Election Commission of India
Press Notes
Steps taken by the
Election Commission and the Government of India in
the context of forthcoming elections in J&K
(i) Old, hand-written and
photocopied electoral lists of the past have been updated this time
and computerised in Urdu. This was done based on a house-to-house survey
in urban areas, and examination of land and other records in rural areas.
(ii) These updated lists
are available for any person to apply for corrections. They have been
made available to every party, to Registration Officers and to anyone
else who wants it.
(iii) For the first time
anywhere in the country, voters slips (identifying serial number in
the electoral list and place of voting) are being delivered by the Election
Commission itself to the doorsteps of the voters. This is being done
throughout the State. It has also been indicated that if any person
of eligible age does not receive this slip, he is entitled to approach
the Commission for rectification/verification.
(iv) Observers from other
States in India, which is the normal practice during elections in any
part of the country, have been identified. In contrast to elections
elsewhere, this time they have already made visits well in advance to
assess the preparations and make recommendations for any modification.
The Chief Election Commissioners have themselves extensively toured
the State.
(v) At least one person
in each district of each specified party has been provided security,
so that political activity can be carried out, despite any fear or threat
of terrorist activity.
(vi) Electronic voting
machines are going to be used for the first time and would cover 100%
of the voting. This would minimise any errors in calculation.
(vii) At each polling booth,
out of 4 or 5 Polling Officers present, two would be from outside the
State. This would be an important confidence building measure and would
encourage non-partisan behaviour.
(viii) Polling booths are
being set-up in Delhi, Jammu and Udhampur to enable migrants to vote.
(ix) Electoral photo identity
cards are being issued to each voter, free of cost. There has been a
large turn out, despite ill-informed reports, of people to get these
identity cards. If some people are still unable to get them, other forms
of identification would also be accepted.
(x) As against 6,000 polling
booths in the previous election, another 1,000 have been added this
time, to make it easier for the voters.
(xi) Strict instructions
have been issued that no transportation assistance should be provided
to the voters. They should go to the booths of their own free will,
and through their own arrangements.
(xii) Visits of the media
have been encouraged, both as a confidence building measure, to get
an accurate feedback on arrangements, and also to disseminate information
on the process and preparations.
Adequate security arrangements
have been made for the voters, including through provision of additional
central paramilitary forces.
Source: Election Commission
of India
|
