravenestheprovisionsofsub-section(1),heshallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtotwoyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.(3) Notwithstandinganything contained in theArmsAct, 1959 (54of1959),whereaperson is convicted of an offence under this section, the arms as defined in the saidActfoundinhispossessionshallbeliabletoconfiscationandthelicensegrantedinrelationtosucharmsshallbedeemedtohavebeenrevokedunderSection17ofthatAct.4. Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(2)shallbecognizable.135. REMOVALOFBALLOTPAPERSFROMPOLLINGSTATIONTOBEANOFFENCE

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(1) Anypersonwhoatanyelectionunauthorizedlytakes,orattemptstotake,aballotpaperoutofapollingstationorwilfullyaidsorabets thedoingofanysuchact, shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtooneyearorwithfinewhichmayextendtofivehundredrupeesorwithboth.(2) If thepresidingofficerofapollingstationhasreasontobelievethatanypersoniscommitting or has committed an offence punishable under sub-section (1), such officermay,beforesuchpersonleavesthepollingstation,arrestordirectapoliceofficertoarrestsuchpersonandmaysearchsuchpersonorcausehimtobesearchedbyapoliceofficer:Provided thatwhen it isnecessary tocauseawoman tobesearched, thesearchshallbemadebyanotherwomanwithstrictregardtodecency.(3) Anyballotpaperfounduponthepersonarrestedonsearchshallbemadeoverforsafe custody toapoliceofficerby thepresidingofficer,orwhen thesearch ismadebyapoliceofficer,shallbekeptbysuchofficerinsafecustody.(4) Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(1)shallbecognizable.135A.OFFENCEOFBOOTHCAPTURING1. Whoever commits an offence of booth capturing shall be punishable withimprisonment fora termwhichshallnotbe less thanoneyearbutwhichmayextend tothreeyearsandwithfine,andwheresuchoffenceiscommittedbyapersonintheserviceof theGovernment, shallbepunishablewith imprisonment fora termwhichshallnotbelessthanthreeyearsbutwhichmayextendtofiveyearsandwithfine.Explanation-for the purposes of this sub-section and section 20B,” booth capturing”includes,amongotherthings,alloranyofthefollowingactivities,namely:-(a) seizureof apolling stationor aplace fixed for thepollbyanypersonorpersons,makingpollingauthoritiessurrendertheballotpapersorvotingmachinesanddoingofanyotheractwhichaffectstheorderlyconductofelection;(b) takingpossessionofapollingstationoraplacefixedforthepollbyanypersonorpersonsandallowingonlyhisortheirownsupporters toexercisetheirrighttovoteandpreventothersfromfreeexerciseoftheirrighttovote;(c) Coercing or intimidating or threatening directly or indirectly any elector andpreventinghimfromgoingtothepollingstationoraplacefixedforthepolltocasthisvote;(d) seizure of a place for counting of votes by any person or persons making thecounting authorities surrender the ballot papers or voting machines and the doing ofanythingwhichaffectstheorderlycountingofvotes;(e) doing by any person in the service of government, of all or any of the aforesaidactivitiesoraidingorconnivingat,anysuchactivityinthefurtheranceoftheprospectsoftheelectionofacandidate.(2) Anoffencepunishableundersubsection(1)shallbecognizable.135(B) GRANTOFPAIDHOLIDAYTOEMPLOYEESONTHEDAYOFPOLL(1) Everypersonemployedinanybusiness,trade,industrialundertakingoranyoftheestablishment and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or theLegislativeAssemblyofaStateShall,onthedayofpoll,begrantedaholiday.(2) No deduction or abatement of the wages of any such person shall be made onaccountof aholidayhavingbeengranted in accordancewith sub-section (1) and if suchpersonisemployedonthebasisthathewouldnotordinarilyreceivewagesforsuchaday,heshallnonethelessbepaidforsuchdaythewageshewouldhavedrawnhadnotaholidaybeengrantedtohimonthatday.

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(3) Ifanemployercontravenestheprovisionofsub-section(1)orsub-section(2),thensuchemployershallbepunishablewithfinewhichmayextendtofivehundredrupees.(4) This section shall not apply to any elector whose absence may cause danger orsubstantiallossinrespectoftheemploymentinwhichheisengaged.135C.LIQUORNOTTOBESOLD,GIVENORDISTRIBUTEDONPOLLINGDAY(1) Nospirituous,fermentedorintoxicatingliquorsorothersubstancesofalikenatureshallbesold,givenordistributedatahotel,eatinghouse,tavern,shoporanyotherplace,publicorprivate,withinapollingareaduringtheperiodofforty-eighthoursendingwiththehourfixedfortheconclusionofthepollforanyelectioninthatpollingarea.(2) Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsub-section(1),shallbepunishablewith imprisonment for a termwhichmay extend to sixmonths, orwith finewhichmayextendtotwothousandrupees,orwithboth.(3) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section, the spirituous,fermented or intoxicating liquors or other substances of a like nature found in hispossessionshallbeliabletoconfiscationandthesameshallbedisposedofinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed.136. OTHEROFFENCESANDPENALTIESTHEREFOR(1) Apersonshallbeguiltyofanelectoraloffenceifatanyelectionhe-(a) fraudulentlydefacesorfraudulentlydestroysanynominationpaper;or(b) fraudulentlydefaces,destroysorremovesanylist,noticeorotherdocumentaffixedbyorundertheauthorityofaReturningOfficer;or(c) fraudulentlydefacesor fraudulentlydestroysanyballotpaperor theofficialmarkon anyBallot paper or any declaration of identity or official envelop used in connectionwithvotingbypostalballot;or(d) without due authority supplies any Ballot paper to any person [or receives anyballotpaperfromanypersonorisinpossessionofanyballotpaper];or(e) fraudulentlyputsintoanyBallotboxanythingotherthantheballotpaperwhichheisauthorisedbylawtoputin;or(f) withoutdueauthoritydestroys,takes,opensorotherwiseinterfereswithanyballotboxorballotpaperstheninuseforthepurposesoftheelection;or(g) fraudulentlyorwithoutdueauthority,asthecasemaybe,attemptstodoanyoftheforegoingactsorwilfullyaidsorabetsthedoingofanysuchacts.(2) Anypersonguiltyofanelectoraloffenceunderthissectionshall,-(a) ifheisreturningofficeroranassistantreturningofficerorapresidingofficeratapollingstationoranyotherofficerorclerkemployedonofficialdutyinconnectionwiththeelection,bepunishablewith imprisonment fora termwhichmayextend to twoyearsorwithfineorwithboth;(b) ifhe isanyotherperson,bepunishablewith imprisonment fora termwhichmayextendtosixmonthsorwithfineorwithboth.(3) Forthepurposesofthissection,apersonshallbedeemedtobeonofficialdutyifhisduty is to take part in the conduct of an election or part of an election including thecountingofvotesortoberesponsibleafteranelectionfortheusedballotpapersandotherdocuments in connection with such election, but the expression “official duty” shall notincludeanydutyimposedotherwisethanbyorunderthisAct.(4) Anoffencepunishableundersub-section(2)shallbecognizable.

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ACTSOFPARLIAMENTEXTRACTSFROMTHEINDIANPENALCODE

(Act45of1860)153A. PROMOTINGENMITYBETWEENDIFFERENTGROUPSONGROUNDSOFRELIGIONRACE,PLACEOFBIRTH,RESIDENCE,LANGUAGE,ETC.,ANDDOINGACTSPREJUDICIALTOMAINTENANCEOFHARMONY(1) whoever-(a) by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations orotherwise, promotes or attempts to promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birthresidence language,casteorcommunityorallanyothergroundwhatsoever,disharmonyorfeelingsofenmity,hatredorwillbetweendifferentreligious,racial,languageorregionalgroupsorcastesorcommunities,or(b) commits any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony betweendifferentreligious,racial,languageorregionalgroupsorcastesorcommunitiesandwhichdisturbsorislikelytodisturbthepublictranquillity,or(c) organizesanyexercise,movement,drillorothersimilaractivity intendingthattheparticipantsinsuchactivityshalluseorbetrainedtobeusecriminalforceorviolenceorknowing it tobe likely that theparticipants in suchactivitywilluseorbe trained tousecriminalforceorviolenceparticipatesinsuchactivityintendingtouseorbetrainedtousecriminal forceorviolenceorknowing it tobe likely that theparticipants in suchactivitywill use or be trained to the use criminal force or violence against any religious, racial ,language or regional groups or caste or community and such activity for any reasonwhatever causes for is likely to cause fear or alarm or a feelings of insecurity amongstmembersofsuchreligious,raciallanguageorregionalgrouporcasteorcommunity,shallbe punishedwith imprisonmentwhichmay extend to three years , orwith fine, orwithboth.OFFENCECOMMITTEDINPLACEOFWORSHIP,ETC.(2) Whoevercommitsanoffencespecifiedinsub-section(1)inanyplaceofworshiporinanyassemblyengagedintheperformanceofreligiousworshiporreligiousceremonies,shall be punished with imprisonment whichmay extend to five years and shall also beliabletofine.153B IMPUTATIONS,ASSERTIONSPREJUDICIALNATIONALINTEGRATION(1)Whoever,bywordseitherspokenorwrittenorbysignsorbyvisiblerepresentationsorotherwise-(a)makesorpublishesanyimputationthatanyclassofpersonscannot,byreasonoftheirbeingmembersofanyreligious,racial,languageofregionalgrouporcasteorcommunity,beartruefaithandallegiancetotheConstitutionofIndiaasbylawestablishorupholdthesovereigntyandintegrityofIndia,or(b) asserts, counsels, advises, propagatesorpublishes that any classof persons shall, byreasonoftheirbeingmembersofanyreligious,racial,languageorregionalgrouporcasteofcommunity,bedeniedordeprivedoftheirrightsascitizensofIndia,or(c)makesorpublishesanyassertion,counsel,pleaorappealconcerningtheobligationofanyclassofpersons,byreasonoftheirbeingmembersofanyreligious,racial,languageorregionalgrouporcasteofcommunity,andsuchassertion,counsel,pleaorappealcausesoris likely to cause disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will between suchmembersandotherpersons.

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shallbepunishedwithimprisonmentwhichmayextendtothreeyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.(2) Whoevercommitsanoffencespecifiedinsub-section(1)inanyplaceofworshiporinanyassemblyengagedintheperformanceofreligiousworshiporreligiousceremonies,shall be punished with imprisonment whichmay extend to five years and shall also beliabletofine.

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OFFENCERELATINGTOELECTIONS

171A.‘‘CANDIDATE”,‘‘ELECTORALRIGHT”DEFINEDForthepurposeofthischapter-(a) “candidate”meansapersonwhohasbeennominatedasacandidateatanyelection;(b) “electoral right” means the right of a person to stand or not to stand as, or towithdrawfrombeingacandidateortovoteorrefrainfromvotingatanelection.171B.BRIBERY(1) Whoever-(i) gives a gratification to any person with the object of inducing him or any otherpersontoexerciseanyelectoralrightorofrewardinganypersonforhavingexerciseanysuchright;or(ii) acceptseitherforhimselforforanyotherpersonanygratificationasarewardforexercising any such right or for inducing or attempting to induce any other person toexerciseanysuchright,commitstheoffenceofbribery:Provided thatadeclarationofpublicpolicyorapromiseofpublicactionshallnotbeanoffenceunderthissection.(2) A person who offers or agrees to give, or offers or attempts to procure, agratificationshallbedeemedtogivegratification.(3) Apersonwhoobtainsoragreestoacceptsorattemptstoobtainagratificationshallbedeemedtoacceptagratification,andapersonwhoacceptsagratificationasamotivefordoingwhathedoesnotintendtodo,orasrewardfordoingwhathehasnotdone,shallbedeemedtohaveacceptedthegratificationasareward.171C. UNDUEINFLUENCEATELECTIONS(1) Whoevervoluntarilyinterferesorattemptstointerferewiththefreeexerciseofanyelectoralrightcommitstheoffenceofunderinfluenceatanelection.(2) Withoutprejudicetothegenerallyoftheprovisionsofsub-sections(1)whoever-(a) threatens any candidate or voter, or any person inwhom a candidate or voter isinterested,withinjuryofanykind,or(b) inducesorattemptstoinduceacandidateorvotertobelievethatheoranypersoninwhomheisinterestedwillbecomeorwillberenderedanobjectorDivinedispleasureorof spiritual pleasure, shall be deemed to interferewith the free exercise of the electoralrightofsuchcandidateorvoter,withinthemeaningofsub-section(1)(3) Adeclarationofpublicpolicyorapromiseofpublicaction,orthemereexerciseofalegal rightwithout intent to interferewith an electoral right, shall not be deemed to beinterferencewithinthemeaningofthissection.171D. PERSONATIONATELECTIONSwhoeveratanelectionappliesforavotingpaperorvotesinthenameofanyotherperson,whetherlivingordead,orinafictitiousname,orwhohavingvotedonceatsuchelectionapplies at the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets,procuresorattempts toprocure thevotingbyanyperson inany suchway, commits theoffenceofpersonationatanelection.171E. PUNISHMENTFORBRIBERYWhoever commits the offence of bribery shall be punishedwith imprisonment of eitherdescriptionforatermwhichmayextendtooneyear,orwithfine,orwithboth;Providedthatbriberybytreatingshallbepunishedwithfineonly.

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Explanation-‘Treating’meansthatformofbriberywherethegratificationconsistsinfood,drink,entertainment,orprovision.171F.PUNISHMENTFORUNDUEINFLUENCEORPERSONATIONATANELECTIONWhoever commits the offence of undue influence or personation at an election shall bepunished with imprisonment of either description for a termwhichmay extend to oneyear,orwithfine,orwithboth.171G.FALSESTATEMENTINCONNECTIONWITHANELECTIONWhoeverwith intent toaffect theresultofanelectionmakesorpublishesanystatementpurportingtobeastatementoffactwhichisfalseandwhichheeitherknowsorbelievestobefalseordoesnotbelievetobetrue, inrelationtothepersonalcharacterorconductofanycandidateshallbepunishedwithfine.171H. ILLEGALPAYMENTS,INCONNECTIONWITHANELECTIONWhoever without the general or special authority in writing of a candidate incurs orauthorisesexpensesonaccountoftheholdingofanypublic meetings, or upon anyadvertisement,circularorpublication,orinanyotherwaywhatsoeverforthepurposeofpromotingorprocuringtheelectionofsuchcandidate,shallbepunishedwith finewhichmayextendtofivehundredrupees;Providethatifanypersonhavingincurredanysuchexpensesnotexceedingtheamountoftenrupeeswithoutauthorityobtainswithintendaysfromthedateonwhichsuchexpenseswere incurred the approval in writing of the candidate, he shall be deemed to haveincurredsuchexpenseswiththeauthorityofthecandidate.171-I.FAILURETOKEEPELECTIONACCOUNTSWhoeverbeingrequiredbyanylawforthetimebeinginforceoranyrulehavingtheforceof lawtokeepaccountsofexpenses incurredator inconnectionwithanelection fails tokeepsuchaccountsshallbepunishedwithfinewhichmayextendtofivehundredrupees.505. Statementsconducingtopublicmischief-1) Whoevermakes,publishesorcirculatesanystatement,rumourorreport-(a) withintenttocause,orwhichislikelytocause,anyofficer,soldier,sailororairmanintheArmy,NavyorAirforceofIndiatomutinyor(1)otherwisedisregardorfail inhisdutyassuch;or(b) withintenttocause,orwhichislikelytocause,fearoralarmtothepublic,ortoanysectionofthepublicwherebyanypersonmaybeinducedtocommitanoffenceagainstthestateoragainstthetranquillity;or(c) withintenttoincite,orwhichislikelytoincite,anyclassorcommunityofpersonsto commit any offence against any other class or community, shall be punished withimprisonmentwhichmayextendtothreeyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.(2) Statements creating or promoting enmity hatred or ill-will between classes.-Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement or report containing rumour ofalarmingnewswithintenttocreateorpromote,orwhichislikelytocreateorpromote,ongrounds of religion, race place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or anyothergroundwhatsoever,feelingsofenmity,hatredorill-willbetweendifferentreligious,racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, shall be punished withimprisonmentwhichmayextendtothreeyears,orwithfineorwithboth.(3) Offenceundersub-section(2)committedinplaceofworship,etc.-

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Whoevercommitsanoffencespecifiedinsub-section(2)inanyplaceofworshiporinanyassemblyengagedintheperformanceofreligiousworshiporreligiousceremonies,shallbepunishedwithimprisonmentwhichmayextendtofiveyearsandshallalsobeliabletofine.Exception.-Itdoesnotamounttoanoffence,withinthemeaningofthissection,whentheperson making, publishing or circulating any such statement, rumour or report, hasreasonablegroundsforbelievingthatsuchstatement,rumourorreportistrueandmakes,publishesorcirculatesitingoodfaithandwithoutanysuchintentasaforesaid.

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APPENDIX17(CHAPTER7,PARA7.3.2)

MODELCODEOFCONDUCTFORTHEGUIDANCEOFPOLITICALPARTIESANDCANDIDATES

I. GENERALCONDUCT(1) No party or candidate shall indulge in any activity whichmay aggravate existingdifferences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes andcommunities,religiousorlinguistic.(2) Criticismofotherpoliticalparties,when made, shall be confined to their policiesandprogramme,pastrecordandwork.Partiesandcandidatesshallrefrainfromcriticismof all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders orworkersof otherparties.Criticismofotherpartiesor theirworkersbasedonunverifiedallegationsorondistortionshallbeavoided.(3) Thereshallbenoappealtocasteorcommunalfeelingsforsecuringvotes.Mosques,churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for electionpropaganda.(4) Allpartiesandcandidates,shallavoidscrupulouslyallactivitieswhichare“corruptpracticesanoffencesundertheelectionlaw,suchasthebribingofvoters,intimidationofvoters, impersonationofvoters,canvassingwithin100metersofpollingstations,holdingpublicmeetingsduringtheperiodof48hoursendingwiththehourfixedforthecloseofthepoll,andthetransportandconveyanceofvoterstoandfrompollingstation.(5) The right of every individual for peaceful and undisturbed home-life shall berespected, however much the political parties or candidates may resent his politicalopinions or activities. Organising demonstrations or picketing before the houses ofindividualsbywayofprotestingagainsttheiropinionsoractivitiesshallnotberesortedtounderanycircumstances.(6) No political party or candidate shall permit his followers to make use of anyindividual’s land, building, compoundwall etc.Without his permission for erecting flag-staffs,suspendingbanners,pastingnotices,writingslogansetc.(7) Political parties and candidates shall ensure that their supporters do not createobstructions in or break up meetings and processions organised by the other parties.Workers or sympathisers of one political party shall not create disturbance at publicmeetingsorganisedbyanotherpoliticalpartybyputtingquestionsorallyor inwritingorbydistributingleafletsoftheirownparty.Processionsshallnotbetakenoutbyonepartyalongplacesatwhichmeetingsareheldbyanotherparty.Postersissuedbyonepartyshallnotberemovedbyworkersofanotherparty.II. MEETINGS(1) The party or candidate shall inform the local police authorities of the venue andtimeof anyproposedmeetingwell in time so as to enable thepolice tomakenecessaryarrangementsforcontrollingtrafficandmaintainingpeaceandorder.(2) A party or candidate shall ascertain in advance if there are any restrictive orprohibitoryordersinforceintheplaceproposedforthemeeting,ifsuchorderexist,theyshallbefollowedstrictly.Ifanyexceptionisrequiredfromsuchorders,itshallbeappliedforandobtainedwellintime.

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(3) Ifpermissionof licence is tobeobtained for theuseof loudspeakersoranyotherfacilityinconnectionwithanyproposedmeeting,thepartyorcandidateshallapplytotheauthorityconcernedwellinadvanceandobtainsuchpermissionorlicence.(4) Organisersofameetingshallinvariablyseektheassistanceofthepoliceondutyfordealingwith persons disturbing ameeting or otherwise attempting to create a disorder.Organisersthemselvesshallnottakeactionagainstsuchpersons.III. PROCESSION(1) Apartyorcandidateorganisingaprocessionshalldecidebeforehandthetimeandplaceofthestartingoftheprocession,theroutetobefollowedandthetimeandplaceatwhich the procession will terminate. There shall ordinarily be no deviation from theprogramme.(2) The organisers shall give advance intimation to the local police authorities of theprogrammerssoastoenablethelattertomakenecessaryarrangement.(3) Theorganisersshallascertain ifanyrestrictiveordersare in force inthe localitiesthroughwhich the procession has to pass, and shall complywith the restrictions unlessexemptedspeciallybycompetentauthority.Anytrafficregulationsorrestrictionsshallalsobecarefullyadheredto.(4) Theorganisersshalltakestepsinadvancetoarrangeforpassageoftheprocessionso that there isnoblockorhindrance to traffic. If theprocession isvery long, it shallbeorganised in segments of suitable lengths, so that at convenient intervals, especially atpointswheretheprocessionhastopassroadjunctions,thepassageofhelduptrafficcouldbeallowedbystagesthusavoidingheavytrafficcongestion.(5) Processions shall be so regulated as to keep asmuch to the right of the road aspossibleandthedirectionandadviceofthepoliceondutyshallbestrictlycompliedwith.(6) Iftwoormorepoliticalpartiesorcandidatesproposetotakeprocessionsoverthesamerouteorpartsthereofataboutthesametime,theorganisersshallestablishcontactwell inadvanceanddecideuponthemeasurestobetakentoseethattheprocessionsdonotclashorcausehindrancetotraffic.Theassistanceofthelocalpoliceshallbeavailedoffor arriving at a satisfactory arrangement. For this purpose, theparties shall contact thepoliceattheearliestopportunity.(7) The political parties or candidates shall exercise control to the maximum extentpossible in thematter of processionists carrying articlewhichmay be put tomisuse byundesirableelements,especiallyinmomentsofexcitement.(8) Thecarryingofeffigiespurportingtorepresentmembersofotherpoliticalpartiesortheirleaders,burningsucheffigiesinpublicandsuchotherformsofdemonstrationshallnotbecountenancedbyanypoliticalpartyorcandidate.IV. POLLINGDAYAllpoliticalpartiesandcandidatesshall-(i) co-operatewiththeofficersonelectiondutytoensurepeacefulandorderlypollingandcompletefreedomtothevoterstoexercisetheirfranchisewithoutbeingsubjectedtoanyannoyanceorobstruction;(ii) supplytotheirauthorisedworkerssuitablebadgesoridentitycards;(iii) agree that the identity slips supplied by them to voters shall be on plain (white)papersandshallnotcontainanysymbol,nameofthecandidateorthenameoftheparty;(iv) refrainfromservingordistributingliquoronpollingdayandduringthetwenty-fourhoursproceedingit;

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(v) notallowunnecessarycrowdstobecollectednearthecampssetupbythepoliticalparties and candidates near the polling booths so as to avoid confrontation and tensionamongworkersandsympathizersofthepartiesandthecandidate;(vi) ensure that the candidate's camps shall be simple. They shall not display anyposters, flag, symbols or any other propagandamaterial. No eatables shall be served orcrowdallowedatthecamps;and(vii) co-operatewithauthoritiesincomplyingwiththerestrictionstobeimposedontheplying of vehicles on the polling day and obtain permits for them which should bedisplayedprominentlyonthosevehicles.V. POLLINGBOOTHExceptingthevoters,noonewithoutavalidpassfromtheElectionCommissionshallenterthepollingbooths.VI. OBSERVERSTheElectionCommissionisappointingObservers.Ifthecandidateortheiragentshaveanyspecific complaintorproblemregarding theconductof theelections, theymaybring thesametothenoticeoftheObserver.VII. PARTYINPOWERThepartyinpowerwhetheratCentreonintheStateorStatesconcerned,shallensurethatnocauseisgivenforanycomplaintthatithasuseditsofficialpositionforthepurposesofitselectioncampaignandinparticular-(i)(a) The Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work andshallnotalsomakeuseofofficialmachineryorpersonnelduringtheelectioneeringwork;(b) Governmenttransportincludingofficialaircrafts,vehicles,machineryandpersonnelshallnotbeusedforfurtheranceoftheinterestofthepartyinpower;(ii) Publicplacessuchasmaidansetc.,forholdingelectionmeetings,anduseofhelipadsforair-flightsinconnectionwithelectionsshallnotbemonopolisedbyitself.Otherpartiesandcandidatesshallbeallowedtheuseofsuchplacesandfacilitiesonthesametermsandconditionsonwhichtheyareusedbythepartyinpower;(iii) Rest houses, dak bungalows or other Government accommodation shall not bemonopolisedbypartyinpoweroritscandidatesandsuchaccommodationshallbeallowedtobeusedbyotherpartiesandcandidatesinafairmannerbutnopartyorcandidateshalluseorbeallowedtousesuchaccommodation(includingpremisesappertainingthereto)asa campaign office or for holding any public meeting for the purposes of electionpropaganda;(iv) Issueofadvertisementatthecostofpublicexchequerinthenewspapersandothermedia and the misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisancoverageofpoliticalnewsandpublicityregardingachievementswithaviewtofurtheringtheprospectsofthepartyinpowershallbescrupulouslyavoided.(v) Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants/payments out ofdiscretionaryfundsfromthetimeelectionsareannouncedbytheCommission;and(vi) FromthetimetheelectionsareannouncedbytheCommission,Ministersandotherauthoritiesshallnot-(a) announceanyfinancialgrantsinanyformorpromisesthereof;or(b) (exceptcivilservants)lay-foundationstonesetc.,ofprojectsorschemesofanykind;or

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(c) make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinkingwater facilitiesetc.;or(d) makeanyad-hocappointmentsinGovernment,publicundertakingsetc.,whichmayhavetheeffectofinfluencingthevotersinfavourofthepartyinpower.Note: The Commission shall announce the date of any election which shall be a dateordinarilynotmorethanthreeweekspriortothedateonwhichthenotificationislikelytobeissuedinrespectofsuchelections.(vii) Ministers of Central or State Govt. shall not enter any polling station or place ofcountingexceptintheircapacityasacandidateorvoterorauthorisedagent.

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APPENDIX18(CHAPTER7,PARA7.11.1)

ORDERFORRESTRICTIONONTHEPRINTINGOFPOSTERSETCNo.3/9(ES008)/94-J.S.IIDated:2ndSeptember,1994Subject:RESTRICTIONSONTHEPRINTINGOFPAMPHLETSPOSTERS,ETC.The printing and publication of election pamphlets, posters etc., is governed by theprovisionsofSection127AoftheRepresentationofPeopleAct,1951.2. Theaboverestrictionsontheprintingofelectionpamphlets,poster,etc,havebeenimposedunderthelawwithaviewtoestablishingtheidentityofpublishersandprintersofsuch documents, so that if any such document contains anymatter ormaterialwhich isillegal,offendingorobjectionablelikeappealongroundofreligion,race,caste,communityor language or character assassination of any opponent, etc., necessary punitive orpreventiveactionmaybetakenagainstthepersonsconcerned.Theserestrictionsalsosub-servethepurposeofplacingacheckontheincurringofunauthorisedelectionexpenditureby political parties, candidates and their supporters on the printing and publication ofelectionpamphlets,posters,etc.3. TheCommissionhasnoticed that the aboveprovisions of law relating to printingandpublicationofelectionpamphlets,posters,etc.,arebeingfollowedmoreintheirbreachthan in theirobservance.At the timeofelections,a largenumberof suchdocumentsareprinted,published,circulatedandpastedonthewallsofprivateandGovernmentbuildingsin respect of which the above-mentioned requirements of law have not been compliedwith.TheprintingpressesrarelysendtheprinteddocumentstotheChiefElectoralOfficersor, as the case may be, the District Magistrates concerned along with the declarationobtainedfromthepublisherasrequiredunderSection127A(2).Manyatime,theelectionpamphlets, posters, etc, do not bear on the face the names and addresses of the printerand/orpublisherthereofinviolationofSection127A(1).4. ItisfurthercomplainedtotheCommissionthatnotimelyactionistakenagainsttheoffenderswith the result that offendingmaterial is freely published and circulatedwithimpunity.Inthisconnection,attentionisdrawntothefollowingobservationsmadebytheSupremeCourtinRahimKhanVs.KhurshedAhmedandothers(AIR1975SC290):“Evenatthisstagewemaynoticethatthehandbillinquestiondoesnotcontainthenameof the printer and publisher although the election law so requires. Unfortunately, whensuchprintedmaterialiscirculated,thereisnoagencyofthelawwhichtakepromptactionafterdueinvestigation,withtheresultthatnoprinterorcandidateorpropagandistduringelections bothers about the law and he is able successfully to spread scandal without atraceofsource,knowingthatnothingwillhappenuntil longafter theelection,when inabudensomelitigationthisquestionisraised.Timelyenforcementisasimportantasruleoflawasthemakingoflegislation."5. In order that in future there is strict observance of, and compliance with, therequirementsoftheabove-mentionedprovisionsoflawonthesubject,theCommission,inexerciseofitspowerunderArticle324oftheConstitutionandallotherpowersenablingitin this behalf, and in supersession of all its previous instructions on the subject, herebydirectsasfollows:-

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(1) AssoonasanyelectionfromaParliamentary,AssemblyorCouncilConstituencyisannouncedbytheElectionCommission,theDistrictMagistratesshall,withinthreedaysofsuchannouncementofelection,writetoallprintingpressesintheirdistricts.(a) pointing out to them the requirements of abovementioned Section 127A andspecificallyinstructingthemtoindicateclearlyintheprintlinethenamesandaddressesofprinterandpublisherofanyelectionpamphletsorpostersorsuchothermaterialprintedbythem;(b) asking theprintingpresses to send the copiesof theprintedmaterial (alongwiththree extra copies of each such printedmaterial) and the declaration obtained from thepublisherasrequiredunderSection127A(2)withinthreedaysofitsprinting;(c) impressing on them in clear terms that any violation of the provisions of Section127A and the above directions of the Commission would be very seriously viewed andsternaction,whichmayinappropriatecasesincludeeventherevocationofthelicenceoftheprintingpressundertherelevantlawsoftheState,wouldbetaken.(2) The Chief Electoral Officer shall do likewise in respect of the printing presseslocatedattheStatecapitals.(3) Before undertaking the printing of any election pamphlets or posters, etc., theprinter shall obtain from thepublisher adeclaration in termsof Section127A (2) in theproformaprescribedby theCommission inAnnexure-Ahereto. This declaration shall beduly signed by the publisher and attested by two persons to whom the publisher ispersonallyknown. It shouldalsobeauthenticatedby theprinterwhen it is forwardedtotheChiefElectoralOfficerortheDistrictMagistrate,asthecasemaybe.(4) Asdirectedabove,theprintershall furnishfour(4)copiesoftheprintedmaterial,alongwith thedeclarationof thepublisher,within three (3)daysof theprinting thereof.Along with such printedmaterial and the declaration, the printer shall also furnish theinformationregardingnumberofcopiesofthedocumentprintedandthepricechargedforsuch printing job, in the proforma prescribed by the Commission in Annexure-B hereto.Such information shall be furnished by the printer, not collectively but separately, inrespectofeachelectionpamphlets,posters,etc.,printedbyhimwithinthree(3)daysoftheprintingofeachsuchdocument.(5) As soon as a District Magistrate receives any election pamphlets or posters, etc.,fromaprintingpress,heshallexaminewhetherthepublisherandprinterhavecompliedwith the requirements of law and the above directions of the Commission.He shall alsocauseonecopythereof tobeexhibitedatsomeconspicuousplace inhisofficeso thatallpoliticalparties,candidatesandotherinterestedpersonsmaybeabletocheckwhethertherequirementsoflawhavebeendulycompliedwithinrelationtosuchdocumentandwhichwould also enable them to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned the cases ofotherelectionpamphlets,posters,etc., inrespectofwhichtheaboverequirementsoflawhavebeenviolated.(6) The Chief Electoral Officers shall also likewise take further follow up action asmentioned in sub-para (5) above in respect of the pamphlets, posters, etc., received bythem.(7) TheChiefElectoralOfficersandtheDistrictMagistratesshallinitiatepromptactionforinvestigationforthwithifanycaseofpublicationofelectionpamphlets,postersetc. inviolationoftheabove-mentionedprovisionsofsaidSection127Aand/ortheCommission'sabovedirectionseithercomes,orisbrought,totheirnotice.Inallsuchcasesprosecutions

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should be launched against the offendersmost expeditiously and these cases should bepursuedvigorouslyinthecourtsconcerned.6. The Commission hereby cautions all political parties, candidates and othersconcerned that any violation of the law and the Commission's directions on the abovesubjectwillbeviewedwithutmostconcernandthemoststringentactionpossiblewillbetakenagainsttheoffenders.7. Ifanyofficerwhoisresponsiblefortheenforcementoftheaboveprovisionsoflawand the directions of the Commission is found to have failed in the duedischarge of hisduties in this regard, hewill be liable to severedisciplinary action apart fromanypenalactionthatmaybecalledforagainsthimforbreachofhisofficialduty.

ByorderofSecretarytotheElectionCommissionofIndiaANNEXURE-A

[SEECHAPTER11,PARA11.13]PROFORMA FOR DECLARATION TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE PUBLISHER OF ELECTIONPOSTERS,PAMPHLETS,ETC.[SeeSection127-AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951]I…………………………...son/daughter/wife of ………………………………..resident of……………………………………….. (village/town)…………………………district………………………State,hereby declare that I am the publisher of……………………………… (give brief particulars ofelection posters, pamphlets etc) being printed by ……………………………………...….. (name ofprintingpress)Place……………….Date…………………..

(SignatureofPublisher)Fulladdress…………………………………………

Attestedby(personpersonallyknowntopublisher)1.Signature,nameandaddress2.Signature,nameandaddress

CountersignedbySignature,nameandaddressofpublisher

ANNEXURE-B[SEECHAPTERVII,PARA11.2(b)]

PROFORMA FOR SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION REGARDING PRINTING OF ELECTIONPOSTER,PAMPHLETS,ETC.1. Nameandaddressofprinter……………………………………………….2. Nameandaddressofpublisher……………………………………………...3. Dateoftheprintingorderofthepublisher…………………………………..4. Dateofthedeclarationofthepublisher……………………………………….5. Briefparticularsofelectionposter,pamphlet,etc…………………………….6. Numberofcopiesoftheabovedocumentprinted……………………………7. Dateofprinting………………………….8. Printing charges (including cost of paper) being charged from the publisher inrespectoftheabovedocument…………………………..Place……………..Date……………… (SignatureofPrinter)

SealofthePrinter

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APPENDIX19(CHAPTER9,PARA9.1.3)

CONDUCTOFELECTIONRULES1992MINISTRYOFLAW,JUSTICE&COMPANYAFFAIRS

(LEGISLATIVEDEPARTMENT)NOTIFICATION

NEWDELHI,THE24THMARCH,1992S.O.230(E).—InexerciseofthepowersconferredbySection169oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct, 1951 (43 of 1951), theCentralGovernment after consulting theElectionCommission,herebymakesthefollowingrulesfurthertoamendtheConductofElectionsRules,1961,namely:-1. (i)TheserulesmaybecalledtheConductofElection(Amendment)Rules,1992.(ii) TheyshallcomeintoforceonthedateoftheirpublicationintheOfficialGazette.2. In the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as the principalrules).(a) aftertheheadingtoPartIV,thefollowingshallbeinserted,namely:-

"CHAPTER1VOTINGBYBALLOT"(b) inrule28, for thewords"InthisPart", thewords"InthisChapterandChapter II"shallbesubstituted;(c) afterrule49,thefollowingshallbeinsertednamely:-

CHAPTERIIVOTINGBYELECTRONICVOTINGMACHINES

49A.DESIGNOFELECTRONICVOTINGMACHINESEveryelectronicvotingmachine(hereinafterreferredtoasthevotingmachine)shallhaveaControlUnitandaBallotingUnitandshallbeofsuchdesignsasmaybeapprovedbytheElectionCommission.49B.PREPARATIONOFVOTINGMACHINEBYTHERETURNINGOFFICER(1) TheBallotingUnitofthevotingmachineshallcontainsuchparticularsand,insuchlanguage,orlanguagesastheElectionCommissionmayspecify.(2) The names of the candidates shall be arranged on the Balloting Unit in the sameorderinwhichtheyappearinthelistofthecontestingcandidates.(3) If twoormorecandidatesbear thesamename, theyshallbedistinguishedby theadditionoftheiroccupationorresidenceorinsomeothermanner.(4) Subjecttotheforegoingprovisionsofthisrule,thereturningofficershall,(a) FixtheLabelcontainingthenamesandsymbolofthecontestingcandidates intheBalloting Unit and secure that unitwith his seal and the seals of such of the contestingcandidatesortheirelectionagentspresentasaredesirousofaffixingthesame;(b) set thenumberofcontestingcandidatesandclose thecandidatesetsection in theControlUnitandsecureitwithhissealandthesealsofsuchofthecontestingcandidatesortheirelectionagentspresentasaredesirousofaffixingthesame.49C. ARRANGEMENTSATTHEPOLLINGSTATIONS(1) Outsideeachpollingstationthereshallbedisplayedprominently-

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(a) notice specifying thepollingarea, theelectorsofwhichareentitled tovoteat thepollingstationand,whenthepollingareahasmorethanonepollingstation,theparticularsoftheelectorssoentitled;and(b) acopyofthelistofcontestingcandidates.(2) Ateachpollingstationthereshallbesetoneormorevotingcompartmentsinwhichtheelectorscanrecordtheirvotesfreefromobservation.(3) Thereturningofficershallprovideateachpollingstationonevotingmachineandcopies of relevant part of the electoral roll and such other election material as may benecessaryfortakingthepoll.(4) Withoutprejudicetotheprovisionsofsub-rule(3),thereturningofficermay,withthepreviousapprovaloftheElectionCommission,provideonecommonvotingmachinefortwoormorepollingstationslocatedinthesamepremises.49D. ADMISSIONTOPOLLINGSTATIONSThePresidingOfficershallregulatethenumberofelectors,tobeadmittedatanyonetimeinsidethepollingstationandshallexcludetherefromallpersonsotherthan-(a) pollingofficers;(b) publicservantsondutyinconnectionwiththeelection;(c) personsauthorisedbytheElectionCommission;(d) candidates,theirelectionagentsandsubjecttotheprovisionsofrule13,onepollingagentofeachcandidate;(e) achildinarmsaccompanyingaselector;(f) apersonaccompanyingablindorinfirmelectorwhocannotmovewithouthelp;and(g) such other persons as the returning officer or the Presiding Officer may employundersub-rule(2)ofrule49-Gorsub-rule(1)ofrule49-H.49E. PREPARATIONOFVOTINGMACHINEFORPOLL(1) TheControlUnitandBallotingUnitofeveryvotingmachineusedatpollingstationandtheprinterforpapertrailwhereused,shallbearalabelmarkedwith-(a) theserialnumber,ifany,andthenameoftheconstituency;(b) theserialnumberandnameofthepollingstationorstations,asthecasemaybe;(c) theserialnumberoftheunit;and(d) thedateofpoll.(2) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer shalldemonstratetothepollingagentsandotherpersonspresentthatnovotehasbeenalreadyrecordedinthevotingmachineanditbearsthelabelreferredtoinsub-rule(1),andwheretheprinterforpapertrailisusedthatthedropboxoftheprinterisempty.(3) ApapersealshallbeusedforsecuringtheControlUnitofthevotingmachine,andthepresidingofficershallaffixhisownsignatureonthepapersealandobtainthereonthesignatureofsuchofthepollingagentspresentasaredesirousofaffixingthesame.(4) ThepresidingofficershallthereafterfixthepapersealsosignedinthespacemeantthereforintheControlUnitofthevotingmachineandshallsecureandsealthesame.(5) ThesealusedforsecuringtheControlUnitshallbefixedinsuchmannerthataftertheunithasbeensealed,itisnotpossibletopressthe"Result”buttonwithoutbreakingtheseal.(6) TheControlUnitshallbeclosedandsecuredandplacedinfullviewofthepresidingofficerandthepollingagentsandtheBallotingUnitplacedinthevotingcompartment.49F. MARKEDCOPYOFELECTORALROLL

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Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer shall alsodemonstratetothePollingagentsandotherspresentthatthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltobeusedduringthepolldoesnotcontain-(a) anyentryotherthanthatmadeinpursuanceofclause(b)ofsub-rule(2)ofrule20;and(b) anymarkother than themarkmade inpursuanceof clause (b) of sub-rule (2) ofrule23.49G. FACILITIESFORWOMENELECTORS(1) Whereapollingstation is forbothmenandwomenelectors, thePresidingOfficermay direct that they shall be admitted into the polling station alternately in separatebatches.(2) Thereturningofficerorthepresidingofficermayappointawomantoserveasanattendantatanypollingstation toassistwomenelectorsandalso toassist thepresidingofficergenerallyintakingthepollinrespectofwomenelectors,and,inparticular,tohelpinfriskinganywomanelectorincaseitbecomesnecessary.49H. IDENTIFICATIONOFELECTORS(1) Thepresidingofficermayemployatthepollingstationssuchpersonsashethinksfittohelpintheidentificationoftheelectorsortoassisthimotherwiseintakingthepoll.(2) Aseachelectorentersthepollingstation,thepresidingofficerorthepollingofficerauthorisedbyhiminthisbehalfshallchecktheelector'snameandotherparticularswiththerelevantentryintheelectoralrollandthencallouttheserialnumber,nameandotherparticularsoftheelector.(3) Where thepolling station is situated ina constituencyelectorofwhichhavebeensupplied with identity cards under the provisions of the Registration of Electors Rules,1960,theelectorshallproducehisidentitycardbeforethepresidingofficerorthepollingofficerauthorisedbyhiminthisbehalf.(4) Indecidingtherightofapersontocasthisvote,thepresidingofficerorthepollingofficer,asthecasemaybe,shallover-looktheclericalorprintingerrorsinanentryintheelectoralroll ifheissatisfiedthatsuchpersonis identicalwiththeelectortowhomsuchentryrelates.49I. FACILITIESFORPUBLICSERVANTSONELECTIONDUTY(1) Theprovisionsofrule49Hshallnotapplytoanypersonwhoproducesatthepollingstation an electionduty certificate inForm12Band seekspermission to casthis vote atthatpollingstationalthoughitisdifferentfromtheonewhereheisentitledtovote.(2) Onproductionofsuchcertificate,thePresidingOfficershall-(a) obtainthereon,thesignatureofthepersonproducingit;(b) havetheperson'snameandelectoralrollnumberasmentionedinthecertificateenteredattheendofthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll;and(c) permithimtocasthisvoteinthesamemannerasforanelectorentitledtovoteatthatpollingstation.49J. CHALLENGINGOFIDENTITY(1) Anypollingagentmaychallengetheidentityofapersonclaimingtobeaparticularelectorbyfirstdepositingasumoftworupeesincashwiththepresidingofficerforeachsuchchallenge.(2) Onsuchdepositbeingmade,thepresidingofficershall-(a) warnthepersonchallengedofthepenaltyforpersonation;

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(b) read the relevant entry in the electoral roll in full and ask himwhether he is thepersonreferredtointhatentry;(c) enterhisnameandaddressinthelistofchallengedvotesinForm14;and(d) requirehimtoaffixhissignatureinthesaidlist.(3) Thepresidingofficershallthereafterholdasummaryinquiryintothechallengeandmayforthatpurpose-(a) requirethechallengertoadduceevidenceinproofofthechallengeandthepersonchallengedtoadduceevidenceofproofofhisidentity;(b) puttothepersonchallengedanyquestionsnecessaryforthepurposeofestablishinghisidentityandrequirehimtoanswerthemonoath;and(c) administeranoathtothepersonchallengedandanyotherpersonofferingtogiveevidence.(4) If,aftertheinquiry,thepresidingofficerconsidersthatthechallengehasnotbeenestablished he shall allow the person challenged to vote; and if he considers that thechallengehasbeenestablished,heshalldebarthepersonchallengedfromvoting.(5) If the presiding officer is of the opinion that the challenge is frivolous or has notbeen made in good faith, he shall direct that the deposit made under sub-rule (1) beforfeitedtoGovernment,andinanyothercase,returnedtothechallengerattheconclusionoftheinquiry.49K. SAFEGUARDSAGAINSTPERSONATION(1) Everyelectoraboutwhoseidentitythepresidingofficerorthepollingofficer,asthecasemay be, is satisfied, shall allow his left forefinger to be inspected by the presidingofficerorpollingofficerandanindelibleinkmarktobeputonit.(2) Ifanyelector-(a) refuses to allow his left forefinger to be inspected ormarked in accordancewithsub-rule(1)orhasalreadysuchamarkonhisleftforefingerordoesanyactwithaviewtoremovingtheinkmark,or(b) failsorrefusestoproducehisidentitycardasrequiredbysub-rule(3)ofrule49Hheshallnotbeallowedtovote.(3) Where a poll is taken simultaneously in a Parliamentary constituency and anassemblyconstituency,anelectorwhoseleftforefingerhasbeenmarkedwithindelibleinkorwhohasproducedhisidentitycardatonesuchelection,shallnotwithstandinganythingcontainedinsub-rules(1)and(2)bepermittedtocasthisvotefortheotherelection.(4) Anyreferenceinthisruletotheleftforefingerofanelectorshall,inthecasewheretheelectorhashisleftforefingermissing,beconstruedasareferencetoanyotherfingertohis left hand, and shall, in the casewhere all the fingers of his left hand aremissing, beconstruedasareferencetotheforefingeroranyotherfingerofhisrighthand,andshall,inthecasewhereallhisfingersofboththehandsaremissingbeconstruedasareferencetosuchofextremityofhisleftorrightarmashepossesses.49L. PROCEDUREFORVOTINGBYVOTINGMACHINES(1) Beforepermittinganelectortovote,thepollingofficershall-(a) recordtheelectoralrollnumberoftheelectorasenteredinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollinaregisterofvotersinForm17A;(b) obtainthesignatureorthethumbimpressionoftheelectoronthesaidregisterofvoters;and

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(c) markthenameofelectorinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltoindicatethathehasbeenallowedtovote;(d) give details of the document produced by the elector in proof of his/heridentification:Providedthatnoelectorshallbeallowedtovoteunlesshehasputhissignatureorthumbimpressionontheregisterofvoters.(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2) of rule 2, it shall not benecessaryforanypresidingofficerorpollingofficeroranyotherofficertoattestthethumbimpressionoftheelectorontheregisterofvoters.49M. MAINTENANCE OF SECRECY OF VOTING BY ELECTORS WITHIN THE POLLINGSTATIONANDVOTINGPROCEDURES(1) Everyelectorwhohasbeenpermittedtovoteunderrule49Lshallmaintainsecrecyof voting within the polling station and for that purpose observe the voting procedurehereinafterlaiddown.(2) Immediatelyonbeingpermitted tovote theelectorshallproceed to thepresidingofficerorthepollingofficerin-chargeoftheControlUnitofthevotingmachinewhoshall,by pressing the appropriate button on the Control Unit, activate the Balloting Unit; forrecordingofelector'svote.(3) Theelectorshallthereafterforthwith-(a) proceedtothevotingcompartment;(b) recordhisvotebypressing thebuttonontheBallotingUnitagainst thenameandsymbolofthecandidateforwhomheintendstovote;and(c) comeoutofthevotingcompartmentandleavethepollingstation:Providedthatwhereprinterforpapertrail isused,uponthecastingthevotebypressingthe Button as referred to in clause (b), the elector shall be able to view through thetransparent window of the printer, kept along with the Balloting Unit inside the votingcompartment, theprintedpaperslipshowingtheserialnumber,nameandthesymbolofthecandidateforwhomhehascasthisvotebeforesuchpaperslipgetscutanddropsinthedropboxoftheprinter.(4) Everyelectorshallvotewithoutunduedelay.(5) Noelectorshallbeallowedtoenterthevotingcompartmentwhenanotherelectorisinsideit.(6) If an electorwhohas beenpermitted to vote under rule 49L, or rule 49P refusesafterwarninggivenbythepresidingofficertoobservetheprocedurelaiddowninsub-rule(3) of the said rules, the presiding officer or a polling officer under the direction of thepresidingofficershallnotallowsuchelectortovote.(7) Whereanelector isnotallowed tovoteundersub-rule (6),a remark to theeffectthat voting procedure has been violated shall bemade against the elector's name in theregisterofvotersinForm17Abythepresidingofficerunderhissignature.49MA.PROCEDURE INCASEOFCOMPLAINTABOUTPARTICULARSPRINTEDONPAPERSLIP(1) Where printer for paper trail is used, if an elector after having recorded his voteunderrule49Mallegesthatthepaperslipgeneratedbytheprinterhasshownthenameorsymbolofacandidateotherthantheonehevotedfor,thePresidingOfficershallobtainawrittendeclarationfromtheelectorastotheallegation,afterwarningtheelectorabouttheconsequenceofmakingafalsedeclaration.

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(2) Iftheelectorgivesthewrittendeclarationreferredtoinsub-rule(1),thePresidingOfficer shall make a second entry related to that elector in Form 17A, and permit theelectortorecordatestvoteinthevotingmachineinhispresenceandinthepresenceofthecandidates or polling agentswhomaybepresent in the polling station, and observe thepaperslipgeneratedbytheprinter.(3) If the allegation is found true, the Presiding Officer shall report the factsimmediatelytotheReturningOfficer,stopfurtherrecordingofvotesinthatvotingmachineandactasperthedirectionthatmaybegivenbytheReturningOfficer.(4) If,however,theallegationisfoundtobefalseandthepaperslipsogeneratedundersub-rule (1)matcheswith the testvote recordedby theelectorundersub-rule (2), then,thePresidingOfficershall-(i) make a remark to that effect against the second entry relating to that elector inForm17Amentioning the serial number and name of the candidate forwhom such testvotehasbeenrecorded;(ii) obtainthesignatureorthumbimpressionofthatelectoragainstsuchremarks;and(iii) makenecessaryentriesregardingsuchtestvoteinitem5inPartIofForm17C.49N. RECORDINGOFVOTESOFBLINDORINFIRMELECTORS(1) If the presiding officer is satisfied that owing to blindness or other physicalinfirmitiesanelectorisunabletorecognisethesymbolontheBallotingUnitofthevotingmachineorunabletorecordhisvotebypressingtheappropriatebuttonthereonwithoutassistancethepresidingofficershallpermittheelectortotakewithhimacompanionofnotless than eighteen years of age to the voting compartment for recording the vote on hisbehalfandinaccordancewithhiswishes:Provided that no person shall be permitted to act as the companion of more than oneelectoratanypollingstationonthesameday:Providedfurtherthatbeforeanypersonispermittedtoactasthecompanionofanelectoronanydayunderthisrulethatpersonshallberequiredtodeclarethathewillkeepsecretthevoterecordedbyhimonbehalfoftheelectorandthathehasnotalreadyactedasthecompanionofanyotherelectoratanyotherpollingstationonthatday.(2) ThepresidingofficershallkeeparecordinForm14Aofallcasesunderthisrule.49O. ELECTORDECIDINGNOTTOVOTEIfanelector,afterhiselectoralrollnumberhasbeendulyenteredintheregisterofvotersin Form 17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required undersub-rule(1)ofrule49L,decidesnottorecordhisvote,aremarktothiseffectshallbemadeagainst the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumbimpressionoftheelectorshallbeobtainedagainstsuchremark.49P. TENDEREDVOTES(1) Ifapersonrepresentinghimselftobeaparticularelectorseekstovoteafteranotherperson has already voted as such elector, he shall, on satisfactorily answering suchquestions relating to his identity as the presiding officer may ask, be instead of beingallowed to vote through theBallotingUnit, suppliedwith a tendered ballot paperwhichshallbeofsuchdesign,andtheparticularsofwhichshallbeinsuchlanguageorlanguagesastheElectionCommissionmayspecify.(2) Everysuchelectorshall,beforebeingsuppliedwithatenderedballotpaper,writehisnameagainsttheentryrelatingtohiminForm-17B.(3) Onreceivingtheballotpaper,heshallforthwith-

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(a) proceedtothevotingcompartment;(b) record there his vote on the ballot paper by placing a cross mark 'X' with theinstrumentorarticlesuppliedforthepurposeonornearthesymbolofthecandidateforwhomheintendstovote;(c) foldtheballotpapersoastoconcealhisvote;(d) show to the presiding officer, if required, the distinguishing mark on the ballotpaper;(e) give it to the presiding officerwho shall place it in a cover specially kept for thepurpose;and(f) leavethepollingstation.(4) Ifowingtoblindnessorphysicalinfirmities,suchelectorisunabletorecordhisvotewithout assistance; thepresidingofficer shallpermithim to takewithhima companion,subjecttothesameconditionsandafterfollowingthesameprocedureaslaiddowninrule49Nforrecordingthevoteinaccordancewithhiswishes.49Q. PRESIDINGOFFICER'SENTRYINTHEVOTINGCOMPARTMENTDURINGPOLL(1) The presiding officermaywhenever he considers it necessary so to do, enter thevotingcompartmentduringpollandtakesuchstepsasmaybenecessarytoensurethattheBallotingUnitisnottamperedorinterferedwithinanyway.(2) If thepresiding officer has reason to suspect that an electorwhohas entered thevoting compartment is tamperingorotherwise interferingwith theBallotingUnitorhasremainedinsidethevotingcompartmentforundulylongperiod,heshallenterthevotingcompartmentandtakesuchsteps,asmaybenecessarytoensurethesmoothandorderlyprogressofthepoll.(3) Whenever thepresidingofficerenters thevotingcompartmentunder this rule,heshallpermitthepollingagentspresenttoaccompanyhimiftheysodesire.49R. CLOSINGOFPOLL(1) The presiding officer shall close a polling station at the hour fixed in that behalfundersection56andshallnotthereafteradmitanyelectorintothepollingstation:Providedthatallelectorspresentatthepollingstationbeforeitisclosedshallbeallowedtocasttheirvotes.(2) Ifanyquestionariseswhetheranelectorwaspresentatthepollingstationbeforeitwascloseditshallbedecidedbythepresidingofficerandhisdecisionshallbefinal.49S. ACCOUNTOFVOTESRECORDED(1) The presiding officer shall at the close of the poll prepare an account of votesrecordedinForm17Candencloseitinaseparatecoverwiththewords'AccountofVotesRecorded'super-scribedthereon.(2) Thepresidingofficershallfurnishtoeverypollingagentpresentatthecloseofthepoll a true copyof the entriesmade inForm17Cafterobtaininga receipt from the saidpollingagentthereforandshallattestitasatruecopy.49T. SEALINGOFVOTINGMACHINEAFTERPOLL(1) Assoonaspracticableaftertheclosingof thepoll, thepresidingofficershallclosethe Control Unit to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and shall detach theBallotingUnit from theControlUnit and from theprinter,whereprinter is alsoused, sohowever,thatthepaperslipscontainedinthedropboxoftheprintershallremainintact.(2) TheControlUnit,theBallotingUnitandtheprinter,whereitisused,shallthereafterbesealed,andsecuredseparately insuchmannerastheElectionCommissionmaydirect

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andthesealusedforsecuringthemshallbesoaffixedthatitwillnotbepossibletoopentheunitswithoutbreakingtheseals.(3) Thepollingagentspresentatthepollingstation,whodesiretoaffixtheirseals,shallalsobepermittedtodoso.49U. SEALINGOFOTHERPACKETS(1) Thepresidingofficershallthenmakeintoseparatepackets—(a) themarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll;(b) theregisterofvotersinForm17A;(c) thecovercontainingthetenderedballotpapersandthelistinForm17B;(d) thelistofchallengedvotes;and(e) anyotherpapersdirectedbytheElectionCommissiontobekeptinasealedpacket.(2) Eachpacketshallbesealedwiththesealof thepresidingofficerandwiththesealeitherofthecandidateorofhiselectionagentorofhispollingagentwhomaybepresentatthepollingstationandmaydesiretoaffixhissealthereon.49V. TRANSMISSIONOFVOTINGMACHINES,ETC.,TOTHERETURNINGOFFICER(1) The presiding officer shall then deliver or cause to be delivered to the returningofficeratsuchplaceasthereturningofficermaydirect,-(a) thevotingmachine;(b) theaccountofvotesrecordedinForm17C;(c) thesealedpacketsreferredtoinrule49U;and(d) allotherpapersusedatthepoll.(2) The returning officer shallmake adequate arrangements for the safe transport ofthe voting machine, packets and other papers for their safe custody until thecommencementofthecountingofvotes.49W. PROCEDUREONADJOURNMENTOFPOLL(1) Ifthepollatanypollingstationisadjournedundersub-section(1)ofsection57,theprovisionofrules49Sto49Vshall,asfaraspracticable,applyasifthepollwasclosedatthehourfixedinthatbehalfundersection56.(2) When an adjournedpoll is recommencedunder sub-section (2) of section57, theelectorswhohavealreadyvotedatthepollsoadjournedshallnotbeallowedtovoteagain.(3) The returning officer shall provide the presiding officer of the polling station atwhichsuchadjournedpoll isheld,with thesealedpacket containing themarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll,registerofvotersinForm17Aandanewvotingmachine.(4) The presiding officer shall open the sealed packet in the presence of the pollingagentspresentandusethemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollformarkingthenamesoftheelectorswhoareallowedtovoteattheadjournedpoll.(5) Theprovisionsofrule28andrules49Ato49Vshallapplyinrelationtotheconductofanadjournedpollbeforeitwassoadjourned.49X. CLOSINGOFVOTINGMACHINEINCASEOFBOOTHCAPTURINGWhere thepresidingofficer isofopinion thatboothcapturing is takingplaceatapollingstationorat aplace fixed for thepoll, he shall immediately close theControlUnitof thevoting machine to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and shall detach theBallotingUnitfromtheControlUnit.(d) afterrule66,thefollowingshallbeinserted,namely–66A.Countingofvoteswhereelectronicvotingmachineshavebeenused. - Inrelationtothecountingofvotescastatapollingstation,wherevotingmachinehasbeenused,-

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(i) theprovisionsofrules50to54andinlieuofrules55,56and57,thefollowingrulesshallrespectivelyapply,namely:-"55C. SCRUTINYANDINSPECTIONOFVOTINGMACHINES:(1) The returning officermay have the Control Units of the votingmachines used atmorethanonepollingstationtakenupforscrutinyandinspectionandvotesrecordedinsuchunitscountedsimultaneously.(2) BeforethevotesrecordedinanyControlUnitofvotingmachinearecountedundersub-rule (1), the candidate or his election agent or his counting agent present at thecountingtableshallbeallowedtoinspectthepapersealandsuchothervitalsealsasmighthavebeenaffixedontheunitandtosatisfythemselvesthatthesealsareintact.(3) thereturningofficershallsatisfyhimselfthatnoneofthevotingmachineshasinfactbeentamperedwith.(4) If the returning officer is satisfied that any voting machines has in fact beentamperedwith,heshallnotcountthevotesrecordedinthatmachineandshallfollowtheprocedurelaiddowninsection58,orsection58Aorsection64A,asmaybeapplicableinrespectofthepollingstationorstationswherethatmachinewasused.56C. COUNTINGOFVOTES(1) After the returning officer is satisfied that a votingmachine has in fact not beentampered with, he shall have the votes recorded therein counted by pressing theappropriatebuttonmarked"Result"providedintheControlUnitwherebythetotalvotespolled and votes polled by each candidate shall be displayed in respect of each suchcandidateonthedisplaypanelprovidedforthepurposeintheunit.(2) As the votes polled by each candidate are displayed on the Control Unit, thereturningofficershallhave,-(a) thenumberofsuchvotesrecordedseparatelyinrespectofeachcandidateinPart-IIofForm17C:Providedthatthetestvoterecorded,ifany,foracandidate,asperitem5inPart1ofForm17C,shallbesubtractedfromthenumberofvotesrecordedforsuchcandidateasdisplayedontheControlUnit.(b) Part-II of Form 17C completed in other respects and signed by the countingsupervisor and also by the candidates or their election agents or their counting agentspresent;and(c)correspondingentriesmadeinaresultsheetinForm20andtheparticularssoenteredintheresultsheetannounced.56D. SCRUTINYOFPAPERTRAIL(1) Whereprinterforpapertrailisused,aftertheentriesmadeintheresultsheetareannounced, any candidate, or in his absence, his election agent or any of his countingagentsmayapplyinwritingtotheReturningOfficertocounttheprintedpaperslipsinthedropboxoftheprinterinrespectofanypollingstationorpollingstations.(2) Onsuchapplicationbeingmade,theReturningOfficershall,subjecttosuchgeneralorspecialguidelines,asmaybeissuedbytheElectionCommission,decidethematterandmayallowtheapplicationinwholeorinpartormayrejectinwhole,ifitappearstohimtobefrivolousorunreasonable.(3) Everydecisionof theReturningOfficerunder sub-rule (2) shall be inwritingandshallcontainthereasonstherefor.

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(4) IftheReturningOfficerdecidesundersub-rule(2)toallowcountingofpaperslipseitherwhollyorinpartsorparts,heshall–(a) dothecountinginthemannerasmaybedirectedbytheElectionCommission;(b) if there is discrepancy between the votes displayed on the Control Unit and thecountingofthepaperslips,amendtheresultsheetinForm20asperthepaperslipscount;(c) announcetheamendmentssomadebyhim;and(d) completeandsigntheresultsheet.57C. SEALINGOFVOTINGMACHINES(1) AftertheresultofvotingrecordedinaControlUnithasbeenascertainedcandidate-wiseandenteredinPart-IIofForm17CandForm20underrule56C,thereturningofficershallresealtheunitwithhissealandthesealsofsuchofthecandidatesortheirelectionagentspresentwhomaydesire to affix their seals thereon sohowever that the result ofvotingrecordedintheunitisnotobliteratedandtheunitretainsthememoryofsuchresultandwhereprinterforpapertrailisused,theReturningOfficershallsealthepaperslipsinsuchmanner,asmaybedirectedbytheElectionCommission.(2) TheControlUnit and thepaper slips so sealed shallbekept in speciallypreparedboxesonwhichthereturningofficershallrecordthefollowingparticulars,namely:-(a) thenameoftheconstituency;(b) theparticularsofpollingstationorstationswheretheControlUnithasbeenused;(c) serialnumberoftheControlUnitandprinterwhereverused;(d) dateofpoll;and(e) dateofcounting.”(ii) theprovisionsofrules60to66shall,sofarasmaybe,applyinrelationtovotingbyvotingmachinesandanyreferenceinthoserulesto,-(a) ballotpapershallbeconstruedasincludingareferencetosuchvotingmachine;(b) anyruleshallbeconstruedasareferencetothecorrespondingruleinChapterIIofPartIVor,asthecasemaybe,torule55Cor56Cor57C.(e) inrule92oftheprincipalrules,-(i) aftersub-rule(1),thefollowingsub-ruleshallbeinserted,namely:-"(1A) Allvotingmachinesusedatanelectionshallbekeptinthecustodyoftheconcerneddistrictelectionofficer";(ii) insub-rule(2),afterclause(d),thefollowingclauseshallbeinserted,namely:-"(dd) thepacketscontainingregistersofvotersinForm17A;(f) inrule93oftheprincipalrule,-(i) insub-rule(1),afterclause(d),thefollowingclauseshallbeinserted,namely:-"(dd) thepacketscontainingregistersofvotersinForm17A".

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APPENDIX20FORM17A

(SeeRule49L)REGISTEROFVOTERS

Election to thehouseof thePeople/LegislativeAssemblyof theState/UnionTerritory……………………………………... from …………………………………... Constituency No. and Name ofPolling Station ……………………………….….. Part No. of Electoral Roll……………………………………………….S.No. S.No.ofelectorin

theelectoralrollDetails of theDocumentproduced by theelector in proof ofhis/ heridentification

Signature /Thumbimpression ofelector

Remarks

1 2 3 4 5

SignatureofthePresidingOfficer

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APPENDIX21FORM17B

(SeeRule49P)LISTOFTENDEREDVOTES

Election to thehouseof thePeople/LegislativeAssemblyof theState/UnionTerritory……………………………………...from…………………………………...ConstituencyNo.andNameofPollingStation……………………………….…..PartNo.ofElectoralRoll……………………………………………….S.No. Nameofelector S. No. of elector in

theelectoralrollS. No. inRegister ofVoters (Form17A) of theperson whohas alreadyvoted in placeofelector

Signature /Thumbimpression ofelector

1 2 3 4 5 Date

SignatureofthePresidingOfficer

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APPENDIX22FORM17C

[SeeRule49Sand56C(2)]PARTI–ACCOUNTOFVOTESRECORDED

Election to House of the People/Legislative Assembly of the State/Union Territory………….………………from………………………..constituency.NumberandNameofPollingStation:…………………………………… IdentificationNumberofvotingMachineusedatthePollingStation:

ControlUnit…………...BallotingUnit………….VVPATUnit…………..

1. TotalnumberofelectorsassignedtothePollingStation2. TotalnumberofvotersasenteredintheRegisterforVoters(Form17A)3. Numberofvotersdecidingnottorecordvotesunderrule49-O4. Numberofvotersnotallowedtovoteunderrule49M5. Testvotesrecordedunderrule49MA(d)requiredtobededucted-(a) totalnumberoftestvotestobededucted: TotalNo. Sl.No.(s)ofelector(s)inForm17A……… …………...............……….(b) Candidate(s)forwhomtestvote(s)cast:Sl.No. NameofcandidateNo.ofvotes…………. ………………… ……….…………. ………………… ……….6. Totalnumberofvotesrecordedaspervotingmachine:………………………………….7. Whether the total number of votes as shown against item 6 tallieswith the totalnumberofvotesasshownagainstitem2minusnumbersofvotersdecidingnottorecordvotes as against item 3 minus number of voters as against item 4(i.e. 2-3-4) or anydiscrepancynoticed:…………………………………8. Number of voters to whom tendered Ballot papers were issued under rule 49P:………………………………………9. NumberoftenderedBallotpapers:

Sl.No. Total From To(a) receivedforuse …………………………………………………(b) issuedtoelectors …………………………………………………(c) notusedandreturned ………………………………………....………10. Accountofpapersseals1. Papersealssuppliedforuse: TotalNo………………

Sl.No.from……………. To…………..............….2. Papersealsused: TotalNo……………

Sl.No.from……………. To…………..............….3. UnusedpapersealsreturnedtoReturningOfficer:TotalNo………………

Sl.No.from……………. To…………..............….4. Damagedpaperseal,ifany:TotalNo………………

Sl.No.from……………. To…………..............….

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Signatureofpollingagents

1.……………………….2.……………………….3.……………………….4.……………………….5.……………………….6.……………………….

Date…………………….Place…………………….

SignatureofPresidingOfficerPollingStationNo……………........

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PARTII

RESULTOFCOUNTING

Sl.No.ofcandidate

Nameofcandidate

NumberofvotesasdisplayedonControlUnit

Numberoftestvotestobedeductedasperitem5ofPartI

Numberofvalidvotes.

1 2 3 4 51. 2. 3. 4. 5. N. NOTA Total

Whether the total number of votes shown above tallies with the total number of votesshownagainstitem6ofPartIoranydiscrepancynoticedbetweenthetwototals.

Place…………………..

Date…………………….

SignatureofCountingSupervisor

Nameofcandidate/electionagent/countingagent Fullsignature1.

2.3.

4.

5.6.

7.

Place…………………..

Date…………………….SignatureofReturningOfficer

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APPENDIX23(CHAPTER15,PARA15.11.2)

FORM10[Seerule13(2)]

*APPOINTMENTOFPOLLINGAGENTElectiontothe**........................................................I,......................................†acandidate/theelectionagentof.................…………...................................whois a candidate at the above election do hereby appoint ……………..of .....…….…...who is acandidate at the above election do hereby appoint ………………..(Name and address)……………………..asapollingagent toattendpolling stationNo......……............................ at/placefixedforthepoll........................at........................Place:.........................Date:...........................

Signatureof†candidate/electionagentIagreetoactassuchpollingagent.Place:..............................Date:...............................

Signatureofpollingagent.DeclarationofPollingAgenttobesignedbeforePresidingOfficer

Iherebydeclarethatattheaboveelection.Iwillnotdoanythingforbiddenbysection128#oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,whichIhaveread/hasbeenreadovertome.Date:...................................

SignatureofPollingAgentSignedbeforeme.Date:...................................

PresidingOfficer*Tobehandedovertothepollingagentforproductionatthepollingstationorattheplacefixedforthepoll.**Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybeappropriate:(1)HouseofthePeoplefromthe...............................................constituency.(2)LegislativeAssemblyfromthe...................................................constituency.(3)CouncilofStatesbytheelectedmembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyof................(State).(4)CouncilofStatesbythemembersoftheelectoralcollegeof.........................(Unionterritory)(5)LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheAssembly.(6)LegislativeCouncilfromthe.........................constituency.†Strikeofftheinappropriatealternative.#Section128oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951:128.Maintenanceofsecrecyofvoting.-(1)Everyofficer,clerk,agentorotherpersonwhoperformsanydutyinconnectionwiththerecordingorcountingofvotesatanelectionshallmaintain,andaidinmaintaining,thesecrecyofthevotingandshallnot(exceptforsomepurpose authorised by or under any law) communicate to any person any informationcalculatedtoviolatesuchsecrecy.(2) Any personwho contravenes the provision of sub-section (1) shall be punishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreemonthsorwithfineorwithboth.

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APPENDIX24(CHAPTER15,PARA15.11.4)

FORM11[Seerule14(1)]

REVOCATIONOFAPPOINTMENTOFPOLLINGAGENTElectiontothe*................................................ToThePresidingOfficer,I,.................................................................................(theelectionagentof..........................................................)acandidateattheaboveelection,herebyrevoketheappointmentofmy/hispollingagent.Place:......................Date:......................

Signatureofpersonrevoking*Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybeappropriate:-(1)HouseofthePeoplefromthe..........................................................constituency.(2)LegislativeAssemblyfromthe...........................................................constituency.(3) Council of States by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblyof...............................(State).(4) Council of States by the members of the electoral collegeof..........................................(Unionterritory).(5)LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheLegislativeAssembly.(6)LegislativeCouncilfromthe.........................................................constituency.N.B.–Omitthewordsmarked()asnecessary.

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APPENDIX25(CHAPTER15,PARA15.11.3)

FORMATFORSPECIMENSIGNATURESOFCANDIDATESANDTHEIRELECTIONAGENTS

*General/Biennial/Bye-election.....................................(Month/Year)No.&Nameof*AssemblyLokSabhaConstituency..............................................................(*Deletewhateverisnotapplicable)The specimen signatures of contesting candidates and their Election Agents are givenbelow for the purpose of verification of their signatures by the Presiding Officer in thelettersofappointmentofPollingAgentsatthetimeofpoll:Name of theContestingcandidate

SpecimenSignature

Nameofhis/herelectionagent

SpecimenSignature

1.Shri/Smt./Ms Shri/Smt./Ms 2.Shri/Smt./Ms Shri/Smt./Ms 3.Shri/Smt./Ms Shri/Smt./Ms 4.Shri/Smt./Ms Shri/Smt./Ms Place:Date:

SIGNATURE(SEAL)

RETURNINGOFFICER

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APPENDIX26(CHAPTER15,PARA15.34.1)

DECLARATIONBYTHEPRESIDINGOFFICERPART-I

DeclarationbythePresidingOfficerbeforethecommencementofthepollElectionfrom............................................Parliamentary/AssemblyConstituencySerialNo.andnameofpollingstation.................................................DateofPoll.......................................................Iherebydeclare:(1)thatIhavedemonstratedtothepollingagentsandotherpersonspresent–(a)byholdingamockpollthatthevotingmachineisinperfectworkingorderandthatnovoteisalreadyrecordedtherein;b)thatthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltobeusedduringthepolldoesnotcontainanymarksotherthanthoseusedforissuingpostalballotpapersandelectiondutycertificates;(c)thattheRegisterofVoters(Form17A)tobeusedduringthepolldoesnotcontainanyentryinrespectofanyelector;(2) that I have affixed my own signature on the paper seal(s) used for securing theresultsectionofControlUnitofthevotingmachineandobtainedthereonthesignaturesofsuchofthepollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingthesame.(3) that I havewritten the serialnumberof theControlUniton the special tag, and Ihaveaffixedmysignatureonthebacksideofthespecialtagandalsoobtainedthereonthesignaturesofsuchofthecandidates/pollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingtheirsignature.(4) that I have affixed my signature on the strip seal and also obtained thereon thesignaturesofsuchofthecandidates/pollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingtheirsignature.(5) thatIhavereadoutthepre-printedserialnumberofthespecialtagandaskedthecandidates/pollingagentspresent,tonotedowntheserialnumber.

Signature........................PresidingOfficer

Signatureofpollingagents:1...............(ofcandidate............)2...............(ofcandidate........…........)3........…...(ofcandidate.............)4.............(ofcandidate......…..........)5...........….(ofcandidate........…)6.............(ofcandidate....................)7.......….....(ofcandidate….......)8.............(ofcandidate....................)9............….(ofcandidate...........)The following polling agent(s) declined to affix his/her/their signature(s), on thisdeclaration:1................(ofcandidate...........)2.....….......(ofcandidate..……….......)3................(ofcandidate............)4.......….....(ofcandidate……….........)

Signature....................PresidingOfficer

Date.........................

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PARTIIDECLARATIONBYTHEPRESIDINGOFFICERATTHETIMEOFUSEOFSUBSEQUENT

VOTINGMACHINE,IFANY,Election....................................................Parliamentary/AssemblyConstituencySerialNo.andNameofPollingStation...............................................Dateofpoll.........................Iherebydeclare:(1) thatIhavedemonstratedtothepollingagentsandotherpersonspresent–(a) byholdingamockpollthatthevotingmachineisinperfectworkingorderandthatnovoteisalreadyrecordedtherein;b) thatthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltobeusedduringthepolldoesnotcontainany marks other than those used for issuing postal ballot papers and election dutycertificates;(c) thattheRegisterofVoters(Form17A)tobeusedduringthepolldoesnotcontainanyentryinrespectofanyelector;(2) that I have affixed my own signature on the paper seal(s) used for securing theresultsectionofControlUnitofthevotingmachineandobtainedthereonthesignaturesofsuchofthepollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingthesame.(3) that I havewritten the serialnumberof theControlUniton the special tag, and Ihaveaffixedmysignatureonthebacksideofthespecialtagandalsoobtainedthereonthesignaturesofsuchofthecandidates/pollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingtheirsignature.(4) that I have affixed my signature on the strip seal and also obtained thereon thesignaturesofsuchofthecandidates/pollingagentsasarepresentanddesirousofaffixingtheirsignature.(5) thatIhavereadoutthepre-printedserialnumberofthespecialtagandaskedthecandidates/pollingagentspresent,tonotedowntheserialnumber.

Signature........................PresidingOfficer

Signatureofpollingagents:1...............(ofcandidate.............)2...............(ofcandidate........…........)3........…...(ofcandidate.............)4.............(ofcandidate......…..........)5...........….(ofcandidate........…)6.............(ofcandidate....................)7.......….....(ofcandidate….......)8.............(ofcandidate....................)9............….(ofcandidate...........)The following polling agent(s) declined to affix his/her/their signature(s), on thisdeclaration:1................(ofcandidate...........)2.....….......(ofcandidate..……….......)3................(ofcandidate............)4.......….....(ofcandidate……….........)

Signature...................PresidingOfficer

Date.........................

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PARTIIIDECLARATIONATTHEENDOFPOLL

Ihavefurnishedtothepollingagents,whowerepresentatthepollingstationatthecloseofthepollandwhosesignaturesareaffixedbelow,anattestedcopyofeachoftheentriesin‘Part-I- Account of Votes Recorded’ of Form17C as required under rule 49-S (2) of theConductofElectionsRules,1961.

Signature....................PresidingOfficer

Date....................Time....................Receivedanattestedcopyoftheentriesintheaccountsofvotesrecorded(PartIofForm17C)Signatureofpollingagents:1.........…....(ofcandidate...….......)2...........(ofcandidate..........….)3........…......(ofcandidate..…........)4..….....(ofcandidate...............)5........…......(ofcandidate....…......)6..…....(ofcandidate..............)7.........…....(ofcandidate....…......)8...…....(ofcandidate...............)9.........…....(ofcandidate.....…......)ThefollowingpollingagentswhowerepresentatthecloseofthepolldeclinedtoreceiveanattestedcopyofPartIofForm17CandtogiveareceiptthereforandsoanattestedcopyofthatFormwasnotsuppliedtothem.1....................(ofcandidate..........….....)2.........(ofcandidate................)3....................(ofcandidate.........….....)4........(ofcandidate................)5....................(ofcandidate....…..........)6.........(ofcandidate.................)7....................(ofcandidate......……....)8.........(ofcandidate................)9....................(ofcandidate......….........)

Signature........................PresidingOfficer

Date............................... Time................................

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PARTIVDECLARATIONAFTERTHESEALINGOFTHEVOTINGMACHINE

I have affixedmy seals, and I have allowed the polling agentswhowere present at thepollingstationat thecloseofpoll toaffix theirseals,onthecarryingcasesof theControlUnitandballotingunitsofthevotingmachine.

Signature………………………..ofPresidingOfficer

Date……………… Time……………… Thefollowingpollingagentshaveaffixedtheirseals.Signatureofpollingagents:1..............(ofcandidate............)4.........(ofcandidate......…........)2..............(ofcandidate............)5.........(ofcandidate.................)3...............(ofcandidate............)6.........(ofcandidate.................)Thefollowingpollingagentsrefusedordidnotwanttoaffixtheirseals.1.......…….(ofcandidate............)3..........(ofcandidate..............)2..............(ofcandidate...........)4..........(ofcandidate..............)

Signature........................PresidingOfficer

Date...............................

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APPENDIX27(CHAPTER15,PARA15.44.1)

LISTOFCHALLENGEDVOTES[Seerule36(2)(c)]

Electiontothe*……………………………………………………………….fromthe……………………………………………………………………..constituencyNo.andNameofPollingStation…………………………………………

S.No. Nameof

ElectorPartofroll

Electorsnameinthatpart

Signatureorthumbimpressionofthepersonchallenged

Signatureofthepersonchallenged

Addressofidentifier,ifany

Nameofchallenger

NameofPresidingOfficer

SignatureofChallengeronreceivingrefundofdeposit

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Date:…………………………….

SignatureofPresidingOfficer

*appropriateparticularoftheelectiontobeinsertedhere.

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APPENDIX28MOCKPOLLCERTIFICATE

This is certified that I ……………… Presiding Officer at the Polling Station No …………...of…………………. Assembly Constituency (or the ……………………Assembly segment under………………………ParliamentaryConstituency)conductedthemockpollat……..AMtoday,thepoll day i.e. ………………(date), following scrupulously all the instructions issued by theElectionCommissionofIndia,using–CUofSerialNo.(asprintedonback-sideofCU)……………………………BUofSerialNo.(asprintedonback-sideofBU)…………………………VVPATofSerialNo.(asprintedonVVPAT)………………………………….1. Atotalof………….voteswerecastforeachcandidateandalsoforNOTA.2. It was verified that the LED light was getting lit up against the correctcandidate/NOTA button, when the button was pressed and beep sound was properlyheard.3. Thecandidate-wisedetailofvotespolledduringmockpollandresultdisplayed, isasunder:S.No. Name of the

CandidateNumber ofvotes castduringmockpoll

Numberof votesdisplayedin CU oncheckingtheresult

Number ofPrinted Paperslips, as percounting oncheckingmock pollresult

Votes cast andResult displayed &Printed Paper Slips(if VVPAT used)count tallied witheach other(YES/NO)

NOTA TOTAL 4. IhaveclearedthememoryoftheEVMandalsoremovedtheprintedpaperslipsofVVPAT aftermock poll and verified that thememory has been cleared, by pressing theTotalbuttonandseeingtheTotalasshownas‘0’.5. At the timeofmockpoll, the followingpollingagents representing the candidateswhose names mentioned against the names of such agents were present and I haveobtainedtheirsignatures.6. Poll Start Date and Time seen on the display of CU at the start of actual poll………………………………….

S.No.

NameofPollingAgent

NameofParty

NameofCandidate

SignatureofPollingAgent

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ORAtthetimescheduledforthemockpoll,nopollingagentwaspresent/theagentofonlyonecontestingcandidatewaspresent.Afterwaitingforfifteenmoreminutes,Iconductedthemockpollalongwithotherpollingstaffat…………..AM.SignatureofMicro-Observer(ifpostedatthepollingstation)Date:Time:

NameandsignatureofthePresidingOfficerPollingStationNo……………...

PollingStationName……………………

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APPENDIX29(CHAPTER16,PARA16.6.1)

NOTICETOCANDIDATESORTHEIRELECTIONAGENTSREGARDINGTHEDATE,TIMEANDPLACEOFCOUNTING

ElectiontoLokSabha................................

LegislativeAssembly...........................Constituency(WhenCountingtakesplaceatoneplace)

Inpursuanceofrule51oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961,IherebygivenoticethatIhave, in accordance with the said rule, fixed the.................day of(month)............20................a.m./p.m. as the date and time for the counting of votes in theConstituencyand...................(Place)in................astheplaceforsuchcounting.Place……………….

Date………………..

SignatureofReturningOfficerTo,

Allcandidatesortheirelectionagents

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APPENDIX30(CHAPTER16,PARA16.6.1)

NOTICETOCANDIDATEORTHEIRELECTIONAGENTSREGARDINGTHEDATE,TIMEANDPLACEOFCOUNTING

ElectiontoLokSabha................................LegislativeAssembly...........................Constituency(WhenCountingtakesplaceatmorethanoneplace)

Inpursuanceofrule51oftheConductofElectionsRules,1961,IherebygivenoticethatIhavefixedthedate,timeandplacesofcountingforthedifferentAssemblysegmentsofthisParliamentaryConstituencyasspecifiedbelow:

Name of the AssemblyConstituency

DateandTime PlaceofCounting

ThePostalballotpapersoftheentireParliamentaryConstituencywillbecounted,andtheresults of poll at all the polling stations will be consolidatedat..............................................................(Place)on..............(date)……………………..at..............(time).

Place…………………………………….

Date…………………………………….

SignatureofReturningOfficer

To

Allcandidatesortheirelectionagents

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APPENDIX31(CHAPTER16,PARA16.12.1)

FORM18-APPOINTMENTOFCOUNTINGAGENT

Electiontothe...............................................................fromthe.............................................constituency.ToTheReturningOfficer,I,.....................................*acandidate/theelectionagentof…………………………..whoisacandidateat theaboveelection,doherebyappoint the followingpersonsasmycountingagents toattendthecountingofvotesat....................................................

Nameofthecountingagent Addressofthecountingagent1.2.3.etc.WeagreetoactassuchcountingagentsSignatureof*Candidate/Electionagent1.2.3.etc.

SignatureofcountingagentsPlace...............................Date................................

DECLARATIONOFCOUNTINGAGENTS(TobesignedbeforetheReturningOfficer)

Weherebydeclarethatattheaboveelectionwewillnotdoanythingforbiddenbysection128**oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951,which*wehaveread/hasbeenreadovertous.1.2.3.Etc

SignatureofcountingagentsPlace..............................Signedbeforeme

ReturningOfficer*Strikeofftheinappropriatealternative.**Section128oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951:128. Maintenanceofsecrecyofvoting.

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(1)Everyofficer,clerk,agentorotherpersonwhoperformsanyduty inconnectionwiththerecordingofcountingofvotesatanelectionshallmaintain,andaidinmaintaining,thesecrecyofthevotingandshallnotexceptforsomepurposeauthorisedbyorunderanylawcommunicatetoanypersonanyinformationcalculatedtoviolatesuchsecrecy.(2) Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsub-section(1)shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichmayextendtothreemonthsorwithfineorwithboth.

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APPENDIX32(CHAPTER16,PARA16.14.2)

FORM19-REVOCATIONOFAPPOINTMENTOFCOUNTINGAGENT

Electiontothe*........................................................................................................To

TheReturningOfficer,

I ................................................the election agent of .......................................a candidate at the aboveelectionherebyrevoketheappointmentof...........................................my/hiscountingagent.

Place.....................

Date………………..

Signatureofpersonrevoking

*Hereinsertoneofthefollowingalternativesasmaybeappropriate:(1)HouseofthePeoplefromthe..............................................Constituency.

(2)LegislativeAssemblyfromthe..............................................Constituency.(3)CouncilofStatesbytheelectedmembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyof(State).

(4)CouncilofStatesbytheelectedmembersoftheelectoralcollegeof.....................

(UnionTerritory).(5)LegislativeCouncilbythemembersoftheLegislativeAssembly..................

(6)LegislativeCouncilfromthe....................................constituency.

N.B:Omitthewords()asnecessary.

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APPENDIX33(CHAPTER16,PARA16.32.1)

FORM20-FINALRESULTSHEET

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424

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APPENDIX34(CHAPTER17,PARA17.1.1)

EXTRACTFROMTHECONSTITUTIONOFINDIAARTICLE101(1)OFTHECONSTITUTION

VACATIONOFSEATS(1)NopersonshallbeamemberofbothHousesofParliamentandprovisionshallbemadebyParliamentbylawforthevacationbyapersonwhoischosenamemberofbothHousesofhisseatinoneHouseortheother.ARTICLE101(2)OFTHECONSTITUTION

(2)NopersonshallbememberbothofParliamentandofaHouseof theLegislatureofaState, and if a person is chosen a member both of Parliament and of a House of theLegislatureof a State, then, at the expirationof suchperiod asmaybe specified in rulesmadebythePresident,thatperson’sseatinParliamentshallbecomevacant,unlesshehaspreviouslyresignedhisseatintheLegislatureoftheState.

ARTICLE190OFTHECONSTITUTION-

VACATIONOFSEATS(1) No person shall be a member of both Houses of the Legislature of a State, andprovisionshallbemadebytheLegislatureoftheStatebylawforthevacationbyapersonwhoischosenamemberofbothHousesofhisseatinoneHouseortheother.

(2)NopersonshallbeamemberoftheLegislaturesoftwoormoreStatesspecifiedintheFirstscheduleandifapersoninchosenamemberoftheLegislatureoftwoormoresuchStates, then, at the expiration of such period as may be specified in rules made by thePresident, that person’s seat in the Legislatures of all such States shall become vacant,unlesshehaspreviouslyresignedhisseatintheLegislaturesofallbutoneoftheStates.

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APPENDIX35(CHAPTER17,PARA17.1.4)

EXTRACTSFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,195167A. DATEOFELECTIONOFCANDIDATE

For thepurposes of thisAct, thedate onwhich a candidate is declaredby the returningofficer under the provisions of section 53, or section 66, to be elected to a House ofParliamentoroftheLegislatureofaStateshallbethedateofelectionofthatcandidate.

CHAPTERVI.-MULTIPLEELECTIONS68. VACATIONOFSEATSWHENELECTEDTOBOTHHOUSESOFPARLIAMENT

(1) AnypersonwhoischosenamemberofboththeHouseofthePeopleandtheCouncilofStatesandwhohasnottakenhisseatineitherHousemay,bynoticeinwritingsignedbyhimanddelivered to theSecretary to theElectionCommissionwithin tendays from thedate,orthelaterofthedates,onwhichheissochosen,intimateinwhichoftheHouseshewishestoserve,andthereupon,hisseat intheHouseinwhichhedoesnotwishtoserveshallbecomevacant.

(2) Indefaultofsuch intimationwithintheaforesaidperiod,hisseat intheCouncilofStatesshall,attheexpirationofthatperiod,becomevacant.

(3) Anyintimationgivenundersub-section(i)shallbefinalandirrevocable.(4) For the purposes of this section and of section 69, the date onwhich a person ischosen to be member of either House of Parliament shall be in the case of an electedmember,thedateofhiselectionandinthecaseofanominatedmember,thedateoffirstpublicationintheGazetteofIndiaofhisnomination.

69. VACATION OF SEATS BY PERSONS ALREADY MEMBERS OF ONE HOUSE ONELECTIONTOOTHERHOUSEOFPARLIAMENT(1) IfapersonwhoisalreadyamemberoftheHouseofthePeopleandhastakenhisseatinsuchHouseischosenamemberoftheCouncilofStates,hisseatintheHouseofthePeopleshall,onthedateonwhichheissochosen,becomevacant

(2)IfapersonwhoisalreadyamemberoftheCouncilofStatesandhastakenhisseatinsuchcouncilischosenamemberoftheHouseofthePeople,hisseatintheCouncilofStatesshall,onthedateonwhichheissochosen,becomevacant.

70. ELECTIONTOMORETHANONESEATINEITHERHOUSEOFPARLIAMENTORINTHEHOUSEOREITHERHOUSEOFTHELEGISLATUREOFASTATE

IfapersoniselectedtomorethanoneseatineitherHouseofParliamentorintheHouseoreitherHouseoftheLegislatureofaState,then,unlesswithintheprescribedtimeheresignsallbutoneoftheseatsbywritingunderhishandaddressedtotheSpeakerorChairman,asthecasemaybe,or to suchotherauthorityorofficerasmaybeprescribed, all the seatsshallbecomevacant.

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APPENDIX36

(CHAPTER17,PARA17.4.1)

EXTRACTSFROMTHECONDUCTOFELECTIONRULES,1961

91. RESIGNATIONOFSEATSINCASEOFELECTIONTOMORESEATSTHANONEINAHOUSE

(1) ThetimewithinwhichapersonmayresignallbutoneoftheseatsineitherHouseofParliamentorintheHouseoreitherHouseoftheLegislatureofState,towhichhehasbeenelectedshallbe-

(a) fourteendaysfromthedateofhiselectionundersection67A;or(b) where thedatesofhis electionaredifferent in respectofdifferent seats, fourteendaysfromthelastofthosedates.

(2) Suchresignationshallbeaddressed-(a) totheSpeakerortheChairmanoftheHouseconcerned;or

(b) whethertheofficeoftheSpeakerorChairmanisforthetimebeingvacantoris,ordeemed tobe, in abeyance, to theDeputySpeakeror theDeputyChairmanof theHouseconcerned;or

(c) wherethepostoftheDeputySpeakerorDeputyChairmanisalsoforthetimebeingvacantoris,deemedtobe,inabeyance,totheElectionCommission.

(3) Wheretheresignationhasbeenaddressedto theElectionCommissionundersub-rule (2) the Election Commission shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of theresignation,sendacopythereoftotheSecretaryoftheHouseconcerned.

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APPENDIX37

(CHAPTER17,PARA17.5.1)

EXTRACTSFROMTHEPROHIBITIONOFSIMULTANEOUSMEMBERSHIPRULES,1950

RULE2OFTHEPROHIBITIONOFSIMULTANEOUSMEMBERSHIPRULES,1950Theperiodat theexpirationofwhichtheseat inParliamentofapersonwho ischosenamemberbothofParliamentandofaHouseoftheLegislatureofaStatespecifiedintheFirstSchedule to theConstitutionof India (hereinafter referred toas “theConstitution”)shall;becomevacantunlesshehaspreviouslyresignedhisseatintheLegislatureofsuchState,shallbefourteendaysfromthedateofpublicationintheGazetteofIndiaorintheofficialGazetteoftheState,whicheverislater,ofthedeclarationthathehasbeensochosen.

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APPENDIX38(CHAPTER18,PARA18.35.1)

EXTRACTSFROMTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951PARTV

CHAPTERVIIIELECTIONEXPENSES

76. APPLICATIONOFCHAPTER

ThischaptershallapplyonlytoelectiontotheHouseofthePeopleandtotheLegislativeAssemblyofaState.77. ACCOUNTSOFELECTIONSEXPENSESANDMAXIMUMTHEREOF

(1) Everycandidateatanelectionshall,eitherbyhimselforbyhiselectionagent,keepaseparateandcorrectaccountofallexpenditureinconnectionwiththeelectionincurredorauthorized by him or by his election agent between the date on which he has beennominatedandthedateofdeclarationoftheresultthereof,bothdatesinclusive.Explanation1–Fortheremovalofdoubts,itisherebydeclaredthat-

(a) theexpenditureincurredbyleadersofapoliticalpartyonaccountoftravelbyairorbyanyothermeansoftransportforpropagatingprogrammeofthepoliticalpartyshallnotbedeemedtobeexpenditureinconnectionwiththeelectionincurredorauthorizedbyacandidateofthatpoliticalpartyorhiselectionagentforthepurposesofthissub-section;(b) anyexpenditure incurredinrespectofanyarrangementsmade, facilitiesprovidedor any other act or thing done by any person in the service of the Government andbelongingtoanyoftheclassesmentionedinclause(7)ofsection123inthedischargeorpurporteddischargeofhisofficialdutyasmentionedintheprovisotothatclauseshallnotbedeemedtobeexpenditureinconnectionwiththeelectionincurredorauthorizedbyacandidateorbyhiselectionagentforthepurposesofthissub-section.

Explanation2–Forthepurposeofclause(a)ofExplanation1,theexpression“leadersofapoliticalparty”,inrespectofanyelection,means,-(i) where such political party is a recognized political party, such persons notexceedingfortyinnumber,and

(ii) where suchpoliticalparty isother thana recognizedpoliticalparty, suchpersonsnotexceedingtwentyinnumber,

whosenameshavebeencommunicatedtotheElectionCommissionandtheChiefElectoralOfficersoftheStatesbythepoliticalpartytobeleadersforthepurposesofsuchelection,withinaperiodofsevendaysfromthedateofthenotificationforsuchelectionpublishedintheGazetteofIndiaorOfficialGazetteoftheState,asthecasemaybe,undertheAct:Provided that a political partymay, in the casewhere any of the persons referred to inclause (i) or, as the case may be, in clause (ii) dies or ceases to be a member of suchpolitical party, by further communication to the election Commission and the ChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStates,substitutenewname,duringtheperiodendingimmediatelybefore forty-eighthoursendingwith thehour fixed for theconclusionof the lastpoll for

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suchelection,forthenameofsuchpersondiedorceasedtobeamember,forthepurposesofdesignatingthenewleaderinhisplace.(2) Theaccountshallcontainsuchparticulars,asmaybeprescribed.

(3) The total of the said expenditure shall not exceed such amount as may beprescribed.

78. LODGINGOFACCOUNTWITHTHEDISTRICTELECTIONOFFICER

(1) Everycontestingcandidateatanelectionshall,withinthirtydaysfromthedateofelectionofthereturnedcandidateor,iftherearemorethanonereturnedcandidateattheelectionandthedatesoftheirelectionaredifferent,thelaterofthosetwodates,lodgewiththeDistrictElectionOfficeranaccountofhiselectionexpenseswhichshallbeatruecopyoftheaccountkeptbyhimorbyhiselectionagentsundersection77.

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THECONDUCTOFELECTIONSRULES,1961PARTVIII

ELECTIONSEXPENSES86. PARTICULARSOFACCOUNTOFELECTIONEXPENSES(1) The amount of election expenses to be kept by a candidate or his election agentunder section 77 shall contain the following particulars in respect of each item ofexpenditurefromday-to-day,namely:-(a) thedateonwhichtheexpenditurewasincurredorauthorised;(b) thenatureoftheexpenditure(asforexample,travelling,postageorprintingandthelike)(c) theamountoftheexpenditure-(i) theamountpaid;(ii) theamountoutstanding;(d) thedateofpayment;(e) thenameandaddressofthepayee;(f) theserialnumberofvouchers,inthecaseofamountpaid;(g) theserialnumberofbillsifany,incaseofamountoutstanding;(h) thenameandaddressofthepersonstowhomtheamountoutstandingispayable.(2) Avouchershallbeobtainedforeveryitemofexpenditureunlessfromthenatureofthecase,suchaspostage,travelbyrailandthelike,itisnotpracticabletoobtainavoucher.(3) Allvouchersshallbelodgedalongwiththeaccountofelectionexpenses,arrangedaccording to thedateofpaymentandseriallynumberedby thecandidateorhiselectionagentandsuchserialnumbersshallbeenteredintheaccountunderthem(f)ofthesub-rule(1).(4) Itshallnotbenecessarytogivetheparticularsmentionedinitem(e)ofsub-rule(1)inregardto itemsofexpenditure forwhichvouchershavenotbeenobtainedundersub-rule(2).87. NOTICEBYDISTRICTELECTIONOFFICERFORINSPECTIONOFACCOUNTSTheDistrictElectionOfficershall,withintwodaysfromthedateonwhichtheaccountofelectionexpenseshasbeen lodgedbya candidateunder section78, causeanotice tobeaffixedtohisnoticeboard,specifying-(a) thedateonwhichtheaccounthasbeenlodged;(b) thenameofthecandidate;and(c) thetimeandplaceatwhichsuchaccountcanbeinspected.88. INSPECTIONOFACCOUNTANDTHEOBTAININGOFCOPIESTHEREOFAnypersonshallonpaymentofafeeofonerupeebeentitledtoinspectanysuchaccountandonpaymentofsuchfeeasmaybefixedbytheElectionCommissioninthisbehalfbeentitledtoobtainattestedcopiesofsuchacountorofanypatthereof.89. REPORT BY THE DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER AS TO THE LODGING OF THEACCOUNTOFELECTIONEXPENSESANDTHEDECISIONOFTHEELECTIONCOMMISSIONTHEREON(1) As soon asmaybe after the expiration of the time specified in section78 for thelodgingoftheaccountofelectionexpensesatanyelection,theDistrictElectionOfficershallreporttotheElectionCommission-(a) thenameofeachcontestingcandidate;

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(b) whether suchcandidatehas lodgedhisaccountof electionexpensesand if so, thedateonwhichsuchaccounthasbeenlodged;and(c) whether in his opinion such account has been lodgedwithin the time and in themannerrequiredbytheActandtheserules.(2) Where the District Election Officer is of the opinion that the account of electionexpensesofanycandidatehasnotbeenlodgedinthemannerrequiredbytheActandtheserules,heshallwitheverysuchreport forwardto theElectionCommissiontheaccountofelectionexpensesofthatcandidateandthevoucherlodgedalongwithit.(3) Immediatelyafter submissionof the report referred to in sub-rule (1) theDistrictElectionOfficershallpublishacopythereofbyaffixingthesametohisnoticeboard.(4) As soon asmay be after the receipt of the report referred to in sub rule (1) theElectionCommissionshallconsiderthesameanddecidewhetheranycontestingcandidatehas failed to lodge the account of election expenses within the time and in themannerrequiredbytheActandtheserules.(5) Where the Election Commission decides that a contesting candidate has failed tolodgehisaccountofelectionexpenseswithinthetimeandinthemannerrequiredbytheActandtheserules,itshallbenoticeinwritingcalluponthecandidatetoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbedisqualifiedundersection10Aforthefailure.(6) Anycontestingcandidatewhohasbeencalledupontoshowcauseundersub-rule(5)maywithintwentydaysofthereceiptofsuchnoticesubmitinrespectofthematterarepresentation inwriting to theElectionCommission,andshallat thesametimesend totheDistrictElectionOfficeracopyofhisrepresentationtogetherwithacompleteaccountofhiselectionexpensesifhehadnotalreadyfurnishedsuchanaccount.(7) TheDistrictElectionOfficershall,withinfivedaysofthereceiptthereof,forwardtotheElectioncommissionthecopyoftherepresentationandtheaccount(ifany)withsuchcommentsashewishestomakethereon.(8) If, after considering the representation submitted by the candidate and thecommentsmadebytheDistrictElectionOfficerandaftersuch inquiryas it thinks fit, theElectionCommissionissatisfiedthatthecandidatehasnogoodreasonorjustificationforthefailuretolodgehisaccount,itshalldeclarehimtobedisqualifiedundersection10Aforaperiodofthreeyearsfromthedateoftheorder,andcausetheordertobepublishedintheOfficialGazette.

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APPENDIX39(CHAPTER19,PARA19.6.1)

APPLICATIONFORREFUNDOFDEPOSITMADEUNDERSECTION34OFTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951

(BYACANDIDATE)FromName......................................……………………………….Address....................................……………………………..ToTheReturningOfficer--------------------.Parliamentary/AssemblyConstituencySubject:Returnofdepositundersection158oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951Sir,

Iwasacandidateforelectiontothe..........................fromthe..................Constituency.2. I made a deposit of Rs....................................................for that election inthe..................TreasuryunderreceiptNo.............................on.............................3. Mynominationpaperwas................*accepted/rejectedbytheReturningOfficer.4. I...........................................*withdrew/didnotwithdrawmycandidatureintime.5. I*was/wasnotelectedand*secured/didnotsecuremorethanone-sixthofthetotalnumberofvalidvotespolledintheelection.6.A IdidnotstandasacandidateattheGeneralElectionfromanyotherconstituency.6.B (a) IstoodasacandidateattheGeneralElectionalsofromthe–

(i).......................H.P./L.A.Constituency(ii).......................H.P./L.A.Constituency(iii).....................H.P./L.A.Constituency

(b) I have not applied for the return of my deposit in any of these otherconstituencies.Thedepositsmadeintheseotherconstituenciesmaybeforfeited.7. Irequestthatthedepositreferredtoinparagraph2maybereturnedtome.8. I hereby declare that all the statements made in this application are true to myknowledge.

YoursfaithfullyPlace....................................Date………………………

(SignatureofCandidate)*Strikeoffthewordsnotapplicableinyourcase.Omittheportionswithin[]asnecessary.

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APPLICATIONFORREFUNDOFDEPOSITMADEUNDERSECTION34OFTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951

(BYTHEDEPOSITORWHENHEISNOTTHECANDIDATE)

From,Name........................................Address..................................................................................ToTheReturningOfficer...............................ConstituencySubject:Returnofdepositundersection158oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.Sir,I ........................................ (name of the candidate) was a candidate for electionto............................................fromthe..........................................Constituency.2.On behalf of the said candidate, I made a deposit of Rs................................. for thatelectioninthe..............TreasuryunderreceiptNo...................on.................................3.Hisnominationpaperwas*accepted/rejected/....................bytheReturningOfficer.4.He...................*withdrew/didnotwithdraw*hiscandidatureintime.5.He.............................*was/*wasnotelectedand.........................*secured/didnotsecuremorethanone-sixthofthetotalnumberofvalidvotespolledintheelection.6.HedidnotstandasacandidateattheGeneralElectionfromanyotherconstituency.

OR6. (a)HestoodasacandidateattheGeneralElectionalsofromthe–

(i).......................H.P./L.A.Constituency(ii).......................H.P./L.A.Constituency(iii).....................H.P./L.A.Constituency

(b)No application has beenmade for the return of the depositsmade in connectionwith the elections in these other constituencies. The deposits made in these otherconstituenciesmaybeforfeited.7.Irequestthatthedepositreferredtoinparagraph2maybereturnedtome.8.IherebydeclarethatIhaveverifiedallthestatementsmadeinthisapplication,andtheyaretruetomyknowledge.

Yoursfaithfully,Place....................................Date..................................... (SignatureofApplicant)I...........................................the abovementioned candidate at the election to the............................fromthe..................................................Constituencyherebycertifythatthestatementscontainedinparagraphs2to6ofthisapplicationaretruetomyknowledge.

Yoursfaithfully,Place....................................Date..................................... (SignatureofCandidate)*Strikeoffthewordsnotapplicableinyourcase.Omittheportionswithin[],asnecessary.

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APPLICATIONFORREFUNDOFDEPOSITMADEUNDERSECTION34OFTHEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951

(BYTHELEGALREPRESENTATIVEOFTHECANDIDATE)

From,Name........................................

Address....................................

ToTheReturningOfficer...................................Constituency

Subject:Returnofdepositundersection158oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.

Sir,The late Shri ......................................... was a candidate for election to the ....................................fromthe...................................................Constituency.Hediedonthe.........................................andIamhislegalrepresentative.2.He made a deposit of Rs..........................for that election in the....................... TreasuryunderreceiptNo....................................on...................................3.His nomination paper was .................................. *accepted/ rejected. by ReturningOfficer.4.He...................................*withdrew/didnotwithdrawhiscandidatureintime.5. He ............................... *was/wasnotelectedand*secured/didnotsecuremore thanone-sixthofthetotalnumberofvalidvotespolledintheelection.6.HedidnotstandasacandidateattheGeneralElectionfromanyotherconstituency.

OR6. (a) HestoodasacandidateattheGeneralElectionalsofromthe–

(i).................…....H.P./L.A.Constituency(ii).......................H.P./L.A.Constituency(iii)...........…........H.P./L.A.Constituency

(b) No application has been made for the return of the deposits made inconnectionwith the elections in these other constituencies. The depositsmade in theseotherconstituenciesmaybeforfeited.]7.Irequestthatthedepositreferredtoinparagraph2maybereturnedtome.8. I herebydeclare that all the statementsmade in this applicationare true tomyknowledge.

Yoursfaithfully,Place....................................

Date.....................................(SignatureofApplicant)

*StrikeoffthewordsnotapplicableinyourcaseOmittheportionswithin[]asnecessary.

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437

APPENDIX40(CHAPTER11,PARA11.1.1)

EXTRACTFROMCONDUCTOFELECTIONRULES,1961Postalballot

17.Definitions.InthisPart,- (a) “servicevoter''meansanypersonspecifiedinclause(a)orclause(b)ofsection60,butdoesnotinclude“classifiedservicevoter”definedinrule27M;

(b) “specialvoter''meansanypersonholdinganofficetowhichtheprovisionsofsub-section (4) of section20of theRepresentationof thePeopleAct, 1950 (43of 1950) aredeclaredtoapplyorthewifeofsuchperson,ifheorshehasbeenregisteredasanelectorbyvirtueofastatementmadeundersub-section(5)ofthesaidsection;

(c) "voteron election duty" means any polling agent, any polling officer, presidingofficerorotherpublicservant,whoisanelectorintheconstituencyandisbyreasonofhisbeingonelectiondutyunabletovoteasthepollingstationwhereheisentitledtovote.

18. Personsentitledtovotebypost.

The following persons shall, subject to their fulfilling the requirements hereinafterspecified,beentitledtovotebypost,namely:-

(a) atanelectioninaparliamentaryorassemblyconstituency-i) specialvoters;

ii) servicevoters;

iii) votersonelectionduty;andiv) electorssubjectedtopreventivedetention;

(b) atanelectioninacouncilconstituency-(i) votersonelectionduty;

(ii) electorssubjectedtopreventivedetention;and

(iii) electors in thewholeor any specifiedparts, of the constituency ifdirectedby theElectionCommissioninthisbehalfunderclause(b)ofrule68;

(c) atanelectionbyanassemblymember-

(i) electorssubjectedtopreventivedetention;and(ii) allelectorsifdirectedbytheElectionCommissioninthisbehalfunderclause(a)of

rule68.19. Intimationbyspecialvoters–

AspecialvoterwhowishestovotebypostatanelectionshallsendanintimationinForm12tothereturningofficersoastoreachhimatleasttendaysbeforethedateofpoll;andonreceiptoftheintimationthereturningofficershallissueapostalballotpapertohim.

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20. Intimationbyvotersonelectionduty–

(1) A voter on election dutywhowishes to vote by post at an election shall send anapplication inForm12 to the returningofficer soas to reachhimat least sevendaysorsuch shorterperiodas the returningofficermayallowbefore thedateofpoll; and if thereturningofficer issatisfiedthattheapplicant isavoteronelectionduty,heshall issueapostalballotpapertohim.

(2)Wheresuchvoter,beingapollingofficer,presidingofficerorotherpublicservantonelectiondutyintheconstituencyofwhichheisanelector,wishestovoteinpersonatanelection (inaparliamentaryorassembly constituency)andnotbypost,he shall sendanapplication inForm12A to the returningofficer soas to reachhimat least fourdays,orsuchshorterperiodas thereturningofficermayallow,before thedateofpoll;and if thereturningofficerissatisfiedthattheapplicantissuchpublicservantandvoteronelectiondutyintheconstituency,heshall-

(a) issuetotheapplicantanelectiondutycertificateinForm12B,

(b) mark‘EDC’againsthisnameinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltoindicatethatanelectiondutycertificatehasbeenissuedtohim,and

(c) ensure that he is not allowed to vote at the polling station where he wouldotherwisehavebeenentitledtovote.21. Electorsunderpreventivedetention.–

(1) The appropriate Government shall, within fifteen days of the calling of an election,ascertainandintimatetothereturningofficerthenamesoftheelectors,ifany,subjectedtopreventive detention together with their addresses and electoral roll numbers and theparticularsabouttheirplacesofdetention.(2)Anyelectorsubjectedtopreventivedetentionmay,withinfifteendaysofthecallingofan election, send an intimation to the returning officer that he wishes to vote by post,specifyinghisname,address,electoralrollnumberandplaceofdetention.

(3) The returning officer shall issue a postal ballot paper to every elector subjected topreventivedetentionwhosenamehasbeenintimatedtohimundersub-rule(1)orundersub-rule(2).

22. Formofballotpaper.-

(1) Every postal ballot paper shall have a counterfoil attached thereto, and the saidballotpaperandthecounterfoilshallbeinsuchform,andtheparticularsthereinshallbeinsuchlanguageorlanguages,astheElectionCommissionmaydirect. (2) The names of the candidates shall be arranged on the postal ballot paper in theorderinwhichtheyappearinthelistofcontestingcandidates.

(3) If twoormorecandidatesbear thesamename, theyshallbedistinguishedby theadditionoftheiroccupationorresidenceorinsomeothermanner.

23. Issueofballotpaper.-

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(1) Apostalballotpapershallbesentbypostundercertificateofpostingtotheelectortogetherwith-(a) adeclarationinForm13A;

(b) acoverinForm13B;(c) alargecoveraddressedtothereturningofficerinForm13C;and

(d) instructionsfortheguidanceoftheelectorinForm13D:

Providedthatthereturningofficermay,inthecaseofaspecialvoteroravoteronelectionduty, deliver the ballot paper and Forms, or cause them to be delivered, to such voterpersonally:

ProvidedfurtherthatthepostalballotpapermaybetransmittedbytheReturningOfficerbysuchelectronicmeansasmaybespecifiedbytheElectionCommissionforthepersonsspecifiedinsub-clause(ii)ofclause(a)ofrule18;(1A) Whereapostalballotpaperistransmittedelectronically,theprovisionsofthisruleandrules22,24and27shall,mutatismutandis,apply;

(2) Thereturningofficershallatthesametime-(a) recordonthecounterfoiloftheballotpapertheelectoralrollnumberoftheelectorasenteredinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll;

(b) markthenameoftheelectorinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrolltoindicatethata ballot paper has been issued to him, without however recording therein the serialnumberoftheballotpaperissuedtothatelector;and(c) ensurethatthatelectorisnotallowedtovoteatapollingstation.

(3) Beforeanyballotpaper is issuedtoanelectoratanelection ina localauthorities'constituency or by assembly members, the serial number of the ballot paper shall beeffectivelyconcealedinsuchmannerastheElectionCommissionmaydirect.

(4) Everyofficerunderwhosecareorthroughwhomapostalballotpaperissentshallensureitsdeliverytotheaddresseewithoutdelay.

(5) Afterballotpapershavebeenissuedtoalltheelectorsentitledtovotebypost,thereturningofficershall-(a) atanelectioninaparliamentaryorassemblyconstituency,subjecttotheprovisionsof rule 27P, seal up in a packet that part of themarked copy of the electoral rollwhichrelatestoservicevotersandrecordonthepacketabriefdescriptionofitscontentsandthedateonwhich itwassealedandsendtheotherrelevantpartsof themarkedcopyto theseveral presiding officers or marking the names of electors to whom ballot papers areissuedatthepollingstationswithouthoweverrecordingthereintheserialnumbersoftheballotpapersissuedtotheelectors;and

(b) atanyotherelection,sealupinapacketthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollandrecordonthepacketabriefdescriptionofitscontentsandthedateonwhichitwassealed.

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(6) Thereturningofficershallalsosealup inaseparatepacketthecounterfoilsof theballotpapers issued toelectorsentitled tovotebypostand recordon thepacketabriefdescriptionofitscontentsandthedateonwhichitwassealed.

24. RecordingofVote-(1) Anelectorwhohasreceivedapostalballotpaperanddesires tovoteshall recordhisvoteontheballotpaperinaccordancewiththedirectionscontainedinPartIofForm13DandthenencloseitinthecoverinForm13B.(2) TheelectorshallsignthedeclarationinForm13Ainthepresenceof,andhavethesignatureattestedby,astipendiarymagistrateorsuchotherofficerspecifiedbelow,asmaybe appropriate, to whom he is personally known or to whose satisfaction he has beenidentified–

(a) inthecaseofaservicevoter,suchofficerasmaybeappointedinthisbehalfbytheCommandingOfficeroftheunit,shiporestablishmentinwhichthevoterorherhusband,asthecasemaybe, isemployedorsuchofficerasmaybeappointedinthisbehalfbythediplomatic or consular representative of India in the country in which such voter isresident;

(b) inthecaseofaspecialvoter,anofficernotbelowtherankofaDeputySecretarytoGovernment; (c) inthecaseofavoteronelectionduty,anygazettedofficerorthepresidingofficerofthepollingstationatwhichheisonelectionduty; (d) inthecaseofanelectorunderpreventivedetention,theSuperintendentoftheJailortheCommandantofthedetentioncampinwhichtheelectorisunderdetention;and

(e) in any other case, such officer as may be notified in this behalf by the ElectionCommission.

25. Assistancetoilliterateorinfirmvoters-(1)Ifanelectorisunablethroughilliteracy,blindnessorotherphysicalinfirmitytorecordhis voteonapostalballotpaper and sign thedeclaration,he shall take theballotpaper,togetherwithdeclarationandthecoversreceivedbyhimtoanofficercompetenttoattesthissignatureundersub-rule(2)ofrule24andrequest theofficer torecordhisvoteandsignhisdeclarationonhisbehalf.

(2)Suchofficershallthereuponmarktheballotpaperinaccordancewiththewishesoftheelector in his presence, sign the declaration on his behalf and complete the appropriatecertificatecontainedinForm13A.26. Re-issueofballotpaper-

(1) Whenapostalballotpaperandotherpaperssentunderrule23areforanyreasonreturnedundelivered,thereturningofficermayre-issuethembypostundercertificateofpostingordeliverthemorcausethemtobedeliveredtotheelectorpersonallyonarequestbeingmadebyhim.(2) If any elector has inadvertently dealt with the ballot paper or any of the otherpaperssenttohimunderrule23insuchamannerthattheycannotconvenientlybeused,a

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secondsetofthepapersshallbeissuedtohimafterhehasreturnedthespoiledpapersandsatisfiedthereturningofficeroftheinadvertence.(3) Thereturningofficershallcancelthespoiledpaperssoreturnedandkeeptheminaseparatepacketafternotingthereontheparticularsoftheelectionandtheserialnumbersofthecancelledballotpapers.

27. Returnofballotpaper-

(1) After an electorhas recordedhis vote andmadehis declarationunder rule 24orrule 25, he shall return the ballot paper and declaration to the returning officer inaccordance with the instructions communicated to him in Part II of Form 13D so as toreach the returning officer before the hour fixed for the commencement of counting ofvotes.

(2) Ifanycovercontainingapostalballotpaperisreceivedbythereturningofficeraftertheexpiryofthetimefixedinsub-rule(1),heshallnotethereonthedateandtimeofitsreceiptandshallkeepallsuchcoverstogetherinaseparatepacket.

(3) The returning officer shall keep in safe custody until the commencement of thecountingofvotesallcoverscontainingpostalballotpapersreceivedbyhim.

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APPENDIX41(CHAPTER18,PARA18.1.4)

(PartA)REGISTERFORMAINTENANCEOFDAYTODAYACCOUNTSOFELECTIONEXPENDITUREBYCONTESTINGCANDIDATES

NameoftheCandidate:NameofPoliticalParty,ifany:Constituencyfromwhichcontested:DateofDeclarationofResult:NameandaddressofElectionAgent:Totalexpenditureincurred/authorized:(From the date of nomination to the date of declaration of result of election, both datesinclusive)Dateofexpenditure/event

NatureofExpenditure TotalamountinRupees(paid+outstanding)

Nameandaddressofpayee

Billno./voucherno.anddate

Amountincurred/authorizedbycandidateorhiselectionagent

Amountincurred/authorizedbypoliticalpartyandnameofpoliticalparty

Amountincurred/authorizedbyotherindividual/association/body/anyother(mentionfullnameandaddress)

Remark,ifany

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 description Quantity Rate

perunit

Certifiedthatthisisatrueaccountkeptbyme/myelectionagentunderSection77oftheRepresentation of the People Act, 1951 (Certificate to be furnished after the date ofdeclarationofresult).

Signatureofthecandidate

Note:

1. Thisregistermustbemaintainedonadailybasisandshallbesubjecttoinspectionatany time by the Observer appointed by the Election Commission, the District ElectionOfficer/ReturningOfficerorbyanyotherofficerauthorizedinthisbehalf.

2.TheregistermustbelodgedinoriginalwiththeDistrictElectionOfficerasthereturnofElection Expenditure under Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Itmust be accompanied by an abstract statement (Part I to IV and schedules 1 to 9) ofelection expenses and supporting affidavit in the prescribed formats. No return ofexpenditure will be accepted as complete without the abstract statement of electionexpensesandtheaffidavit.3. Vouchersmaynotbeattachedonly inrespectof those itemswhichare listed inRule86(2)oftheConductofElectionRules,1961, likepostage,travelbyair. Foranyvoucher

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notattachedvidethisrule,anexplanationtotheaffectwhyitwasnotpracticabletoobtaintherequiredvouchersmustbegivenintheprescribedregister.4. The account and abstract statement shall be countersigned by the candidate if it islodged by his election agent and should be certified by the candidate himself to be thecorrectcopyoftheaccountkept.Theaffidavitshouldbeswornbythecandidatehimself.

5. Apart from the expenses incurred or authorized by the candidate/election agentdirectly, all expenditure incurredor authorizedby thepolitical party, other associations,bodies of persons, individuals in connection with the election of the candidate with hisconsentarealsorequiredtobeincludedintheaccount.Theonlyexceptionistheexpensesincurredontravelofspecified leadersof thepoliticalpartyonaccountof their travel forpropagatingtheprogrammeoftheparty.(SeeExplanation1and2ofSection77(1)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951).6. If the expenditure on any item shown above in columns 2 and 3 above isincurred/authorized by any political party/association/body of persons/any individual(otherthanthecandidateorhiselectionagent),its/hisnameandcompleteaddressmustbeshownincolumns7and8.

7.Thetotalexpenditurereferredincolumns2and3oftheabovetableshouldincludeallexpenditure in cash and the value of all goods and services received in kind by thecandidateorhiselectionagentfromanysource.

8. Thisregistershould includeDaytoDayAccountRegisteras isPartA inWhitePages,Cash Register asmentioned in Part-B in Pink pages and Bank Register asmentioned inPart-CinYellowpages,aspertheformatsprescribed.

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(PartB)CashRegisterforMaintenanceofDaytoDayAccountsbyContestingCandidates

NameoftheCandidate: NameofPoliticalParty,ifany:

Constituencyfromwhichcontested:

DateofDeclarationofResult:NameandaddressofElectionAgent:

(From the date of nomination to the date of declaration of result of election, both datesinclusive)

Receipt Payment Balanceamount

Remarks,ifany

Date Name andaddress ofperson /party /association/ body /any otherfromwhom theamountreceived

ReceiptNo.

Amount BillNo. /VoucherNo. andDate

Name ofpayeeandaddress

Nature ofExpenditure

Amount Places atwhich orpersonswithwhomthebalanceiskept (ifcash iskept atmorethan oneplace /person,mentionnameandbalanceavailable)

Anyexpensementionedin column7 of thistable andnotmentionedin column2 of thetable ofPart Ashould beclarifiedhere.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Certifiedthatthisisatrueaccountkeptbyme/myelectionagentunderSection77oftheRepresentation of the People Act, 1951 (Certificate to be furnished after the date ofdeclarationofresult).

SignatureoftheCandidate

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(PartC)

BankRegisterforMaintenanceofDaytoDayAccountsbyContestingCandidates

NameoftheCandidate: NameofPoliticalParty,ifany:

Constituencyfromwhichcontested:

DateofDeclarationofResult:NameandaddressofElectionAgent:NameoftheBank:

BranchAddress:

AccountNo.:(From the date of nomination to the date of declaration of result of election, both datesinclusive)

Receipt Payment Balance Remarks,ifany

Date Name andaddress ofperson /party /association/ body /any otherfromwhom theamountreceived /depositedinBank

Cash /chequeNo.,BanknameandBranch

Amount ChequeNo.

Name ofpayee

Nature ofExpenditure

Amount Anyexpensementionedin column7 of thistable andnotmentionedin column2 of thetable ofPart Ashould beclarifiedhere.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Certifiedthatthisisatrueaccountkeptbyme/myelectionagentunderSection77oftheRepresentation of the People Act, 1951 (Certificate to be furnished after the date ofdeclarationofresult).

SignatureoftheCandidate

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GuidelinesforMaintenanceoftheDay-to-DayAccountsofElectionExpenditure:

Allcash,cheque,ordraftorpayorderreceivedbythecandidate,eitherfromhisownfundor from political party or from any other person, body, institution or company is to bedepositedinaseparatebankaccountopenedbythecandidateforthepurposeofelectionexpenditure.

1.ForCashreceived

1.1Forcandidate’sowncashtobeusedforelectionexpenditure:-Ifthecandidatebringshisowncash,thenhe/shehastodepositthecashinthebankaccountopenedforelectionexpenses. Then entry has to be made in Bank Register (Part C of day to day accountregister) by writing “Candidate’s own Fund” in column 2, “Cash” in Column-3 and theamountinColumn4.

1.2Cashreceivedbycandidatefromanyotherperson/party/association/body:-Ifcashisreceived by the candidate from any other person/party for the purpose of his electionexpenditure,then,thisamountistobeenteredintheCashRegister(PartB)onreceiptsidebywritingdateinColumn-1,nameandaddressoftheperson/partyetc.fromwhomcashreceived inColumn-2, receiptNo. (if any) inColumn-3 and amountof cash inColumn-4.AftermakingentryintheCashRegister,theamountshallbedepositedinthebankaccount,openedforelectionexpenses. Oncetheamountisdepositedinbankaccounts,entriesforthesamehavetobemadeinthecashregisteronpaymentsidebywritingdateinColumn-5, Account Number of bank A/c where cash deposited in Column-6, and “deposit” inColumn-7andamountinColumn-8.

1.3 AfterthecashisdepositedinBank,theBankRegister(PartC)hastobeupdated,bywritingdateinColumn-1,“Candidate’sowncash”inColumn-2,CashinColumn-3,amountinColumn-4.Thishastobedonesothatthebankbalancecanbedrawn,totallywiththebankpassbook.2.ForCheques/Drafts/Pay-ordersreceived

2.1 Cheques/Draft/Pay order received from any person/party/association etc. or fromcandidate’sownbankaccount: Ifcandidatereceivescheque/draft/payorderforhis/herelectionexpenditurepurpose fromanyperson/partyetc.orhe issuescheque/draft fromhisownbankaccount,hehastodeposit it inthesaidFsopenedforelectionexpenditure.HeshallmakeentryonthedepositsideofbankregisterbymentioningdateinColumn-1,name and address of the person/party from whom the cheque received in Column-2,Cheque /Draft/Pay order No. and Bank name/branch in Column-3 and amount ofcheque/draft/payorderinColumn-4. If, itischequefromhisownbankaccount,theninColumn-2ofBankRegister,“Candidate’sownfund”istobementioned.

3.ForGoodsorServicesreceivedinkind3.1Ifsomegoodsorservicesarereceivedinkindlikevehicles,posters,pamphlets,mediaadvertisement,helicopters,aircraftsetc.frompartyoranyperson/body/association: Ifanypersonparty/body/associationprovidessomegoodsorservicesinkind,forelectioncampaigningetc.,ofthecandidate,thenfortheseitems,necessaryentriesaretobemadein Part A of Day to Day accounts register bymentioning date in Column-1, description,quantity,rateperunitinColumn-2,natureofexpenditureandtotalvalue(Notionalvalue

447

of the items) in Column-3 of the said Register. Further, if the items in kind have beenprovided by the political party, then the total value and name of political party for thatshould be written in Column-7 and if such items have been given by any otherperson/associationetc.thenthatamountandname,addressofsuchpersons/associationsetc.shallbementionedinColumn-8ofthisregister.

4.ForallElectionExpenses

4.1Allelectionexpenditureshallbeentered inRegisterofDaytoDayAccounts(Part-A).Wheneveranyexpenseisincurred,say,ataxiisrequisitioned,thenentryhastobemadeinRegisterofDaytoDayaccounts(PartA)asunder:DateinColumn-1,natureofexpenditurelike“taxi”No.____”underdescriptiontotalhours/daysforwhichrequisitionedandrateperhour/day in Columen-2 and total amount in Column-3, name and address of the taxiproviderinColumn-4,bill/voucherNo.inColumn-5.Iftheamountispaidbythecandidate,thentheamountismentionedinColumn-6.IftheamountispaidbypoliticalpartydirectlytothetaxiproviderthennameofpartyandamountistobewritteninColumn-7.Ifitispaidby any other person, amount and name and address of such person shall be written inColumn-8.

4.2 For Payment for expenses made through cheques: All the payments for expenses(except petty expenses up to Rs.10,000/- to a single party during the entire electionprocess)aretobemadeonlythroughA/cpayeecheques.For,makingpaymentincheques,the following entry has to bemade in Bank Register (Part C): Cheque No. in Column-5,nameofthepayeetowhomchequeissuedinColumn6,natureofexpenditureinColumn-7andamountinColumn-8istobewritten.

4.3ForPaymentsofpettyexpensesmadeincash:ifanypaymentofpettyexpensesaretobe made in cash (that too if total amount paid to a person during whole period ofcampaigningshallnotexceedRupees10,000/-)thencashistobewithdrawnfromthesaidbankaccountopenedforelectionexpense.Forthis,entriesaretobemadeinBankRegister(Part C)mentioning cheque No. for withdrawal in Column-5, “self” column-6 nature ofexpenditure“withdrawalforpettyexpenses”inColumn-7andtheamountinColumn-8oftheBankRegister.Afterthewithdrawal,thiscashistobeintroducedincashRegister(PartB)bymakingentryinthereceiptside.Forthis,dateistobementionedinColumn-1,“self”inColumn-2withdrawal fromBank inColumn-3andamount inColumn-4. If suchpettycashisgiventodifferentbranchofficesoragentstoincurpettyexpense,thentheamountandnamesofpersons/placesaretobeenteredinColumn-9.Afterpaymentismadeforthepetty expense, such expenses are also to be entered inDay toDayAccounts (Part A) asfollows: date in Column-1, Nature of payment in Column-2, Total amount in Column-3,Name and Address of Payee in Column-4, Bill/voucher No. in Column-5 and “self” inColumn-6.

(ECINo.76/Instructions/2014/EEPS/Vol.Idated23.01.2014)

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ABSTRACTSTATEMENTOFELECTIONEXPENSESPART-I

I NameoftheCandidate Sh./Smt./Kum.II Number and name of

Constituency

III NameofState/UnionTerritory IV Nature of Election (Please

mention whether GeneralElectiontoStateAssembly/LokSabha/Bye-election)

V Dateofdeclarationofresult VI Name and address of the

ElectionAgent

VII If candidate is set up by apolitical party, please mentionthenameofthepoliticalparty

VIII Whether the party is arecognisedpoliticalparty

Yes/No

Date:

Place:

SignatureoftheCandidate

Name

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PARTII:ABSTRACTOFSTATEMENTOFELECTIONEXPENDITUREOFCANDIDATES.No. Particulars Amount

incurred/authorizedbyCandidate/Electionagent(inRupees)

Amountincurred/authorizedbypoliticalparty(inRupees)

Amountincurred/authorizedbyothers(inRupees)

TotalElectionexpenditure(3)+(4)+(5)

1 2 3 4 5 6I Expensesinpublic

meeting,rally,processionetc:I.a:Expensesinpublicmeeting,rally,processionetc.(otherthantheoneswithStarCampaignersofthePoliticalparty)(EncloseasperSchedule-1)

I.b:Expenditureinpublicmeeting,rally,processionetc.withStarCampaigner(s)(i.e.otherthanthoseforgeneralpartypropaganda)(EncloseasperSchedule-2)

II Campaignmaterialsotherthanthoseusedinthepublicmeeting,rally,processionetc.mentionedinS.No.1above(EncloseasperSchedule-3)

III Campaign,throughprintandelectronicmediaincludingcablenetwork,bulkSMSorinternetandSocialmedia(EncloseasperSchedule-4)

IV Expenditureoncampaignvehicle(s),usedbycandidate(EncloseasperSchedule-5)

V ExpensesofCampaignworkers/agents(EncloseasperSchedule-6)

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VI Anyothercampaignexpenditure

GrandTotal

PARTIII:ABSTRACTOFSOURCEOFFUNDSRAISEDBYCANDIDATES.No. Particulars Amount(inRupees)

1 2 3I Amountofownfundusedfortheelection

campaign(EncloseasperSchedule-7)

II Lumpsumamountreceivedfromtheparty(ies)incashorchequeetc.(EncloseasperSchedule-9)

III Lumpsumamountreceivedfromanyperson/company/firm/associations/body(EncloseasperSchedule-9)

Total

451

PART-IV

FORMOFAFFIDAVIT

BeforetheDistrictElectionOfficer......................................(District,State/UnionTerritory)Affidavit of Shri/Smt./Ms. ……………….………………………………… (S/o, W/o, D/o)……………………………………. I …………………………… son/wife/daughter of………………………………………… aged ……………. years, r/o ………………………………….do herebysolemnlyandsincerelystateanddeclareasunder:-

(1)ThatIwasacontestingcandidateatthegeneralelection/byeelectiontotheHouseofthe People / Legislative Assembly of …………………………………………….……. from………………….…….……Parliamentary/ Assembly constituency, the result of which wasdeclaredon…….......................................(2) That I/my election agent kept a separate and correct account of all expenditureincurred / authorised byme /my election agent in connectionwith the above electionbetween………………(thedateonwhichIwasnominated)andthedateofdeclarationoftheresultthereof,bothdaysinclusive.

(3)ThatthesaidaccountwasmaintainedintheRegisterfurnishedbytheReturningOfficerfor the purpose and the said Register itself is annexed hereto with the supportingvouchers/billsmentionedinthesaidaccount.

(4) That the account ofmy election expenditure as annexed hereto includes all items ofelection expenditure incurred or authorised byme or bymy election agent, the politicalparty which sponsored me, other associations / body of persons and other individualssupporting me, in connection with the election, and nothing has been concealed orwithheld/suppressed therefrom(other than theexpenseon travelof leaders' coveredbyExplanations1and2undersection77(1)oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951).(5)That theAbstractStatementofElectionExpensesannexedasAnnexure II to thesaidaccountalsoincludesallexpenditureincurredorauthorisedbyme,myelectionagent,thepolitical party which sponsored me, other associations / body of persons and otherindividualssupportingme,inconnectionwiththeelection.

(6)That thestatements in the foregoingparagraphs(1) to(5)are true to thebestofmyknowledgeandbelief,thatnothingisfalseandnothingmaterialhasbeenconcealed.

Deponent

Solemnlyaffirmed/swornby………………….at………….thisdayof201…….beforeme.(SignatureandsealoftheAttestingauthority,i.e.MagistrateofthefirstClassorOath

CommissionorNotaryPublic)

452

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTFORM

ToTHERETURNINGOFFICER,

________________________________________________

________________________

Sir,

IacknowledgereceiptofyourletterNo…………………….dated…………………….alongwithitsenclosures containing, among other documents, a Register bearing serial No…………. formaintainingofmyaccountsofelectionexpenses.

2. I have noted the requirements of law for maintenance of account of electionexpenses and lodging of true copy of that account with the District Election Officer /ReturningOfficer.

Yoursfaithfully,

(SignatureofCandidatewithdate)*Strikeoffwhicheverisinapplicable.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT(TobefilledupbyOffice)

Theaccountoftheelectionexpensesinrespectof………………………….(Constituency)resultofwhichwas declared on……………………. (Date) has been filed by him /on his behalf on…………………... (Date) and has been received by me today the ……………. (Date) of…………………….(Month)……………………(Year).

District______________________

DistrictElectionOfficerOfficeSeal

453

Schedule1to9:DetailsofElectionFundsandExpenditureofCandidate

Schedule-1

Expensesinpublicmeeting,rally,processionetc.(i.e.:otherthanthosewithStarCampaignersofthePoliticalparty)

S.No

NatureofExpenditure TotalAmountinRupees

SourceofExpenditure

Amt.incurred/Auth.byCandidate/agent

Amt.incurred/byPol.Partywithname

Amt.incurredbyothers

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Vehiclesfortransportingvisitors

2 ErectingStage,Pandal&Furniture,Fixtures,polesetc.

3 Arches&Barricadesetc.

4 Flowers/garlands

5 HiringLoudspeakers,Microphone,amplifiers,comparersetc.

6 Posters,handbills,pamphlets,Banners,Cut-outs,hoardings

7 Beveragesliketea,Water,colddrink,juiceetc.

8 DigitalTV–boardsdisplay,Projectordisplay,tickersboards,3Ddisplay

9 Expensesoncelebrities,paymenttomusicians,otherartistsremunerationetc.

10 Illuminationitemslikeseriallights,boardsetc.

11 Expensesontransport,Helicopter/aircraft/vehicles/boatsetc.charges(forself,celebrityoranyothercampaignerotherthanStarCampaigner)

12 Powerconsumption/generatorcharges

13 Rentforvenue

14 Guards&securitycharges

15 Boarding&lodgingexpensesofself,celebrity,partyfunctionaryoranyothercampaignerincludingStarCampaigner

16 Othersexpenses

Total

Schedule-2

454

Expenditureinpublicmeetingrally,processionetc.withtheStarCampaigner(s)asapportionedtocandidate(i.e.:otherthanthoseforgeneralpartypropaganda)

S.No DateandVenue

NameoftheStarCampaigner(s)&NameofParty

Amount of Expenditure on publicmeeting rally, procession etc. with theStar Campaigner(s) apportioned to thecandidate (As other than for generalpartypropaganda)inRupees

Remarks,ifany

1 2 3 4 5

SourceofIncome

Amountbycandidate/Agent

AmountbyPoliticalParty

AmountbyOthers

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-3

Detailsofexpenditureoncampaignmaterials,likehandbills,pamphlets,posters,hoardings,banners,cut-outs,gates&arches,videoandaudiocassettes,CDs/DVDs,Loudspeakers,amplifiers,digitalTV/boarddisplay,3Ddisplayetc.forcandidate’selectioncampaign(i.e.:otherthanthosecoveredinSchedule-1&2)

S.No.

NatureofExpenses TotalAmountinRupees

SourcesofExpenditure Remarks,ifany

Amt.Bycandidate/agent

Amt.ByPol.Party

Amt.Byothers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-4

Detailsofexpenditureoncampaignthroughprintandelectronicmediaincludingcablenetwork,bulkSMSorinternetorsocialmedia,newitems/TV/Radiochannelsetc.,includingthepaidnewssodecidedbyMCMCorvoluntarilyadmittedbythecandidate.Thedetailsshouldincludetheexpenditureincurredonallsuchnewsappearinginprivatelyownednewspapers/TV/radiochannelsetc.

S.No

Natureofmedium(electronic/print)andduration

Nameandaddressofmediaprovider(print/electronic/SMS/voice/cableTV,socialmediaetc.)

Nameandaddressofagency,reporter,stringer,companyoranypersontowhomcharges/commissionetc.paid/payable,ifany

TotalAmountinRupeesCol.(3)+(4)

SourcesofExpenditure

Amt.Bycandidate/agent

Amt.ByPol.Party

Amt.Byothers

455

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-4A

Detailsofexpenditureoncampaignthroughprintandelectronicmediaincludingcablenetwork,bulkSMSorinternetorsocialmedia,newitems/TV/Radiochannelsetc.,includingthepaidnewssodecidedbyMCMCorvoluntarilyadmittedbythecandidate.Thedetailsshouldincludetheexpenditureincurredonallsuchnewsappearinginnewspapers/TV/radiochannelsetc.ownedbythecandidateorbythepoliticalpartysponsoringthecandidate.

S.No

Natureofmedium(electronic/print)andduration

Nameandaddressofmediaprovider(print/electronic/SMS/voice/cableTV,socialmediaetc.)

Nameandaddressofagency,reporter,stringer,companyoranypersontowhomcharges/commissionetc.paid/payable,ifany

TotalAmountinRupeesCol.(3)+(4)

SourcesofExpenditure

Amt.Bycandidate/agent

Amt.ByPol.Party

Amt.Byothers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-5

Detailsofexpenditureoncampaignvehicle(s)andpollexpenditureonvehicle(s)forcandidate’selectioncampaign

S.No

Registration.No.ofVehicle&TypeofVehicle

HiringChargesofvehicle No.ofDaysforwhichused

Totalamt.incurred/auth.inRupees

SourceofExpenditure

RateforHiringofvehicle/maintenance

Fuelcharges(Ifnotcoveredunderhiring)

Driver’scharges(Ifnotcoveredunderhiring)

Amt.Bycandidate/agent

Amt.ByPol.Party

Amt.Byothers

1 2

3a 3b 3c 4 5 6 7 8

456

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-6

DetailsofexpenditureonCampaignworkers/agentsandoncandidates’booths(kiosks)outsidepollingstationsfordistributionofvoter’sslips

S.No

DateandVenue

ExpensesonCampaignworkers Totalamt.incurred/auth.InRupees

SourcesofExpenditure

NatureofExpenses Qty. No.Ofworkers/agents/No.ofKiosks

Amt.Bycandidate/agent

Amt.ByPol.Party

Amt.Byothers

1 2 3a 3b 3c 6 7 8 9

1 Candidates’booths(kiosks)setupfordistributionofvoter’sslips

2 Campaignworkershonorarium/salaryetc.

3 Boarding

4 Lodging

5 Others

Total

Schedule-7

DetailsofAmountofownfundusedfortheelectioncampaign

S.No. Date Cash DD/Chequeno.etc.withdetailsofdraweebank

TotalAmountinRupees

Remarks

1 2 3 4 5 6

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-8

DetailsofLumpsumamountreceivedfromtheparty(ies)incashorchequeorDDorbyAccountTransfer

S. NameofthePolitical Date Cash DD/Chequeno.etc. TotalAmount Remarks,

457

No. Party withdetailsofdraweebank

inRupees ifany

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1

2

3

4

Total

Schedule-9

DetailsofLumpsumamountreceivedfromanyperson/company/firm/associations/bodyofpersonsetc.asloan,giftordonationetc.

S.No.

Nameandaddress

Date Cash DD/Chequeno.etc.withdetailsofdraweebank

Mentionwhetherloan,giftordonationetc.

TotalAmountinRs.

Remarks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

2

3

4

Total

Note:1.InSchedule5:-(a)copyoftheordercontaininglistofallvehiclesforwhichpermitissuedbytheReturningOfficertobeenclosed.(b) If the vehicle is owned by the candidate/his relative/agent are used for electionpurpose,notionalcostofhireofallsuchvehicles,exceptonevehicleifownedandusedbythecandidate,notionalcostoffuelanddriver’ssalaryforsuchvehicle,shallbeincludedintotalamountofexpenditureintheabovetable.2.Inallschedulesifanyexpenditureongoodsandservices,providedbythePoliticalParty;orprovidedbyanyperson/company/firm/associations/bodyofpersonsetc.onbehalfofthecandidate,thenthenotionalmarketvalueofsuchgoodsorservicesaretobeindicated,inrespectivecolumns.3.InPart–III,theLump-sumamountoffundreceivedfromthepoliticalpartyorothersorthecandidate’sownfunds,shouldbementioneddatewise.Inallsuchcasessuchamountsarerequiredtobefirstdepositedinthebankaccountofthecandidate,openedforelectionexpenses.4.EachpageoftheAbstractStatementshouldbesignedbythecandidate.

458

APPENDIX42(CHAPTER18,PARA18.1.3)

No.……………………………… Dated:………………………To……………………………….(Name)AndAddressofCandidate)Subject:MaintenanceofaccountofelectionexpensesandlodgingoftruecopythereofSir/Madam, YourattentionisinvitedtoSection77oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951whichstipulates thateverycandidateatanelectionshall,eitherbyhimself/herselforbyhis/herelectionagent,keepaseparateandcorrectaccountofallexpenditureinconnectionwiththeelectionbetweenthedateonwhichhe/shehasbeennominatedandthedateofdeclarationoftheresultthereof,boththedatesinclusive.2. YourinvitationisalsoinvitedtoSection78ofthesaidActwhichfurtherstipulatesthat every contesting candidate at an election shall, within thirty days from the date ofelectionofthereturnedcandidate,lodgewiththeDistrictElectionOfficer,anaccountoftheelectionexpenseswhichshallbeatruecopyoftheaccountkeptbyhim/herorbyhis/herelectionagentunderSection77ofR.PAct1951.3. Evenifacontestingcandidatedoesnotseriouslycontesttheelection,foranyreasonwhatsoever,andincursonlyanominalexpenditureonhissecuritydeposit,etc.,he/sheisrequiredbylawtolodgehis/heraccountofelectionexpenses.4. Acontestingcandidatewhofailstocomplywiththerequirementsoflawregardingthe lodging of account of election expenses is liable to be disqualified by the ElectionCommissionundersection10AoftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951foraperiodofthreeyear.5. Theamountofelectionexpensestobekeptbyacandidateorhis/herelectionagentundersection77oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951shallcontaintheparticularsofexpenditure,incurred/authorizedfromdaytoday,asprescribedunderrule86oftheConductofElectionRules,1961.6. An Expenditure Register having day to day account Register, Cash Register, BankRegister,FormofAffidavit,AbstractStatement(PartItoIV)andacknowledgementformisbeingfurnishedtoyouherewith.YouarerequestedtomaintainyourdaytodayaccountofelectionexpensesinthisveryRegisterandinnootherdocument.Allsupportingvoucher,bills etc., should also be kept along with the Register arranged in proper chronologicalorderatalltimes.AnabstractstatementofexpenditureisalsotobepreparedbyyouafterthedeclarationofresultofelectioninPartItoIVoftheformatenclosedherewith.7. Alldocumentssuchasvouchers,receipts,acknowledgements,etc.insupportoftheexpenditure incurred or authorized shall be obtained on day to day basis and shall bemaintainedinthecorrectchronologicalorderalongwiththeRegistershowingtheday-to-dayaccount.

459

ANNEXURE43(CHAPTER3,PARA3.8)FORMATSC-1TOC-3

FORMATC-1(forcandidatetopublishinNewspapers,TV)

DeclarationaboutCriminalCases(Asperthejudgmentdated25thSeptember,2018,ofHon'bleSupremeCourtinWP(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicInterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndia&Anr.)Nameandaddressofcandidate:………………………………………………………….Nameofpoliticalparty:……………………………………………………………………….(Independentcandidatesshouldwrite“Independent”here)NameofElection:……………………………………………………………………………….*NameofConstituency:………………………………………………………………………I …………………………………………………. (name of candidate), a candidate for theabovementioned election, declare for public information the following details about mycriminalantecedents:Sl.No. Pendingcriminalcases Details about cases on

conviction for criminaloffences

NameofCourt

CaseNo.andstatusofcase

Section(s)ofActsconcernedandbriefdescriptionofoffence(s)

NameofCourt&date(s)oforder(s)

Descriptionofoffence(s)&punishmentimposed

*In the case of election to Council of States or election to Legislative Council by MLAs,mentiontheelectionconcernedinplaceofnameofconstituency.Note:(i)Detailsshouldbegivenseparatelyforeachcaseinseparaterows.(ii)Thematterinnewspapersshouldbeinfontsizeofatleast12.

460

FORMATC-2(Forpoliticalpartytopublishinwebsite,newspapers,TV)

Declarationaboutcriminalantecedentsofcandidatessetupbytheparty(Asperthejudgementdated25thSeptember,2018ofHon’bleSupremeCourtinWP(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicinterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndia&Anr.)NameofPoliticalParty:……………………………………………………………….*NameofElection:………………………………………………………………………NameofState/UT:……………………………………………………………………..

1 2 3 4 5Sl.No. Nameof

candidateNameof

constituencyPendingcriminalcases Details about cases of

conviction for criminaloffences

NaeofCourt,caseNo.&statusofthecase(s)

SectionsoftheActsconcerned&briefdescriptionofoffence(s)

NameofCourt&date(s)oforder(s)

Descriptionofoffence(s)&punishmentimposed

*In the case of election to Council of States or election to Legislative Council by MLAs,mentiontheelectionconcernedinplaceofnameofconstituency.Note:(i)TheaboveinformationshallbepublishedStatewiseforeachState/UT.(ii)Thematterinnewspapersshouldbepublishedinfontsizeofatleast12.

461

FORMATC-3OfficerofReturningOfficer

NameofConstituency:……………………………………………

NameofState:…………………………………………………………

NameofElection:…………………………………………………….

It is informed that as per the Judgement dated 25th September, 2018, of Hon’bleSupremeCourt,inWP(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicInterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.Unionof India&Anr., and thedirections in theCommission’s letterNo.3/ER/2018/SDRdated10.10.2018,allcandidateswithcriminalcases–eitherpendingcasesorcaseofconvictionin the past, are required to publish declaration regarding such criminal cases innewspapersandTVchannelsonthreeoccasionsduringtheperiodfromthedayfollowingthelastdateforwithdrawalofcandidatureandtwodaysbeforethedateofpoll.PublishingdeclarationinTVchannelsshouldbecompletedbeforetheperiodof48hoursendingthehourfixedorconclusionofpoll.

Since you, Sh/Smt./Ms. …………………………………………… (mention the name of thecandidate), a candidate nominated for the abovementioned election, have declaredinformation about criminal cases in Items 5/6 of Form 26, you are required to publishinformation in newspapers having wide circulation in the constituency area and on TVchannelsonatleast threeoccasionseachasmentionedabove.TheFormat forpublishingthe information is enclosed herewith. It is also informed that copies of the newspaperspublishing the information about criminal cases should be submitted to the DistrictElection Officer along with the account of election expenses under Section 78 ofRepresentationofthePeopleAct,1951.

Date:………………………

Signature………………………

NameoftheRO/ARO………………………...

SignatureofCandidate………………………….

Note:OnecopyofthisshouldbegiventocandidateandonecopyretainedwithRO.

462

FORMATC-4Reportbycandidateaboutpublishingofdeclarationregardingcriminalcases

Nameandaddressofcandidate:Nameofpoliticalparty:……………………………………………………………….(Independentcandidatesshouldwrite‘Independent’here)NameofElection:………………………………………………………………………*NameofConstituency:………………………………………………………………I …………………………………………………………. (name of candidate), a candidate for theabovementionedelection,certify that Ihavepublishedthedeclarationaboutmycriminalantecedents in newspapers and TV channels as per the directions of the ElectionCommissioninpursuanceofthejudgmentdated25thSeptember,2018,ofHon’bleSupremeCourtinWP(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicInterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndia&Anr.).Detailsareasfollows:

Sl.No.

Newspaper Television ModeofPayment(electronic/cheque/DD/Cash)(Pl.specify)

NameofNewspaper

Dateofpublishing

Expensesthatmayhavebeenincurred(InRs.)

NameofChannel

Date&timeofinsertion/telecast

ExpensesthatmayhavebeenincurredinRs.)

Copiesofnewspapersinwhichdeclarationwaspublishedareenclosed.

Date:- Name&SignatureofCandidate

Note: - (i) Incaseofelectionsto theLokSabhaandtheLegislativeAssemblies, thisshallbesubmittedalongwiththeaccountofelectionexpenses.

(ii)IncaseofelectionstotheRajyaSabhaandtheStateLegislativeCouncil,thisshallbe submitted to the Returning Officer concernedwithin 30 days of declaration of result ofelection.

463

FORMATC-5ReportbyPoliticalPartyaboutpublishingofdeclarationregardingcriminalcases

NameofPoliticalParty:……………………………………………………………NameofElection:………………………………………………………………………It is certified that …………………………………………………………. (name of political party) haspublishedthedeclarationaboutthecandidatewithcriminalantecedentsonthewebsiteoftheparty,innewspapersandTVchannelsasperthedirectionsoftheElectionCommissioninpursuanceofthejudgmentdated25thSeptember,2018,ofHon’bleSupremeCourtinWP(Civil)No.536of2011(PublicInterestFoundation&Ors.Vs.UnionofIndia&Anr.).Detailsareasfollows:

Sl.No.

Website Newspaper Television ModeofPayment(electronic/cheque/DD/Cash)(Pl.specify)

Periodduringwhichdisplayed

Name(s)ofNewspaper

Date(s)ofpublishing

Expensesincurred(inRs.)

Name(s)ofChannel

Date(s)&timeofinsertion/telecast

Expensesincurred(inRs.)

Copiesofnewspapersinwhichdeclarationwaspublishedareenclosed.

Date:- Signatureofofficebearer……………………………………………

Name&designation………………………………………………….

Note:-ThisreportshallbesubmittedtotheChiefElectoralOfficeroftheStatewithin30daysofdeclarationofresultoftheelectionconcerned.

464

FAQs:CriminalAntecedents, ifany,ofacandidateand itspublicity inpursuanceofHon’bleSupremeCourtjudgementdated25.09.2018inWP(Civil)No.536of2011.

Q.1 Whichnewspapersaretobechosenforpublicitybysuchcandidates?

Ans. AsperdirectioninthejudgementoftheHon’bleSupremeCourt,thedeclarationis

requiredtobepublishedinnewspaperswithwidecirculationintheareaconcerned.The

CEOmay get an indicate list of various newspaperswhich have vide circulations in the

variousdistricts/differentconstituencyareas in thestatepreparedby theStateDIP.This

indicativelistshouldbesharedwiththepoliticalpartiesandthecandidates.

Q.2 Whenhasittobepublicised?

Ans. IthasalreadybeenclearlymentionedintheCommission’sletterdated10.10.2018thatthepublishinghastobeduringtheperiodstartingfromthedayfollowingthelastdateforwithdrawalofcandidatureanduptotwodaysbeforethedateofpoll.

Q.3 Thereisnocolumnofsignature.Whowillauthenticateit?

Ans. Theformatcontainscolumnformentioningthenameandaddressofthecandidateandthenameofthepoliticalpartyonthetopportionoftheformat.Thus,thenameofthepublisher will be clear from the declaration. There is no need for publishing theinformationwiththesignatureofthepublisher.

Q.4 What if someone publishes false information about criminal cases of anothercandidate?

Ans. Therearealreadyprovisionstodealwithanycaseofpublicationoffalsestatementinrelationtoacandidate[Section123(4)oftheRPAct,1951andSection171GofIPC].

Q.5 WhichTVchannelthedeclarationhastobepublicised?

Ans. PleaserefertotheansweragainstQ.1above.IthastobedoneinTVchannelswhichareavailable/popularintheareasconcerned.

Q.6 WhatwillbethefontsizeanddurationofpublicityinTV?

Ans. FontsizeshouldbethestandardsizeusedfordisplayingprintedmaterialonTV.Itsdurationmaynotbelessthan7seconds.

Q.7 Ifacandidatedoesnothaveanycriminalrecord,whetherhe/sheisrequiredtobepublicise?

465

Ans. No.Onlythosecandidateswhohaveeitherpendingcriminalcasesorwhohavebeenconvictedinthepastarerequiredtobepublishthedeclaration.

Q.8 WhetherFIRcaseshavetobepublishedbytheconcernedcandidatesandpoliticalparties?

Ans. Yes. Under the heading ‘Case No. and status of case’, details regarding FIRs,mentionedinItem-5ofForm-26,arerequiredtobementioned.

Q.9 If after filing nomination, status of criminal case changes, whether candidate canrevisethedetails?

Ans. It will be open to the candidate concerned to notify the revised status to theReturningOfficer and topublish the revised statusonly. If it isNIL, the candidate is notrequiredtopublishit.

Q.10 Whowillbeartheexpensesforpublishing?

Ans. Expenses, if any, will be borne by the candidate and the political parties inrespectivecases.

Q.11 Whetherexpenditureonthisaccountwillbeaccountedfor?

Ans. Yes. This being an expenditure in connection with the election, if expense isincurredinthisregard,thesamewillbecountedforthepurposesofelection.

Q.12 CanROactonanydiscrepancyinsuchdetailsifpointedout?

Ans. No. RO is not supposed to inquire into correctness of declarations published bycandidates/politicalparties.

Q.13 In what manner, such candidates will submit the information about publicity ofcasestobeDEO?

Ans. SeparateformatshavebeenspecifiedbytheCommissionforthecandidatesandthepoliticalpartiestosubmitreportaboutpublishingofthedeclaration.TheseareFormatC-4forcandidatesandFormatC-5forpoliticalparties.

Q.14 What happens if such candidates or such political parties do not publicise in themannerprescribed?

Ans. Such failure may be a ground for post-election action like election petition orcontemptofHon’bleSupremeCourt.

Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksxELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001www.eci.gov.in https://www.facebook.com/ECI/

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