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Election Commission of IndiaElection Commission of India

URL : www.eci.gov.inURL : www.eci.gov.in

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Electoral Administration - FrameworkElectoral Administration - Framework

Election Commission of India – The Indian Election Commission of India – The Indian Constitution provides for its creation.Constitution provides for its creation.

Appointment of CEC and ECsAppointment of CEC and ECs Right to vote to all above 18 years of ageRight to vote to all above 18 years of age Bicameral Composition of ParliamentBicameral Composition of Parliament Composition of State LegislaturesComposition of State Legislatures Delimitation of constituencies after each censusDelimitation of constituencies after each census Duration of each House Duration of each House

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Election Commission of India Election Commission of India – Constitutional Provision– Constitutional Provision

Article 324 (1) - The superintendence, Article 324 (1) - The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under of President and Vice-President held under this Constitution shall be vested in the this Constitution shall be vested in the Election Commission.Election Commission.

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A Multi-Member Commission A Multi-Member Commission – Constitutional Position– Constitutional Position

Article 324 (2) – The Election Commission shall consist of Article 324 (2) – The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix and the appointment of the Chief from time to time fix and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament, be made by the President.behalf by Parliament, be made by the President.Article 324 (3) – When any other Election Commissioner Article 324 (3) – When any other Election Commissioner is so appointed the Chief Election Commissioner shall act is so appointed the Chief Election Commissioner shall act as the Chairman of the Election Commission.as the Chairman of the Election Commission.

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A Multi-Member Commission A Multi-Member Commission From Jan 1950 to mid Oct 1989 – A single Member Commission From Jan 1950 to mid Oct 1989 – A single Member Commission

headed by a Chief Election Commissioner.headed by a Chief Election Commissioner. (Argument put forward was that decisions need to be taken (Argument put forward was that decisions need to be taken

expeditiously when election process is on. And, a single member expeditiously when election process is on. And, a single member Commission would be more suited for it)Commission would be more suited for it)

From Oct 16, 1989 till Dec 1989 – It was a Three Member From Oct 16, 1989 till Dec 1989 – It was a Three Member Commission.Commission.

From Jan 1990 to Sep 1993 – A Single Member Commission.From Jan 1990 to Sep 1993 – A Single Member Commission. From Oct 1993 till today – A Three Member Commission.From Oct 1993 till today – A Three Member Commission. (The Chief Election Commissioner and Two Election (The Chief Election Commissioner and Two Election

Commissioners)Commissioners)

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Conditions of ServiceConditions of Service The CEC and the ECs placed at par in matters of salary and allowances The CEC and the ECs placed at par in matters of salary and allowances

and it is the same as that of a judge of Supreme Court.and it is the same as that of a judge of Supreme Court. Tenure of CEC and ECs fixed as 6 years subject to the maximum age Tenure of CEC and ECs fixed as 6 years subject to the maximum age

limit of 65 years.limit of 65 years. The CEC and ECs all have equal powers in matters of decision making.The CEC and ECs all have equal powers in matters of decision making. In case of difference, decisions are taken by opinion of majority. In case of difference, decisions are taken by opinion of majority. The Commission takes all the elections by consensus.The Commission takes all the elections by consensus. The CEC shall not be removed from his office except in the like manner The CEC shall not be removed from his office except in the like manner

and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. Service conditions cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his Service conditions cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his

appointment.appointment. The ECs cannot be removed except on the CEC’s recommendationThe ECs cannot be removed except on the CEC’s recommendation..

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Commission’s SecretariatCommission’s Secretariat Deputy Election Commissioners – 03Deputy Election Commissioners – 03 Directors(Admn. And IT) – 01Directors(Admn. And IT) – 01 Secretaries (Zonals and Specifics)– 10Secretaries (Zonals and Specifics)– 10 Under Secretaries – 12Under Secretaries – 12 Jt Director + OSD (IT) – 02Jt Director + OSD (IT) – 02 Assistant Director (Stats.) – 02Assistant Director (Stats.) – 02 Section Officers – 33Section Officers – 33 Assistants & others – 275Assistants & others – 275

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Election Machinery in StatesElection Machinery in States Chief Electoral Officers – 35Chief Electoral Officers – 35 District Election Officers – 601District Election Officers – 601 Returning Officers (Parliament) – 543Returning Officers (Parliament) – 543 Returning Officers (Assembly) – 4120Returning Officers (Assembly) – 4120 Asstt. Returning Officers (Parliament) – 4600Asstt. Returning Officers (Parliament) – 4600 Asstt. Returning Officers (Assembly) – 10,000 Asstt. Returning Officers (Assembly) – 10,000 Electoral Registration Officers – 4120Electoral Registration Officers – 4120 Asstt. Electoral Registration Officers - 4800Asstt. Electoral Registration Officers - 4800

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Right to VoteRight to Vote Any citizen over 18 can vote can voteAny citizen over 18 can vote can vote Voting right denied to certain class of people:Voting right denied to certain class of people:

– criminal convicts of certain classcriminal convicts of certain class– person convicted of electoral offenceperson convicted of electoral offence– person of unsound mindperson of unsound mind– There is no compulsion to vote There is no compulsion to vote

Voting statisticsVoting statistics– 57.94% in 199657.94% in 1996– 61.97% in 199861.97% in 1998– 59.01% in 199959.01% in 1999– 58.07% in 200458.07% in 2004

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Scale of OperationScale of Operation Recognized National Parties – 06Recognized National Parties – 06 Recognized State Parties – 45Recognized State Parties – 45 Registered Unrecognized Parties – 702Registered Unrecognized Parties – 702 Polling Stations – 687,000Polling Stations – 687,000 Electorate – Nearly 671 millionElectorate – Nearly 671 million Turn out – Nearly 389 million Turn out – Nearly 389 million Staff deployed on Poll Day (Presiding Officers, Polling Staff deployed on Poll Day (Presiding Officers, Polling

Officers and helpers) – Nearly 4 millionOfficers and helpers) – Nearly 4 million Security personnel deployed – Nearly 2.5 millionSecurity personnel deployed – Nearly 2.5 million Approximate direct cost – INR 13000 million (USD 280 Approximate direct cost – INR 13000 million (USD 280

million)million)

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Transaction of Business Transaction of Business

Regular meetingsRegular meetings Circulation of papersCirculation of papers Consultation and informal discussionsConsultation and informal discussions All Election Commissioners have equal sayAll Election Commissioners have equal say Delegation of some executive functions to Delegation of some executive functions to

officers officers

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Division of workDivision of work

Functional and territorial divisionsFunctional and territorial divisions FunctionalFunctional

– PlanningPlanning– JudicialJudicial– AdministrationAdministration– Information SystemsInformation Systems– MediaMedia– Secretarial CoordinationSecretarial Coordination

Territorial - States and UTs divided into 6 zones (North, North-Territorial - States and UTs divided into 6 zones (North, North-East, East. Central, West, South)East, East. Central, West, South)

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Budget and ExpenditureBudget and Expenditure

Voted budgetVoted budget Independent Budget finalised in consultation with Independent Budget finalised in consultation with

Finance MinistryFinance Ministry Funds for Conduct of elections reflected in the budget Funds for Conduct of elections reflected in the budget

of States/UTsof States/UTs Only Parliament election - Funded entirely by CentreOnly Parliament election - Funded entirely by Centre Only Assembly election - Funded by the StateOnly Assembly election - Funded by the State Simultaneous election - Expenses shared equallySimultaneous election - Expenses shared equally Expenditure on capital equipment shared equallyExpenditure on capital equipment shared equally Expenditure on electoral rolls, PICs also shared equallyExpenditure on electoral rolls, PICs also shared equally

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When Elections take place?When Elections take place? Term of Parliament & Assembly - 5years (except J & K Term of Parliament & Assembly - 5years (except J & K

Assembly where it is 6 years)Assembly where it is 6 years) House can be dissolved before its term endsHouse can be dissolved before its term ends Dates decided by the Commission. No consultation done with Dates decided by the Commission. No consultation done with

any Governmentany Government Commission can call for elections six months prior to the date Commission can call for elections six months prior to the date

on which normal tenure of Assembly or Parliament expires.on which normal tenure of Assembly or Parliament expires. 14 General elections since 1952. 14 General elections since 1952. Bye-elections when a seat falls vacant. Normally held within 6-Bye-elections when a seat falls vacant. Normally held within 6-

months of vacancy. No Bye-elections if vacancy for less than months of vacancy. No Bye-elections if vacancy for less than one yearone year

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Scheduling of ElectionsScheduling of Elections No more than 6-month gap between last session of No more than 6-month gap between last session of

Parliament/Assembly and recalling of new HouseParliament/Assembly and recalling of new House Elections to fall within this periodElections to fall within this period Number of considerations in scheduling:Number of considerations in scheduling:

– WeatherWeather– Law & orderLaw & order– Movement of Central police forcesMovement of Central police forces– Agricultural cyclesAgricultural cycles– FestivalsFestivals– Exam schedulesExam schedules– Public holidaysPublic holidays– Logistical requirementsLogistical requirements

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Who can Contest?Who can Contest? Any citizen over 25 years for Lok Sabha & Vidhan SabhaAny citizen over 25 years for Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha Any citizen over 30 years for Rajya sabha & Vidhan ParishadAny citizen over 30 years for Rajya sabha & Vidhan Parishad For Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha candidate- registered voter in any stateFor Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha candidate- registered voter in any state For Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad- registered voter only in that For Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad- registered voter only in that

statestate Candidate should not be convicted or disqualified otherwiseCandidate should not be convicted or disqualified otherwise Security deposit:Security deposit:

– Rs.10,000/ for Lok SabhaRs.10,000/ for Lok Sabha– Rs. 5000/- for Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan ParishadRs. 5000/- for Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad– SC & ST candidates pay half the amountSC & ST candidates pay half the amount– Deposit returned if candidate secures more than 1/6th of valid votesDeposit returned if candidate secures more than 1/6th of valid votes

Nominations need to be proposed by electors:Nominations need to be proposed by electors:– one for candidate of national/state partyone for candidate of national/state party– ten for othersten for others

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The ContestantsThe Contestants

7 days for filing nominations7 days for filing nominations Scrutiny a day following the last date for nominationsScrutiny a day following the last date for nominations Thereafter 2 days provided for withdrawalThereafter 2 days provided for withdrawal Final list prepared after withdrawalFinal list prepared after withdrawal 4370 candidates for 543 seats in 1999, 5435 in 2004 (2386 independents)4370 candidates for 543 seats in 1999, 5435 in 2004 (2386 independents) Average number of contestants:Average number of contestants:

– 1952 -- 3.81952 -- 3.8– 1991 -- 16.31991 -- 16.3– 1996 -- 25.61996 -- 25.6– 1998 -- 8.751998 -- 8.75– 1999 -- 8.051999 -- 8.05– 2004 -- 10.012004 -- 10.01

Size of deposit increased in1996Size of deposit increased in1996 Number of electors nominating a candidate increasedNumber of electors nominating a candidate increased

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Time and mode of election campaignsTime and mode of election campaigns

Campaign period of about 13 days or moreCampaign period of about 13 days or more Ends 48 hours before polling closesEnds 48 hours before polling closes Parties issue manifestoesParties issue manifestoes Slogans, Door-to-door campaigning etc.Slogans, Door-to-door campaigning etc. Posters, meetings, processions etc.Posters, meetings, processions etc.

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Model Code of ConductModel Code of Conduct

Part IPart IMinimum standards of behaviourMinimum standards of behaviour Part IIPart II Public meetings Public meetings Part IIIPart III Processions by political partiesProcessions by political parties Part IVPart IV Conduct of political parties Conduct of political parties Part VPart V Conduct on poll dayConduct on poll day Part VIPart VI Handling of complaintsHandling of complaints Part VIIPart VII Parties in PowerParties in Power

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Checks on Party in PowerChecks on Party in Power

No official tour with campaigningNo official tour with campaigning Bar on use of official vehicle/aircraftBar on use of official vehicle/aircraft Equal opportunity for use of public places for Equal opportunity for use of public places for

meetings, stay etcmeetings, stay etc No ads on public expenseNo ads on public expense No announcement or promise of new schemesNo announcement or promise of new schemes No new financial sanctionsNo new financial sanctions No fresh appointmentsNo fresh appointments

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Voter Education - IVoter Education - I

By ECBy EC Fund provided to CEOs to give Newspaper inserts, radio jingles, Fund provided to CEOs to give Newspaper inserts, radio jingles,

television spots, Banners, posters and produce literaturetelevision spots, Banners, posters and produce literature In rural areas – drum beating, chaupal (village assemblies) etcIn rural areas – drum beating, chaupal (village assemblies) etc Electoral Rolls displayed and read in local bodies like Gram Electoral Rolls displayed and read in local bodies like Gram

Sabhas and Resident’s Welfare Associations etc.Sabhas and Resident’s Welfare Associations etc. To enable voters to make an informed choiceTo enable voters to make an informed choice - All candidates are required to declare their criminal past, - All candidates are required to declare their criminal past,

educational qualifications, assets and liabilities etc.- Affidavits educational qualifications, assets and liabilities etc.- Affidavits filed displayed publicly and also put on the EC website.filed displayed publicly and also put on the EC website.

Efforts on to make information on poll expenses public.Efforts on to make information on poll expenses public.

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Voter Education - IIVoter Education - II By NGOsBy NGOs NGOs are encouraged to educate votersNGOs are encouraged to educate voters A number of Election Watch Groups played a positive roll in A number of Election Watch Groups played a positive roll in

2004 elections2004 elections One industry gr. also helped in putting up helplines and kiosksOne industry gr. also helped in putting up helplines and kiosks

By Political parties and candidatesBy Political parties and candidates They are the real stake holders and hence play crucial role in They are the real stake holders and hence play crucial role in

voter educationvoter education Advertisements, person to person contacts, meetings, posters are Advertisements, person to person contacts, meetings, posters are

the modesthe modes

By MediaBy Media Media mature - plays a crucial roleMedia mature - plays a crucial role

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Women ParticipationWomen Participation

Women seatsWomen seats No specific law for reservation of seats as yetNo specific law for reservation of seats as yet Political parties expected to put up women candidates Political parties expected to put up women candidates

in reasonable numbersin reasonable numbers

Facilities on the polling stationsFacilities on the polling stations Separate Q for women votersSeparate Q for women voters At least one lady officer posted in every polling stationAt least one lady officer posted in every polling station Lady officer alone can see and verify “pardhanasheen” Lady officer alone can see and verify “pardhanasheen”

ladies ( Ladies wearing veils)ladies ( Ladies wearing veils)

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Limits on Poll Expenses - ILimits on Poll Expenses - I Limits on candidatesLimits on candidates Lok Sabha - Maximum Rs. 2,500,000 ; Minimum - Rs. 1,000,000. Lok Sabha - Maximum Rs. 2,500,000 ; Minimum - Rs. 1,000,000. Vidhan Sabha- Max. Rs. 1,000,000; Min. - Rs. 500,000.Vidhan Sabha- Max. Rs. 1,000,000; Min. - Rs. 500,000. Commission monitors expenses closelyCommission monitors expenses closely

– Expenditure Observers Expenditure Observers – Detailed accounts furnished by candidates within 30 days of Detailed accounts furnished by candidates within 30 days of

declaration of election resultsdeclaration of election results

Limits on politicasl partiesLimits on politicasl parties Political parties and supporters till recently could spend as much as Political parties and supporters till recently could spend as much as

they wanted in the campaign in additionthey wanted in the campaign in addition Political parties will file their annual income statements before the Political parties will file their annual income statements before the

CommissionCommission

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Limits on Poll Expenses-IILimits on Poll Expenses-II

Expenses that are exemptedExpenses that are exempted No expenses except the travel expenses on upto 40 No expenses except the travel expenses on upto 40

national leaders of a recognised party and 20 of national leaders of a recognised party and 20 of registered/unrecognised parties are exemptedregistered/unrecognised parties are exempted

Expenses made by well wishers, friends and relatives Expenses made by well wishers, friends and relatives of the candidates are now added to the candidate’s of the candidates are now added to the candidate’s expenditureexpenditure

Expenses incurred by the parties to publicise its Expenses incurred by the parties to publicise its policies and programmes are not included in the policies and programmes are not included in the candidate’s expenditurecandidate’s expenditure

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Electronic MediaElectronic Media Arrangement between Prasar Bharti and Election Arrangement between Prasar Bharti and Election

CommissionCommission Free time on AIR and Doordarshan to National and Free time on AIR and Doordarshan to National and

State partiesState parties Political parties can reach out to every cornerPolitical parties can reach out to every corner Ensures level playing fieldEnsures level playing field 63 hours given during GE 1999, -- hours during GE 63 hours given during GE 1999, -- hours during GE

20042004 Indirect State fundingIndirect State funding Now being extended to the Private Channels Now being extended to the Private Channels

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Preparation for ElectionsPreparation for Elections- Mobilisation of the Staff- Mobilisation of the Staff

Drawn from various Central and State Drawn from various Central and State Government departments - no private individual Government departments - no private individual associatedassociated

Staff on deputation with the CommissionStaff on deputation with the Commission Staff subject to Commission’ disciplinary Staff subject to Commission’ disciplinary

controlcontrol Staff mobilized & deployed by the CEO under Staff mobilized & deployed by the CEO under

Commission’s instruction Commission’s instruction

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Preparation for Elections Preparation for Elections - Deployment and Training of Staff- Deployment and Training of Staff

Staff of various districts and states can be mixed to ensure Staff of various districts and states can be mixed to ensure fairnessfairness

Staff given nominal honorariumStaff given nominal honorarium Deployment of Government employees keeps expenditure under Deployment of Government employees keeps expenditure under

check, enhances controlcheck, enhances control Training – of ROs,EROs & Observers by the EC, of DEOs, Dy Training – of ROs,EROs & Observers by the EC, of DEOs, Dy

DEOs, ROs & EROs by the CEOs and of the Polling staff by DEOs, ROs & EROs by the CEOs and of the Polling staff by the DEOsthe DEOs

Tainted and known to be aligned not associatedTainted and known to be aligned not associated Commission takes prompt action on complaints against staff Commission takes prompt action on complaints against staff

deployeddeployed

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Preparation for Elections Preparation for Elections - Procurement of Materials- Procurement of Materials

Procurement of EVMs by the CommissionProcurement of EVMs by the Commission Other materials by the CEOs and DEOsOther materials by the CEOs and DEOs Standard procurement procedures followedStandard procurement procedures followed Specifications of materials decided by the Specifications of materials decided by the

Commission in case of non standard itemsCommission in case of non standard items Advance planning by the Commission, CEOs Advance planning by the Commission, CEOs

and DEOs for procurement at their levelsand DEOs for procurement at their levels

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Preparation for ElectionsPreparation for Elections- Relationship with stakeholders- Relationship with stakeholders

Commission hears complaints & concerns of all Commission hears complaints & concerns of all political partiespolitical parties

All political parties given similar treatment All political parties given similar treatment CEOs and DEOs call meetings of Political Parties for CEOs and DEOs call meetings of Political Parties for

electoral rolls, enforcement of code of conduct, for electoral rolls, enforcement of code of conduct, for deciding polling stations & counting centresdeciding polling stations & counting centres

Any individual or NGO can offer suggestions or can Any individual or NGO can offer suggestions or can file complaints with the EC, CEOs & DEOsfile complaints with the EC, CEOs & DEOs

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Preparation for Elections Preparation for Elections - Security Arrangements- Security Arrangements

Assessment for Central Force’s requirement is made Assessment for Central Force’s requirement is made keeping in mind the Law and Order situationkeeping in mind the Law and Order situation

State police and central paramilitary forces deployed State police and central paramilitary forces deployed based on requirementsbased on requirements

No police organ having any affiliation to the ruling No police organ having any affiliation to the ruling party deployedparty deployed

Confidence building measures takenConfidence building measures taken Situations watched regularly - special directions given, Situations watched regularly - special directions given,

if neededif needed

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ObserversObservers

Appointed from senior civil servantsAppointed from senior civil servants General Observers drawn from IASGeneral Observers drawn from IAS Expenditure Observers drawn from IRSExpenditure Observers drawn from IRS Statutory role for ObserversStatutory role for Observers Report directly to CommissionReport directly to Commission Eyes and ears of the Commission in the ConstituenciesEyes and ears of the Commission in the Constituencies Nearly 2000 observers appointed in GE 2004Nearly 2000 observers appointed in GE 2004 All counting centers coveredAll counting centers covered

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Ingradients of a Credible ElectionIngradients of a Credible Election

Correct electoral rolls - fair opportunity is given to all Correct electoral rolls - fair opportunity is given to all for addition and deletion of namesfor addition and deletion of names

Freedom for filing nominations to all eligible persons Freedom for filing nominations to all eligible persons No coercion – for abstention or casting votesNo coercion – for abstention or casting votes Proper enforcement of Model Code of Conduct to Proper enforcement of Model Code of Conduct to

create a level playing fieldcreate a level playing field Expenses by the candidates within the prescribed limitsExpenses by the candidates within the prescribed limits Conditions – in which an average elector feels secure Conditions – in which an average elector feels secure

for casting his vote freely without any fear for casting his vote freely without any fear Complete transparency in all electoral operationsComplete transparency in all electoral operations

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Grievance Redressal MechanismGrievance Redressal Mechanism Registration of electorsRegistration of electors Complete transparency maintained during preparation and revision of voter Complete transparency maintained during preparation and revision of voter

listlist Provision of appeals and redressal of grievances at every levelProvision of appeals and redressal of grievances at every level

Mechanism during the Campaign, the Poll and the counting of votesMechanism during the Campaign, the Poll and the counting of votes Setting up Control Rooms, Helplines and a credible communication network Setting up Control Rooms, Helplines and a credible communication network

to facilitate filing of complaints and their timely redressal to facilitate filing of complaints and their timely redressal

Election Petitions after the results are declaredElection Petitions after the results are declared Can be filed by any elector or candidateCan be filed by any elector or candidate Heard by High Court of the StateHeard by High Court of the State Can lead to re-staging of the electionCan lead to re-staging of the election Filed within 45 days of declaration of resultsFiled within 45 days of declaration of results Appeals lie with Supreme CourtAppeals lie with Supreme Court

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Information Technology Information Technology and the EC Websiteand the EC Website

EC makes an extensive use of Information TechnologyEC makes an extensive use of Information Technology Dissemination of information amongst it offices through intranet and to the Dissemination of information amongst it offices through intranet and to the

public through internetpublic through internet The electoral rolls are computerised in all the state languages and are available The electoral rolls are computerised in all the state languages and are available

on the interneton the internet EC website is a comprehensive resource center for Indian Elections with:EC website is a comprehensive resource center for Indian Elections with:

– all election laws, manuals and handbooksall election laws, manuals and handbooks– Election resultsElection results– Electoral rolls (Voter Lists)Electoral rolls (Voter Lists)

EC servers are linked with all 1500 counting centers of the country on the poll EC servers are linked with all 1500 counting centers of the country on the poll day and results are made available in the real timeday and results are made available in the real time

URL is URL is www.eci.gov.inwww.eci.gov.in

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Electoral ReformsElectoral Reforms Criminalisation of politicsCriminalisation of politics Number of seats a person can contestNumber of seats a person can contest Ext Polls and Opinion PollsExt Polls and Opinion Polls Surrogate Advertisements on Print MediaSurrogate Advertisements on Print Media Political Ads on TV and Cable networkPolitical Ads on TV and Cable network Party Accounts and its AuditParty Accounts and its Audit Government sponsored AdvertisementsGovernment sponsored Advertisements Negative/Neutral VotingNegative/Neutral Voting Decisions on Anti-defection casesDecisions on Anti-defection cases

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Other New InitiativesOther New Initiatives Use of Electronic Voting MachinesUse of Electronic Voting Machines Free time on state owned Electronic media for political parties - a step Free time on state owned Electronic media for political parties - a step

towards state funding of electionstowards state funding of elections Check on criminalization of politicsCheck on criminalization of politics Computer networking and use of Information TechnologyComputer networking and use of Information Technology Computerization of Electoral rollsComputerization of Electoral rolls Photo I-CardsPhoto I-Cards Electoral rolls with photographElectoral rolls with photograph E-registration of electorsE-registration of electors Publishing national voter register on the EC website with a credible search Publishing national voter register on the EC website with a credible search

mechanismmechanism Use of the GIS in electoral managementUse of the GIS in electoral management Simplifying maintenance of accounts by candidatesSimplifying maintenance of accounts by candidates Simplifying filing of accountsSimplifying filing of accounts Streamlining procedure for registrationStreamlining procedure for registration Model Code of ConductModel Code of Conduct

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GE 2004 – Interesting FactsGE 2004 – Interesting Facts

1. The oldest Candidate, as well as winner was 94 years old.

2. The youngest elected MP is 26 years old.

3. The average age of elected MP is 52.6 years.

4. Out of 543 MPs, 45 are women.

5. Maximum number of candidates was 35 in Madras South Constituency.

6. Due to first-past-the-post system, about 2/3rd elected MPs have less than 35% Votes polled (against number of Electors).

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Photo Gallery – Elections 2004Photo Gallery – Elections 2004

Officials at distribution center Officials checking EVMs and polling materials

Officials carrying EVMs and

polling materials

A group of Villagers with EPI cards Officials carrying EVMs

and polling materials

Electors going to exercise their

Franchise An Elector familiarizing himself

regarding functioning of EVM

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Photo Gallery – Elections 2004Photo Gallery – Elections 2004

An elder on way to cast her vote

Electors waiting in Q Indelible ink being marked on elector’s finger

Physically challenged casting her vote

Chief Election Commissioner casting

his vote

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Hon’ble President of India

after casting his vote

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ThanksThanks