PRESS NOTE
The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Chhattisgarh, Madhya pradesh, Rajasthan &
Mizoram are normally due to expire as follows:
State From To Assembly Seat
Chhattisgarh 06,07.2014 05.01.2019 90
Madhya Pradesh 08.01.2014 07.01.20L9 230
Raiasthan 21.01.20L4 20.01.2019 200
Mizoram L6.12.2013 L5.12.2018 40
The Governor of Telangana vide his order dated 06.09.2018 has dissolved the Telangana
Legislative Assembly with immediate effect,
By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read,with Articl e 1.72(l) ot the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the people Act, 1951, and the
fudgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Special Reference No. L of z}Oz,the Commission is
required to hold general elections to constitute the new Legislative Assemblies in the States of
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Raiasthan & Mizoram before expiry of their present terms and in the State of Telangana, where the State Legislative Assembly has been prlmaturely dissolved, within a period of six months from the date of premature dissolution of the Assembly i,e. by
05.03.20L9,
(1) Assembly Constituencies
The total number of' Assembly Constituencies in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan & Mizoram and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Schedulld
Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies grder,
2008, andthetotal number of Assembly Constituencies in Telangana and seats reserved for the
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2
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation
Act, 2014, are as under: -
State Total No. of ACs Reserved for SCs Reserved for STs
Chhattisgarh 90 10 29
Madhya Pradesh 230 35 47
Mizoram 40 - 39
Rajasthan 200 34 25
Telangana 119 19 12
(2) Electoral Rolls
The Commission firmly believes that pure and updated electoral rolls are the
foundation of free, fair and credible election and intensive and sustained focus is laid
on improving their quality, health and fidelity. Th
e Commission, after visiting the poll bound States, had directed the State election
machinery to ensure a smooth, effective, inclusive and time-bound completion of 2nd Special
Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.01.2018 as the qualifying date,
so as to ensure that all eligible but un-enrolled citizens in the States are duly registered in
the Electoral Rolls. Special efforts were made to identify the critical gaps in the electoral
rolls and targeted SVEEP activities were carried out to address them.
The existing electoral rolls of all the Assemblies Constituencies in the States of
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Mizoram have been revised with reference
to 01.01.2018 as the qualifying date and for Telangana, the existing electoral rolls will be
revised with reference to 01.01.2018 as the qualifying date. The date of Final publication
of electoral rolls in respect of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram &
Telangana a r e as follows:
State Date of Final Publication of
Electoral Rolls
Chhattisgarh 27.09.2018
Madhya Pradesh 27.09.2018
Mizoram 27.09.2018
Rajasthan 28.09.2018
Telangana 12.10.2018
The details of the final publication are available on the NVSP website (www.nvsp.in) /
CEO, Chhattisgarh website (www.ceochhattisgarh.nic.in), CEO, Madhya Pradesh website
(www.ceomadhyapradesh.nic.in), CEO, Rajasthan website (www.ceorajasthan.nic.in),
CEO, Mizoram website (www.ceomizoram.nic.in), CEO, Telangana website
(www.ceotelangana.nic.in). As per the final electoral roll, the number of electors in the
State is as follows:
3
State Total No. of electors as per
draft electoral rolls
Total No. of electors as per
final electoral rolls
Chhattisgarh 1,81,80,422 1,85,45,819
Madhya Pradesh 4,94,42,791 5,03,34,260
Mizoram 7,60,303 7,68,181
Rajasthan 4,75,10,434 4,74,79,402
Telangana 2,61,36,776 To be published
(a) Photo Electoral Rolls
Photo Electoral Rolls will be used during the General Election and photo percentage in
Photo Electoral Rolls of the Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram &
Telangana are as under:
State Use of Photo Electoral Rolls
(%)
Chhattisgarh 99.75
Madhya Pradesh 100.00
Mizoram 100.00
Rajasthan 99.81
Telangana 100.00
(b) Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)
Identification of the voters at the polling booth at the time of poll shall be mandatory.
Electors who have been provided with EPIC shall be identified through EPIC. Presently,
the EPIC coverage in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana
are as under:
State Electors Photo Identity
Cards(EPIC) Coverage
(%)
Chhattisgarh 96.02
Madhya Pradesh 100.00
Mizoram 100.00
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Rajasthan 99.99
Telangana 100.00
All the residual electors are advised to obtain their Elector Photo Identity Cards from
the Electoral Registration Officers of their Assembly Constituencies, urgently.
In order to ensure that no voter is deprived of his/her franchise, if his/her name
figures in the Electoral Rolls, separate instructions will be issued to allow additional
documents for identification of voters, if needed. Aadhaar Card will also be allowed as
an additional documentfor establishing the identity of voters at the PollingStations.
(c) Photo Voter Slips (PVS)
To facilitate the voters to know where he/she is enrolled as a voter at a particular
polling station and what is his/her serial number in the Electoral roll, the Commission
has directed that official voter slip bearing the Photo of the elector (wherever
present in the roll) will be distributed at least 5 days before the date of poll to all
enrolled voters by the District Election Officer and a very close and rigorous
monitoring of the distribution process shall be done by the DEO and General Observer
concerned. The size, design and format of the Photo Voter Slip has also been
substantially improved to enhance its utility and effectiveness in voter
identification, awareness and guidance by increasing the size of the image, providing
additional information along with polling station Nazri Naksha on the reverse of the
slip and improvement in the quality of printing. It has also been directed that the
said voter slip should be in the languages in which electoral roll is published for that
Assembly Constituency. The Commission has laid a special emphasis on the
systematic, efficient and timely distribution of the Photo Voter Slips through the Booth
Level Officers (BLOs), who are under strict instructions to hand over the voter slip to
the elector concerned only and not to any other person. The BLOs shall also maintain
a Pre-Printed Register of Voters and take the signatures/thumb impression of person
to whom the Photo Voter Slip is delivered.
The residual undistributed Voter Slips shall be returned by the BLO to the
concerned ERO, who shall keep the same in a sealed cover after making an
alphabetical list of the undistributed PVS in respect of each Part/polling station. Two
copies of such alphabetical lists shall be handed over to the RO of the concerned
constituency, while sealed cover of undistributed photo voter slips shall remain in
safe custody with the ERO. No further distribution of photo voter slips shall be
done after the same are returned to the ERO.
The Returning Officer (RO) of the Constituency shall prepare a schedule
for distribution of Photo Voter Slips by the BLOs. A copy of this schedule shall be
given by the RO to the Political Parties, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of all recognized
political parties well in advance, if they have been appointed and contesting
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Candidates and their Agents, under acknowledgement.
(d) Braille Photo Voter Slips:
To ensure wholesome and constructive participation and active engagement of
Persons with Disabilities(PwDs) in the election process, the Commission has directed
to issue Accessible Photo Voter Slips with Braille Features to Persons with Visual
Impairment or Blind, over and above normal Photo Voter Slips to be issued.
(e) Voter Guide:
In this election, a Voter Guide (in Vernacular / English) shall be handed over to
every household ahead of the elections, giving information about the date and
time of polls, contact details of the BLOs, important websites, helpline numbers,
documents required for identification at the polling station besides other important
information including the Do’s and Don’ts for voters at the polling station. This Voter
Guide Brochure will be distributed along with the Photo Voter Slips by the BLOs.
(3) Polling Stations and Special Facilitation
The number of Polling Stations of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram &
Telangana are as follows:
State
No. of Polling
Stations in 2013-14
No. of Polling
Stations in 2018
% Increase
Chhattisgarh 21,418 23,632 10.34%
Madhya Pradesh 53,896 65,341 21.24%
Mizoram 1,126 1,164 3.37%
Rajasthan 45,334 51,796 14.25%
Telangana 29,138 32,574 11.80%
(a) Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at Polling Stations:
The Commission has upgraded the status of facilities at the Polling Stations from the
earlier concept of Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) to Assured Minimum Facilities
(AMF). Accordingly, instructions have been issued to the Chief Electoral Officer to
ensure that every Polling Station is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF)
like drinking water, shed, toilet, ramp for the physically challenged voters, a standard
voting compartment etc. for the convenience and facilitation of voters.
(b) Facilitation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD):
The Commission has issued instructions to ensure that as far as practicable, all
polling stations are located at ground floor and sturdy ramps are provided for the
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convenience of differently-abled electors with wheel-chairs. Further, in order to
provide targeted and need- based facilitation to differently-abled voters, the
Commission has directed that all Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in an Assembly
Constituency are identified and tagged to their respective Polling Stations and
necessary disability-specific arrangements made for their smooth and convenient
voting experience on the poll day. Identified PWDs will be assisted by volunteers
appointed by RO/DEO. Special facilitation will be made for PWDs electors at Polling
Stations. Also, it has been directed that differently-abled electors are given priority for
entering polling booths, provision made for designated parking spaces close to the
entrance of polling premise and special care to be provided to electors with speech and
hearing impairment. Special focus has been laid for the sensitization of the polling
personnel regarding the unique needs of the differently-abled.
The Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers that there should be
proper transport facility for PwDs in each and every polling station on the day of poll.
Each and every PwD voter will be provided free pass on public transport on poll day.
(c) Voter Facilitation Posters:
In order to fulfill the statutory requirements under Rule 31 of the Conduct of
Elections Rules, 1961 and to provide accurate and relevant information for voter
awareness and information at each polling station, the Commission has also
directed that uniform and standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFP) shall be
displayed on all Polling Stations for greater facilitation and awareness of the voters. A
total of FOUR (4) Posters have been designed to capture voter-centric information
relevant on the poll day like details of the Polling Booth, polling area specified for that
particular polling booth, list of contesting candidates, contact details of the important
election functionaries, list of prescribed identification documents, illustrative voting
procedure, items prohibited around the polling booth and important Do’s and Dont’s to
be observed on the poll day. The Commission has directed that these four VFPs shall
be prominently displayed at each polling booth in the poll-going State.
(d) Voter Assistance Booths (VAB):
Voter Assistance Booths shall be set up for every polling station location, having a
team of BLO/officials with the objective of facilitating the voter to locate his/her
polling booth number and serial number of that voter in the electoral roll of that
concerned polling booth. The VABs will be set up with prominent signage and in such
a manner that it will be conspicuous to the voters as they approach the polling
premise/building to enable them to seek required facilitation on the poll day.
(e) Increase in Height of Standardized Voting Compartment to ensure Secrecy of
Voting-:
In order to maintain the secrecy of vote at the time of poll and uniformity in use of voting
compartments, the Commission has issued revised instructions to increase the height
of the Voting Compartments to 30 inches. It has been, further, directed that the Voting
Compartment should be placed on a table whose height shall be 30 inches and only
corrugated plastic sheet (flex-board) of steel-grey colour, which is completely opaque
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and reusable, shall be used for making the voting compartments. The Commission
hopes that the use of these standardized and uniform Voting Compartments in all
the polling booths will translate into greater voter facilitation, enhance the secrecy
of vote and eliminate aberrations and non-uniformity in the preparation of Voting
Compartmentinside the polling booths.
(4) Special Arrangement For Women:
All-Women Managed Polling Stations: As part of its firm commitment towards
gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the
Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, ‘All- women Managed Polling
Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each Assembly Constituency in
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana where the entire polling
staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be women.
(5) Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
(VVPATs):
EVMs & VVPATs shall be used in all the polling stations of all the States of
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana to enhance the
transparency and credibility of the election. The Commission has already made
arrangements to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the
smooth conduct of election. The First Level Check of EVMs and VVPATs has been
completed in the presence of representatives of political parties. A two-stage
randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will also be done. In the first stage, all the EVMs and
VVPATs stored in the district EVM warehouse will be randomized by the District Election
Officer (DEO) through EVM Tracking Software (ETS) in the presence of the representatives
of the recognized political parties for Assembly Constituency-wise allocation. Second
randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will be done at RO level before candidate setting of EVMs
and VVPATs for polling station-wise allocation. This is done in the presence of General
Observer of Election Commission of India and contesting candidates/their agents. This
process will be carried out after finalization of the contesting candidates. At this stage also,
candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and satisfy themselves
in every manner about the error-free functionality of the EVMs and VVPATs. The
Commission has also mandated that VVPAT slip count of One (1) randomly selected
Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency by the Returning Officer by Draw of Lot in
presence of all candidates shall be done for verification of the result obtained from the
Control Unit. Thus, VVPAT paper slips of one polling station in each Assembly Constituency
will be counted in these States. This mandatory verification of VVPAT slip count of one (1)
polling station in each Assembly Constituency shall be in addition to the provisions of Rule
56(D) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
(a) Mock Poll: Mock poll is conducted in EVMs and VVPATs during the First Level
Checking in the presence of the representative of Political Parties. Mock poll shall also
be conducted in the presence of candidates/their agents during the commissioning of
EVMs and VVPATs. Further, on the poll day, Mock Poll shall be conducted by the
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Presiding Officer at each Polling Station before the commencement of actual polling in
the presence of the Polling Agents of the contesting candidates and a Certificate of
successful conduct of the Mock Poll shall be made by the Presiding Officer. Immediately
after the conduct of Mock Poll, the CLEAR Button shall be pressed on the EVM to clear
the data of the Mock Poll and the fact that no votes are recorded in the Control Unit
shall be displayed to the Polling Agents present. The Presiding Officer shall ensure that all
mock poll slips shall be taken out and kept in separate marked envelope before the start of
Poll. The Commission has issued directions for ensuring proper training to all the
polling personnel regarding the conduct of Mock Poll, as well as to create awareness
amongst the political parties, contesting candidates, their polling agents and other
stakeholders about the Mock Poll process.
(b) None Of The Above (NOTA) In EVMs and VVPATs: In its judgment dated 27th
September, 2013 in Writ Petition (C) No. 161 of 2004 (People’s Union for Civil
Liberties Vs Union of India and another), the Supreme Court had directed that there
should be a “None of the Above” (NOTA) option on the ballot papers and EVMs and
VVPATs.
On the Balloting Unit, below the name of the last candidate, there will be a button for
NOTA option so that electors who do not want to vote for any of the candidates can
exercise their option by pressing the button against NOTA. The Commission has
provided a symbol for the NOTA option, which was designed by National Institute
of Design (NID). This new symbol will facilitate the voters in casting of their votes.
NOTA Symbol
The Commission is taking steps to bring this to the knowledge of voters and all other
stakeholders and to train all field level officials including the polling personnel about
the provision of NOTA and its symbol.
(c) VVPAT ( Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail)
VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all polling stations of all the Assembly
Constituencies of poll going states to enhance the transparency and credibility of the
election. A comprehensive SVEEP programme has already been launched in these
states to increase voters’ awareness andeducationabouttheVVPATs.
(d) Photographs Of Candidates On EVM Ballot Paper
In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, the Commission
has prescribed an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the
photograph of candidate also on the ballot paper to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot
Unit) and on Postal Ballot Papers. This will help avoid any confusion, which may
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arise when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same
constituency. For this purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning
Officer, their recent Stamp Size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the
Commission. These poll-bound States will be using the photograph of the candidates
on the ballot papers for the first time. Instructions have also been issued to ensure
necessary publicity of this instruction.
(6) Deployment of Polling Personnel And Randomization
Polling parties shall be formed randomly, through the special randomization IT application.
Three-stage randomizationwill be adopted. First,fromawider district database of eligible officials,
a shortlist of a minimum 120% of the required numbers will be randomly picked up. This group will
be trained for polling duties. In the second stage, from this trained manpower, actual polling parties
as required shall be formed by random selection software in the presence of General Observers. In
the third randomization, the polling stations will be allocated randomly to these polling parties just
before the polling party’s departure. There shall be such randomization for Police personnel and
Home Guards also, who are deployed at the polling stations on the poll day.
(7) Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for Service Voter:
During Special Summary Revision of last part of electoral rolls with reference to 01.01.2018
as the qualifying date, efforts have been taken by the Commission to maximize the enrollment of
service voters with correct particulars.
Commission implemented ETPBS on pilot basis in four states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh,
Uttrakhand and Manipur and in the entire state of Goa in the State Assembly Elections conducted
during Feb-March, 2017. The Commission has since implemented ETPBS in General Elections to
Legislative Assemblies of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura & Karnataka
which would be extended in ensuing Assembly Elections too.
(8) Affidavits Of candidates:
(a) All Columns to be filled In: In pursuance of the judgment dated 13th September,
2013 passed by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (C) No. 121 of 2008
(Resurgence India Vs Election Commission of India and Another), which among
other things makes it obligatory for the Returning Officer “to check whether the
information required is fully furnished (by the candidate) at the time of filing of
affidavit with the nomination paper”, the Commission has issued instructions that in
the affidavit to be filed along with the nomination paper, candidates are required to
fill up all columns. If any column in the affidavit is left blank, the Returning Officer
will issue a notice to the candidate to file the revised affidavit with all columns duly
filled in. After such notice, if a candidate still fails to file affidavit complete in all
respects, the nomination paper will be liable to be rejected by the Returning Officer
at the time of scrutiny. The Chief Electoral Officer has been directed to brief all
Returning Officers about the judgment of the Supreme Court and the Commission’s
instructions.
(b) Additional Affidavit along with ‘No Dues Certificate’:
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The Commission has, in pursuance to the Judgment of Hon’ble Delhi High Court in
W.P.(C ) No. 4912/1998 (KRISHAK BHARAT VS UNION OF INDIA AND ORS), directed
that at every elections to either the House of Parliament or to the State Legislature,
every candidate, at the time of filing nomination paper, shall also file an additional
affidavit in the prescribed format along with the ‘No Dues Certificate’ from the
agencies providing electricity, water and telephone with also rent, in case he had
been in occupation of any Government accommodation during the last 10 years. This
Affidavit would be in addition to the affidavit required to be filed in Form-26, and shall
be got attested by an Oath Commissioner or Notary Public or Magistrate of the First
Class. The outer limit for filing this Affidavit would be 3.00 PM on the last date of filing
nomination papers. It is also specified that failure to file the affidavit along with the ‘No
Demand Certificate’ would be treated as a defect of substantial nature for the purposes
of Section-36 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
(c) Changes in the Format of Nomination Form and Affidavit in Form 26 :
Vide notifications dated 16th September, 2016 and 7th April, 2017, Part IIIA of
Nomination Forms 2A & 2B and Part II of Nomination Forms 2C, 2D & 2E have been
amended. Part A of Affidavit in Form 26 has also been amended vide Notification
dated 7th April, 2017 making provisions of contact telephone number, email id and
social media account of the candidate and details of source of income of the candidate
and spouse. Copy of amended Nomination Forms and Affidavit in Form 26 haven
been circulated to all CEOs vide Commission’s letter No.3/4/ECI/LET/FUNC/JUD/
SDR /VOL.I/2016, dated 7th July, 2017.
(d) Candidates with criminal antecedents put up by political parties are required to make a
declaration before the RO that he/she has informed the political party concerned
about his criminal antecedents. Further all candidates with criminal cases are also
required to publish information in this regard in newspapers and through Television
channels on three occasions during the campaign period. A political party that sets up
candidates with criminal antecedents is also required to publish information about
criminal background of its candidates, both in its website and also in newspapers and
Television channels. Instructions in this regard will be issued shortly.
(9) District Election Management Plan (DEMP)
The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive District Election
Management Plan in consultation with SSPs/SPs and Sector Officers, including the route plan and
communication plan for conduct of elections. These plans will be vetted by the Observers taking
into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling stations, in accordance
with Election Commission of India’s extant instructions.
(10) Communication plan
The Commission attaches great importance to preparation and implementation of a perfect
communication plan at the district/constituency level for the smooth conduct of elections and to
enable concurrent intervention and mid-course correction on the poll day. For the said purpose,
the Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh,
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Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana to coordinate with the officers of Telecommunication
Department in the State headquarters, BSNL/MTNL authorities, the representatives of other
leading service providers in the State so that network status in the States is assessed and
communication shadow areas be identified. The CEOs have also been instructed to prepare the
best communication plan in the States and make suitable alternate arrangements in the
communication shadow areas by providing Satellite Phones, Wireless sets, Special Runners etc.
(11) Booth Level Management Plan
An innovative “bottom up” approach of booth level planning and management has been
implemented in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana
where in Booth Level plans for Polling Stations have been prepared containing all information and
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for response for smooth conduct of elections at each Polling
Station. These booth level Plans will be used to prepare AC level, District level and State level
Election Management Plans.
(12) Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards. All the
provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Mizoram & Telangana will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and, the State
Government of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana. The Model Code
of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government insofar as announcements/policy
decisions pertaining to/for these States are concerned.
The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation
of the MCC Guidelines. Any violations of these Guidelines would be strictly dealt with and the
Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be
read and understood by all Political Parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives,
to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The
government of the poll-bound States has also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official
machinery/positionis done during the MCC period.
The Commission has also issued instructions for swift, effective and stringent action for
enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during the first 72 hours of announcement of the election
schedule and also for maintaining extra vigilance and strict enforcement action in the Last 72 hours
prior to the close of polls. These instructions have been issued in the form of Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for compliance by the field election machinery.
(13) Videography/ Webcasting/CCTV Coverage
All critical events will be video-graphed. District Election Officers will arrange sufficient number of video
and digital cameras and camera teams for the purpose. The events for videography will include filing of
nomination papers and scrutiny thereof, allotment of symbols, First Level Checking, preparations and
storage of Electronic Voting Machines, important public meetings, processions etc. during election
campaign, process of dispatching of postal ballot papers, polling process in identified vulnerable polling
stations, storage of polled EVMs and VVPATs, counting of votes etc. Additionally, CCTVs will be installed
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at important Border Check Posts and Static Check Points for effective monitoring and surveillance.
Further, the Commission has directed that Webcasting, CCTV coverage, Videography and Digital cameras
will also be deployed inside critical polling booths and polling booths in vulnerable areas to closely
monitor the proceedings on the poll day without violating secrecy of voting process.
(14) Measures to Prevent Public Nuisance:
(a) Usage of eco-friendly substances for preparing election campaign/publicity
material- Considering the long-term deleterious impact of materials like plastics,
polythene etc. on the life-giving and life-sustaining environment, the Commission, has
directed that all political parties, contesting candidates and their authorized agents
etc, shall desist from utilizing environmentally hazardous materials like plastics,
polythene etc for the preparation and usage election-related publicity materials
during the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana. The DEOs and ROs are directed to
emphasize the importance of environment protection and preservation during the
meetings with the political parties and contesting candidates and ensure that the
instructions of the Commission with regard to the usage of non-eco-friendly
materials like plastics, polythene etc. during electioneering shall be adhered to by all
concerned. The CEOs shall impress upon the importance of using eco-friendly and
bio-degradable materials for campaign material to various political parties in the
States and issue necessary instructions in this regard.
(b) Restrictions on the use of Loudspeakers:
The Commission is genuinely concerned about the serious ‘noise pollution’ and
great disturbance to the peace and tranquility of the general public by the reckless,
widespread and flagrant use of loudspeakers during election canvassing and campaign
by candidates, political parties and their agents. In particular, the student community,
gets seriously disturbed and adversely impacted as their studies are badly hampered
because the loudspeakers start blaring from very early hours in the morning and
continue to do so throughout the day and till extremely late hours in the night.Similarly,
the aged, the infirm and the sick whether in institutions, hospitals, etc. or at home, are
also affected. The Commission has directed that the use of public address system or
loudspeakers or any sound amplifier, whether fitted on vehicles of any kind
whatsoever, or in static position used for public meetings for electioneering purposes,
during the entire election period starting from the date of announcement of election
and ending with the date of declaration of results, shall not be permitted at night
between 10.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.
Further, No loudspeakers fitted on vehicles of any kind or in any other manner
whatsoever shall be permitted to be used during the period of 48 hours ending with
the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll in any polling area.
Moreover, for maintenance for law and order and prevention of loudspeaker use
for inciting tension in a politically surcharged atmosphere, District Administrations
is advised to consider any application for permission to use loudspeakers after the
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aforesaid prohibitory period of 48 hours, on merit of each application and keeping in
view the need to maintain proper law and order till the completion of election.
Also, the Commission solicits the cooperation and collaboration of all the esteemed
stakeholders, notably the political parties and contesting candidates, to refrain from
using loudspeakers and sound amplification in the vicinity of educational
institutions like schools and colleges, hospitals, senior citizens homes, sanatoriums
and other facilities tending to the sick, infirm or the needy.
(15) Law and Order, Security Arrangements and Deployment of Forces
Conduct of elections involves elaborate security management, which includes not just the
security of polling personnel, polling stations and polling materials, but also the overall security
of the election process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed to supplement the local
police force in ensuring a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for the smooth conduct of elections
in a free, fair and credible manner. In view of the same, the very preparation of poll schedule,
sequencing of multi-phase elections and choice of constituencies for each phase had to follow the
logic of force availability and force management.
The Commission has taken various measures to ensure free and fair elections by creating a
conducive atmosphere in which each elector is able to access the polling station and cast his/her
vote without being obstructed or being unduly influenced/ intimidated by anybody.
Based on the assessment of the ground situation, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and
State Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other States will be deployed during these elections. The
CAPFs shall be deployed well in advance for area domination, route marches in vulnerable
pockets, point patrolling and other confidence building measures to re-assure and build
faith in the minds of the voters, especially those belonging to the weaker sections, minorities
etc. In the insurgency-affected areas, CAPFs shall be inducted well in time for undertaking area
familiarization and hand-holding with local forces and all other standard security protocols for
movement, enforcement activities etc in these areas will be strictly adhered to. The CAPFs/SAP
shall also be deployed in the Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies and other vulnerable areas
and critical polling stations as per the assessment of ground realities by the CEOs of the States,
in consultation with the various stakeholders. On the Poll-eve, the CAPFs/SAP shall take position
in and control of the respective polling stations and will be responsible for safeguarding the
polling stations and for providing security to the electors and polling personnel on the poll day.
Besides, these forces will be used for securing the strong rooms where the EVMs and VVPATs are
stored and for securing the counting centers and for other purposes, as required.
The CEOs will ensure a day-to-day monitoring of the activities and deployment of the
CAPFs/SAP in the State to optimize the usage and effectiveness of these forces for conducting
peaceful and transparent elections and inform the Commission periodically. Further, the entire
force deployment in the assembly segments shall be under the oversight of the Central Observers
deputed by the Commission.
The Commission lays a special emphasis on the advance preventive measures to be taken by
theDistrict Magistrates and Police authorities to maintain the Law &Order and to create atmosphere
conducive for the conduct of free and fair elections. The Commission will be constantly monitoring
the ground situation closely and will take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair
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polls in the State.
(16) Protection To Electors Of SC/ST And Other Weaker Sections:
As per Section 3 (1) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act, 1989 (as amended in 2015), whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled
Tribe, forces or intimidates a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe not to vote or to
vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law, or not to
stand as a candidate etc., shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine. The Commission has asked the
State Governments to bring these provisions to the notice of all concerned for prompt action. In
order to bolster the confidence of the voters hailing from vulnerable sections especially SCs, STs etc
and enhance their conviction and faith in the purity and credibility of the poll process, CAPFs/SAP
shall be extensively and vigorously utilized in patrolling such areas, conducting route marches and
undertaking others necessary confidence building measures under the supervision of the Central
Observers.
(17) Election Expenditure Monitoring:
Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election
expenditure of the candidates have been issued, which include formation of Flying Squads (FS),
Static Surveillance Teams (SST), Video Surveillance Teams (VST), involvement of Investigation
Directorate of Income Tax Deptt. etc. State Excise Department, Narcotics Control Bureau and
police authorities have been asked to monitor production, distribution, sale and storage of liquor
and other intoxicants (including narcotics) during the election process. The functioning and
operations of the FlyingSquads/Mobile Teams shall be closely monitored using GPS Tracking.
For greater transparency and for ease of monitoring of Election Expenses, Candidates would
be required to open a separate bank account and incur their election expenses from that very
account. The Investigation Directorate of Income Tax Dept. has been asked to activate Air
Intelligence units in the airports of the State and also to gather intelligence and take necessary
action against movement of large sum of money in the State.
Some new initiatives taken by the Commission to strengthen the Expenditure Monitoring
mechanism are:
(a) Standard Operating Procedure for Seizure and release of cash: For the purpose
of maintaining purity of elections, the Election Commission of India has issued a Standard
Operating Procedure for Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, constituted for
keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or
in kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or antisocial elements etc. in the
constituencies during election process.
In order to avoid inconvenience to the public and genuine persons and also for redressal
of their grievances, if any, the Commission has issued instruction no.
76/Instructions/EEPS/2015/Vol-II dated 29.05.2015 stating that a committee shall be
formed comprising three officers of the District, namely, (i) CEO, Zila Parishiad/CDO/P.D,
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DRDA (ii) Nodal Officer of Expenditure Monitoring in the District Election Office
(Convenor) and (iii) District Treasury Officer. The Committee shall suo-motu examine
each case of seizure made by the Police or SST or FS and where the Committee finds that
no FIR/Complaint has been filed against the Seizure or where the seizure is not linked
with any candidate or political party or any election campaign etc., as per Standard
Operating Procedure, it shall take immediate steps to order release of such cash etc. to
such persons from whom the cash was seized after passing a speaking order to that
effect. The Committee shall look into all cases and take decision on seizure. In no case, the
matter relating to seized cash/seized valuables shall be kept pending in malkhana or
treasury for more that 7(seven) days after the date of poll, unless any FIR/Complaint is
filed.
(b) Accounting of the expenditure incurred for campaign vehicles – on the basis of
permissions granted: It has come to the notice of the Commission that the
candidates take permission from the Returning Officer for use of vehicles for
campaign purpose, but some candidates do not show the vehicle hiring charges or
fuel expenses in their election expenditure account. Therefore, it has been decided
that unless the candidate intimates the R.O. for withdrawing the permission, the
notional expenditure on account of campaign vehicles will be calculated based on the
number of vehicles for which permission is granted by the Returning Officer.
(c) Account Reconciliation Meeting: In order to reduce litigation relating to
expenditure accounts, a reconciliation meeting will be convened by the DEOs before
final submission of the accounts, on the 26th day after the declaration of the results.
(d) All expenditure incurred by those candidates, their party agents or party leaders on
their travel, boarding, lodging etc. who travel to overseas countries for the purpose of
canvassing in their favour to seek votes of overseas electors residing there, would be
deemed to be the expenditure incurred or authorized by the candidates in connection
with their election and will have to be included in their account of election expenses.
Moreover, any inducement to overseas electors by way of air tickets or any other
allurements to them, in cash or kind, to come to India for the purpose of voting at the
election would amount to the electoral offence of ‘bribery’ within the meaning of
section 171B of the IPC as also the corrupt practice of ‘Bribery’ within the meaning of
section 123(1) of the R.P. Act, 1951.
(e) Expenditure incurred on candidates’ Booth/(Kiosk) and on TV/Cable Channel /
Newspaper owned by party for promoting the electoral prospects of the
candidate in the account of the candidate:
The Commission, on further examination of the relevant provisions of section 77(1) of
the R. P. Act, 1951, had decided that the candidates’ booths set up outside the polling
stations should hereinafter be deemed to have been set up by the candidates as part
of their individual campaign and not by way of general party propaganda and as such
all expenditure incurred on such candidates’ booths shall be deemed to have been
incurred/authorized by the candidate/his election agent so as to be included in his
account of election expenses.
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Further, the Commission, after taking into consideration various
references/complaints from various sources in the above matter, has directed that if
the candidate(s) or their sponsoring parties utilize TV/Cable Channels/Newspapers
owned by them for promoting the electoral prospects of the candidate, the expenses
for the same, as per standard rate cards of the channel/newspaper, have to be
included by the candidate concerned in his Election Expenditure Statement, even if
they actually do not pay any amount to the channel/newspaper.
In pursuance of the Commission’s aforesaid decisions, Schedule 6 and Schedule 4 in
Abstract Statement of Election Expenses have been amended and incorporated
accordingly in the Compendium of Instructions on Election Expenditure Monitoring.
(f) Ceiling Of Election Expenses For Candidates:
The election expenses ceiling for candidates has been revised by the Government of
India vide Notification dated 28th February, 2014. The maximum limit of election
expenses for candidates for the Assembly Constituencies in Mizoram is Rs. 20 lakhs
and the limit for the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan &
Telangana is Rs. 28 lakhs. All candidates are required to furnish their accounts of
expenditure within 30 days of declaration of results.
(g) Final Accounts By Political Parties:
All Political Parties sponsoring candidates for the Legislative Assembly elections are
required to maintain day-to-day accounts of all election campaign expenses and submit
the final accounts to the Commission/CEO within 75 days of the completion of such
elections. Such accounts will be uploaded on the website of the Commission for public
viewing. For the sake of transparency and reconciliation of accounts of political
parties and candidates, the political parties have to file a part statement in
addition to the final statement of election expenditure in respect of lump-sum
payments made by the party to the candidate within 30 days after declaration
of results of election to Legislative Assemblies in prescribed format.
(18) Effective use of Media:
(a) Media Engagement:
The Commission has always considered the media as an important ally and a potent force
multiplier in ensuring an effective and efficient election management. Hence, the Commission
has directed the CEOs of all poll-going states to take the following measures for positive and
progressive engagement and interaction with the media:
a) Regular interaction with the media during the elections and maintaining an effective
and positive line of communication with media at all times.
b) A strong and concerted focus on the creation of an effective information
dissemination system to the media at the State and district level to ensure timely and
due access to election-related data and information by media by appointment of a
Nodal Officer and Spokesperson at State Level.
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c) Effective steps to sensitize the media about the Election Code.
d) Authority letters will be issued to all accredited media for the polling day and day of
counting.
Commission expects the media to play a positive, pro-active and constructive role in
supplementing and facilitating the efforts towards delivery of free, fair, transparent,
participative, peaceful and credible elections.
(b) Pre-Certification of Political Advertisements:
Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) are in place at all the
districts and state level. All political advertisements proposed to be issued on election
media shall require pre-certification from the concerned MCMC .
The Commission has decided that the bulk SMSs/Voice messages on phone and in election
campaigning shall also be in the purview of pre-certification of election advertisements as in
case of all electronic media/TV Channels/Cable Network/Radio including private FM
channels/Cinema halls/audio-visual displays in public places and political advertisement in
social media.
(c) Use of Social Media in election:
Commission has clear guidelines with regards to use of social media by political parties and
candidates in elections. Followings are the key points of these guidelines –
a) candidates are required to furnish details of his/her social media account (if any) at
the time of filing of nominations.
b) since Social Media is also electronic media by definition, all political advertisement on
social media will also require pre-certification from Media Certification & Monitoring
Committees (MCMC).
c) candidates and political parties shall include all expenditure on campaigning,
including expenditure on advertisement on social media in their election
expenditure account. This among other things, shall include payments made to
internet companies and websites for carrying advertisements and also campaign
related operational expenditure on making creative development of content, salaries
and wages paid to the team of workers employed to maintain their social media
account.
d) all the provisions of Model Code of Conduct shall also apply to the content being
posted on social media by candidates and political parties.
(d) Monitoring of Electronic and Social Media:
(i) All the election management related news would be monitored vigorously on all the
major national and regional news channels during elections. If any untoward incident
or violation of any law/rule is noticed, action would be taken immediately. Reports of
monitoring would also be forwarded to the CEOs concerned. Office of CEO will
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ascertain status on each and every item and file ATR/Status Report. Various Social
Media platforms shall also remain under the close and stringent vigil of the
Commission for any content aimed at vitiating the electoral process or designed to
disturb peace, tranq uility, social harmony and public order.
(ii) Fake News:
In today’s time, Fake News has emerged as serious challenge, as far as elections are
concerned. ECI will keep an eye on the instances of Fake news in Social Media. If any
such incident of Fake News comes into knowledge, which may affect the conduct of
election by hampering the level playing field or vitiate atmosphere during elections,
suitable action will be taken. It will also be the responsibility of Social Media
companies to take stringent measures to check Fake News on their platform.
(19) Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP):
Comprehensive measures for voters’ education and awareness were taken up during the
Special Roll Revision process. These measures will continue and will be further augmented during
the ensuing electoral process.
Voter Facilitation Centres have been activated in all the districts to facilitate voters. Special
campaign including hands on experience, has been undertaken on EVM & VVPAT awareness
starting September 2018 in view of VVPATs being used for the first time in the Assembly Elections
in these states. Short awareness film on VVPAT has been developed and widely disseminated
through Cinemas, Cable TV besides Social Media including whatsapp. EVM and VVPAT awareness
is also being carried out through Radio, Hoardings, SMS and EVM/ VVPAT equipped Mobile Vans
are being used to cover all blocks and local markets.
Steps have been taken up to ensure wide dissemination of election related information, as
well as to ensure adequate facilitation measures for wider participation of people in polling.
Voter helplines, Voters’ Facilitation Centres, web and SMS based search facilities are active for
assistance of voters. Reminder services on poll days have been meticulously planned.
Taking forward the resolve of making elections accessible to all persons with disabilities,
special initiatives have been rolled out ahead of these elections to facilitate persons with
disabilities for enrolment as well as on poll day. Besides making awareness material accessible,
extending EPIC in Braille for blind electors, sensitization of polling officials and making polling
station accessible, electors with disabilities are being mapped Polling Station wise so that requisite
facilitation can be extended on poll day. Commission would be providing pick and drop facility to
PwD electors on poll day to help them exercise their franchise.
Lowest turnout Polling Stations have been identified and possible reasons for the lower
turnout analyzed and targeted interventions based on the findings towards enhanced IMF
(Information, Motivation and Facilitation) are being rolled out to meet the objective of ‘No Voter to
be Left Behind’.
Booth Awareness Groups have been activated at the Polling Stations for educating the voters
and motivating them for informed and ethical voting. Campus Ambassadors have been activated in
educational institutions for motivating and facilitating electoral participation amongst youth.
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Chunav Pathshalas that were established under the Electoral Literacy Clubs project are also being
utilized to disseminate information about the EVM, VVPAT and the entire electoral process.
(20) Certification Programme for Returning Officers:
The Returning Officers are required to be constantly updated on the various rules and
instructions relatedtoconduct ofpolls.Withthis inmind,theCommissionhas introduced an in-depth
Certification Programme for all Returning Officers. Also all the Election Trainers, who would
be training various category of officials involved with the conduct of elections, have been trained in
training techniques and methodology through Train the Trainers & Facilitators (TTF)
programmes. Team Leaders at various levels have also been given Leadership Training. It is
expected that the election officials in the State would thus be far better equipped to manage
elections in a smooth manner.
(21) Deployment of Central Observers:
(a) General Observers
The Commission will deploy General Observers in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana in adequate number to ensure smooth conduct of
elections. The Observers will be asked to keep a close watch on every stage of the
electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Their names, addresses within the
district/constituency and their telephone numbers will be publicized in local
newspapers so that the general public can quickly approach them for any grievance
redressal. The Observers will be given a detailed briefing by the Commission before
their deployment. The Observers will fix a suitable time every day for meeting the
political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to redress their election related
grievances.
(b) Police Observers.
The Commission would deploy senior IPS officers as Police Observers at district/AC
level in these states depending upon the need, sensitivity and assessment of ground
realities and prevailing law and order and security scenario. They will monitor all
activities relating to force deployment, law and order situation and co-ordinate
between civil and police administration to ensure free and fair election.
(c) Expenditure Observers.
The Commission has also decided to appoint adequate number of Expenditure
Observers and Assistant Expenditure Observers who will exclusively monitor the
election expenditure of the contesting candidates. Control room and Complaint
Monitoring Centre with 24 hours toll free numbers shall be operative during the
entire election process. Banks and Financial Intelligence Units of Government of India
have been asked to forward suspicious cash withdrawal reports to the election officials.
Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election
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expenditure of the candidates have been separately issued by the Commission and are
available at ECI website <www.eci.nic.in >.
(d) Micro Observers
As per the extant instructions, the General Observers will also deploy Micro-Observers,
from amongst Central Government/PSUs Officials, to observe the poll proceedings on
the poll day in critical/vulnerable polling stations. Micro-Observers will observe the
proceedings at the polling stations on the poll day, right from the conduct of mock poll,
to the completion of poll and the process of sealing of EVMs and VVPATs and other
documents so as to ensure that all instructions of the Commission are complied with
by the Polling Parties and the Polling Agents. They will report to the General
Observers directly regarding any vitiation of the poll proceedings in their allotted
polling stations.
(22) New IT Applications To Be Used For Forthcoming General Elections:
(a) c-VIGIL App
The delay in reporting of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by citizens thus so
far often resulted in the culprits escaping detection from the action squads. Also, the lack of
any documented evidence in the form of pictures or videos was seen as a hurdle in verifying
a complaint. The Commission’s experience has also shown a significant percentage of
reporting was false or inaccurate, which led to wastage of precious time of Field Verification
Units. Further, the absence of a robust response system to quickly and accurately identify the
scene of occurrence with the help of geographical location details hampered election officers’
ability to apprehend the violators.
In the above backdrop, ECI undertook development of C-VIGIL Android Mobile
Application. ‘c-VIGIL’ denotes ‘Vigilant Citizen’ and the proactive and responsible role he can
play in the conduct of free and fair elections. Using the application, vigilant citizens can send
live reports on incidents of MCC violation within minutes of having witnessed them. The
violations could be reported from the date of announcement of elections to a day after the
polls without going to the office of the returning officer in their assembly constituency. The cVIGIL
app is expected to fill in the gaps in existing violation reporting and create a fast-track
complaint reception and redressal system. At the same time, the application enables election
officials to take evidence based time bound decision by using integrated IT solution.
In case of a registered complaint, a unique ID number is generated to allow the citizen
to track his/ her complaint status. Anonymous complaints do not get any identification
numbers. Citizens can download the application from Google Play Store and use it for
reporting MCC violation cases. For other complaints, they can use the facility available in the
mobile app/ website of ECI Citizen Services.
Once a complaint has been received in the c-VIGIL system, the same is beeped into the
District Control Room which in turn assigns it to a Flying Squad. The flying squad using a
separate app can navigate to the site by using the GIS cues provided by the location
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information recorded with the complaint. Flying Squads by using intuitive mobile application
can rapidly and accurately file investigation report. This report gets visible to Returning
Officer and he can take further action. If the incident is found correct, the information is sent
to the National Grievance Portal of the Election Commission of India for further action and
the vigilant citizen is informed about the action taken in a time bound manner.
The app has inbuilt features to prevent its misuse. It will receive complaints only
about MCC violations. The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked a
picture or a video. To prevent being put on the false scent, the app will not allow uploading of
the pre-recorded images/ videos, neither would it allow users to save photos/videos clicked
from this app into the phone gallery. Further, the application will be active only in States
where elections have been announced. The moment a citizen exits such a State, the app will
become inactive.
The beta version of c-VIGIL Android App would be rolled out as Pilot in these states.
The Election Commission is counting on this app and citizens’ zeal to immediately report on
MCC violations in their vicinity to curb such incidents, thereby, helping the Commission
reach its objective of conducting free and fair elections.
(b) NGS- National Grievances Service
A comprehensive Public Grievance Redress System has been developed by the
Election Commission. This system has been developed to monitor complaints filed by
the citizens for quick and definite resolution. Complainant can also track the status
online. SMS based information system is integrated for communicating with
complainant and the officers responsible for the resolution.
(c) ICC (Integrated Contact Centre)
Integrated Contact Centre (ICC) is a seamless and Integrated Help Desk-cum-Call
Centre-cum- Single Window system. The facility is meant for all stakeholders
like Citizens, Electors, Political parties, Candidates, Media and Election officials
at National, State and District level. The ICC enables citizens to get quality and
time bound services for election related matters.
ICC comprises of
• National Contact Centre with a toll-free no. 1800111950
• State Contact Centre with a toll-free no. 1950
• District Contact Centre, Each District have dedicated official at the District level
to respond to any queries emanating from NCC and / or SCC
(d) SUVIDHA: Single Window Permission System:
A single window system for giving election-related permission/clearness within 24
hours has been created. In this system, candidates and political parties can apply for
permissions for meetings, rallies, vehicles, temporary election office, loudspeakers etc
at a single location, where back-end convergence of various authorities/departments
has been done. This system is put in place at every RO level in each sub-division which
will provide for applying, processing, granting and monitoring permissions in a
synergistic manner. However in case of permission for helicopter usage/ landing and
22
use of helipads, the application shall have to be submitted at least 36 hours in
advance.
(e) SUGAM: Vehicle Management System:
It is an IT based Vehicle Management System with the facility of issuance of requisition
letters for vehicles, capturing of vehicle details with address, mobile number and bank
details of owner and drive, transfer of vehicles from one district to another district etc.
(f) Webcasting /CCTV at polling stations:
Webcasting at identified critical stations for LIVE monitoring of election process, to
keep a check on illegal activities such as booth capturing, money distribution and
bogus voting and to bring about complete transparency in the voting process shall be
undertaken. Further, during the election process, CCTV monitoring and webcasting
shall also be done at various border check-posts, check-nakas and other sensitive and
critical locations across the constituencies to keep a strict vigil on any nefarious
activities designed to vitiate the electoral process.
(g) Election Monitoring Dashboard
This is the IT Tool which provides a dashboard of consolidated information, tools and
timely reports to officers engaged in election monitoring process at all hierarchical
level from top to bottom. This is essential since many processes and cycles continue to
function during elections. The major activities can be broadly categorized as
1. Pre-poll reports
2. Poll day reports
3. Post-Poll reports
4. Trends and Result declaration
(h) Voter Centric information dissemination initiatives on CEO’s websites
It is the constant endeavor of the Commission to facilitate the voters in accessing the
multifarious election-related services and information. As part of this vision, an SMSbased
search facility and voter friendly interactive website has already been launched
by CEOs and successfully working.
(i) One-way Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot for Service Voters:
All registered Service Voters will be delivered e-postal ballot of their respective
constituency through electronically transmitted postal ballot (ETPBS), which will be
printed and after casting the vote will be sent back to Returning Officer by post.
(23) Conduct of Officials
The Commission expects all officials engaged in the conduct of elections to discharge their
duties in an impartial manner without any fear or favour. They are deemed to be on deputation
to the Commission and shall be subject to its control, supervision and discipline. The conduct of
all Government officials who have been entrusted with election related responsibilities and duties
would remain under constant scrutiny of the Commission and strict action shall be taken against
23
those officials who are found wanting on any account.
(24) Poll Day Monitoring System
A constant and stringent 24-hour monitoring of the critical events and activities of the poll day
will be done using the Poll Day Monitoring System. All the crucial events like reaching of Polling
Parties, Votes Cast, Voters’ Images etc will be captured and monitored using this state-of-the-art
IT application, which has the added advantage of being used offline also, so as to circumvent nonconnectivity
of network. All data captured offline is synchronized with the centralized server as
soon as the person using the App comes in the coverage area. Through this App, we can find out
Voter Turnout (VTR) gender-wise, age-wise and section-wise.
(25) New Initiatives:
1. Use of VVPATs at all Polling Stations:
VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all Assembly Constituencies of poll going states to
enhance the transparency and credibility of the elections. On a pilot basis, VVPAT from One
(1) Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency will be randomly selected to count VVPAT
paper slips for verification of the result obtained from the control unit.
2. All Women Managed Polling Stations:
All- women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each
Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security
personnel, shall be Women.
3. Booth Level Planning:
An innovative “bottom up” approach of booth level planning and management has been
implemented in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana
where in Booth Level plans for Polling Stations have been prepared containing all information
and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for response for smooth conduct of elections at each
Polling Station. These booth level Plans will be used to prepare AC level, District level and State
level Election Management Plans.
4. E-Atlas :
As a new innovation, GIS based planning, implementation and monitoring of various elections
related activities are being implemented in these States for election planning.
5. E-Payment Gateway for Goods and Services:
All Payments will be made through e-payment gateway for (i) Timely Payment for all the
Civilian Officials/Police Officials deployed for “Election Duties” (ii) Timely Payment to all the
Owners of the Vehicles which are Requisitioned for Election Purpose , (iii) Timely Payment for
all the Vendors who provide Goods and Services for Election related Duties in all the Assembly
Constituencies.
6. Registration of Service Voters and ETPBS:
Earlier, the Commission implemented ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System)
on pilot basis in 4 states of Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand and Manipur and in the entire state of Goa.
ETPBS was used in all the State Assembly Elections conducted during 2017-2018 and will be
used in these elections also.
7. Friendly Polling Stations for differently abled electors:
Special facilitation voting at all Polling Stations would be ensured for all differently-abled
electors.
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8. c-VIGIL App:
The delay in reporting of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by citizens thus so far often
resulted in the culprits escaping detection from the action squads. Also, the lack of any
documented evidence in the form of pictures or videos was seen as a hurdle in verifying a
complaint. The Commission’s experience has also shown a significant percentage of reporting
was false or inaccurate, which led to wastage of precious time of Field Verification Units.
Further, the absence of a robust response system to quickly and accurately identify the scene of
occurrence with the help of geographical location details hampered election officers’ ability to
apprehend the violators.
In the above backdrop, ECI undertook development of c-VIGIL Android Mobile Application. ‘cVIGIL’
denotes ‘Vigilant Citizen’ and the proactive and responsible role he can play in the
conduct of free and fair elections. Using the application, vigilant citizens can send live reports
on incidents of MCC violation within minutes of having witnessed them. The violations could be
reported from the date of announcement of elections to a day after the polls without going to
the office of the returning officer in their assembly constituency. The c-VIGIL app is expected to
fill in the gaps in existing violation reporting and create a fast-track complaint reception and
redressal system. At the same time, the application enables election officials to take evidence
based time bound decision by using integrated IT solution.
In case of a registered complaint, a unique ID number is generated to allow the citizen to track
his/ her complaint status. Anonymous complaints do not get any identification numbers.
Citizens can download the application from Google Play Store and use it for reporting MCC
violation cases. For other complaints, they can use the facility available in the mobile app/
website of ECI Citizen Services.
Once a complaint has been received in the c-VIGIL system, the same is beeped into the District
Control Room which in turn assigns it to a Flying Squad. The flying squad using a separate app
can navigate to the site by using the GIS cues provided by the location information recorded
with the complaint. Flying Squads by using intuitive mobile application can rapidly and
accurately file investigation report. This report gets visible to Returning Officer and he can take
further action. If the incident is found correct, the information is sent to the National Grievance
Portal of the Election Commission of India for further action and the vigilant citizen is informed
about the action taken in a time bound manner.
The app has inbuilt features to prevent its misuse. It will receive complaints only about MCC
violations. The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked a picture or a
video. To prevent being put on the false scent, the app will not allow uploading of the prerecorded
images/ videos, neither would it allow users to save photos/videos clicked from this
app into the phone gallery. Further, the application will be active only in States where elections
have been announced. The moment a citizen exits such a State, the app will become inactive.
The beta version of c-VIGIL Android App would be rolled out as Pilot in these states.
The Election Commission is counting on this app and citizens’ zeal to immediately report on
MCC violations in their vicinity to curb such incidents, thereby, helping the Commission reach
its objective of conducting free and fair elections.
25
(26) Schedules of Election
The Commission has prepared the Schedules for holding General Elections to the Legislative
Assembly of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana after taking into
consideration all relevant aspects like climatic conditions, academic calendar, major festivals,
prevailing law and order situation in the State, availability of Central Police Forces, time needed
for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other
relevant ground realities.
The Commission after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to
the Governor of the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana to
issue notifications for the General Elections under the relevant provisions of the Representation of
the People Act, 1951, as per the Schedule annexed.
The Commission seeks the active cooperation, close collaboration and constructive
partnership of all the esteemed stakeholders in the electoral process and strives to employ the
collective synergies towards delivering a smooth, free, fair, peaceful, participative and festive
General Assembly Elections, 2018 in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram &
Telangana.
Sd/-
(SUMIT MUKHERJEE)
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
26
Schedule
Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Chhattisgarh, 2018
Phase – I
(For elections to 18 Assembly Constituencies listed in Annexure I)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 16.10.2018 (TUESDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 23.10.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 24.10.2018 (WEDNESDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 26.10.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date of Poll 12.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
Phase – II
(For elections to 72 Assembly Constituencies listed in Annexure II)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 26.10.2018 (FRIDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 02.11.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 03.11.2018 (SATURDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 05.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Date of Poll 20.11.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
27
Schedule
Schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh,
2018 (All 230 ACs)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 02.11.2018 (FRIDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 09.11.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 12.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 14.11.2018 (WEDNESDAY)
Date of Poll 28.11.2018 (WEDNESDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
28
Schedule
Schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan, 2018
(All 200 ACs)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 12.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 19.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 20.11.2018 (TUESDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 22.11.2018 (THURSDAY)
Date of Poll 07.12.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
29
Schedule
Schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram, 2018
(All 40 ACs)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 02.11.2018 (FRIDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 09.11.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 12.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 14.11.2018 (WEDNESDAY)
Date of Poll 28.11.2018 (WEDNESDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
30
Schedule
Schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Telangana, 2018
(All 119 ACs)
Poll Events Schedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification 12.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Last Date of Nominations 19.11.2018 (MONDAY)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations 20.11.2018 (TUESDAY)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures 22.11.2018 (THURSDAY)
Date of Poll 07.12.2018 (FRIDAY)
Date of Counting 11.12.2018 (TUESDAY)
Date before which election shall be completed 13.12.2018 (THURSDAY)
31
Annexure-I
List of 18 Assembly Constituencies going to poll in Phase I in Chhattisgarh.
Phase- I (18 AC)
No. of the
Assembly
Constituency
Name of the Assembly
Constituency Name of the Districts
73 Khairagarh Rajnandgaon
74 Dongargarh (SC) Rajnandgaon
75 Rajnandgaon Rajnandgaon
76 Dongargaon Rajnandgaon
77 Khujji Rajnandgaon
78 Mohla-Manpur (ST) Rajnandgaon
79 Antagarh (ST) Uttar Bastar(Kanker)
80 Bhanupratappur (ST) Uttar Bastar(Kanker)
81 Kanker (ST) Uttar Bastar(Kanker)
82 Keshkal (ST) Kondagaon
83 Kondagaon (ST) Kondagaon
84 Narayanpur (ST)
Narayanpur
Bastar (Jagdalpur)
Kondagaon
85 Bastar (ST) Bastar(Jagdalpur)
86 Jagdalpur
Bastar(Jagdalpur)
Sukuma
87 Chitrakot (ST)
Bastar(Jagdalpur)
Sukuma
88 Dantewada (ST) Dakshin Bastar(Dantewada)
89 Bijapur (ST) Bijapur
90 Konta (ST) Sukuma
32
Annexure II
List of 72 Assembly Constituencies going to poll in Phase II in Chhattisgarh.
Phase- II (72 AC)
No. of the
Assembly
Constituency
Name of the Assembly
Constituency Name of the Districts
1 Bharatpur-Sonhat (ST) Koria
2 Manendragarh Koria
3 Baikunthpur Koria
4 Premnagar Surajpur
5 Bhatgaon Surajpur
6 Pratappur (ST)
Surajpur
Balrampur
7 Ramanujganj (ST) Balrampur
8 Samri (ST) Balrampur
9 Lundra (ST) Surguja
10 Ambikapur Surguja
11 Sitapur (ST) Surguja
12 Jashpur (ST) Jashpur
13 Kunkuri (ST) Jashpur
14 Pathalgaon (ST) Jashpur
15 Lailunga (ST) Raigarh
16 Raigarh Raigarh
17 Sarangarh (SC) Raigarh
18 Kharsia Raigarh
19 Dharamjaigarh (ST) Raigarh
20 Rampur (ST) Korba
21 Korba Korba
33
22 Katghora Korba
23 Pali-Tanakhar (ST) Korba
24 Marwahi (ST) Bilaspur
25 Kota Bilaspur
26 Lormi Mungeli
27 Mungeli (SC) Mungeli
28 Takhatpur Bilaspur
29 Bilha
Bilaspur
Mungeli
30 Bilaspur Bilaspur
31 Beltara Bilaspur
32 Masturi (SC) Bilaspur
33 Akaltara Janjgir-Champa
34 Janjgir-Champa Janjgir-Champa
35 Sakti Janjgir-Champa
36 Chandrapur Janjgir-Champa
37 Jaijaipur Janjgir-Champa
38 Pamgarh (SC) Janjgir-Champa
39 Saraipali (SC) Mahasamund
40 Basna Mahasamund
41 Khallari Mahasamund
42 Mahasamund
Mahasamund
43 Bilaigarh (SC) Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara
44 Kasdol Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara
45 Baloda Bazar
Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara
Raipur
34
No. of the
Assembly
Constituency
Name of the Assembly
Constituency Name of the Districts
46 Bhatapara Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara
47 Dharsiwa Raipur
48 Raipur Rural Raipur
49 Raipur City West Raipur
50 Raipur City North Raipur
51 Raipur City South
Raipur
52 Arang (SC) Raipur
53 Abhanpur Raipur
54 Rajim Gariaband
55 Bindranawagarh (ST) Gariaband
56 Sihawa (ST) Dhamtari
57 Kurud Dhamtari
58 Dhamtari Dhamtari
59 Sanjari Balod Balod
60 Dondi Lohara (ST) Balod
61 Gunderdehi Balod
62 Patan Durg
63 Durg-Rural Durg
64 Durg City Durg
65 Bhilai Nagar Durg
66 Vaishali Nagar Durg
67 Ahiwara (SC) Durg
68 Saja
Durg
Bemetara
35
69 Bemetara
Bemetara
Durg
70 Nawagarh (SC) Bemetara
71 Pandariya Kabirdham
72 Kawardha Kabirdham
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