Election

Ballots to be sent to 2,964 centres a day before election

According to the EC, it has been decided to send the ballot papers to the polling stations on the morning of the polling day for greater security of the 12th national parliament elections to be held next Sunday. In view of the demand of the concerned Returning Officer, the Election Commission has decided to send the ballot paper along with the electoral material to the 2,964 polling stations mentioned in the Annexure-A list, taking into account the mountainous districts, coastal areas, islands, grasslands, riverine areas.

Instructions for dispatch of ballot papers on polling day morning —

A) On the day before polling, the presiding officer shall visit the polling station with election materials, polling officers and members of the law and order force, except for ballot papers. However, it is mentioned in the appointment letter that the Assistant Presiding Officer will act as the Presiding Officer in the absence of the Presiding Officer, that Assistant Presiding Officer will receive the ballot paper on the morning of the polling day and enter the polling station with adequate security including law enforcement and executive magistrate.

B) On the day of polling, the concerned Assistant Presiding Officer shall collect the ballot paper from the Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer and hand it over to the concerned Presiding Officer within 6 am with adequate security.

C) As far as possible during the distribution of ballot papers on the morning of polling, ballot papers should be handed over in the presence of adequate print and electronic media personnel.

D) Necessary security arrangements will be made by the law and order forces deployed as mobile and striking force regarding the transportation of ballot papers on the morning of the polling day.