As the first phase of Assembly elections draws near, the District Election Officer for East Singhbhum, Mr. Ananya Mittal, has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure a secure and fair voting process. With polling day set for November 13, 2024, in all six constituencies of East Singhbhum, these measures underscore the Election Commission of India’s commitment to upholding law and order during the electoral period, especially the critical 72 hours leading up to polling day.
The directive mandates the enforcement of several key measures aimed at preventing potential disruptions and ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Notably, Mr. Mittal emphasized that any violation of these orders will lead to immediate action under relevant legal provisions.
Starting from P-3 day, or 72 hours before polling day, all inter-state and inter-district borders surrounding East Singhbhum will be sealed. This measure is specifically aimed at preventing the entry of anti-social and disruptive elements who may attempt to influence or disturb the election proceedings. The district administration, in coordination with law enforcement, will deploy personnel to monitor and strictly control access at all major entry points to the district.
On P-2 day, or 48 hours before polling, strict surveillance will be placed on all public gathering spaces, including Kalyan Mandaps, marriage halls, guest houses, and dharamshalas. Additionally, hotels, hostels, and lodges across the district will be thoroughly checked by designated teams to ensure that these premises are not being used by political parties or candidates for unauthorized gatherings, which could potentially influence voter sentiment in violation of the MCC. Officers will be on high alert for any signs of political gatherings or attempts to sway voter behavior.
On polling day, each candidate will be permitted only one vehicle for personal use, with additional restrictions applying to their election agents and party workers, who are also limited to one vehicle each. This policy is in place to prevent the excessive movement of vehicles that could disrupt polling station security and to maintain a level playing field among candidates.
Private vehicles will not be allowed within a 200-meter radius of polling booths to avoid congestion and potential disturbances near voting centers. This restriction aims to create a controlled environment around polling stations, minimizing the possibility of voter intimidation or interference.
On the day of polling, cellular phones, mobile devices, wireless telephones, and other communication devices will be banned within 100 meters of polling stations, with exceptions made only for officers on duty. This measure is designed to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process, reducing the risk of any attempts to influence or disrupt voting within the vicinity of the polling booths.
