ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS TO LOK SABHA AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES OF ANDHRA PRADESH, ARUNACHAL PRADESH, ODISHA & SIKKIM, 2024

2025-03-16 Information

The term of 17^th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16^th June, 2024. Article 324 of the Constitution of India bestows the relevant powers, duties and functions upon the Election Commission of India (hereinafter ECI), while Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India and Section 14 of the Representation of the People Act-1951 provides for the conduct of the elections to constitute a new Lok Sabha before the expiry of its current term. In view of this constitutional and legal provisions, the Election Commission of India has made comprehensive preparations for the conduct of elections to the 18^th Lok Sabha in a free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive, transparent and peaceful manner.

Name of State

Term of Assembly

Total No. of AC Seats

Reserved for SCs

Reserved for STs

Andhra Pradesh

12^th June,2019 to 11^th June,2024

175

Arunachal Pradesh

3^rd June,2019 to

2^nd June,2024

–

Odisha

25^th June,2019 to 24^th June,2024

147

Sikkim

3^rd June,2019 to

2^nd June,2024

–

Government of India vide notification dated 9^th August, 2019 has abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution of India and promulgated the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir would go for elections the very first time since its inception. In view of this, the Commission has decided to extend the earlier scheme, as it is, for Kashmiri migrant electors from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

B. DELIMITATION OF ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES:

i) General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim shall be held on the basis of the extent of Assembly Constituencies as contained in the said Delimitation Order-2008. The total number of ACs allotted to these States, including SC/ST seats, shall also continue to be the same.

(ii) As per “Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act-2014(No.6 of 2014)” dated 1^st March, 2014 & “Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Order-2015” dated 23^rd April, 2015 and subsequently Commission’s Notification No.282/AP/2018(DEL) dated 22^nd September, 2018, the total number of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies assigned in respect of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States shall be as under: –

S. No.

State

Parliamentary Constituencies

Assembly Constituencies

Total

Andhra Pradesh

175

Telangana

119

SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) is a comprehensive programme aimed at reinforcing voter education and promoting active participation in India’s democratic process. The need for SVEEP arises from the Election Commission of India’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the participation of every voter in this monumental celebration of democracy.

SVEEP employs a combination of general and targeted interventions, carefully tailored to align with the socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic characteristics of each state. SVEEP addresses not only the registration gaps but also more glaring issues such as voter apathy, behavioural patterns, and the reasons behind such apathy in different elections.

For enhancing electoral participation, the Commission has directed to take following initiatives:

As the PS is the basic unit of election machinery, it has been directed to focus on district wise PSs for targeted interventions reaching out various groups like women, PWD, Transgender, PVTGs, etc. Model Polling stations to be set up keeping in view the NVD theme.

The States have been directed to identify and engage local influential personalities as Election Icons. This would not only add value to the message of voter awareness as well as increase the general outreach in the specific region.

SVEEP plays a crucial role in promoting voter awareness and participation, emphasising the importance of democratic engagement in building a stronger and more inclusive society. As the Election Commission prepares for the General Elections of 2024, it remains committed to empowering citizens and strengthening democracy through its SVEEP initiatives.

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 the communication plan for conduct of elections. These will be vetted by the Observer, taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling stations, in accordance with Election Commission of India’s extant instructions.

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 all the States/UTs to coordinate with the officers of Department of Telecommunication in the State headquarter, BSNL authorities, the representatives of other leading telecom service providers in the State so that network status in the State is assessed and communication shadow areas be identified. The CEOs have also been instructed to prepare the best communication plan in their States and make suitable alternate arrangements in the communication shadow areas by providing Satellite Phones, Wireless sets, Special Runners etc.

Further, the Commission has also directed to improve the condition of connecting roads for smooth movement of polling parties, security forces, voters and other election machineries. In case of water ways, proper arrangements of boats/ferries etc. is to be ensured during election.

The Commission has directed to set up Integrated Control Rooms at State Level and District Level for monitoring of election related activities and ensuring co-ordination among various agencies during election for smooth conduct of free and fair election. These control room shall be equipped with all required technical support under responsible officers to monitor, communicate and manage various election related activities efficiently. These control rooms have effective communication equipment, contact numbers of all election related offices/officers for coordinating activities and responding to incidents. These integrated control room shall serve as a nerve center for efficient monitoring, control and management of different activities of elections, helping election authorities.

Election Commission of India’s endeavour has been to promote equity and ensure quality of the electoral system with the objective of upholding democratic values and principles. Action oriented plans are being executed at the State and District level across the country, to ensure inclusive elections in letter and spirit, however, to have a focused and scaled up approach in the context of General Elections 2024, the Commission has formed a National Advisory Committee on inclusive Elections (NACIE). The focus of the Committee has been to identify various marginalized communities such as transgenders, PVTGs, homeless people/nomadic groups, sex workers, women in difficult circumstances, etc., and ensure their electoral participation.

Sl. No.

Name of States/UTs

Number of States/UTs

Date for Final Publication of Electoral Roll

Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, A&N Island, Chandigarh, D&D-D&N Haveli, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry

5^th January, 2024

Nagaland

10^th January, 2024

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir & NCT of Delhi

22^nd January, 2024

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra

23^rd January, 2024

Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana

8^th February, 2024

However, the process of continuous updation of electoral rolls will continue till the last date of filing nominations, with respect to proximate qualifying date.

Photo Electoral Rolls will be used during the General Elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. EPIC is one of the documents for establishing the identity of the elector at the time of voting. All out efforts are being made to ensure 100% delivery of EPIC to all newly registered electors.

To facilitate voters in knowing the serial number of electoral roll in their polling station, date of poll, time etc., ‘Voter Information Slip’ will be issued. Voter Information Slip will include information like Polling Station, Date, Time etc. with QR code but not the photograph of the voter. Voter Information Slips will be distributed at least 5 days before the date of poll to all enrolled electors, by the District Election Officer. However, Voter Information Slip will not be allowed as proof of the identity of voters.

To ensure ease of participation and active engagement of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process, the Commission has directed to issue Accessible Voter Information Slips with Braille Features to Persons with Visual Impairment, along with normal Voter Information Slips.

As done in the last elections, a Voter Guide (in Hindi/English/Local Language) shall be provided to every elector’s household ahead of elections, giving them information about the date and time of the poll, 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 Voter Information Slips by the BLOs.

BLOs have done door to door survey and prepared a list of voters found absent from the place of their ordinary residence. Similarly, names of shifted and dead voters, whose names could not be deleted, shall also be added to this list by BLOs. This list of Absent, Shifted or Dead (ASD) voters shall be given to the Presiding Officers on the poll day. Commission has issued instructions that voting will be allowed only after proper identification of voters. Identification shall be done on the basis of EPIC or other alternative identity documents permitted by the Commission. Presiding Officers are required to double check the identity of voters whose names are on the ASD list.

For identification of voters at Polling Station, the Voter shall present his EPIC or any of the following identification documents as approved by the Commission: –

ii. MGNREGA Job Card,

iii. Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,

iv. Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour,

v. Driving License,

vi. PAN Card,

vii. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,

viii. Indian Passport,

ix. Pension document with photograph,

x. Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies,

xi. Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and

xii. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, issued by M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

There shall be a maximum of 1500 electors in a polling station. There is 1.19% increase in the number of Polling Stations in the States/UTs as compared with the Number of Polling Stations in 2019. The total number of polling station countrywide is 10,48,202.

The Commission has issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers of all States/UTs to ensure that every Polling Station needs to be on the ground floor and, shall have accessible road in good condition leading to the polling station building and is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of proper gradient for the PwD electors and a standard voting compartment etc. The Commission has directed CEO/DEOs to take efforts to make permanent ramp and permanent infrastructure at every polling station.

In order to fulfil 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) [total of FOUR (4) kind of Posters] i.e.

1. Polling Station Details,

2. List of Candidates,

3. Do’s and Don’ts and

4. Approved Identification Documents & How to Vote

shall be prominently displayed at all Polling Stations.

The following procedures have also been made in the existing Guidelines for Voting through postal ballot by Absentee Voters in the category of Senior Citizens, PwDs and Covid-19 suspect or affected persons: –

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, at least one polling station each managed exclusively by women and Persons with Disabilities shall be set up in every Constituency in all poll going States/UTs. In such women managed Polling Stations, all election staff, including police and security personnel, will be women. A minimum one Model Polling Station per Constituency shall also be set up using and depicting local materials and art forms.

Brief description about filing of nomination are as given below:

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 the 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.

Vide Notifications dated 16^th September, 2016, 7^th April, 2017 and 26^th February, 2019, Nomination Forms 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G & 2H have been amended. Affidavit in Form 26 has also been amended vide Notification dated 26^th February, 2019 making provisions of

(a) Within first 4 days of date of withdrawal of Nominations.

(b) Between next 5th- 8thdays.

(Illustration: If the last date for withdrawal is 10th of the month and poll is on 24th of the Month, the first block for publishing of declaration shall be done between 11th and 14th of the Month, second and third blocks shall be between 15th and 18th and 19th and 22nd of that Month, respectively.)

Election Commission has issued advisories on several occasions urging political parties and candidates to use only environment-friendly material and to avoid single-use plastic and non-biodegradable material in their election campaign activities. Protecting the environment is not an individual task but a collective responsibility and hence the Commission urges all the political parties to avoid the use of plastic/polythene and similar non-biodegradable materials for preparation of posters, banners, etc. during election campaign in the interest of environment and human health. In this connection, on 18^th August, 2023, Commission has issued a compiled instruction to all CEOs and political parties to make our elections eco-friendly.

Further, NGT has also asked all concerned for close monitoring of Election Commission of India’s instructions in this regard.

As per Section 3(1) of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 as amended vide the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, no child shall be employed or permitted to work in any occupation or process. The Commission has also taken strong exception to use of children in any way in election related work, instruction has been issued in this regard on 5^th February, 2024.

To conduct free, fair, inclusive and transparent election, in polling stations, where CAPF is not deployed due to non-availability or otherwise, one or more of the following civil (non-force) measures are kept to watch the polling process:

The videography will be done during 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. The videographer shall record events like any attempts of intimidation of voters, attempts of inducement/ bribing of voters, canvassing within 100 meters of Polling Stations, Positioning of voting compartment, Mock Poll, Sealing of EVMs and VVPATs, Voters in queues, length of queue at the time fixed for close of poll, Any dispute of any nature at the Polling Station etc.

CCTV coverage is provided for the poll processes happening inside rooms/halls like nomination, scrutiny, withdrawal, symbol allotment, EVM/VVPAT related processes, Border Check Posts and Static Check Points for effective monitoring and surveillance etc.

Minimum 50% webcasting of total polling stations and all critical polling stations and all polling stations in vulnerable areas whichever is higher shall be done during the poll. Such live stream data of webcasting on poll day shall be monitored at Integrated Control Rooms of Chief Electoral Officer and District Election Officer.

Video/CCTV coverage shall be also be ensured at every stage of counting. This coverage shall include the randomization process for counting personnel, opening of Strong Rooms, transfer of CUs from Strong Room to Counting Hall, Counting Hall arrangements, process of counting and tabulation counters, checking of two CUs per round by the Observers, security arrangements in and outside the Counting Hall/Centre, presence of candidates and their agents, declaration of results, handing over of Certificate of Return of Election, placing VVPAT slips in black envelopes and sealing of EVM/VVPATs after counting and any other significant events of the counting process.

Political Parties, after our electors, are one of the most significant stakeholders in the electoral process. We have multi-party democracy and the Commission takes special efforts in ensuring that the group, which intends to form a political party under the Representation of the people Act-1951, are facilitated for the process of registration following the due process timely. As on 05.03.2024, 2798 (including recognized) Political Parties are registered with the Commission.

From first election onwards, the Commission has devised a unique method of identification of Political Parties and Candidates through specific symbols. Now, this is allocated in accordance with Symbol Order-1968, issued by the Commission under article 324 of the Constitution of India. As on date we have 6 (six) Recognized National Parties and 58 Recognized State Political Parties which are already having ear-marked symbols. As on 05.03.2024 common symbols have been allotted to 58 registered but unrecognized Political Parties for the General election to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim- 2024.

The Mode Code of Conduct (MCC) is the primary regulation governing electioneering and specifically provides for guidelines to be observed by political parties and candidates in relation to campaign speeches and appeals. Its violation especially in the case of leaders of political parties has a widespread impact on the election process across constituencies. The Commission has been noticing several trends, which are at work, destabilizing the decorum of the political discourse during campaigning. Apart from the direct violations of the MCC, trends are in play where systematically crafted and timed statements, surrogate or indirect violations using satire to raise unverified allegations, etc. during election campaigns. As per the Model Code of Conduct provisions, the use of provocative and inflammatory statements, use of intemperate and abusive language transgressing the limits of decency, and attacks on the personal character and conduct of political rivals vitiate the level playing field. The spirit of the Model Code is not just avoidance of a direct violation. It also prohibits attempts to vitiate the electoral space through suggestive or indirect statements or innuendoes. The Commission has time and again reiterated the MCC instructions and strongly advised and cautioned all National and State Parties, the RUPPs and independent, candidates to exercise caution and restraint in their utterances.

In view of the General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 and other simultaneous elections to Legislative Assemblies, the Commission vide its letter dated 01.03.2024 has issued an advisory to political parties on plummeting level of public discourse during campaigning. The advisory lay down the expected decorum by political parties and candidates in general and Star Campaigners in particular. It very clearly indicates that any genres of surrogate or indirect violation of MCC and surrogate means to plumate level of election campaign will be dealt with stern action. The advisory is available on the Commission’s website https://www.eci.gov.in/ under the heading current issues.

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 all the States/UTs 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 and conducting route marches and undertaking other necessary confidence building measures under the supervision of the Central Observers.

A mobile app has also been launched to digitize data for intercepted/seized items(Cash/Liquor/Drugs/Precious Metals/Freebies/other items).

The election expenses ceiling for candidates has been revised by the Government of India vide Notification dated 06th January, 2022. As per the revised ceilings, the maximum limit of election expenses for a Parliamentary Constituency is Rs. 95.00 lakh per candidate for all States except Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Sikkim. For these three States it is Rs. 75.00 lakh per candidate. For the Union Territories, the maximum limit for NCT of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir is Rs. 95.00 lakh per candidate; and Rs.75.00 lakh per candidate for other UTs.

Accordingly, in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha the limit of expenses for Assembly Constituencies is Rs. 40.00 lakh per candidate and in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim it is Rs. 28.00 lakh per candidate.

The Commission has decided that an election expenditure / either by / to candidate(s) or political parties exceeding Rs. 10000/- (Ten Thousand) in all the situations be incurred by crossed account payee cheque or draft or by RTGS/NEFT or any other electronic mode linked with bank account of the candidate opened for election purpose.

Media, being an important stakeholder in the entire electoral process, contributes in building a well- informed citizenry which is an indispensable prerequisite for a mature democracy. Election Commission of India considers Media as its invaluable ally in making the election process truly participative, democratic, and transparent. Media also acts as the Commission’s eyes and ears on the field during the election process. The Commission which works on the principle of disclosures and transparency has made media part of all important electoral processes.

(i) Media Facilitation & Engagement: The Commission has always considered Media as an important ally and a potent force multiplier in ensuring an effective and efficient election management. The Commission has directed CEOs and DEOs of all States/UTs to take the following measures for positive and progressive engagement and interaction with the media:

(a) Regular interaction with the media during elections and maintaining an effective and positive line of communication with the media at all times.

(b) Effective steps to sensitize the media about the Election Code.

day and day of counting.

Media is also expected to follow all the extant guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) or any other competent authorities regarding COVID containment measures during all their election related coverage.

(ii) Pre-Certification of Political Advertisements and monitoring of suspected cases of paid news:

Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) are in place at all the Districts and State level. All political advertisements proposed to be issued on electronic media shall require pre-certification from the concerned MCMC. Political advertisements in all electronic media/TV Channels/Cable Network/Radio including private FM channels/Cinema halls/audio-visual displays in public places/voice messages & bulk SMS over phone and social media & internet websites shall come within the purview of pre-certification. Commission requests all Political Parties/candidates/Media to follow pre-certification instructions.

Press Council of India (PCI) has defined paid news as “Any news or Analysis appearing in any media (print and electronic) for a price in cash or kind as consideration”. The Commission has accepted the definition of Paid News given by Press Council of India (PCI) and considers that ‘Paid News’ disturbs level playing field in election and adversely affects free and fair poll by circumventing election expenditure laws and causing undue influence on voters. MCMCs will also keep a strict vigil on suspected cases of paid news in the media and suitable action will be taken in confirmed cases as per ECI guidelines after following all due procedures.

(iii) Social Media & Elections:

The media landscape has seen a paradigm shift over the last decade. Social media has now emerged as a powerful communication & campaigning medium for all stakeholders, now also referred to as the fifth pillar of democracy. Considering its rising importance, the Commission proactively vide its instruction dated 25th October 2013 laid down instructions to guide and regulate the use of social media in election campaigns. Key features of the instructions are as follows:

Keeping in view increasing incidents of misuse of social media and as a result of ECI’s vigorous persuasion, major Social Media Platforms agreed to observe Voluntary Code of Ethics formulated by them in March, 2019. This will be applicable in these elections as well.

An SOP for identification and quick response to any fake news/misinformation had been shared with CEOs and DEOs of all the States/UTs for time bound response.

Social media Cell in collaboration with cyber cell unit in all districts have been constituted for quick response and action with the legal framework including Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”) and the Information Technology (Intermediary guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The Commission requests all Political Parties and candidates to ensure that their supporters do not indulge in hate speeches and fake news. Strict watch on social media posts is being kept by MCMCs to ensure that the election atmosphere is not vitiated. Media may also play an active role in curbing the menace of fake news.

(iv) Monitoring of Electronic and Social Media:

All the election management related news on all the major national and regional news channels during elections would be monitored vigorously. 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. Office of CEO will ascertain status on each and every item and file ATR/Status Report.

(v) Media restrictions during silence period and on Exit polls:

Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, in any polling area during the period of forty-eight hours (silence period) ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in that polling area. Election matter referred hereinabove is defined as any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election in any electronic media during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in each of the phases of elections.

Section 126A of the R.P. Act 1951, prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results by means of print or electronic media during the period mentioned therein, i.e. between the hour fixed for commencement of poll in the first phase and half an hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the States. Violation of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951 is punishable with imprisonment upto a period of two years, or with fine or both.

All Media houses are advised to follow instructions in this regard keeping its spirit. Media may also refer to the ‘Guidelines issued by Press Council of India’ dated 30.07.2010, ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct- 2022’ and “Guidelines for Election Broadcasts” issued by News Broadcasters & Digital Association dated 3^rd March, 2014.

(vi) Campaigning on Public Broadcaster – DD & AIR

Election Commission of India, based on past performance of the political parties, has been allocating free equitable broadcast & Telecast time to recognized National & State political parties on the two public broadcasters – Doordarshan and All India Radio in every Lok Sabha and State Assembly Election for campaigning. The scheme, which was initially notified on 16th January 1998, holds a statutory basis under Section 39A of the R.P. Act, 1951.

The time vouchers which were issued physically to the political parties are issued digitally. With this facilitation, the political parties will not be required to send their representatives to ECI for collection of the time vouchers physically during elections.

As part of the SVEEP, there are awareness programmes to bring this option to the knowledge of electors and all other stakeholders.

As per new Rule 18A inserted in the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, now a Voter on Election Duty, shall receive his postal ballot, record his vote thereon and return the same at the Facilitation Center set up by the Returning Officer. Therefore, in view of the extant rule position, all the Voters on Election Duty, deployed in a constituency where they are not enrolled as a voter, shall cast their votes only at the Facilitation Centers and not in any other manner. They shall sign the declaration in Form 13A in presence of, and have the signature attested by, any Group A or Group B officer or the presiding officer of the polling station at which they are on election duty.

Polling parties on the ground are the epitome of grit and resilience. Their determination to keep the spirit of democracy reigning supreme truly is an inspiration to one and all. Further, in view of the arduous and difficult journey that polling teams have to undertake to ensure that no voter is left behind, ECI has recently doubled the remuneration of polling officials heading for election duty three days or more in advance to reach polling stations located in remote and difficult areas. Till now, the remuneration for polling Officials used to be uniform per diem amount for all polling personnel.

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 those officials who are found wanting on any account.

The Commission has enhanced usage of IT Application, to usher in greater citizen participation and transparency.

iii) Candidate Affidavit Portal: Candidate Affidavit portal is a web portal that allows citizens to view the complete list of Candidate Nominations who have applied for the elections. The citizen, political parties and media houses to know about the candidates, accesses this portal. A complete candidate profile with photo and affidavit is made public as and when the Returning Officer enters the data. The Complete list of Contesting Candidates with their profile, nomination status and the affidavits will be available for public view through Candidate Affidavit Portal. This portal can be accessed using https://affidavit.eci.gov.in

· Aadhaar based e-Sign

The Commission has issued COVID Guidelines to be followed during the conduct of the General Election and Bye Elections which are available at Commission’s website.

The Commission has prepared the Schedule for holding General Election to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim after taking into consideration all relevant aspects like climatic conditions, academic calendar, board examination, major festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the State, availability of Central Armed Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other relevant ground realities.

Further, ECI is also to conduct election to the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim before the cessation of their terms, in exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon under Article 324 read with Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The term and strength along with seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Assembly Constituencies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are as under:

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