Lokatantra Voting-main

Q1) What is the minimum age for enrolment in an electoral roll?
Eighteen. The minimum age for registration of a voter is 18 years.
Reference: For every constituency, there is a voters list, Article 326 of the Constitution

Q2) Can one be enrolled at more than one place?
No, a person cannot be enrolled as a voter in more than one place in the same constituency or in more than one constituency.

Q3) Who appoints the Electoral Registration officer?
The Election Commission of India, in consultation with the State/UT Government, appoints an Officer of the Government or the Local Authorities as the Electoral Registration Officer. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to assist the Electoral Registration Officer in the performance of his functions in the matter of preparation/revision of electoral rolls.
Reference: Under section 13B of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Q4) How to track your voting ID?
Visit the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) official website.
Select ‘Know the Voter ID status’.
You can also apply on the National Voters’ Services Portal and select ‘Search your Name in the electoral roll’.
Step 1 – Fill the application number or EPIC number.
Step 2 – Enter the following details:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• State
• Father’s name
• District constituency

Now select search and get information on your voter ID card status.

Q5) What is the relevant date for determining the age of 18 years? Can I get myself registered as a voter on the day when I have completed 18 years of age?
According to Section 14 (b) of the Representation of People Act, 1950 the relevant date (qualifying date) for determining the age of an applicant is the first day of January of the year in which the electoral roll after revision is finally published. For example, if you have completed or are completing 18 years of age on any date from and after 2nd January 2013 but upto to 1st January 2014, you will be eligible for registration as a voter in the elector roll going to be finally published in January, 2014.
Reference: According to Section 14 (b) of the R. P. Act, 1950.

Q6) Can a non-resident Indian settled in foreign land become an elector of electoral roll in India?
Yes. According to the provisions of Sec 20A of the Representation of People Act, 1950 by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010, a person who is a citizen of India and who has not acquired the citizenship of any other country and is otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter and who is absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to his employment, education or otherwise is eligible to be registered as a voter in the constituency in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in his passport is located.
References: Sec 20 (8) (d) read with Sec 20 (3) of the R. P. Act, 1950

Q7) Can a non-citizen of India become a voter in the electoral rolls in India?
No. A person who is not a citizen of India is not eligible for registration as a voter in the electoral rolls in India. Even those who have ceased to be citizens of India on acquiring the citizenship of another country are not eligible to be enrolled in the electoral rolls in India.

Q8) I am a student staying at the place of study in a hostel / mess far from my native place. I want to get myself registered at my present address of residence. What should I do?
In case of a student residing at the place of study, in hostel or mess managed by the educational institutions or elsewhere will have the option to get himself / herself registered as elector at his / her native place with his / her parents or at the address of hostel / mess where he / she is resident for the time being for pursuing his / her studies. The course pursued by the said students should be recognized by Central / State Governments / Boards / Universities / Deemed Universities and such courses should be of not less than 1 year’s duration. Such student who wants to enroll himself / herself at the hostel / mess will have to attach a bonafide certificate (as per the specimen at Annexure II of Guidelines attached to Form 6 available on the website of Election Commission) from the Headmaster / Principal / Director / Registrar / Dean of his/her educational institution with Form 6.

Q9) A homeless person, who is otherwise eligible for registration as an elector, does not possess documentary proof of ordinary residence. What is the procedure of verification in such case?
In the case of homeless persons, the Booth Level Officer will visit the address given in Form 6 at night to ascertain that the homeless person actually sleeps at the place which is given as his address in Form 6. If the Booth Level Officer is able to verify that the homeless person actually sleeps at that place, no documentary proof of place of residence shall be necessary. Booth Level Officer must visit for more than one night for such verification.

Q10) How will an applicant know that his/her name is included in the electoral roll?
The decision of the Electoral Registration Officer will be communicated to the applicant by post on his address given by him in Form 6 and also by SMS on the mobile number given by him in Form 6. Electoral rolls are also available on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer of the State concerned and can be seen by anybody.

Q11) I have shifted from my residence where I am registered an elector to some other place. How do I ensure that I am enrolled in my new place of residence?
In case the new residence is in the same constituency, please fill Form 8A, otherwise fill up Form 6 and submit to the Electoral Registration Officer / Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of the area of your new residence.

Q12) My EPIC has some errors. What is the procedure to have a new EPIC with correct particulars?
You can make an application in Form 8 for rectification of the errors in your EPIC. The Electoral Registration Officer will issue a new EPIC, with the same number, after making the necessary corrections.

Q13) I have lost my old EPIC. How can I get a new EPIC?
A replacement EPIC can be issued to an elector on payment of a fee of Rs. 25, along with a copy of the complaint lodged with the Police amount the loss of EPIC. However, no fee will be charged if the EPIC has been lost for reasons beyond the control of the elector like flood, fire, other natural disaster etc.

Q14) Who can object to the inclusion of names in electoral rolls?
Any person who is a voter in the concerned constituency may object to the inclusion of names in electoral roll on the ground that the person whose name is included or is proposed to be included is not eligible to be registered as a voter in that constituency. An objection can be made in Form 7 to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer along with the relevant proof.

Q15) My neighbour / relative has shifted his residence to a new place but his name still continues in the electoral roll. In which Form the application for deletion of his name from the electoral roll can be made?
For deletion of name of a shifted / dead / absentee elector from the electoral roll application can be made in Form 7. For deletion of a duplicate entry also, application should be made in Form 7.

Q16) When can one get registered in electoral roll? Is enrollment is on throughout the year?
The Election Commission normally orders revision of existing electoral roll every year sometime in the months of September to October and such revised rolls are finally published in the first week of January of the coming year. One can submit claim application (Form 6) during the period for lodging claims and objections to Electoral Registration Officer or an officer designated to receive such applications, i.e., Designated Officer. Even after final publication, the rolls are updated continuously and one can get registered anytime during the continuous updation by filing a claim application to Electoral Registration Officer / Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.

Q17) If I have a complaint against the order of Electoral Registration Officer, to whom I should make an appeal?
During the period of revision, you can file an appeal to the District Election Officer. In the case of application during the process of continuous updation, such appeal against any order of Electoral Registration Officer will lie before the District Magistrate/ Additional DM / Executive Magistrate / District Collector of the District concerned. A further appeal against the order of the Appellate Authority will lie before the Chief Electoral Officer of the State.

Q1) What is an Electronic Voting machine? In what way its functioning is different from the conventional system of voting?
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is an electronic device for recording votes which was first introduced in the 70-Parur Assembly Constituency of Kerala in the year 1982. An Electronic Voting Machine consists of two Units – a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit – joined by a five-meter cable. The Control Unit is placed with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is placed inside the voting compartment. Instead of issuing a ballot paper, the Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit will release a ballot by pressing the Ballot Button on the Control Unit. This will enable the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his choice

Q2) What will happen if the EVM in a particular polling station goes out of order?
If an EVM of a particular polling station goes out of order, the same is replaced with a new one. The votes recorded until the stage when the EVM went out of order remains safe in the memory of the Control Unit and it is perfectly fine to proceed with the polling after replacing the EVM with new EVM and there is no need to start the poll from the beginning. On counting day, votes recorded in both Control Units are counted to give the aggregate result of that polling station.

Q3) What are the advantages in using EVMs?
Advantage of using EVMs:
It completely eliminates the possibility of casting 'Invalid Votes', which during the paper ballot regime was noticed in large numbers during each election. In fact, in many cases, the number of 'Invalid Votes' exceeded the winning margin, leading to numerous complaints and litigations. Thus EVMs have enabled a more authentic and accurate reflection of the choice of the electorate.
With the use of EVMs, printing of millions of ballot papers for every election can be dispensed with, as only one ballot paper is required for fixing on the Balloting Unit at each polling station instead of one ballot paper for each individual elector. This results in huge savings by way of cost of paper, printing, transportation, storage and distribution.
The counting process is very quick and the result can be declared within 3 to 5 hours as compared to 30-40 hours, on an average, under the conventional Ballot paper system.

Q4) How long does the Control Unit store the result in its memory?
The Control Unit can store the result in its memory until the data is deleted or cleared.

Q5) Is it possible to vote more than once by pressing the button again and again?
No. As soon as a particular button on the Balloting Unit is pressed, the vote is recorded for that particular candidate and the machine gets locked. Even if one presses that button further or any other button, no further vote will be recorded. This way the EVMs ensure the principle of "one man, one vote". The next vote is enabled only when the Presiding Officer/Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit releases the Ballot by pressing the Ballot Button. This is a distinct advantage over the ballot paper system.

Q6) Is it true that sometimes because of short-circuitry or other reason, a voter is likely to get an electric shock while pressing the blue button?
No. EVMs work on a battery and there is absolutely no chance of any voter getting an electric shock at the time of pressing the `blue button' or at any time of handling the EVM.

Q7) Is it possible to program the EVMs in such a way that initially, say upto 100 votes, votes will be recorded exactly in the same way as the `blue buttons' are pressed, but thereafter, votes will be recorded only in favor of one particular candidate irrespective of whether the `blue button' against that candidate or any other candidate is pressed?
The microchip used in EVMs is a one-time programmable/ masked chip, which can neither be read nor overwritten. Hence, the program used in the EVMs cannot be reprogrammed in a particular manner. Furthermore, the EVMs are stand-alone machines which are not accessible remotely from any network are connected with any external devices and there is no operating system used in these machines. There is, therefore, absolutely no chance of programming the EVMs in a particular way to select any particular candidate or political party.

Q8) The Balloting Unit has provision for 16 candidates. In a constituency, there are only 10 candidates. The voter may press any of the buttons from 11 to 16. Will these votes not be wasted?
No. If there are only 10 candidates including NOTA in a constituency, the ‘Candidate’ buttons provided at Sl. No. 11 to 16 will be masked at the time of preparation of EVM by Returning Officer. Therefore, there is no question of any voter pressing any of the buttons for candidates 11 to 16

Q9) In the conventional system, before the commencement of poll, the Presiding Officer shows to the polling agents present that the ballot box to be used in the polling station is empty. Is there any such provision to satisfy the polling agents that there are no hidden votes already recorded in the EVMs?
Yes. Before the commencement of poll, the Presiding Officer demonstrates to the polling agents present that there are no hidden votes already recorded in the machine by pressing the result button. Thereafter, he conducts a Mock poll with atleast 50 votes in the presence of the polling agents and tallied with the electronic result stored in the CU to fully satisfy the polling agents to satisfy them that the result shown is strictly
according to the choice recorded by them. Thereafter, the Presiding Officer will press the clear button to clear the result of the mock poll before commencing the actual poll. He then again shows to polling agents, by pressing 'Total' button that it shows '0'. Then he seals the Control Unit before starting actual poll in the presence of polling agents. Now, with 100% VVPAT use at every polling booth, after the Mock Poll, the VVPAT paper slips are also counted.

Q10) How can one rule out the possibility of recording further votes at any time after the close of the poll and before the commencement of counting by interested parties?
After completion of poll i.e. when the last voter has voted, the Officer in-charge of the Control Unit/Presiding Officer presses the 'Close' Button. Thereafter, the EVM does not accept any vote. After the close of poll, the Control Unit is switched off and thereafter the Balloting Unit is disconnected from the Control Unit and kept separately in the respective carrying cases and sealed. Further, the Presiding officer has to hand over to each polling agent a copy of the account of votes recorded. At the time of counting of votes, the total votes recorded in a particular control unit is tallied with this account and if there is any discrepancy, this can be pointed out by the Counting Agents.

Q11) Whether there is any provision to complaint if the paper slip generated by the printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than the one he voted for?
Yes. if an elector after having recorded his vote alleges that the paper slip generated by the printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than the one he voted for, as per the provisions of Rule 49MA of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the presiding officer shall obtain a written declaration from the elector as to the allegation, after warning the elector about the consequence of making a false declaration. If the elector gives the written declaration referred to in sub-rule (1) of Rule 49MA, the presiding officer shall permit the elector to record a test vote in the voting machine in his presence and in the presence of the candidates or polling agents who may be present in the polling station, and observe the paper slip generated by the printer.
If the allegation is found true, the presiding officer shall report the facts immediately to the returning officer, stop further recording of votes in that voting machine and act as per the direction that may be given by the Returning Officer. If, however, the allegation is found to be false and the paper slip so generated under sub-rule (1) matches with the test vote recorded by the elector under sub-rule (2), then, the presiding officer shall-
make a remark to that effect against the second entry relating to that elector in Form 17A mentioning the serial number and name of the candidate for whom such test vote has been recorded; obtain the signature or thumb impression of that elector against such remarks; and make necessary entries regarding such test vote in item 5 in Part I of Form 17C.".

Q12) Whether test printout of the Serial numbers, names of candidates and symbols loaded in VVPAT is required?
Yes. A test printout of the Serial numbers, names of candidates and symbols loaded in VVPAT is required to check with the ballot paper placed on Ballot Unit. Thereafter, one vote to each candidate will be given to check that the VVPAT is printing the paper slips correctly in respect of all the candidates

Q13) After the announcement of the result, whether the printed paper slips of VVPAT (counted or not), the printed paper slips are required to be taken out of the drop box of the VVPAT Printer unit?
No. The VVPATs are stored along with the EVMs in a secure strong room till the completion of the Election Petition period.

Q14) Where can I read further about EVMs and VVPATs?
For further reading you may refer to:
Manual of EVMs available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9230-manual-on-electronic-voting-machine-and-vvpat/ Status paper on EVM available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/8756-status-paper-on-evm-edition-3/

Q15) Is it true that many petition have been filed against EVMs in courts? What is the outcome?
Yes. Since 2001, the issue of possible tampering of EVM has been raised before various High Courts. Some of these are mentioned below:
Madras High Court-2001
Kerala High Court-2002
Delhi High Court-2004
Karnataka High Court- 2004
Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench)-2004
Uttarakhand High Court - 2017
Supreme Court of India – 2017

Q1) Whether hoardings/advertisements etc. depicting the achievements of the party(s) in power at Centre/State Governments at the cost of public exchequer can be continued?
No. All such hoardings, advertisements etc. on display shall be removed forthwith by the concerned authorities. Further, no advertisements should be issued in the newspapers and other media including electronic media at the cost of public exchequer.

Q2) Whether a Minister or any other authority can sanction grants/ payments out of discretionary funds?
No. Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants/payments out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced.

Q3) Suppose work order has been issued in respect of a scheme or a programme. Can it be started after the announcement of election programme?
Work shall not be started in respect of which work order has been issued before announcement of election but the work has actually not started in the field. If a work has actually started in the field that can be continued.

Q4) Whether fresh release of funds under MPs/MLAs/MLCs Local Area Development Fund of any scheme can be made?
No. Fresh release of funds under MPs/MLAs/MLCs Local Area Development Fund of any scheme shall not be made in any area where election is in progress, till the completion of the election process

Q5) Whether a Minister or any other authority can announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof or lay foundation stones etc. of projects or schemes of any kinds etc.?
No. Ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof; or (except civil servants) lay foundation stones etc. of projects or schemes of any kind; or make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc. or make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. In such case, senior Govt. officer may lay foundation stone etc. without involving any political functionary.

Q6) A budget provision has been made for a particular scheme or the scheme has been sanctioned earlier. Can such a scheme be announced or inaugurated?
No. Inauguration/announcement of such scheme is prohibited during election period.

Q7) Is there any bar to release of payments for completed work?
There shall be no bar to the release of payments for completed work subject to the full satisfaction of the concerned officials.

Q8) How the Govt. may meet the emergency situation or unforeseen calamities, when there are restrictions for announcing welfare measures?
For tackling emergencies or unforeseen calamities like providing relief to people suffering from drought, floods, pestilences, other natural calamities or welfare measures for the aged, infirm etc., Govt. may do so after obtaining prior approval of the Commission and all ostentatious functions shall be strictly avoided and no impression shall be given or allowed to be created that such welfare measures or relief and rehabilitation works are being undertaken by the Government in office with any ulterior motive.

Q9) Whether financial institutions funded, partially or wholly by the Governments can write off loans advanced to any individual, company, firm, etc.?
No. The financial institutions funded, partially or wholly by the Government shall not take recourse to writing off loans advanced to any individual, company, firm, etc. Also, financial limits of such institutions, while granting or extending loans, should not be enhanced by issuing of loans indiscriminately to beneficiaries.

Q10) Whether meeting of Municipal Corporation, Nagar Panchayat, Town Area Committee, etc. can be convened to review the revenue collection and preparing draft annual budget etc.?
Yes. Provided that at such meetings only the matters of routine nature relating to day-to-day administration may be taken up and not the matters relating to its policies and programmes.

Q11) Whether political functionaries can participate in the celebration of “Sadbhavna Diwas” which is celebrated throughout the country?
The Central Ministers / Chief Minister / Ministers in the States and other political functionaries can participate in the celebration of “Sadbhavna Diwas” subject to condition that the “theme” of their speeches should be confined only to the promotion of harmony among the people’ and no political speech should be made. Messages, if any, issued in the name of Minister should be confined to the theme of national integration only and should carry no photograph of the concerned Minister.

Q12) Whether State-level functions can be held for observance of Martyrdom of Martyrs which may be presided/attended to by Chief Minister / Minister?
Yes. Provided that the speeches of the Chief Minister and other Ministers should restrict to the Martyrdom of the Martyrs and praising them. No political speech or speech enumerating or referring to the achievements of the Government or party in power should be made.

Q13) Whether Kavi Sammelan, Mushiaras or other cultural functions can be organized in connection with the Independence Day/Republic Day celebration and whether political functionaries can attend the same?
Yes. The Central Ministers / Chief Minister / Ministers in the States and other political functionaries can attend the programme. However, it will be ensured that no political speeches highlighting the achievements of the party in power are made on the occasions.

Q14) Whether political advertisements can be printed on the back side of the bus-ticket of Govt. owned buses?
No.

Q15) Whether State Govt. can seek clarification/ clearance/approval in respect of any proposal directly from the Election Commission?
No. Any proposal from State Govt. for seeking clarification/clearance/approval from the Election Commission should only be routed through Chief Electoral Officer, who will make his recommendation or otherwise in the matter.

Q16) What are the main guidelines for political parties/candidates while making election campaign?
During the election campaign, no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic. Further, criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.

Q17) Are there any restrictions in using religious places for election propaganda?
Yes. Religious places like Temple, Mosque, Church, Gurudwara or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda. Further, there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.

Q18) Can a candidate go to the office of Returning Officer for filing a nomination with a procession?
No. The maximum number of vehicles that will be allowed to come within the periphery of 100 mtrs. of Returning Officer’s office has been restricted to 3 and maximum number of persons that will be allowed to enter the office of Returning Officer has been limited to 5 (including the candidate).

Q19) How many persons are allowed at the time of scrutiny of nominations by the Returning Officer?
The candidate, his election agent, one Proposer and one other person (who can be an advocate) duly authorized in writing by the candidate, but no other person, may attend at the time fixed for scrutiny of nominations by Returning Officer.
(Refer: Sec. 36 (1) of Representation of People Act, 1951)

Q20) Are there any guidelines regarding the use of vehicles by ministers/political functionaries/candidates, who have been provided security cover by the State?
Yes. In respect of persons covered by security, the use of State owned one bullet proof vehicle for the particular person (PP) will be permitted in all cases where the security agencies, including the intelligence authorities, have prescribed such use. The use of multiple cars in the name of stand-by should not be permitted unless specifically prescribed by security authorities. The cost of propulsion of such bullet proof vehicles where such use of bullet proof vehicles is specified will be borne by the particular person. The number of vehicles to accompany the carcade including pilots, escorts etc. will be strictly in accordance with the instructions laid down by the security authorities and shall not exceed them under any circumstances. The cost of propulsion of all such vehicles, whether owned by Government or hired vehicles, will be met by the State Government.
The restrictions do not apply to the Prime Minister whose security requirements are governed by the Government’s Blue Book.

Q21) Whether there is any restriction for plying of vehicles for electioneering purposes?
Candidate can ply any number of vehicles (all mechanized/motorized vehicles including two- wheelers) for the purpose of election campaign but he has to seek prior approval of the Returning Officer for plying such vehicles and must display permit issued by Returning Officer in original (not photocopy) prominently on the windscreen of the Vehicle. The permit must bear the number of the vehicle and the name of the candidate in whose favour it is issued.

Q22) Whether a vehicle for which permission has been taken for election campaign in the name of a candidate, can be used for election campaign by another candidate?
No. Use of such vehicle for election campaign by another candidate shall invite action under section 171H of Indian Penal Code.

Q23) Can a vehicle be used for electioneering purposes without getting a permit from the District Election Officer/Returning Officer?
No. Such vehicle shall be deemed to be unauthorized for campaigning by the candidate and may attract penal provisions of Chapter IX A of the Indian Penal Code and shall therefore be immediately out of the campaigning exercise and shall not be used for further campaign.

Q24) Whether there is any restriction on the use of educational institutions including their grounds (whether Govt. aided, Private or Govt.) for political campaigns and rallies?
The Commission has allowed the use of school and college grounds (except in the States of Punjab and Haryana where there is an express prohibition from Punjab and Haryana High Court) for political usage provided that:

• School and college academic calendar is not disturbed under any circumstances.
• The school/college management has no objection for this purpose and prior permission for such campaigning is obtained from the school/college Management as well as Sub Divisional Officer.
• Such permission is granted on first-come-first served basis and no political party is allowed to monopolize the use of those grounds.
• There is no order/direction of any court prohibiting the use of any such premises/ground.
• Any violation in the allotment of school/college grounds for political meetings will be viewed seriously by the Commission. The accountability in this regard lies with the Sub Divisional Officer, and
• The political parties and candidates and campaigners shall take care to ensure that the above norms are not violated.

If such grounds are utilized for campaigning purpose it should be returned to the authority concerned, without any damage or with the requisite compensation for the damage caused, if any. The political party/parties restoring back the campaign ground to the concerned school/college authority should be responsible for the payment of such compensation, if any

Q25) Is there any restriction or use of rest houses, dak bungalows or other Govt. accommodation for campaign office or for holding any public meeting for the purpose of election propaganda?
Yes. Rest houses, dak bungalows or other Govt. accommodation shall not be monopolized by the party in power or its candidates and such accommodation shall be allowed to use by other parties and candidates but no party or candidate shall be allowed to use as campaign office.
Further, it shall be ensured that –

• no functionary can use the Circuit House, Dak bungalow to set up campaign office as the Circuit Houses/Dak bungalows are only for temporary stay (boarding and lodging) during transit of such functionaries,
• even casual meeting by Members of political parties inside the premises of the Government owned guesthouse etc. are not permitted and any violation of this shall be deemed to be a violation of the Model Code of Conduct,
• only the vehicle carrying the person allotted accommodation in the guest house and not more than two other vehicles, if used by the person, will be permitted inside the compound of the Guest House,
• rooms should not be made available for more than 48 hours to any single individual, and
• 48 hours before the close of poll in any particular area, there will be a freeze on such allocations till completion of poll or re-poll.

Q26) Are there any conditions for getting Govt aircraft/helicopters (including Public Sector Undertakings) by political parties/candidates?
Yes. While allowing the chartering of Govt. aircrafts/helicopters to political parties/candidates or private companies etc., the following conditions should be followed:-

1. There should be no discrimination between the ruling party on the one hand and the other parties and contesting candidates on the other.
2. The payment will be made by the political parties or the contesting candidates and proper record maintained.
3. The rates and terms and conditions should be uniform for all.
4. The actual allotment should be made on a first-come first-served basis. For this purpose, the date and time of receipt of the application should be noted down by the authorized receiving authority.
5. In the rare case when both the date and time of two or more applicants is the same, the allotment will be decided by a draw of lots.
6. No individual, firm, party or candidate will be allowed to charter the aircraft/helicopter for more than three days at a time.

Q27) Is there any restriction on displaying posters, placards, banners, flags etc. of the party concerned or the candidate on a public property?
Candidate may display posters, placards, banners, flags etc. of the party concerned or the candidate on a public property subject to the provisions of local law and prohibitory orders in force. For details, refer Commission’s instructions No.3/7/2008/JS-II, dated 7.10.2008 and No. 437/6/Campaign/ECI/INST/FUNCT/MCC-2016 dated 04.01.2017.

Q28) If local law/bye-laws permit wall writings and pasting of posters, putting up hoardings, banners etc. on private premises/properties, is it necessary to obtain prior written permission from the owner of the premises/properties?
Yes. Candidate is required to obtain prior written permission from the owner of the properties/premises and photocopy(ies) of such permission should be submitted within 3 days to the Returning Officer or an officer designated by him for the purpose.

Q29) Is there any restriction on displaying/carrying poster/ placard/ banner/flag of the party concerned or of the candidate on the vehicle during the procession?
The maximum permissible number and size of flags/banners by a party or candidate on a vehicle during procession is as follows-

1. Two wheelers – one flag of maximum size 1X1/2 ft. No banners are allowed. One or two stickers of appropriate size are allowed.
2. Three wheelers, four wheelers, e-Rickshaws – No banners are allowed. Only one flag of maximum size 3X2 ft. One or two stickers of appropriate size are allowed.
3. If a political party has a pre-poll alliance/seat sharing arrangement with another party, then the vehicle of a candidate/political party may display one flag each of such parties.

Q30) Whether there is any ban on the use of plastic sheets for making use of posters/banners during the election campaign?
The political parties and candidates should try to avoid the use of plastic/polythene for preparation of posters, banners etc. in the interest of environmental protection.

Q31) Is there any restriction on the printing of pamphlets, posters etc.?
Candidate shall not print or publish, or cause to be printed or published any election pamphlet or poster which does not bear on its face names and addresses of the printer and the publisher thereof.
(Refer : Section 127A of Representation of 1951)

Q32) Is wearing of special accessories like cap, mask, scarf etc. of a candidate permitted during the campaigning?
Yes. provided they are accounted for in the election expenses of the candidate concerned. However, supply and distribution of main apparels like saree, shirt, etc. by party/candidate is not permitted as it may amount to bribery of voters.

Q33) Whether there is restriction to display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus?
Yes. Candidate can not display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll.

Q34) Whether distribution of printed “Stepney Covers” or other similar material containing symbol of party/candidate or without depicting it, is a violation?
Yes. In case, it is established that such material has been distributed, a complaint may be filed before the area Magistrate by District Administration against the distribution of the said material under section 171 B of the IPC.

Q35) Are there conditions/guidelines for setting up and operating of Temporary Offices by Party or candidate?
Yes. Such offices can not be opened by way of any encroachment either on public or private property/ in any religious places or campus of such religious places/ contiguous to any educational institution / hospital / within 200 meters of an existing polling station. Further, such offices can display only one party flag and banner with party symbol/photographs and the size of the banner used in such offices should not exceed ‘4 feet X 8 feet’ subject to the further condition that if the local laws prescribe a lower size for banner / hoarding etc., then the lower size prescribed by local law shall prevail.

Q36) Is there any restriction on the presence of political functionaries in a constituency after campaign period is over?
Yes. After the closure of campaign period (starting from 48 Hrs. before closure of poll), political functionaries etc. who have come from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency should not continue to remain present in the constituency. Such functionaries should leave the constituency immediately after campaign period is over. This will not apply in the case of candidate or his election agent even if they are not voters in the constituency.

Q37) Whether there is any restriction for holding public meeting or taking out processions?
Yes. Prior written permission should be obtained from the concerned police authorities for holding of a meeting at any public or private place and for taking out processions.

Q38) Whether loudspeakers can be used for public meetings or for processions or for general propaganda without obtaining permission from Police authorities?
No. Prior written permission should be obtained from the concerned police authorities for using loudspeakers.

Q39) Whether there is any time limit for using loudspeakers?
Yes. Loudspeaker can not be used at night between 10.00 P.M. and 6.00 A.M.

Q40) What is the deadline after which no public meetings and processions can be taken out?
Public meetings cannot be held after 10 PM and before 6.00 AM. Further, Candidate can not hold public meetings and processions during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. Suppose, poll day is 15th July and hours of poll are from 8.00 A.M to 5.00 P.M., then the public meetings and processions shall be closed at 5.00 P.M on the 13th July.
(Refer: Sec. 126 of Representation of People Act, 1951)

Q41) Whether there are any guidelines for political parties/candidates for issue of unofficial identity slips to voters?
Yes. The unofficial identity slip, on white paper, shall contain only the particulars of the voter i.e. name, Serial number of voters, part No. in the electoral roll, s.no. and name of Polling Station and date of Poll. It should not contain the name of candidate, his photograph and symbol.

Q42) Is there any restriction on appointment of a Minister/M.P./M.L.A/M.L.C or any other person who is under security cover as an Election Agent/Polling Agent/Counting Agent?
Yes. A candidate cannot appoint a Minister/M.P./ MLA/MLC or any other person who is under security cover, as an election/polling agent/counting agent, as his personal security shall be jeopardized with such appointment, because his security personnel will not under any circumstances be permitted to accompany him into the 100 meter perimeter of polling stations described as the “Polling Station Neighbourhood” and within the polling booth and campus of counting centre and within the counting centre. Also any person having security cover will not be allowed to surrender his security cover to act as such agent of a candidate.

Q43) Who is the authority to issue permits to Star Campaigners (Leaders) of the Political Parties who avail benefit under Section 77(1) of R.P Act, 1951?
In case the mode of road transport is to be availed of by Star Campaigners (Leaders) of political, the permit will be issued centrally by the Chief Electoral Officer. If such party applies for issue of permit for the same vehicle to be used by any leader for election campaigning throughout the State, the same may be issued for such vehicle centrally by the Chief Electoral Officer, which will be prominently displayed on the windscreen of such vehicle(s) to be used by concerned leader(s). If different vehicles are to be used by such party leaders in different areas, then the permit can be issued against the name of the person concerned who will display it prominently on the windscreen of the vehicle being used by such leader.

Q44) Whether Opinion poll or Exit poll can be conducted, published, publicized or disseminated at any time?
No. The result of any opinion poll or exit poll conducted shall not be published, publicized or disseminated in any manner by print, electronic or any other media, at any time-

• during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for closing of poll in an election held in a single phase; and
• in a multi-phased election, and in the case of elections in difference States announced simultaneously, at any time during the period starting from 48 hours before the hour fixed for closing of poll in the first phase of the election and till the poll is concluded in all the phases in all States.

Q45) Is it necessary to obtain written permission of the concerned Government authorities or local authorities for setting up of election booth?
Yes. It is necessary to obtain the written permission of the Government authorities concerned or local authorities before setting up of such booths. Written permission must be available with the persons manning the booth for production before the police /election authorities concerned on demand.

Q46) Is there any restriction of canvassing in or near polling station?
Yes. Canvassing for votes etc. within a distance of one hundred meters of polling station is prohibited on the day of poll.
(Refer : Section 130 of Representation of 1951)

Q47) Is there any restriction of going armed to or near polling station?
Yes. No person is allowed to go armed with arms as defined in Arms Act 1959 of any kind within the neighbourhood of a polling station on the day of poll.
(Refer: Section 134B of Representation of 1951)

Q48) How many vehicles a candidate is entitled for on the day of poll?
(i) For an election to the House of the People, a candidate will be entitled to:

• One vehicle for candidate’s own use in respect of the entire constituency. One vehicle for use of candidate’s election agent for entire constituency.
• In addition, one vehicle for use of candidate’s workers or party workers, as the case may be, in each of the assembly segments comprised in the Parliamentary Constituency.

(ii) For an election to the State Legislative Assembly, a candidate will be entitled to:

• One vehicle for candidate’s own use
• One vehicle for use of candidate’s election agent
• In addition, one vehicle for use of candidate’s workers or party workers.

Q49) If the candidate is absent from the constituency on the day of poll, can the vehicle allotted in his name be used by any other person?
No. Vehicle allotted for candidate’s use is not allowed to be used by any other person.

Q50) Can any type of entitled vehicle be used on the day of poll?
No. The candidate or his agent or party workers or workers will be allowed to use only four/three/two wheeler vehicles i.e. cars (of all types), taxis, auto rickshaws, rickshaws and two wheelers. In these vehicles not more than five persons including drivers are allowed to move on the day of poll.

Q51) Whether Political Party/Candidate can make arrangements for transporting voters to and from Polling Station?
No. Any arrangement, direct or indirect, to carry any voter to or from polling station by any kind of vehicle used for transport is a criminal offence.
(Refer: Sec. 133 of Representation of People Act, 1951)

Q52) Can a leader of Political party use private fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling and counting process on the day of poll and counting?
No. Leader of a political party is not allowed to use private fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling and counting process on the day of poll and counting.

Q1) What is the Model Code of Conduct?
The Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

Q2) What is the role of Election Commission in the matter?
The Election Commission ensures its observance by political party(ies) in power, including ruling parties at the Centre and in the States and contesting candidates in the discharge of its constitutional duties for conducting the free, fair and peaceful elections to the Parliament and the State Legislatures under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It is also ensured that official machinery for the electoral purposes is not misused. Further, it is also ensured that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters are prevented by all means. In case of violation, appropriate measures are taken.

Q3) From which date the Model Code of Conduct is enforced and operational upto which date?
The Model Code of Conduct is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission and is operational till the process of elections are completed.

Q4) What is the applicability of code during general elections and bye-elections?
During general elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha), the code is applicable throughout the country.
During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code is applicable in the entire State.
During bye-elections, in case the constituency is comprised in State Capital/Metropolitan Cities/Municipal Corporations, then the code would be applicable in the area of concerned Constituency only. In all other cases the MCC would be enforced in the entire district(s) covering the Constituency going for bye-election(s).

Q5) What are the salient features of the Model Code of Conduct?
The salient features of the Model Code of Conduct lay down how political parties, contesting candidates and party(s) in power should conduct themselves during the process of elections i.e. on their general conduct during electioneering, holding meetings and processions, poll day activities and functioning of the party in power etc.

Q6) Whether a Minister can combine his official visit with electioneering work?
No, the Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel during the electioneering work however, the Commission has exempted the Prime Minister from the operation of the model code of conduct provision pertaining to the combining of official visit with electioneering visit.

Q7) Whether Govt. transport can be used for electioneering work?
No transport including official air-crafts, vehicles etc. shall be used for furtherance of the interest of any party or a candidate.

Q8) Whether Govt. can make transfers and postings of officials who are related to election work?
There shall be a total ban on the transfer and posting of all officers/officials directly or indirectly connected with the conduct of the election. If any transfer or posting of an officer is considered necessary, prior approval of the Commission shall be obtained.

Q9) Whether a Minister of Union or State can summon any election related officer of the constituency or the State for any official discussion during the period of elections?
Minister, whether of Union or State, can summon any election related officer of the constituency or the State for any official discussions anywhere.
Only exception will be when a Minister, in his capacity as in charge of the department concerned, or a Chief Minister undertakes an official visit to a constituency, in connection with failure of law and order or a natural calamity or any such emergency which requires personal presence of such Ministers/Chief Ministers for the specific purpose of supervising review/salvage/relief and such like purpose.
If Union Minister is traveling out of Delhi on purely official business, which cannot be avoided in public interest, then a letter certifying to this effect should be sent from the concerned Secretary of the Ministry/Department to the Chief Secretary of the concerned State, with a copy to the Election Commission.

Q10) Can an official meet the minister on his private visit to the Constituency where elections are being held?
Any official who meets the Minister on his private visit to the constituency shall be guilty of misconduct under the relevant service rules; and if he happens to be an official mentioned in Section 129 (1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, he shall also be additionally considered to have violated the statutory provisions of that Section and liable to penal action provided thereunder.

Q11) Whether Ministers are entitled for official vehicle during the election?
Ministers are entitled to use their official vehicles only for commuting from their official residence to their office for official work provided that such commuting is not combined with any electioneering or any political activity.

Q12) Whether Ministers or any other political functionaries can use pilot cars with beacon lights affixed with siren?
Minister or any other political functionary is not allowed during election period, to use pilot car or car with beacon lights of any colour or car affixed with sirens of any kind whether on private or official visit, even if the State administration has granted him a security cover requiring presence of armed guards to accompany him on such a visit. This prohibition is applicable whether the vehicle is government owned or privately owned.

Q13) Suppose a vehicle has been provided to the Minister by the State and the Minister is given an allowance for maintenance of such vehicle. Can it be used by the Minister for election purposes?
Where a vehicle is provided by the State or the Minister is given an allowance for maintenance of the vehicle, he cannot use such vehicle for election.

Q14) Whether there is any restriction or visits of members of National Commission for Scheduled Castes or any other similar National/State Commissions?
It is advised that all official visits of Members of such Commissions shall be deferred, unless any such visit becomes unavoidable in an emergent situation, till the completion of election exercise to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise in any quarters.

Q15) Whether a Chief Minister/Minister/Speaker can attend a “State Day” function of a State?
There is no objection provided that he does not make any political speech on the occasion and the function is to be conducted only by Govt. officials. No advertisement depicting the photograph of Chief Minister/Minister/Speaker shall be released.

Q16) Whether Governor/Chief Minister/Ministers can participate and address the Convocation function of University or Institute?
Governor may participate and address the Convocation. Chief Minister or Ministers may be advised not to participate and address the Convocation.

Q17) Whether “Iftar Party” or any other similar party can be hosted at the residence of political functionaries, the expenses of which will be borne by State exchequer?
No. However any individual is free by to host any such party in his personal capacity and at his personal expense.

Q18) Is there any restriction on issue of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power?
Yes. The advertisement regarding achievements of the party at the cost of public exchequer in the print and electronic media and the misuse of official mass media during the period of election is prohibited.

Q1) Which authority conducts elections to Parliament?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The same Article 324 also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of Parliament. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder.

Q2) Which authority conducts elections to the State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Article 324 (1) also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of the State Legislature. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder.

Q3) Which authority conducts elections to Corporations, Municipalities and other Local Bodies?
The State Election Commissions (SECs)
The State Election Commissions constituted under the Constitution (Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth) Amendments Act, 1992 for each State / Union Territory are vested with the powers of conduct of elections to the Corporations, Muncipalities, Zilla Parishads, District Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats and other local bodies. They are independent of the Election Commission of India.

Q4) What is the present composition of the Election Commission?
A Three - Member Body
At present, the Election Commission of India is a three-member body, with one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

Q5) Has the Election Commission been a multi-member body from the beginning?
No. It was not a multi member body from the beginning. It was a single - member body when it was first set up in 1950 and up to 15th October, 1989 with only the Chief Election Commissioner. From 16th October, 1989 upto the 1st January, 1990, it became a three-member body with R.V.S.Peri Sastri (C.E.C) and S.S.Dhanoa and V.S.Seigell as Election Commissioners. From 2nd January, 1990 to 30th September, 1993, it was a single-member Commission and again from 1st October, 1993 it has become a three-member Commission.

Q6) What is the status Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners in terms of salaries and allowances etc.?
Equivalent to Supreme Court Judges.
The Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners draw salaries and allowances at par with those of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India as provided for by the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992.

Q7) What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? Is it different from the Election Commissioners?
The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date on which he assumes his office. However, where the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner attains the age of sixty-five years before the expiry of the said term of six years, he shall vacate his office on the the date on which he attains sixty-five years of age.

Q8) When the Commissioner becomes a multi-member Commission, how are the decisions taken, whether by majority or by consensus?
Section 10 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1993 is reproduced below:-
(1) The Election Commission may be by unanimous decision, regulate the procedure for transaction of to business as also allocation of its business amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and their Election Commissioners.
(2) Save as provided in sub section (i) all business of the Election Commission shall, as far as possible, be transacted unanimously.
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (ii), if the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matter shall be decided by according to the opinion of the majority.

Q9) Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners?
The President.
Under Article 324(2) of the Constitution of India, the President of India is empowered to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners.

Q10) Who fixes the number of Election Commissioners (other than Chief Election Commissioner)?
The President.
Article 324(2) also empowers the President of India to fix from time to time the number of Election Commissioners other than the Chief Election Commissioner.

Q11) Who supervises the election work in a State?
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
As per section 13A of the Representation of the People Act 1950, read with section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Chief Electoral Officer of a State/ Union Territory is authorised to supervise the election work in the State/Union Territory subject to the overall superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission.

Q12) Who appoints the Chief Electoral Officer?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the Government of the State/Union Territory as the Chief Electoral Officer in consultation with that State Government/Union Territory Administration.

Q13) Who supervises the election work in a District?
The District Election Officer (DEO)
As per section 13AA of the Representation of the People Act 1950, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Chief Electoral Officer, the District Election Officer supervises the election work of a district.

Q14) Who appoints the District Election Officer?
Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the State Government as the District Election Officer in consultation with the State Government.

Q15) Who is responsible for the conduct of elections in any Parliamentary or Assembly constituency?
Returning Officer (RO)
The Returning Officer of a parliamentary or assembly constituency is responsible for the conduct of elections in the parliamentary or assembly constituency concerned as per section 21 of the Representation of the People Act 1951.

Q16) Who appoints the Returning Officer?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an officer of the Government or a local authority as the Returning Officer for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies in consultation with the State Government/Union Territory Administration. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Returning Officers for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies to assist the Returning Officer in the performance of his functions in connection with the conduct of elections.

Q17)Who is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency?
Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)
The Electoral Registration Officer is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a parliamentary / assembly constituency.

Q18) Who conducts the poll at a polling station?
Presiding Officer
The Presiding Officer with the assistance of polling officers conducts the poll at a polling station.

Q19) Who appoints the Electoral Registration officer?
Under section 13B of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Election Commission of India, in consultation with the State / UT Government, appoints an Officer of the Government or the Local Authorities as the Electoral Registration Officer. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to assist the Electoral Registration Officer in the performance of his functions in the matter of preparation / revision of electoral rolls.

Q20) Who appoints Presiding Officers and Polling Officers?
District Election Officer (DEO)
Under section 26 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the District Election Officer appoints the Presiding Officers and Polling Officers. In the case of Union Territories, such appointments are made by the Returning Officers.

Q21) Who appoints Observers?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Under section 20B of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the Election Commission of India nominates officers of Government as Observers (General Observers and Election Expenditure Observers) for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. They perform such functions as are entrusted to them by the Commission. Earlier, the appointment of Observers was made under the plenary powers of the Commission. But with the amendments made to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 in 1996, these are now statutory appointments. They report directly to the Commission.

Q1) What is the composition of Parliament of India?
According to Article 79 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of President of India and the two Houses of Parliament known as Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and House of the People (Lok Sabha)

Q2) What is the term of the Lok Sabha?
Normal Term : 5 years
Article 83 (2) of the Constitution stipulates that Lok Sabha shall have a normal term of 5 years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer. However, the President may dissolve the House earlier.

Q3) What can be the maximum number of members of the Lok Sabha?
550 The maximum number of elected members of Lok Sabha is 550. Article 81 of the Constitution provides that not more than 530 members will be elected from the States and not more than 20 members from Union Territories. Article 331 of the Constitution provides that not more than 2 members from the Anglo Indian Community may be nominated by the President of India, if in his opinion that community is not adequately represented in that House.

Q4) How are the members of Lok Sabha elected?
Under Sec 14 of Representation of People Act 1951, the President of India by a notification will call upon the constituencies to elect their members to the House of People. Thereafter the electors of the Parliamentary Constituencies will directly elect the Lok Sabha members. As per article 326 of the Constitution of India, elections to the House of the People shall be on the basis of adult suffrage.

Q5) How many members are elected by the electors of a Parliamentary Constituency?
One. Each Parliamentary Constituency will elect only one member.

Q6) Was this position from the very beginning?
No. Prior to 1962, there were both single - member and multi member constituencies. These multi - member constituencies used to elect more than one member. The multi member constituencies were abolished in 1962.

Q7) When was the 1st general election held in India?
1951-52 The first general election was held in India during 1951 - 1952.

Q8) At that time, what was the total strength of the Lok Sabha?
The total strength of Lok Sabha at that time was 489.

Q1) Who is responsible for the counting of votes and declaration of result of an election?
The Returning Officer According to Sec. 64 of the R. P. Act, 1951, votes are counted by or under the supervision / direction of the Returning Officer of the Constituency. When the counting is completed, the Returning officer declares the result as per provisions of Sec. 66 of R. P. Act, 1951.

Q2) After the declaration of results in all constituencies, which authority will constitute the new Lok Sabha – President or the Election Commission?
Election Commission of India (ECI)
According to Sec. 73 of the R. P. Act, 1951, after the results of all Parliamentary constituencies are declared, the Election Commission will constitute the new Lok Sabha by notifying in the official gazette, the names of the elected members.

Q1) There are 543 Parliamentary constituencies in India each electing one member. Who demarcates the boundaries of these constituencies?
Delimitation Commission
Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Parliament by law enacts a Delimitation Act after every census. After coming into force commencement of the Act, the Central Government constitutes a Delimitation Commission. This Delimitation Commission demarcates the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituencies as per provisions of the Delimitation Act. The present delimitation of constituencies has been done on the basis of 2001 census figures under the provisions of Delimitation Act, 2002. Notwithstanding the above, the Constitution of India was specifically amended in 2002 not to have delimitation of constituencies till the first census after 2026. Thus, the present Constituencies carved out on the basis of 2001 census shall continue to be in operation till the first census after 2026..

Q2) What is the main basis for allocation of seats to various States in the Lok Sabha?
Population of the State
Population is the basis of allocation of seats of the Lok Sabha. As far as possible, every State gets representation in the Lok Sabha in proportion to its population as per census figures.

Q3) Is there any reservation of seats for any special category in Lok Sabha?
Yes. In Lok Sabha there is reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Here also census figures are taken into account.

Q4) On what basis is this reservation made?
Allocation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the Lok Sabha are made on the basis of proportion of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State concerned to that of the total population, vide provision contained in Article 330 of the Constitution of India read with Section 3 of the R. P. Act, 1950.

Q5) How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes in Lok Sabha?
84 For Scheduled Castes, 84 seats are reserved in Lok Sabha. The 1st schedule to Representation of People Act, 1950 as amended vide Representation of People (Amendment) Act , 2008 gives the Statewise breakup.

Q6) How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha?
47 For Scheduled Tribes, 47 seats are reserved in Lok Sabha. The 1st schedule to R. P. Act, 1950 as amended vide Representation of People (Amendment) Act , 2008 gives the Statewise break up.

Q7) Which are the States having the minimum number of seats in Lok Sabha?
The following States and Union Territories have one seat each in the Lok Sabha
Mizoram
Nagaland
Sikkim
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Chandigarh
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Daman and Diu
Lakshadweep
Pondicherry

Q8) How many States are there in India?
29. There are 29 states in India viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and West Bengal.

Q9) How many Union Territories are in India?
Seven. There are 7 Union Territories in India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.

Q10) For every State, there has to be a Legislative Assembly, but it is not so in the case of all Union Territories. Which are the U.Ts.having a Legislative Assembly?
Two. Out of the 7 Union Territories, only Delhi and Pondicherry have Legislative Assemblies.

Q1) Can a non-citizen be a candidate?
No. A non citizen cannot be a contesting candidate in the elections. Article 84 (a) of the Constitution of India envisages that a person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill up a seat in the Parliament unless he is a citizen of India. Similar provision exists for State Legislative Assemblies in Article 173 (a) of the Constitution.

Q2) What is the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha or Assembly election?
Twenty Five Years. Article 84 (b) of Constitution of India provides that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years. Similar provision exists for a candidate to the Legislative Assemblies vide Article 173 (b) of the Constitution read with Sec. 36 (2) of the R. P. Act, 1950.

Q3) If I am not registered as a voter in any Constituency, can I contest election?
No. For contesting an election as a candidate a person must be registered as a voter. Sec 4 (d) of Representation People Act, 1951 precludes a person from contesting unless he is an elector in any parliamentary constituency. Section 5 (c) of R. P. Act, 1951 has a similar provision for Assembly Constituencies.

Q4) I am registered as a voter in Delhi. Can I contest election to Lok Sabha from Haryana or Maharashtra, or Orissa?
Yes. If you are a registered voter in Delhi, you can contest an election to Lok Sabha from any constituency in the country except Assam, Lakshadweep and Sikkim, as per Section 4 (c), 4 (cc) and 4 (ccc) of the R. P. Act, 1951.

Q5) If some body is convicted for some offence and he is sentenced to imprisonment for 3 years, can he contest elections?
No. As per Section 8 (3) of R. P. Act, 1951, if a person is convicted of any offence and sentenced to an imprisonment of 2 years or more, this will be disqualification to contest elections.

Q6) Supposing he is on bail, pending disposal of his appeal, can he contest the election?
No. Even if is a person is on bail, after the conviction and his appeal is pending for disposal, he is disqualified from contesting an election as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.

Q7) Can a person confined in jail vote in an election?
No. According to section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, no person shall vote at any election if he is confined in a prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of the police.

Q8) Every candidate is required to make security deposit. How much is the security deposit for Lok Sabha election?
Rupees Twenty five Thousand. As per Section 34 1 (a) of R. P. Act, 1951, every candidate is required to make a security deposit of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty five Thousand Only) for Lok Sabha elections.

Q9) Is there any concession for a candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe?
Yes. The same section 34 of R. P. Act, 1951 provides that a candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe is required to make a security deposit of Rs. 12,500 (Rupees Twelve Thousand five hundred Only).

Q10) How much is the security deposit for an Assembly election?
Rupees Ten Thousand. As per Sec. 34 (1) (b) of the R. P. Act 1951, a general candidate for contesting an Assembly election will have to make a security deposit of Rs. 10,000/-. A candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste / Tribe will have to make a security deposit of Rs. 5,000/- (Five Thousand Only).

Q11) How much was the security deposit for Lok Sabha election previously?
During the Lok Sabha elections held in 1996 and earlier, the security deposit for general and SC / ST candidate was Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred Only) and Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty Only) respectively.

Q12) How much was the security deposit for elections to Assembly election previously?
During Assembly elections held in 1996 and earlier, the security deposit for general and SC / ST candidates was Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty Only) and Rs. 125/- (Rupees One Hundred Twenty Five Only) respectively.

Q13) When was this change in the amount of security deposit made?
This change in increasing the security deposit was brought about w.e.f 1-2-2010 vide Act 41 of 2009.

Q14) If you are a candidate of a recognised National or State party, how many proposers you require for your nomination?
Only one. If you are a candidate of a recognised national / state party, you would require only one elector of the constituency as proposer, vide Sec. 33 of R. P. Act, 1951.

Q15) If you are an independent candidate or a candidate of unrecognised political party, how many proposers you require?
Ten. The same section 33 of R. P. Act, 1951 provides that as an independent candidate or a candidate of an unrecognised political party, ten electors from the constituency should subscribe your nomination paper as proposers.

Q16) Can a person contest elections to Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha from as many constituencies as he likes?
No. As per Section 33 (7) of R. P. Act, 1951, a person cannot contest from more than two constituencies for a Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha election.

Q17) Which candidates lose the deposit?
3354. A defeated candidate who fails to secure more than one sixth of the valid votes polled in the constituency will lose his security deposit.

Q18) What has been the maximum number of candidates in any constituency in India at any election so far?
In Modakurichi Assembly Constituency of Tamil Nadu there were 1033 contesting candidates during the general election to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1996. The ballot papers were in the form of a booklet.

Q19) The Election Commission has recognised some political parties as National parties and some others as State Parties. How many are National and how many are State parties?
The Election Commission had recognized 6 Political Parties as National Parties and 36 Political Parties as State Parties in different States at the time of General Elections in 2004.s

Q20) On the day of poll, every voter has to go to a polling station to vote. Normally, how many voters are assigned to a polling station, under the norms of the Election Commission?
As per the instructions of Election Commission as contained in Para 2 of Chapter II of Handbook for Returning Officers, a polling station should be provided for a well defined polling area, normally covering about 800 - 1000 electors. However, in exceptional cases, such number may exceed 1000 to avoid the breakup of any polling area in large villages or urban area. When the number exceeds 1200, auxiliary polling stations should be set up. There is provision for setting up of polling stations in localities inhabited by the weaker section of the society, even though the number may be less than 500. If there is a Leprosy Sanatorium a separate polling station may be set up for the inmates alone. Recently the Commission has issued instructions for Rationalisation of Polling Stations in the country, and the limit of electors has been increased to 1500 per polling station, as Electronic Voting Machines are being used now.

Q21) Normally, under the Commission’s norms, how far can a polling station be from your house?
Not more than 2 Kms. According to Para 3 of Chapter II of Handbook for Returning Officers, polling stations should be set up in such a manner that ordinarily no voter is required to travel more than two kms to reach his polling station.

Q22) When you are walking down to your polling station, some candidate or his agent offers you a free lift to the polling station. Can you accept that offer of lift?
No. It is a corrupt practice under section 123 (5) of the R. P. Act, 1951. This offence is punishable under Section 133 of the same Act, with imprisonment which may extend upto 3 months and/or with fine.

Q23) Can you accept such lift when you are going back to your house after you have cast your vote?
No. The provision of Corrupt Practice under section 123 (5) as mentioned above will cover conveyance of any elector, to or from any polling station.

Q24) Somebody offers you some money to vote for a candidate. Can you accept such money?
No. Acceptance of money to vote for a candidate is a corrupt practice of bribery under Section 123 (1) of R. P. Act, 1951. It is also an offence under section 171-B of Indian Penal Code and is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.

Q25)Somebody offers you some money, not to vote for a certain candidate. Can you accept such money?
No. The corrupt practice of bribery will also be attracted, if a person accepts money not to vote for a particular candidate.

Q26) Somebody makes any offer of whisky, liquor or other intoxicants or gives you a dinner to vote for a particular candidate or not to vote for him. Can you accept such an offer?
No. Acceptance of any offer of liquor or other intoxicants or a dinner to vote for a particular candidate or not to vote for him is bribery.

Q27) Can any religious or spiritual leader instructed his followers to vote for a particular candidate, otherwise they will become object of Divine displeasure?
No. If any person induces or attempts to induce the voter to vote for any particular candidate or otherwise he will become an object of Divine displeasure, he will be guilty of the corrupt practice of exercising undue influence on a voter under sec 123 (2) of R. P. Act, 1951.
It is also an offence under section 171C of Indian Penal Code and punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.

Q28) Can any one threaten a voter that he would be excommunicated if he votes for a particular candidate or does not vote for another particular candidate?
No. Any threat to a voter that he would be excommunicated if he votes for a particular candidate or does not vote for another particular candidate is a corrupt practice of undue influence under Section 123 (2) of R. P. Act, 1951. It is also punishable under sec 171 F of Indian Penal Code with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.

Q29) Can anyone tell another person that he should vote for a particular person, or not to vote for him, because the candidate belongs to a particular religion, caste or creed or speaks a particular language?
No. Any one telling another person that he should vote for a particular candidate or not to vote for him because he belongs to a particular religion, caste or creed or speaks a particular language is a corrupt practice under section 123 (3) of R. P. Act, 1951.

Q30) Is a candidate free to spend as much as he likes on his election?
No. A candidate is not free to spend as much as he likes on his election. The law prescribes that the total election expenditure shall not exceed the maximum limit prescribed under Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. It would also amount to a corrupt practice under sec 123 (6) of R. P. Act, 1951.

Q31) What is the limit for election expenditure in a parliamentary constituency in bigger States, like, UP, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, M.P?
The limit for election expenditure is revised from time to time. At present the limit of expenditure for a parliamentary constituency in bigger states like U. P, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh is Rs. 40 lakhs.

Q32) What is the limit of such expenditure for an assembly constituency in these bigger States?
The limit of election expenditure for an assembly constituency in the above bigger states is Rs. 16 lakhs.

Q33) What was the limit for the Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in the above States at the time of the last general election in 2009?
The limit of election expenses in the above bigger states at the time of 2009 general election was Rs. 25 lakhs for a Parliamentary constituency and Rs. 10 lakhs for an assembly constituency.

Q34) Are these limits uniform for all States? If not ,What is the lowest limit for a parliamentary constituency at present?
No. The maximum limits of election expenditure vary from State to State. The lowest limit at present for a parliamentary constituency is Rs. 16 lakhs for the constituency of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep. The lowest limit for assembly constituency is Rs. 8 lakh in Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Puducherry

Q35) Are the candidates required to file any account of election expenses?
Under section 77 of the R.P.Act, 1951, every candidate at an election to the House of the People or State Legislative Assembly is required to keep, either by himself or by his election agent, a separate and correct account of all expenditure in connection with the selection incurred or authorised by him or his election agent between the date on which he has been nominated and the date of declaration of result, both dates inclusive. Every contesting candidate has to lodge a true copy of the said account within 30 days of the result of the election.

Q36) Who is the authority to whom such account is to be lodged?
In every state the account of election expenses shall be lodged by a contesting candidate with the District Election Officer of the district in which the constituency from which he contested lies. In the case of Union Territories, such accounts are to be lodged with the Returning Officer Concerned.

Q37) If a Candidate is contesting from more than one constituency, is he required to file separate accounts or only one consolidated account?
If a candidate is contesting from more than one constituency, he has to lodge a separate return of election expenses for every election which he has contested. The election for each constituency is a separate election.

Q38) What is the penalty if a candidate does not file his account of election expenses?
Under section 10A of the RP Act, 1951, if the Election Commission is satisfied that a person has failed to lodge an account of election expenses with the time and in the manner required by or under that Act and he has no good reason or justification for the failure, it has the power to disqualify him for a period of 3 years for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament or the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State.

Q39) What is the deadline after which no public meetings and processions can be taken out?
As per Sec. 126 of R. P. Act, 1951, no public meetings and processions can be taken out during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll.

Q40) On the day of poll, can any one vote in the name of another person, even with his consent?
No. On the day of poll no one can vote in the name of another even with his consent. If he does so it would amount to impersonation which is an offence under Section 171 D of Indian Penal Code. The offence is punishable with imprisonment of either description which may extend to one year or with fine or both.

Q41) Can any one vote more than once, even if his name is included (wrongly) at more than one place?
No. No one can vote more than once even if his name is included at more than one place. If he does so he will be guilty of impersonation which will be punishable as above.

Q42) If you go to your polling station and find that somebody else has impersonated for you and already voted in your name, can you vote in such circumstances?
Yes. If a person finds that someone else has already voted in his name, then also he will be allowed to vote. But his ballot paper will be marked as a Tendered Ballot Paper by the Presiding Officer. This will be kept separately in the prescribed cover, as per Rule 42 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.

Q.1. Is it necessary for an association to get registered by the Election Commission?
No. It is not necessary for every association to get registered by the Election Commission. Only an association or body of individual citizens of India calling itself a political party and intending to avail itself of the provisions of Part-IV-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, (relating to registration of political parties) is required to get itself registered with the Election Commission of India.

Q.2. What are the benefits of registration with the Election Commission of India?
The candidates set up by a political party registered with the Election Commission of India will get preference in the matter of allotment of free symbols vis-à-vis purely independent candidates. Further, registered political parties, in course of time, can get recognition as `State Party’ or National Party’ subject to the fulfillment of the conditions prescribed by the Commission in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as amended from time to time. If a party is recognised as a State Party’, it is entitled for exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol to the candidates set up by it in the State of States in which it is so recognised, and if a party is recognised as a `National Party’ it is entitled for exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol to the candidates set up by it throughout India. Recognised `State’ and `National’ parties need only one proposer for filing the nomination and are also entitled for two sets of electoral rolls free of cost and broadcast/telecast facilities over Akashvani/Doordarshan during general elections.

Q.3. What is the procedure for registration?
1. An application for registration is to be submitted to the Secretary, Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001 in the proforma prescribed by the Commission. The Performa is available on request by post or across the counter from the office of the Commission. The proforma and necessary guidelines are also available on the Commission's website under the main heading Judicial References, sub-heading Political Party and sub-sub-heading Registration of Political Parties(Click Here). The same can be downloaded from there also. The application should be neatly typed on the party’s letter head, if any, and it should be sent by registered post or presented personally to the Secretary to the Election Commission within thirty days following the date of formation of the party.
2. The application must be accompanied by the following documents/information:-
(i) A demand draft for Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) on account of processing fee drawn in favour of Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi. The processing fee is non-refundable.
(ii) A neatly typed/printed copy of the memorandum/rules and regulations/Constitution of the Party containing a specific provision as required under sub-section (5) of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 in the exact terms, which reads "---------------(name of the party) shall bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as by law established, and to the principles of socialism, secularism and democracy and would uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India". The above mandatory provision must be included in the text of party constitution/rules and regulations/memorandum itself as one of the Articles/clauses.
(iii) The copy of the party Constitution should be duly authenticated on each page by the General Secretary/President/Chairman of the Party and the seal of the signatory should be affixed thereon.
(iv) There should be a specific provision in the Constitution/rules and regulations/memorandum of the party regarding organizational elections at different levels and the periodicity of such elections and terms of office of the office-bearers of the party.
(v) The procedure to be adopted in the case of merger/dissolution should be specifically provided in the Constitution/rules and regulations/memorandum.
(vi) Certified extracts from the latest electoral rolls in respect of at least 100 members of the party (including all office-bearers/members of main decision-making organs like Executive Committee/Executive Council) to show that they are registered electors.
(vii) An affidavit duty signed by the President/General Secretary of the party and sworn before a First Class Magistrate/Oath Commissioner)/ Notary Public to the effect that no member of the party is a member of any other political party registered with the Commission.
(viii) Individual affidavits from at least 100 members of the party to the effect that the said member is a registered elector and that he is not a member of any other political party registered with the Commission duly sworn before a First Class Magistrate/Oath Commissioner)/Notary Public. These affidavits shall be in addition to the furnishing of certified extracts of electoral rolls in respect of the 100 members of the applicant party mentioned at (vi) above.
(ix)Particulars of Bank accounts and Permanent Account Number, if any, in the name of the party.
(x)Duly completed CHECK LIST alongwith requisite documents prescribed therein.
3. The application along with all the required documents mentioned above should reach the Secretary to the Commission within 30 days following the date of formation of the party.
4. Any application made after the said period will be time-barred.

Q.4. What are the criteria for recognition of a party?
A political party shall be treated as a recognised political party in a State, if and only if either the conditions specified in Clause (A) are, or the condition specified in Clause (B) is, fulfilled by that party and not otherwise, that is to say-
(A) that such party –
has been engaged in political activity for a continuous period of five years; and has, at the last general election in that State to the House of the People, or, as the case may be, to the Legislative Assembly of the State, returned-
either ( i ) at least one member to the House of the People for every twenty-five members of that House or any fraction of that number from that State;
or (ii) at least one member to the Legislative Assembly of that State for every thirty members of that Assembly or any fraction of that number;
(B) 1. That the total number of valid votes polled by all the contesting candidates set up by such party at the last general election in the State to the House of the People, or as the case may be, to the Legislative Assembly of the State, is not less than six per cent of the total number of valid votes polled by all the contesting candidates at such general election in the State.
2. The conditions in Clause (A) or Clause (B) above shall not be deemed to have been fulfilled by a political party, if a member of the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State becomes a member of that political party after his election to that House or, as the case may be, that Assembly.
3. 'State’ includes the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
4. If a political party is treated as a recognised political party in four or more States, it shall be known as a `National Party’ throughout the whole of India, but only so long as that political party continues to fulfill thereafter the conditions for recognition in four or more States on the results of any subsequent general election either to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of any State.
5. If a political party is treated as a recognised political party in less than four States, it should be known as a `State Party’ in the State or States in which it is so recognised, but only so long as that political party continues to fulfill thereafter the conditions for recognition on the results of any subsequent general election to the House of the People or, as the case may be, to the Legislative Assembly of the State, in the said State or States.