Upcoming Bye-Elections in Delhi: Key Details
The Election Commission has announced bye-elections to fill vacancies in specific Assembly Constituencies. These elections will coincide with the General Election for the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi in 2025. This article outlines the details of the bye-elections, the electoral process, and the measures in place to ensure a smooth voting experience.
Bye-Elections Overview
The Commission has identified two Assembly Constituencies where bye-elections will take place. These are:
- Uttar Pradesh: 273-Milkipur, due to the resignation of Sh. Awadhesh Prasad.
- Tamil Nadu: 98-Erode (East), following the death of Sh. E.V.K.S. Elangovan.The bye-elections are crucial as they ensure that the constituencies remain represented in the legislative assembly. The elections are scheduled to occur alongside the general elections, making it a significant event for voters in these regions. The Commission has emphasized the importance of these elections in maintaining the democratic process and ensuring that every constituency has a voice in the assembly.
The detailed schedule for the bye-elections is outlined in Annexure-I, which includes important dates for the electoral process. This includes the date of the Gazette notification, the last date for filing nominations, and the date of polling. The Commission aims to conduct these elections in a transparent and efficient manner, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate.
Electoral Rolls and Voter Registration
The integrity of electoral rolls is vital for free and fair elections. The Election Commission has placed a strong emphasis on maintaining updated and accurate electoral rolls. Following amendments to the Representation of the People Act, there are now four qualifying dates each year for voter registration. The Commission recently conducted a Special Summary Revision of the electoral roll, with January 1, 2025, as the qualifying date.
Eligible citizens were invited to register to vote, and the final publication of the electoral roll has been completed. However, the process of updating the electoral rolls will continue until the last date for filing nominations. This ensures that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections. The Commission is committed to maintaining the quality and accuracy of the electoral rolls, which is essential for the credibility of the electoral process.
Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs
To enhance the voting experience, the Election Commission has decided to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in all polling stations during the bye-elections. These technologies are designed to streamline the voting process and ensure transparency.
Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs will be made available to facilitate a smooth polling experience. The Commission has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the elections are conducted efficiently and securely. Voters can trust that their votes will be accurately recorded and counted, thanks to these technological advancements.
The use of EVMs and VVPATs also allows for quick results, which is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. The Commission is dedicated to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of democracy and fairness.
Voter Identification and Model Code of Conduct
Voter identification is a critical aspect of the electoral process. The Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will serve as the primary identification document for voters. However, several other forms of identification will also be accepted at polling stations. These include Aadhar cards, MGNREGA job cards, bank passbooks with photographs, and various government-issued identity cards.
In addition to voter identification, the Model Code of Conduct will come into effect immediately in the districts where the bye-elections are being held. This code ensures that political parties and candidates adhere to ethical standards during the election campaign. It aims to create a level playing field for all candidates and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Candidates with criminal antecedents are required to disclose this information publicly during their campaign. This transparency is essential for voters to make informed decisions. The Commission has established guidelines to ensure that this information is disseminated effectively, allowing voters to understand the backgrounds of the candidates they are considering.
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