The top officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) made a two-day of visit of Haryana ending Tuesday and held a detailed and comprehensive review of the preparedness for the forthcoming assembly elections.

The term of the assembly is due to expire on 3rd November and elections are scheduled for 90 Assembly Constituencies (73 General; 17 SC).

During the review visit of CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu, representatives of national and state political parties – Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Indian National Lok Dal and Jannayak Janta Party – came to meet the Commission in Chandigarh, an official release said on Tuesday.

The main issues raised by political parties included:

*    Conduct of free and fair elections with strict action against misuse of government machinery.
*    Deployment of adequate central forces in sensitive polling stations.
*    Some parties also highlighted the requirement of updating the electoral roll with removal of dead and shifted voters in Panchkula.
*    Regarding polling stations, there was a request to reduce the distance between polling stations and improve facilities for elderly and women voters.
*    Some parties advocated for changing the location of parties polling desks from 200 meters to 50 meters from the polling station entrance in urban areas.
*    Concerns were also raised about the inaccessibility of election Observers for timely grievance redressal.
*    Other demands included the timely sharing of voter lists with candidates immediately after nomination deadline.
*    Providing advance intimation to political parties & candidates when polling teams visits electors for home voting.
*    A few parties also requested an increase in the expenditure limit for candidates in assembly elections.

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. Political parties were encouraged to actively engage in the ongoing second Special Summary Revision process to update the electoral rolls ahead of the elections.  

For the first time in the assembly elections in Haryana, senior citizens over 85+ years and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability will be provided an option to vote from the comfort of their homes. Home voting facility is optional. If an elector is willing to visit the polling station physically to cast their vote, necessary assistance will be provided at the polling station. Application form 12D is distributed and collected by BLO within 5 days of the notification, from such electors who opt for this facility and deposit it with the Returning Officer. The complete process is videographed and representatives of political parties/candidates are always involved in the entire process of voting from home.

The Commission held detailed review with DEOs/SPs/Divisional Commissioner’s/IGs on every aspect of election planning and conduct including electoral rolls, EVM management, logistics, polling station rationalisation and infrastructure, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.

The Commission also discussed the administrative, logistics, Law & Order and election related arrangements with the Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer. Prior to the detailed review with DEOs & SPs, CEO Haryana gave an overview on all aspects of election management including the ongoing 2nd Special Summary revision of Electoral Rolls in the state with respect to July 1, 2024 as the qualifying date. The final electoral roll will be published on August 27, 2024, a copy of which will be provided to all recognized parties free of cost.

The Commission also held meeting with the Chief Secretary & Director General of Police to review the overall poll preparedness and law and order matters.