ec-asks-haryana-officials-to-ensure-fairness-in-polls

Election Commission of India's team during his visit to the state, has directed Haryana's district election officers and superintendents of police to uphold impartiality and ensure a level playing field for the upcoming assembly polls. This directive comes as the commission emphasises an inducement-free electoral process.

 

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, leading a two-day review visit to Haryana, has instructed enforcement agencies to work together to prevent the inflow of illicit liquor, cash, and drugs. The EC team, which includes election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, arrived in Chandigarh on Monday and met with the state representatives from various political parties, including AAP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, INLD, and JJP.

 

Questions and concerns have been raised by the political parties about ensuring free and fair elections, including the need for stringent action against government machinery misuse, adequate security at sensitive polling stations, and improved facilities for elderly and female voters. The EC assured that all concerns would be addressed and committed to a participative and inclusive electoral process.

 

In response, the EC has mandated that district election officers be accessible to all political parties, resolve complaints promptly, and hold regular meetings. Polling stations will be equipped with minimum facilities, including ramps and wheelchairs, and all will be on the ground floor within two kilometres of voters' homes. Observers will be accessible to parties and voters, with their contact details publicised.

 

The EC has also instructed agencies to monitor social media for fake news, enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards money power, and maintain vigilance over inducements. Measures include round-the-clock CCTV at critical checkpoints, monitoring for unscheduled flights and helipads, and taking strict action against liquor and drug traffickers.

 

For the first time in Haryana’s assembly polls, senior citizens over 85 and individuals with at least 40 per cent disability will have the option to vote from home. 

 

The draft electoral roll, published on August 2, lists 2.01 crore electors, including 4.52 lakh first-time voters, 2.55 lakh voters over 85, and 1.5 lakh persons with disabilities. The final roll will be published on August 27, with 20,629 polling stations planned for the election, an increase of 817 from the 2019 elections.