Our previous article on elections delved into the procedural intricacies of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections. In today’s story, we’ll discuss the election code, nomination procedures, the process of vote counting post-election, and the pivotal government formation.
Managing the Voting Process
Managing elections in a country as populous as India requires meticulous planning and execution. Over the past six weeks, around 64.2 crore people voted (among approximately 97 crores of registered voters) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) faces the monumental task of ensuring accessibility and fairness. According to guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI), polling booths should be conveniently located within a 2-kilometer radius for voters’ accessibility.
Preparation for these elections begins a year in advance. The 2024 elections involved a setup of over 10.5 lakh polling booths, deployment of 1.1 crore election officers and security personnel, utilization of 50 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and mobilization of around 4 lakh vehicles. Notably, even the most remote locations receive attention, exemplified by establishing a polling booth deep within the Gir Forest of Gujarat during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, dedicated to just one voter.
Upholding Electoral Integrity
Before elections commence, the ECI meticulously prepares the electoral roll, also known as the Voters List, which undergoes regular updates. This roll includes all eligible voters, with individuals reaching the age of 18 added, and deceased individuals removed. To verify your registration status in the voter list, you can visit the official link provided by the ECI.
To ensure fair and ethical conduct during elections, the ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), applicable from the announcement of election dates until the results are declared. This code mandates regulations such as refraining from bribery, inciting communal disharmony, conducting campaign activities in religious institutions, or making personal attacks against opponents. Violations can result in penalties ranging from warnings to disqualification.
Additionally, stringent regulations govern the conduct of election campaigns. Forty-eight hours before elections, campaigning is prohibited to maintain fairness. For a comprehensive understanding of electoral rules, interested individuals can refer to the official link provided by the Election Commission.
Specific regulations apply to the ruling party to ensure fairness. Members are barred from utilizing government resources such as vehicles or officers for campaigning purposes. Moreover, government funds cannot be allocated for media advertisements, nor can new policies or schemes be announced during the implementation of the election code.
The ECI has developed the cVIGIL app to empower citizens to uphold electoral integrity. This platform enables voters to anonymously report violations observed during the election process, including photographic or video evidence of misconduct.
Nominating Candidates
Candidates contesting for election must file nominations in their respective constituencies, accompanied by a security deposit. These nominations can be made independently or as part of a political party. Additionally, candidates must submit an affidavit disclosing personal details, educational qualifications, assets, and any criminal history, ensuring transparency for voters. The public can view these Affidavits via the official link provided by the ECI for informed decision-making.
Election Day Procedures
On election day, eligible citizens, including those above 18 years old, have the right to vote. Employers are mandated to grant paid leave for voting under the Representation of The People Act 1951, with penalties for non-compliance. Special provisions are made for senior citizens over 85 years old and disabled individuals (with disability of more than 40%), allowing them to vote from home upon submission of Form 12D to the ECI. A designated team facilitates this process, ensuring a seamless voting experience.
Upon visiting the polling booth, voters are verified against the electoral roll and required to present identification. Following verification, indelible ink is applied to the voter’s finger to prevent multiple voting. This ink, supplied by Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd., has been standard practice since 1962. Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd., the company that has been producing indelible ink for elections since 1962, exports its product to approximately 25 countries, including Canada and Malaysia.
Delving into Post-Election Procedures
After elections, the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are carefully separated, stored in boxes, sealed, and signed by the authorities. They are then shifted to a secure strong room, where CCTV cameras and dedicated personnel vigilantly monitor them.
Talking about the EVM machine, there is an option for NOTA (None of the Above) at the bottom of the options with a black cross across it. Notably, the introduction of the NOTA option on September 18, 2015, aimed to boost voter engagement, offering a channel for citizens to express dissatisfaction. However, NOTA votes are deemed invalid and do not sway the election outcome.
How Votes are Counted
On the pivotal day of vote counting, the process unfolds under the watchful eye of a Returning Officer (RO), ensuring transparency. Representatives from all contesting parties are present at the opening of EVMs and the subsequent counting process. Each EVM features a result button that, when pressed, automatically displays the tally of seats won by each candidate.
The concept of “election rounds” during counting refers to the sequential assessment of EVMs. For instance, if a counting hall has 14 tables capable of assessing EVMs simultaneously, and there are 280 EVMs in total, the process spans approximately 280/14 = 20 rounds. Results from each round are tallied to declare the final outcome. In Lok Sabha elections, a party or alliance securing over 50% of the votes forms the government for the upcoming five years.
Unraveling By-Elections
The concept of “By-elections” or “By-polls” arises when a Member of Parliament resigns, passes away, or cannot continue holding office. The procedure mirrors general elections, with a voting period typically spanning two weeks, allowing citizens to elect a replacement representative.
The electoral process in India is a testament to democratic principles, with meticulous planning, stringent regulations, and inclusive measures ensuring the integrity and accessibility of elections. As citizens, active participation in the electoral process is not only a right but a responsibility, shaping the future of governance in the nation.