Jan 12th

Biennial Elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) from the State of Jammu
& Kashmir
The term of office of 4 members of the Council of States representing the State of
Jammu & Kashmir is to be expire on 10th and 15th February, 2015. The details are as given
below: S
Name of the Member
Date of Retirement
.No.
1. Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz
10.02.2015
2. Sh. Ghulam Nabi Azad
10.02.2015
3. Sh. Ghulam Nabi Wani
15.02.2015
4. Sh. Mohammad Shaf
15.02.2015
The State of Jammu & Kashmir is currently under the Governors rule. The term of the
existing Assembly expires on 19th January, 2015 unless dissolved earlier. From the
20th January, 2015 the newly constituted State Assembly will be in subsistence. The new
Assembly members may not be in a position to take oath as Members immediately i.e. till
the Governors rule ends/is revoked. However, the Honble Supreme Court has held that the
MLAs, once elected, can vote for electing members of the Council of States even though
they have not formally taken oath as such members to sit in the Assembly.
In respect of members of the Council of States to be elected by the elected Members
of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, all the four seats are to be flled up on account of
biennial retirement of members. On the last occasion, these four vacancies were flled up by
holding three separate elections, in accordance with the law on the subject, i.e. one biennial
election for the seat of Prof. Saif-Ud-Din Soz, second biennial election for the seat of Sh.
Ghulam Nabi Azad and third biennial election for the seats of Sh. Ghulam Nabi Wani and Sh.
Mohammad Saf.Consequently, the four members to be elected now shall hold office for the
full tenure of six years. This time alsothree separate biennial elections will be held to fll
up these four seats as was done on the last occasion
The Commission has decided to hold Biennial Elections to the Council of States
from the State of Jammu & Kashmir to fll up the above said vacancies so arising in
accordance with the following schedule:Sl.N
o.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Particular of events

Date

21st January, 2015 (Wednesday)

28th January, 2015 (Wednesday)
29th January,2015 (Thursday)
31st January, 2015 (Saturday)
7th February, 2015 (Saturday)
9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M.
7th February, 2015 (Saturday) at
5.00 P.M.
Date before which election shall be 9th February, 2015 (Monday)
completed
Issue of Notifcation
Last date of making nominations
Scrutiny of nominations
Last date for withdrawal of candidatures
Date of poll
Hours of poll
Counting of Votes

Election Commission of India

New Delhi : 12th January, 2015

Schedule of General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2015.

Regarding.
The last Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi was dissolved by the
President of India with immediate effect vide his Order No. G.S.R. 773(E), dated
4th November, 2014, issued under clause (b) of sub-Section (2) of Section 6 of the
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 (1 of 1992) read with clause (a)
of the Order No. S.O. 410 (E), dated the 16 th February, 2014, issued under Article 239AB of
the Constitution, in relation to the NCT of Delhi.
2.
By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read with
Section 5 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act 1991 and Section 15
of Representation of the People Act, 1951 and following the principle laid down by the
Honble Supreme Court of India in Reference Case No.1 of 2002 (Reference by the President
under Article 143 relating to General Elections to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on its
premature dissolution), the Commission is under mandate to hold elections to constitute the
new Legislative Assembly in the National Capital Territory of Delhi within six months from the
date of dissolution of the last NCT of Delhi Legislative Assembly, i.e., by the 3 rd May, 2015.
(1) Assembly Constituencies

The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the NCT

of
Delhi and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes andthe Scheduled Tribes, as determined
by the Delimitation Commission under the Delimitation Act, 2002 is as under: Total No. of

Reserved for SCs

Reserved for STs

Assembly Constituencies
70

(2)

12

---

Electoral Rolls

The Electoral Rolls of all the Assembly Constituencies in the NCT

of
Delhi revised with reference to 1.1.2015as the qualifying date have been fnally published o
n 05.01.2015. The number of electors in the NCT of Delhi is 13085251.

(3)

Photo Electoral Rolls

Photo electoral rolls will be used during the forthcoming general election in the NCT of
Delhi. The photopercentages in Photo Electoral Rolls is 100%.

(4)

Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)

Identifcation of the voters

at the polling booth at the time of poll shall be mandatory. Electors who have beenprovided
with EPIC shall be identifed through EPIC. Presently, the EPIC coverage in the NCT of Delhi is 100%.
All the residual electors,
if
any, are advised to obtain their Elector Photo Identity
Cards from the Electoral Registration Officers of their Assembly Constituencies urgently
.
In order to ensure
that no voter is deprived of his/her franchise, if his/her name fgures in the Electoral Rolls,se
parate instructions will be issued to allow additional documents for identifcation of voters, if needed.

(5)

Polling Stations

There are 11763 Polling Stations in the NCT of Delhi on the date of fnal publication of
electoral rolls.
For the facility of physically challenged persons, instructions have been issued
to ensure that all pollingstations as far
as practicable, are
located at ground floor
and
ramps are provided. Facilitation shall also beprovided for locating electors names in
a polling station or a group of polling stations through help lines andfacilitation centers.
(6)

Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) at Polling Stations

The Commission has issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officer of NCT
Delhi to ensure that PollingStations are equipped with Basic Minimum Facilities
(BMF) like drinking water, shed, toilet, ramp for thephysically challenged voters and
a standard voting compartment etc.

(7)

of

Polling Parties and Randomization

Polling parties shall be formed randomly, through special application software,

threestage randomization willbe adopted. First, from a wider district database of eligible officials,
a shortlist of a minimum 120% of the requirednumbers will be
randomly picked up. This group will be trained for polling duties. In the second stage, from t
histrained manpower, actual polling parties as required shall be formed by
random selection software in thepresence of General Observers. In the third randomization,
the polling stations will be allocated randomly justbefore the polling partys departure. Ther
e shall be such randomization for
Police Constables and
Home guardsalso, who are deployed at the polling stations on the poll day.
(8)

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

The poll in the NCT of Delhi will be conducted at all polling stations using EVMs. VVPAT
Electronic
Voting
Machines
will
be
used
in
2
(two)
Assembly
Constituencies. The Commission has already made arrangements to ensureavailability of ad
equate number of EVMs for the smooth conduct of elections. The Commission has issued a
new set ofnstructions with regard to the First Level
Check of EVMs, that will be used
in the poll in the
NCT
of
Delhi. A twostagerandomization of EVMs will be made. In the frst stage, all the EVMs stored in the distri

ct storage centre will berandomized by

the
District Election Officer (DEO) in the presence of the representatives of the
recognizedpolitical parties for allocation assembly constituency-wise. EVMs will be prepared
and set for elections after fnalizationof the contesting candidates. At this
stage also, candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and
satisfy themselves in every manner about the functionality of the EVMs. After the
EVMs in a constituency are preparedfor the poll by the Returning Officer and the ballot units
are ftted with ballot papers, then the EVMs will again berandomized to decide the actual po
lling stations in which they will be ultimately used. The Second
Stage randomizationwill be done in the presence of Observers, Candidates or their
Election Agents.
(9)

None of the Above (NOTA) Option in EVMs

In its judgment dated 27th September, 2013 in Writ Petition (C) No. 161 of 2004, the
Supreme Court has directed that there should be a None of the Above (NOTA) option on
the
ballot
papers
and
EVMs.
The
Court
has directed thatthe
Commission should implement it either in a phased manner or at a time with the assistance
of Government ofIndia.
On the Balloting Unit, below the name of the last candidate, there will now be
a button for NOTA option sothat electors who do not want to vote for any of the
candidates can exercise their option by pressing the buttonagainst NOTA.
The Commission is taking steps to bring this
to the knowledge of voters
and all other stakeholders and to train all feldlevel officials including the polling personnel a
bout the NOTA option.
(10)

Affidavits of candidates all columns to be filled in

In pursuance of the judgment dated 13th September, 2013 passed by the Supreme Court
in Writ Petition (C)No. 121 of 2008, which among other
things makes
it obligatory for the Returning Officer to check whether theinformation required is
fully furnished at the time of fling of affidavit with the nomination paper, the
Commission has issued instructions that in the affidavit to be fled along with the nominatio
n paper, candidatesare required to fll up all columns. If any column in the affidavit is left bl
ank, the Returning Officer will issue anotice to the candidate to fle
the affidavit with all columns flled in. After such notice, if a candidate fails to fleaffidavit c
omplete in all respects, the nomination paper will be liable to be rejected at
the time of scrutiny. TheChief Electoral Officer has been directed to brief all
Returning Officers about the judgment of the Supreme Courtand the Commissions instructions.
(11)

Communication plan

The Commission attaches great importance to preparation and

implementation of a perfectcommunication 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 directe
d theChief Electoral Officer of Delhi to coordinate with the officers of Telecommunication D
epartment in the State headquarters,
MTNL, BSNL authorities, the representatives of other leading service providers in Delhi so
that networkstatus is assessed and communication shadow areas be
identifed. The CEO has also been advised to ensure bestcommunication plan in the NCT of
Delhi.

(12)

Videography

All critical events will be video-graphed. District Election Officers will arrange
sufficient number of video anddigital cameras and camera teams for the purpose. The event
s for videography will include fling of nominations,scrutiny thereof and allotment of symbol
s, First Level Checking, preparations and storage of Electronic
Voting Machines, important public meetings, processions etc. during campaign, process
of dispatching of postal ballotpapers, polling process in identifed vulnerable polling station
s, storage of polled EVMs, counting of votes etc. Webcasting,
Videography and Digital cameras will also be deployed inside polling booths wherever
needed.CDs of video recordings will be available on payment to anyone who wishes to obtai
n a copy of the same.
(13)

Law and Order and Deployment of Forces

Conduct of elections involves elaborate security management. It includes ensuring the s

ecurity of pollingpersonnel, security at the polling stations, security of polling materials and
also the overall security of the electionprocess. Central Armed
Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed for area domination prior to poll in order to build
confdence in the minds of voters specially vulnerable voters viz. weaker section, minorities
etc.
The Commission has taken various measures to ensure free and fair elections by creating
an atmosphere in whicheach elector is able to access the polling station without being obstructed or being
unduly influenced/intimidated by anybody.

Based on the assessment of the ground situation, Central Armed Police

Forces (CAPF) and State
Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other
States will be deployed during these elections. The CAPF and SAP will be usedgenerally for
safeguarding the polling stations and for providing security to the electors and polling perso
nnel atthe polling stations on the poll day. Besides, these forces will be used
for securing the strong rooms where theEVMs are stored and for securing the
counting centers and for other purposes, as required.
The Commission has been issuing instructions from time to time with regard to
the advance preventivemeasures to be taken by the District Magistrates and Police authoriti
es to maintain the Law & Order and to createatmosphere conducive for the
conduct of free and fair elections. The Commission will be constantly monitoringthe ground
situation closely and will take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair polls
in theseStates.
(14)

Protection to SC/ST Electors

As per Section 3 (1) (vii) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989,whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled
Caste or Scheduled Tribe, forces or intimidates a member of aScheduled Caste or a
Scheduled Tribe not to vote or to vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner othe
rthan that provided by law shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than sixmonths but which may extend to fve years and with f
ne. The Commission has asked the Government
of
NCT
of
Delhi to bring these provisions to the notice of all concerned for prompt action.
(15)

General Observers

The Commission will deploy General

Observers in adequate number
to ensure
smooth conduct of elections. TheObservers will be asked to keep a close watch on every sta
ge of the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections.Their names, addresses within
the district/constituency and their telephone numbers will be publicized in localnewspa
pers so that the general public can quickly approach them
for any grievance redressal. The Observers will begiven a detailed briefng by the
Commission before their deployment. Commission may also deploy Police Observers
tokeep a close watch on law & order situation.
(16)

Election Expenditure Monitoring

Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election expen
diture of thecandidates have been issued, which include formation of flying squads, static surveillance Team
s, video surveillanceTeams, involvement of Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Deptt. etc. State Excise D
epartments and police authorities have been asked to monitor production, distribution,
sale and storage of liquor and other intoxicants during the election process.
For greater transparency and for ease of monitoring of Election Expenses,
Candidates would be required toopen a separate bank account and incur their election expe
nses from that very account. The InvestigationDirectorate of Income Tax Dept. has been ask
ed to open Air Intelligence unit in the airports
located
in
NCT
of
Delhiand also to gather intelligence and take necessary action against movement of large
sum of money in these states.
Expenditure Observers and
Assistant Exp.
Observers from
Central
Government are being appointed to keepclose watch on election expenditure of the
candidates. Control room and Complaint Monitoring Centre with 24hours toll free numbers s
hall be operative during the entire election process. Banks and fnancial
intelligenceunits of Government of India have been asked to forward suspicious
cash withdrawal reports to the electionofficials.
All candidates must ensure that they fle their affidavits in the revised format
(Form 26) only. The
revisedformat is available on the ECI website and in Returning Officers handbook.
(17)

Paid News

To deal with the issue of Paid News, a mechanism has been laid out with
three tier of Media certifcation andMonitoring Committees (MCMC) at District, State and ECI
level. Revised comprehensive instructions on PaidNews are available on
the Commissions Website.
Necessary instructions have been issued to the CEO of the
NCT
of
Delhi to ensure briefng of political partiesand Media in the districts about Paid News and
the mechanism to check Paid News. The MCMCs have beentrained to do their job.

(18)

Police Observers

The Commission may deploy IPS officers as Police Observers at district level,
in the poll going State dependingupon the need and sensitivity. They will monitor all activiti
es relating to force deployment, law and order situation and co-ordinate between civil and Police
administration to ensure free and fair election.

(19)

Micro Observers

In addition to General Observers, the Commission will also deploy Micro

Observers to observe the pollproceedings in the polling stations on the poll day in
selected critical polling stations. They will be chosen from Central
Government/Central PSUs officials. Micro-Observers will observe the proceedings at
thepolling stations on the poll day right from the mock poll to the completion of poll and th
e process of sealing of EVMs and other documents to ensure that all
instructions of the Commission are complied with by the PollingParties and the
Polling Agents. They will report to the General Observers directly about any vitiation of the p
ollproceedings in their allotted polling stations.
(20)

Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)

Comprehensive measures for voters

education were taken up during the
Special Roll Revision process in thepoll going state. These measures will continue during the
electoral process. Chief Electoral Officer of the poll-going state has been directed to ensure
wide dissemination of election related information and also
for carryingout Voter Education campaigns as well as adequate facilitation measures
for
ensuing wider participation of peoplein polling.
Model polling stations will also be set up in identifed districts. Voter-helplines,
Voters Facilitation Centres, web andSMS based search facilities are active for assistance of
voters. There are special facilities in place for those, who arephysically
challenged or
have special needs.
(21)

Conduct of Officials

The Commission expects all officials engaged in the conduct of elections to discharge thei
r duties in an impartialmanner without any fear or favour. They are deemed to be on deputa
tion to the Commission and shall be subject to itscontrol,
supervision and discipline. The conduct of all Government officials who have been entrusted
with electionrelated responsibilities and duties would remain under constant scrutiny of the
Commission and strict action shall betaken against those officials who are found wanting on
any account.
The Commission has already given instructions that no election related official or
Police officer of the rank ofInspector and above shall be allowed to continue in his home dist
rict. Besides, instructions have also been issued that election related officials including
police officials of Inspector level & above who have completed
three years in adistrict during last four years should be transferred out of that district.Police offic
Division/Assembly Constituency or are p
ers of the rank of Sub Inspectors who havecompleted three years in a Sub
osted in their home
subdivision/assembly constituency shall be transferred out of that Sub Division and the
Assembly Constituency.
The Commission has also instructed the Government
of
NCT
of
Delhi not to associate any officer with the electoralprocess against whom charges have bee
n framed in a court of law in any case.

(22)

District Election Plan

The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive district electio
n plan in consultationwith District
Police
Officials and Sector Officers including the route plan and communication plan for conduct of
elections. These plans will be vetted by
the Observers taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise andmapping of
critical polling station in accordance with Election Commission of Indias extant
instructions.
(23)

Model Code of Conduct

The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards.
All the provisions of the Model Codewill apply to the whole of poll going State (NCT
of
Delhi) and will be applicable to all candidates, political parties, the State Government.
The Model Code of Conduct shall be applicable to the Union Govt. for the State concerned.
The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective
implementation of the MCC GuidelinesAny violations of these Guidelines would be
strictly dealt with and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructionsissued in
this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all Political Parties,
contesting candidates andtheir agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or
lack of information or understanding/interpretation.

(24)

Photo Voter Slips

To facilitate the voters to know where he/she is enrolled as a voter at a particular polling
station and what is his/herserial number in the Electoral roll, the
Commission has directed that voter slip along with Photo (wherever present in the
roll) will be distributed to all enrolled voters by the District Election Officer. It has also been
directed that the said voterslip should be in the languages in which electoral roll is published for that A
ssembly Constituency.

(25) Complaint Redressal Mechanism Call Centre and Website Based

The poll going State shall have a complaint Redressal mechanism based on website and call centre. The number of call centre is 1950, which is a
toll free number. The URL of the complaint registration website will be announced by the Chief Electoral Officer separately. Complaints can be registered by
making calls to the toll free call centre numbers or on the website. Action will be taken within time limit on all complaints. Complainants will also be informed
of the action taken by SMS and by the call centre. Complainants can also see the details of the action taken on their complaints on the website.

(26) Schedule of Election

The Commission has prepared the schedule for holding General Election to the
Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi after taking into consideration all
relevant aspects, like the climatic condition, academic calendars, festivals, prevailing law
and order situation in the State, availability of Central Police Forces and timely deployment
of forces, and assessment of other ground realities.
The Commission, after considering all relevant aspect, has decided to recommend
to the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to issue notifcation for
the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi under
the relevant provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The election schedule
is appended at Annexure-1.
Election Commission of India
New Delhi:- 12th January, 2015

Schedule for bye-elections to fill casual vacancies in the Lok Sabha and
Legislative Assemblies of West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh Regarding.
TherearefollowingclearvacanciesinLokSabhaandtheLegislativeAssembliesoftheStatesmentionedwhich
arerequiredtobefilledup:
VacancyintheLokSabha
Sl.No.
1

State

No.&NameofParliamentaryConstituency

West Bengal

14-Bangaon (SC)

VacanciesinLegislativeAssemblies

Sl.No.

State

No.&NameofAssemblyConstituency

Arunachal Pradesh

27-Liromoba (ST)

Goa

11-Panaji

Tamil Nadu

139-Srirangam

West Bengal

88-Krishnaganj (SC)

Maharashtra

91-Mukhed

Andhra Pradesh

167-Tirupati

The Commission has decided to hold byeelections to fill these vacancies as per the following
schedule:
1.

Issue of Notifcation

19.01.2015 (Monday)

2.

Last date of making Nominations

27.01.2015 (Tuesday)

3.

Scrutiny of Nominations

28.01.2015 (Wednesday)

4.

Last date for withdrawal of Candidatures

30.01.2015 (Friday)

5.

Date of Poll

13.02.2015 (Friday)

6.

Counting of Votes

16.02.2015 (Monday)

7.

Date before
completed

which

election

shall

be

18.02.2015 (Wednesday)

ELECTORALROLL
Theelectoral rollsofStatesmentionedabovethatcontainedtheaboveParliamentaryandAssembly
Constituencies have been revised with reference to 01.01.2015 as the qualifying date and have been finally
publishedon05.01.2015.
ELECTRONICVOTINGMACHINES(EVMs)
TheCommissionhasdecidedtouseEVMsinthebyeelectionsinallthepollingstations.Adequate
numbersofEVMshavebeenmadeavailableandallstepshavebeentakentoensurethatthepollsareconducted
smoothlywiththehelpofthesemachines.
IDENTIFICATIONOFVOTERS
TheCommissionhasdecidedthatthevotersIdentificationshallbemandatoryintheaforementioned
byeelectionsatthetimeofpoll.ElectorsPhotoIdentifyCard(EPIC)shallbethemaindocumentofidentificationof
avoter.However,inordertoensurethatnovoterisdeprivedofhis/herfranchise,ifhis/hernamefiguresinthe
ElectoralRolls,separateinstructionswillbeissuedtoallowadditionaldocumentsforidentificationofvoteratthe
timeofpollinthesaidbyeelections.
MODELCODEOFCONDUCT
TheModelCodeofConductshallcomeintoforcewithimmediateeffectinthedistrict(s)inwhichthe
wholeoranypartoftheParliamentary/AssemblyConstituencygoingforbyeelectionsisincluded,subjectto
partialmodificationasissuedvideCommissionsinstructionNo.437/INST/2012/CC&BE,dated26 thApril,2012
(availableontheCommissionswebsite).TheModelCodeofConductshallbeapplicabletoallcandidates,political
partiesandtheStateGovernmentsconcerned.TheModelCodeofConductshallalsobeapplicabletotheUnion
Governmentinrespectoftheabovedistrict(s)oftheStatesconcerned.

ElectionCommissionofIndia
NewDelhi:12thJanuary,2015
Jan13th
De novo Intensive Revision of last part of electoral rolls relating to service
personnel with reference to 1st January, 2015 as the qualifying date.
The Commission had announced the schedule for De novo Intensive Revision of last part
of electoral rolls relating to service personnel with reference to 1 st January, 2015 as the
qualifying date vide Press release dated 2ndDecember,2014.
The Commission thereafter had many rounds of discussions with the concerned
authorities of armed forces and other concerned departments whose personnel are to be
enrolled as service elector. Today, the Commission has further reviewed the progress and the
related issues with the CEOs of all States/UTs. The Commission has decided to give more
time to the above said revision exercise and has modifed the schedule as
under:-

S.N.
1

Stages of the Revision

Date***
Date by which the Record Offices/Authorities shall
By
15th March
forward duly verifed Form 2, 2A, 3 in duplicate along with 2015
the declarations to the DEOs/CEOs
2
Preparation of the drafts of the last parts of the 15th April,2015
electoral roll and sending extracts therefrom (in
duplicateby the Electoral Registration Officers) to the
Record Offices/Authorities concernedfor verifcation by
them
3
Date by which the Record Offices/Authorities shall 20th May,2015
return one copy of the extract after verifcation to the
concerned EROs through CEO
4
Carrying out corrections by the EROs on the basis of 5th June,2015
the extracts received back after verifcation
5
Final Publication of the Last Parts.
15th June,2015
***The dates mentioned above are the outer limits.
The above is for general information.
Election Commission of India
New Delhi : 13th January, 2015

Jan 15th
General election to Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2015 Media
Coverage during the period referred to in Section 126 of RP Act, 1951.
ThenotificationcallinggeneralelectiontotheLegislativeAssemblyofNCTofDelhihasbeenissuedon
14.01.2015.Pollisscheduledtobetakenon07.02.15.Section126oftheRepresentationofthePeopleAct,
1951,prohibitsdisplayinganyelectionmatterbymeans,interalia,oftelevisionorsimilarapparatus,duringthe
periodof48hoursbeforethehourfixedforconclusionofpollinaconstituency.Therelevantportionsofthe
saidSection126arereproducedbelow:
(126. Prohibition of public meeting during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour
fxed for conclusion of poll(1)Nopersonshall
(a).
(b) Display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar
apparatus;
(c).
Inanypollingareaduringtheperiodoffortyeighthoursendingwiththehourfixedfortheconclusionofthe
pollforanyelectioninthepollingarea.
(2)Anypersonwhocontravenestheprovisionsofsubsection(1)shallbepunishablewithimprisonmentfor
atermwhichmayextendtotwoyears,orwithfine,orwithboth.
(3)InthisSection,theexpressionelectionmatermeansanymatterintendedorcalculatedtoinfluenceor
affecttheresultofanelection.)
2.
During elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions
of the above Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 by TV channels in

the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs
programmes. The Commission has clarifed in the past that the said Section 126 prohibits
displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus,
during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fxed for conclusion of poll in a
constituency. Election matter has been defned in that Section as any matter intended
or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election. Violation of the aforesaid
provisions of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment upto a period of two years, or
with fne or both.
3.
In this connection, attention is also invited to Section 126A of the R.P. Act 1951,
which prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results during the period
mentioned therein, i.e. from the hour fxed for commencement of polls and half hour after
the time fxed for close of poll.
4.
The Commission once again reiterates that the TV/Radio channels and cable
networks should ensure that the contents of the programme telecast/broadcast/displayed
by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 do not contain any
material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as
promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or
influencing/affecting the result of the election. This shall, among other things include
display of result of any opinion poll and of standard debates, analysis, visuals and soundbytes
5.
During the period not covered by Section 126 or Section 126A, concerned
TV/Radio/Cable/FM channels are free to approach the state/district/local authorities for
necessary permission for conducting any broadcast related events which must also
conform to the provisions of the model code of conduct and the programme code laid
down by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Cable Network
(Regulation) Act with regard to decency, maintenance of communal harmony, etc. They
are also required to stay within the provisions of Commissions guidelines dated 27th
August, 2012 regarding paid news and related matters. Concerned Chief Electoral
Officer/District Election Officer will take into account all relevant aspects including the law
and order situation while extending such permission.
6.
Attention of all print media is also drawn to the following guidelines issued by
Press Council of India to be followed for observance during the election:
(i) ItwillbethedutyofthePresstogiveobjectivereportsaboutelectionsandthecandidates.The
newspapers are not expected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any
candidate/partyorincidentduringtheelections.Inpractice,twoorthreecloselycontestingcandidatesattractall
themediaattention.Whilereportingontheactualcampaign,anewspapermaynotleaveoutanyimportantpoint
raisedbyacandidateandmakeanattackonhisorheropponent.
(ii)Electioncampaignalongcommunalorcastelinesisbannedundertheelectionrules.Hence,thePress
shouldeschewreports,whichtendtopromotefeelingsofenmityorhatredbetweenpeopleonthegroundof
religion,race,caste,communityorlanguage.
(iii)ThePressshouldrefrainfrompublishingfalseorcriticalstatementsinregardtothepersonalcharacter
andconductofanycandidateorinrelationtothecandidatureorwithdrawalofanycandidateorhiscandidature,
toprejudicetheprospectsofthatcandidateintheelections.ThePressshallnotpublishunverifiedallegations
againstanycandidate/party.
(iv)ThePressshallnotacceptanykindofinducement,financialorotherwise,toprojectacandidate/party.
Itshallnotaccepthospitalityorotherfacilitiesofferedtothembyoronbehalfofanycandidate/party.
(v)ThePressisnotexpectedtoindulgeincanvassingofaparticularcandidate/party.Ifitdoes,itshall
allowtherightofreplytotheothercandidate/party.

(vi) The Press shall not accept/publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding
achievementsofaparty/governmentinpower.
(vii) ThePressshallobserveallthedirections/orders/instructionsoftheElectionCommission/Returning
OfficersorChiefElectoralOfficerissuedfromtimetotime.
7.
Attention of the electronic media is invited to the Guidelines for Election
Broadcasts issued by NBSA dt 3rd March, 2014.

(i)
Newsbroadcastersshouldendeavourtoinformthepublicinanobjectivemanner,aboutrelevant
electoralmatters,politicalparties,candidates,campaignissuesandvotingprocessesasperrulesandregulationslaid
downunderTheRepresentationofthePeopleAct1951andbytheElectionCommissionofIndia.

(ii)
News channel shall disclose any political affiliations, either towards a party or
candidate. News broadcasters have a duty to be balanced and impartial, especially in their
election reporting.
(iii)
News broadcasters must endeavour to avoid all forms of rumor, baseless
speculation and disinformation, particularly when these concern specifc political parties or
candidates. Any candidate/political party, which has been defamed or is a victim of
misrepresentation, misinformation or other similar injury by broadcast of information should
be afforded prompt correction, and where appropriate granted an opportunity of reply.

(iv)
News broadcasters must resist all political and fnancial pressures which may
affect coverage of elections and election related matters.
(v)
News broadcasters should maintain a clear distinction between editorial and
expert opinion carried on their news channels.
(vi)
News broadcasters that use video feed from political parties should disclose it and
appropriately tag it.
(vii)
Special care must be taken to ensure that every element of a news/programmes
dealing with elections and election related matters is accurate on all facts relating to events,
dates, places and quotes. If by mistake or inadvertence any inaccurate information is
broadcast, the broadcaster must correct it as soon as it comes to the broadcasters notice
with the same prominence as was given to the original broadcast.
(viii)
News broadcasters, their journalists and officials must not accept any money, or
gifts, or any favour that could influence or appear to influence, create a conflict of interest or
damage the credibility of the broadcaster or their personnel.
(ix)
News broadcasters must not broadcast any form of hate speech or other
obnoxious content that may lead to incitement of violence or promote public unrest or
disorder as election campaigning based on communal or caste factors is prohibited under
Election laws. News broadcasters should strictly avoid reports which tend to promote
feelings of enmity or hatred among people, on the ground of religion, race, caste,
community, region or language.
(x)
News broadcasters are required to scrupulously maintain a distinction between
news and paid content. All paid content should be clearly marked as Paid Advertisement or
Paid Content : and paid content must be carried in compliance with the Norms &
Guidelines on Paid News dated 24.11.2011.

(xi)
Special care must be taken to report opinion polls accurately and fairly, by
disclosing to viewers as to who commissioned, conducted and paid for the conduct of the
opinion polls and the broadcast. If a news broadcaster carries the results of an opinion poll or
other election projection, it must also explain the context, and the scope and limits of such
polls with their limitations. Broadcast of opinion polls should be accompanied by information
to assist viewers to understand the polls signifcance, such as the methodology used, the
sample size, the margin of error, the feldwork dates, and data used. Broadcasters should
also disclose how vote shares are converted to seat shares.
(xii)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will monitor the broadcasts made by news
broadcasters from the time elections are announced until the conclusion and announcement
of election results. Any violation by member broadcasters reported to the News Broadcasting
Standards Authority (NBSA) by the Election Commission will be dealt with by the NBSA under
its regulations.
(xiv)
Broadcasters should, to the extent possible, carry voter education programmes to
effectively inform voters about the voting process, the importance of voting, including how,
when and where to vote, to register to vote and the secrecy of the ballot.
(xv)
News broadcasters must not air any fnal, formal and defnite results until such
results are formally announced by the Returning Officer, unless such results are carried with
clear disclaimer that they are unofficial or incomplete or partial results or projections which
should not be taken as fnal results.

Theaboveguidelinesshouldbedulyobservedforcompliancebyalltheconcernedmedia.
ElectionCommissionofIndia
NewDelhi:15thJanuary,2015

Jan 16th
Shri Harishankar Bramha takes over as new CEC
Nationwide launch of Electronic Roll Management System on 25th january : Sh
Bramha

Shri Harishankar Bramha has assumed charge as the 19th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
succeeding Shri V.S. Sampath here today. Shri V.S. Sampath laid off his office yesterday after
completing his tenure.
Prior to this, Shri Bramha has served as Election Commissioner since 25th August, 2010.
Belonging to the 1975 batch (AP Cadre) of Indian Administrative Service, Shri Bramha served as
Secretary in Ministry of Power before joining the Election Commission. Born on 19th April, 1950,
he completed his Post Graduation in Political Science from Guwahati University (Assam) and

graduated from St. Edmunds College, Shillong. He did his schooling from Don Bosco School,
Guwahati. He has held various senior level posts in the Government of India and State
Government prior to the present posting.
Elucidating his priorities after taking over as new CEC, Shri Bramha said that it will be his
personal endeavor to use the latest technologies to improve the quality of election management,
wherein he announced that on 25th January, which is celebrated as National Voters Day, the ECI
will launch nationwide Electronic Roll Management System (ERMS),which will provide
country wide voters list and enable voters to see their details.
Shri Bramha also stated that the Commission will prepare the ground work for extending the
voting rights to the NRI voters following the directions of the Supreme Court.
The full text of Sh. Bramha Statement on assumption of charge is as follows:
Friends, indeed I am humbled and honored with the great opportunity and responsibility
entrusted to me by our Government and my country. It will be my endeavor to ensure that we
maintain the dignity and image of this organization. I am very proud to say that Election
Commission of India has established the gold standards in election management of our great
country. It will be our endeavor to ensure that we improve upon it everyday and every year. My
frst priority and mission objective is to ensure that we conduct the election to the Delhi
Legislative Assembly in absolutely free and fair manner. Our long term goal at the Election
Commission of India, which I visualize, is to deliver excellence. In other words, every aspects
of our activity, we shall try to exhibit excellence in our work in every feld.
Secondly, to improve quality, transparency and speed, it will be my personal endeavor to use the
latest technology both internet and digital technology to improve the quality of our election
management, especially in voting.

Jan 19th
Election Commission of India Hosts the Voters Fest Ahead of the 5th National Voters
Day and Amid Preparation for Delhi Election
Election Commission of India is organising Voters Fest at Dilli Haat, INA, New
Delhi from 20-25th January 2015 celebrating the power of the voter.
The event showcases the vibrant Indian democracy in a colourful photo exhibition capturing
some special moments from the historic General Elections to the 16th Lok Sabha. The Exhibition
shall be opened by Shri H S Brahma, Chief Election Commissioner at 3 p.m. on 20th January.
Queries on registration and voting would be answered and electoral process explained at the
mock Model Polling Station and Facilitation Centre, specifcally set up at the venue. Song and
dance performances besides street plays and puppetry shows are also part of the six day long
Voters Fest.
The Voters Fest comes ahead of the 5th National Voters Day on 25th January 2015. It is
organised under the SVEEP programme of the ECI which is aimed at enhancing the electoral
participation of the people, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The Photo Exhibition is being
held in collaboration with UNDP India.