The EC reviewed poll preparedness for forthcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.

It said as follows. 

*Ensure strict implementation of law and ECI guidelines without any bias; 

*Cautions state & district administration against partisan conduct Zero-tolerance against inducements; 

* Issued stringent directives to enforcement agencies to curb money power. 

* Directed to expedite Assured Minimum Facilities at all polling stations. 

* Asked them to engage voters with SVEEP activities involving local culture, sports & influencers CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu held a detailed & comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Jharkhand at Ranchi. 

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The main issues raised by political parties included:

1. Most parties unanimously requested consideration of various festivities like Diwali, Chhath, Durga Pooja and state foundation day in the month of October and November, before deciding on the election schedule for enhanced participation in election process. It was informed that many voters in the state will be travelling during Chatth pooja. 

2. Many parties also requested for a single-phase election.

3. Parties requested for an error free electoral rolls and to ensure a free and fair elections with non-partisan action by local civil and police administration for a level playing field. 

4. A proper mix of CAPF and State police for appropriate deployment at sensitive and rural booths, monitored by an IG Level Officer. 

5. 100 % Webcasting in all polling stations. 

6. Regarding polling stations, one of the parties requested availability of ramps and sufficient lights in all polling stations, along with priority in voting for elderly, PwDs and pregnant women. 

7. All polling stations to be set up in proximity of residential areas for convenience of voters. Pick and drop facility may be provided for polling stations set-up farther from residential areas. 

Accessibility Observer may be deployed for ensuring facilities at polling stations. 

8. One of the parties raised a concern that in some cases, members of same family residing together were allotted different polling stations and some polling stations have more than 1500 electors. 

9.To avoid any undue harassment by authorities, few parties raised need for clear guidelines and demarcation of area for setting up of polling desks near polling station by parties on poll day. 

10.One of the parties also raised concern regarding deletion of name of voters in certain constituencies in previous elections, after final publication of the electoral roll. 

11.One of the parties requested enquiry of a sudden increase of voters in certain Assembly Constituencies. 

12.Some parties raised concerns on Hate Speech during campaigning.One of the parties requested ban on raising sub-judice matters like illegal immigrants in the state during campaigning. 

13.Strict vigil and action on use of illicit cash, liquor and freebies to sway voters. A grievance that administration is slow to cooperate/proceed with complaints of opposition parties/candidates and there is a need for swift action on any such complaints. 

14.Monitoring of campaigning by candidates 24x7 for any violations and prohibiting campaigning through IVRS calls on poll day.

15.More awareness on ECI directions regarding display of party flags by voters voluntarily in their home after election announcement to avoid misuse of Public Defacement Act by authorities. 

16.Details of EVM to be used at polling stations to be given to parties/candidates. Reserve EVMs to be made available at all polling stations for smooth voting process.

17.Voter Information Slip to be distributed in advance for awareness. 

18.Videography of counting of postal ballots. 

19.Other demands included the timely sharing of voter lists with candidates; curb diversion of funds received by certain NGOs for development work towards election related campaigning and reduction in nomination fee for the contesting candidates.

The Commission assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of suggestions and concerns of the political parties and ECI is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, inclusive, peaceful and inducement free elections in the state. 

The Commission after reviewing these issues, decided and conveyed the following to state and district administration: 

1.Beyond the Commission’s mandate of webcasting in 50% polling stations, webcasting will be done in all polling stations, wherever feasible technically. 

2.Assured minimum facilities including ramps, sufficient lighting, wheelchairs, and volunteers for elderly and PwD voters will be provided at all polling stations. 

3.Priority voting for elderly, PwDs and Pregnant women would be ensured 

4.Polling stations will be on the ground floor and within 2 kms of the residence of the voters. Pick and drop facility would be provided for few polling stations beyond 2km range. 

5. All divisional commissioners are directed to assess and ensure compliance of AMFs at polling stations. 

6.None of the polling station will have more than 1500 electors. 

7.Clear demarcation of area i.e. 200mt from the periphery of the polling station premises, where Polling Parties can set up their desks on poll day would be ensured. 

8.There would be no undue harassment of persons under Public Defacement Act. DEOs and SPs directed that law should be implemented equally and without any bias. 

9.As per ECI guidelines, EVM & VVPAT details will be shared with all contesting candidates after first and second randomization. FLC & First randomisation is done in presence of recognized parties. 

Second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs is conducted, before commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, in the presence of contesting candidates to allocate polling station wise and reserve machines. 

10.Video recording of counting of postal ballots would be ensured as per ECI guidelines. 

11.District Administration would ensure vigil and prohibition on campaigning/advertisement using bulk SMS and IVRS calls during silence period. 

12.Voter information slips will be distributed timely 

13. DEOs were specifically told to be equally accessible to all political parties and to ensure prompt resolution of their complaints and grievances, apart from meeting them regularly through periodic meetings.