The State Election Commission (SEC) will use ‘pink’ ballot for member of Zila Panchayat, ‘yellow’ for member of Janpad Panchayat, ‘blue’ for Sarpanch and 'white' ballot paper for the post of Panch in the three-phase panchayat polls to be held in the State from January 28.
State Election Commissioner PC Dalei informed the election observers about the colour of ballot papers, in a meeting held here. Dalei said that the observers should carry out their responsibilities to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections according to rules and procedures.
He said that the observers will have to inform the SEC about all activities in their respective districts and ensure proper enforcement of model code of conduct. Dalei informed them that the candidates for the post of member of Zila Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat need to give affidavit at the time of nomination while candidates for the post of Sarpanch and Panch need to submit declaration with the nomination papers.
The observers were informed in the meeting that they will have to send reports at three stages directly to the SEC. The first report is to be provided after scrutiny of nomination papers. This will have complete information about preparation for polls.
The second report should be sent three days before the date of polling while the third report should be provided on the day of polling or next day of polling. The counting and results for the posts of Panch and Sarpanch will be done immediately after polling.
The observers are authorised to stop the counting if they find any disturbance or unsuitable atmosphere at the time of counting of votes. In such situation, the ballot boxes need to be sealed and stored at block headquarter.
The observers need to remain alert and carry out their responsibilities in training of the polling parties, distribution of election material, enforcement of model code of conduct, arrangements at polling stations, return of polling parties and submission of election material by the polling parties.
For any complaint against any officer or employ involved in election duty, the observer should immediately inform the district collector or send a report to the SEC. For any shortcoming in the arrangements, the observer is free to give suggestion to the SEC.