ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA GENERAL ELECTIONS TO THE

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA GENERAL ELECTIONS TO THE STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES OF BIHAR-2020 Role of Observers in Conducting Free, Fair & Peaceful Elections Umesh Sinha, IAS Secretary General, Election Commission of India

Benchmarks of the Indian Elections ■ ■ ■ ■ Free, Fair, Peaceful and safe. Transparent and Credible Inclusive: Special Facilitation for Gender, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability, Ailing Persons Participative Gender and Pw. D friendly Strict regime for potential violators and anti-social elements Facilitative and Friendly Festive 2 2

Broad Guidelines to be followed during entire election processes for all persons■ ■ Every person shall wear face mask during every election related activity. At the entry of hall/ room/ premises used for election purposes: ■ ■ ■ Thermal Scanning of all persons shall be carried out; Sanitizer shall be made available at all locations. Social distancing shall be maintained as per the extant COVID-19 guidelines of the State Govt. and Ministry of Home Affairs. As far as practicable, large halls should be identified and utilized to ensure social distancing norms. Adequate number of vehicles shall be mobilized for movement of polling personnel, security personnel to ensure compliance of COVID-19 guidelines. 3

Broad Guidelines to be followed during the Conduct of General Election during COVID-19 ■ ■ In view of spread of COVID-19, the Commission on 21 st August, 2020 has issued a broad guidelines, which is to be followed strictly during the conduct of election. Keeping the containment guidelines in view, the Commission has limited the number of persons including candidate for door to door campaign to 5 (five). The convoy of vehicles in road show should be broken after every 5 (five) vehicles instead of 10 vehicles (excluding the security vehicles, if any). The interval between two sets of convoy of vehicles should be half an hour instead of gap of 100 meters. Public meeting and road shows shall be permissible with suitable instructions subject to containment instructions issued by the MHA/State. 4

Broad Guidelines to be followed during the Conduct of General Election during COVID-19 - Cont. ■ Face Mask, Sanitizer, Thermal scanners, gloves, Face shield and PPE kits shall be use during the electoral process ensuring social distancing norms. ■ The Chief Electoral Officer of the State, has been directed to make a comprehensive State Election Plan following the guidelines relating to arrangement and preventive measures, in consultation with Nodal Officer for COVID-19 in the state, to conduct General Elections, during the period of containment measures for COVID-19. Similarly, the District Election Officers shall make comprehensive District Election Plan relating to arrangement and preventive measures in consultation with Nodal Officer for COVID in their district to conduct election. 5

Election Observation : Objectives ■ ECI’s Election observation system serves multiple purposes: � Introduces an element of ‘externality’ from within. � Reinforces faith in the internal mechanism. � Neutralizes the impact of possible partiality on the part of local machinery. � Serves as an effective CBM and increases stake holders confidence. � Improves the credibility of elections. � Enables timely midcourse interventions. � Enables inter-state learning process and facilitates adaptation of best practices and stabilizing of standard operational procedures. 6

Statutory Basis of Appointment Observers of the Election Commission of India are appointed under the powers conferred on it by Section 20 B of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and the plenary powers available to the Commission under Art-324 of the Constitution of India. They are the appointees of the Commission working under the superintendence, control and discipline of the Commission for the period from their appointment until the process of elections is completed. 7

ELECTION SCHEDULE BIHAR ■ General Elections in 243 Assembly Constituencies of Bihar will be held in 3 phases. ■ Polls will be held on 28. 10. 2020, 03. 11. 2020 and 07. 11. 2020 for 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd phase respectively. ■ Counting of votes will be held on 10. 11. 2020. 8

Observers Schedule ■ General & Police Observers must reach the constituency positively by last date of nomination. ■ Your phone number and place of stay should be advertised widely ■ Do NOT book yourself for return on the day after the poll as scrutiny of presiding officers’ diaries and form 17 -A is done on that day, moreover your presence may be required for re-polls ■ Keep aside a specific time everyday and be present in RO’s office for anyone to meet you; advertise the venue and timing prominently ■ Movement of Observers to be guided by District Administration. 9

Role of General Observers Electoral Rolls ■ Do a health-check on rolls� Whether any abnormal addition / deletion after final publication. � Ensure handing over of supplement voter list to candidates in time. � Any complaints about electoral roll. (Duplicate voters/EPIC Card/Photo) ■ Marked copy to be signed on each page by two officers. ■ Copy with presiding officer and the candidate/polling agent to be identical. ■ Verify marking of Postal Ballot (PB) in the roll. ■ Absentee , shifted, dead Voters’ List (ASD-List) ■ Alphabetical Voters’ List and Help Desk ■ Observer to ensure that 100% Photo voter slips are distributed by BLOs to all eligible voters. ■ Help Desk outside the polling station on the poll day. ■ Ensure that there are no EPIC cards left undistributed. 10

Photo Voter Slip (PVS) ■ A Photo Voter Slip to be distributed to all electors at least 5 days before poll date. ■ Commission has improved the design of the official Photo Voter Slip. ■ Bar coded information and Google map indicating the polling booth location is included in the modified Photo Voter Slip ■ RO to prepare a schedule of distribution of PVS by BLOs. ■ Observers need to ensure systematic, efficient and timely distribution of modified Photo Voter Slips. ■ Accessible PVS with Braille features to Persons with Visual Impairment to be issued. ■ All Undistributed PVS to be returned to ERO- alphabetic list prepared and PVS kept in sealed cover. ■ For detailed information kindly go through the Observers Hand Book. 11

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Voter Guide ■ A Voter Guide (in Vernacular/English) shall be distributed to every household. ■ Contains essential election related information like: � � � Date and time of polls Contact details of BLOs Important websites Helpline numbers Identification documents Do’s and Don’ts for voters at polling stations. ■ Shall be distributed along with PVS by the BLOs atleast 5 days before the poll date. ■ Observers to ensure timely completion of distribution. 14

Recent Initiatives to Foster Conducive & Enabling Environment ■ New Transparency Measures to enhance credibility� 100% VVPAT Coverage at all PS. � EVM/VVPAT and polling personnel Randomization including police ■ ■ ■ ■ personnel deputed at polling station on poll day Booth Level Officer (BLO) System for electoral rolls & Poll-day management. VOTER GUIDE (in vernacular /English) and Photo Voter Slip (PVS) shall be distributed to all electors for voter information and facilitation. Implementation of Commissions revised guidelines in view of the COVID -19 situation regarding Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all Polling Stations. Mapping of all PWD electors and special facilitation to ensure their participation. Option of Postal Ballot facility has been extended to the electors who are marked as Persons with Disabilities (Pw. D), Electors above the age of 80 years, Electors employed in notified Essential services and Electors who are COVID- 19 positive/suspect and in quarantine (home/institutional) Vulnerability Mapping to prevent threat and intimidations. Printing Photograph of candidate on the Ballot paper to be displayed on EVM (Ballot Unit). 15

Recent Initiatives to Foster Conducive & Enabling Environment ■ Poll Day Measures� Micro Observers/Live web casting/Videography of Critical Polling Stations � Mock Poll Certificate System/Photo voter slips as facilitating & identification ■ ■ ■ document. GPS Tracking of all vehicles transporting EVMs and VVPATs, including Reserve units for effective last mile monitoring of all EVM movement. New Complaint Redressal Call-centers (1950), District call-centers, helplines and websites SMS based poll monitoring and perfect Communication Plan COUNTING PROCESS: The instruction that the penultimate round of EVM counting should be taken up only after completion of Postal Ballot counting is withdrawn. Accordingly, the EVM counting can go on irrespective of the stage of Postal Ballot counting. Once the EVM counting is completed, the VVPAT slips counting can start as per the prescribed procedure for counting VVPAT slips. VVPAT slip count of Five (5) randomly selected Polling Stations in each Assembly Constituency of the State Legislative Assemblies of NCT of Delhi, by the Returning Officer, by Draw of Lot in presence of all candidates, shall be done for verification of the result obtained from the Control Unit. 16

Recent Initiatives-cont. Photographs Of Candidates On EVM Ballot Paper ■ In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the photograph of candidate also on the ballot paper to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot Unit) and on Postal Ballot Papers. ■ This will help avoid any confusion, which may arise when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. For this purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning Officer, their recent Stamp Size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the Commission. 17

Recent Initiatives-cont. ■ Candidates with criminal antecedents are required to publish information in this regard in newspapers and through Television channels on three occasions during the campaign period. ■ A political party that sets up candidates with criminal antecedents is also required to publish information about criminal background of its candidates, both in its website and also in newspapers and Television channel on three occasions. 18

Recent Initiatives-cont. ■ ■ Information regarding individuals with criminal cases, who have been selected as candidates, along with the reasons for selection of such candidates, as also as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates, shall be published by the political party in the newspapers, social media platform and website of the party within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate or not less than two weeks before the first date for filing of nominations, whichever is earlier. The nature of offence, both in pending cases and conviction cases must be clearly written. 19

Challenges to Free and Fair Poll Process ■ Paid News▪ General Observers are also required to keep a close watch on the violations related to paid news and all such cases must be immediately brought to the notice of concerned DEO, RO and the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at District level and State level. ■ Use of Muscle Power▪ Booth Capturing and bogus voting/Threat and intimidation to voters. ■ Use of Money Power▪ Bribing of voters/Surrogate expenditure/Paid News ■ Vigilance over vulnerable and critical areas 20

District Election Management Plan (DEMP) ■ The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive District Election Management Plan in consultation with SSPs/SPs and Sector Officers, including the route plan and communication plan for conduct of elections. ■ These plans will be vetted by the Observers taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling stations, in accordance with Election Commission of India’s extant instructions. 21

Special Attention to be paid in vulnerable and critical Assembly Constituencies ■ Assembly Constituencies which are vulnerable and critical should be in kept in strict vigil. ■ Extremist, communal and political violence are interlinked. Each triggers the others & leads to chain reaction. ■ All these factors have the potential to vitiate free and fair polls. ■ Hence, you should stay alert and take necessary action to encourage people ■ To shun violence. ■ To exercise their right to vote without any fear. ■ To express their will and be a part of the process of electing the Government of their choice, in a peaceful way. 22

General Observers District & Assembly Security Deployment pattern & plan ■ CAPF & State Police shall be available for conducting elections in all the States/UT. ■ CPF deployment plan to be finally approved by General observer for his area. ■ District and Assembly constituency security Deployment Plan once finalized shall not be altered without the knowledge of observer. ■ Ensure effective coordination with CAPF commanders. ■ Ensure that approved security plan is strictly adhered to on the poll day, both for CAPF & State Police. ■ Ensure that proper briefing/training of CAPF & State police personnel has been done to avoid mishaps & embarrassment. ■ Observer to monitor effective utilization of CAPF. 23

General Observers DEMP, Booth Level Management Plan, Communication Plan and SMS based Poll Monitoring ■ Proper vetting of the District Election Management Plan (DEMP) ■ Booth Level Mgmt Plan to be effectively used. ■ A Perfect Communication Plan will aid and enable a professional delivery. ■ Each polling station to be linked through one or other mode of communication� Land Line, Mobile, Wireless ■ SMS based poll monitoring system reporting to track major election related events. ■ BLOs to remain outside their polling station on Poll day to communicate any important event happening around polling stations/location. 24

General Observers Model Code of Conduct ■ Go through the MCC document and latest MCC instructions. � Available on ECI website. � Printed copy can be obtained from DEO. ■ Hold meeting with Political parties & candidates to explain about MCC provision ■ Complaint Monitoring System should be implemented vigorously – Observers must visit the district control room and check its functioning ■ Check that the toll free Call Center number – 1950 and District help lines are working ■ Review the functioning of MCC enforcement squad. ■ Violation by ‘star campaigners’ warrant action against the party as well as the campaigner. Hence, track and report. Such cases shall be handled at the Commission level for maximum visibility and impact. 25

General Observers Model Code of Conduct (contd) ■ Action on MCC violations to be swift by District Election machinery. ■ Demonstrative action and visibility of response will promote confidence. ■ If you find the enforcement of MCC is lacking don’t hesitate to report. ■ Attend to Media Reports also on MCC violations and verify its correctness for further action. ■ Videography of public meetings, Rallies & other major events is a must to track MCC violations. ■ Strict Enforcement Action in the last 72 Hours prior to close of Polls- SOP to be enforced. 26

General Observers Measures to Prevent Public Nuisance ■ Usage to Eco-friendly substances for preparing election campaign/publicity material. � All political parties/candidates to desist from use of plastics, polythene etc. ■ Restriction on use of Loudspeakers: � Ban on use of Loudspeakers/sound amplifiers at night between 10. 00 pm and 6. 00 pm. � No loudspeakers in the period of 48 hours ending with hour fixed for end of polls. � Refrain use of loudspeakers in vicinity of educational institutions. 27

General Observers Training of Polling Personnel ■ Training not to be in a class of more than 40 -50 trainees. ■ Check preparation of master-trainers. Is the number sufficient? Sector Officers to be master trainers. ■ Check the schedule of training - Minimum 3 Rounds; ■ Timing important – at least last round (3 rd round) in polling station groups, therefore, after 2 nd randomization. ■ Equal importance on EVM and other training. ■ Hands on training on EVMs. ■ Second training may be PS wise by zonal officers of recipient ROs, third training by concerned zonal officers. ■ Micro-observers to be trained by observers. ■ Training of Police Personnel at all levels. 28

General Observers Training of Polling Personnel ■ Poll day arrangements inside polling stations (Dummy polling station setup with trained manpower at dispatch center for last minute brush-up by any team/member) � Voting compartment to be secure & secluded � Only authorized persons to be inside PS � Understanding of the role of Polling Agents and giving them the requisite documents – 17 C, Paper seal No. ■ Presiding officer not to go to voting compartment and ‘assist’ the voters. If necessary, polling agents will be taken along. ■ Issues related to identification of Voters ■ Use of alphabetical name locator list ■ Training of SMS poll monitoring ■ Explain the Supreme Court judgment about ‘NOTA’ and that Rule 49 O has been scrapped ■ Absent, Shifted and Duplicate names in roll ■ ■ Filling up of Register of voters – 17 AFilling up of 17 C Tallying of 17 A, 17 C and the EVM count Writing of Presiding Officers Diary 29

Role of General Observers Scrutiny of Nomination Papers ■ Scrutiny by RO only – not ARO. In exceptional cases, ARO can be authorized by RO in writing – It is a quasi judicial function ■ Nomination process to be video graphed ■ No vehicle allowed within 200 Meters of RO office ■ Candidate, election agent, 1 proposer and 1 person so authorized by candidate can be present; can examine any nomination paper ■ All nomination papers to be scrutinized; objections to be summarily inquired and speaking order recorded ■ Based on Supreme Court judgement dated 13 th Sept. 2013, Returning Officers are being asked to ensure that candidates fill up all columns while filing affidavits. 30

Role of General Observers Scrutiny of Nomination Papers ■ Presumption that nomination is valid unless contrary has been established. Benefit of doubt to candidate concerned. ■ There is provision for adjournment of scrutiny and give time to candidate to produce documents up to morning of (normally forenoon - 11. 00 A. M) the last day of withdrawal, so that hearing and decision can be given before closure of withdrawal time. ■ Candidate or his/her agent can assist the RO in locating the submitted documents. ■ General Observers shall submit detailed report immediately after withdrawal of candidature itself – 1 st Report. 31

Role of General Observers Randomization of Polling Personnel ■ 1 st Randomization done by DEO before arrival of observer – 120% of requirement. ■ 2 nd randomization: In presence of Observers only� AC allotted not booth. � Groups can be formed for polling parties. � Maximum 9 to 12 days ahead of the poll day. � No single team to have more than one member from same institution. ■ 3 rd Randomization: q To be done by observers and kept with them q Polling station to be known to the polling team at dispatch time only q Check arrangements for issue of identity cards to polling personnel. 32

Vulnerability Mapping: The Context ■ What is VM? - Identification of habitats and segments of voters vulnerable to threat and intimidation and taking advance measures to prevent commission of such offence. ■ Legal Basis – � Forcing or intimidating a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Tribe not to vote or to vote (for) a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law is an offence under Section (3) (1) (v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. � Undue influence at elections is an electoral offence under section 171 C of the Indian Penal Code. Any voluntary interference or attempt at interfering with the free exercise of any electoral right constitutes the crime of undue influence at an election. � Section 123 (2) of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 defines, any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of the candidate or his agent, or of any other person with the consent of the candidate or his election agent with the free exercise of any electoral right, as a corrupt practice. 33

VM Exercise: Joint Role of General & Police Observer ■ Check on the status of VM exercise� Three Stages of VM ■ ■ ■ Identification of Vulnerable habitats and voter segments. Identification of intimidators & intimidated with (Name & House, location & Phone No. ) Action Taken Report (ATR) on VM ■ Do a thorough review of Vulnerable Mapping done by DM/DCP. ■ Visit vulnerable villages/ communities and establish contacts. ■ Track poll day events, including tracking of intimidated voter by Sector Magistrates personally or on phone on Poll day. 34

Role of General Observers Critical Polling Stations and Critical Clusters ■ The identification of critical polling stations and critical clusters shall be the guiding principle for deciding the deployment of Forces in static & mobile mode. ■ Ensure area domination and security forces in catchment of critical PSs/clusters. ■ The entire force deployment in the assembly segments shall be under the oversight of the Central Observers deputed by the Commission. 35

General Observers Critical Polling Stations: Criteria ■ Polling stations with a history of violence. ■ Polling stations where more than 75% votes cast in favor of one candidate in previous elections. ■ Polling stations where re-poll was taken in the past. ■ Polling stations where persons belonging to vulnerable communities live. ■ Polling stations in the village of a candidate or other important leaders. ■ Worry list of the candidates. ■ All critical Polling Stations should be covered by at least one of the following – CAPF/ Video Camera/ Still Camera/ Web Casting/ Microobserver. 36

General Observers Micro Observers ■ Why, Who & How� Extended Arms of Observer to enhance deterrence. � Government of India & CPSU Staff to be Micro Observer. ■ Basically Intra-district mobilization and deployment. In case of shortage, inter-district borrowing a must. ■ Efficacy depends on focused training / motivation. ■ Training to be observer-driven. ■ Structured briefing and debriefing important. ■ Micro Observer reports should be submitted directly to General Observer and carefully analyzed. ■ A separate report on the working of Micro-observer system. ■ Role of Micro Observers to be explained in detail. 37

General Observers Dispatch and Reception ■ Review Dispatch and reception center arrangements. � It should be hassle-free. ■ Training Counter at Dispatch centers for last moment hands -on training on EVM and related procedures. ■ Check on P. O Kit ■ Special Counter for receiving EVM and other documents from ‘problem polling stations’ identified during poll. � Observer to remain present at the special counter with RO/ ARO/ other officials and discuss, record statements of P. O of PS where significant events including EVM malfunctioning reported. ■ Poll personnel welfare measures including providing medical kits & health care. 38

General Observers Poll Day Priorities ■ Ensure use of CPF as contemplated in Deployment Plan. ■ Mock Poll Certificate. ■ Track the polling stations with out any polling agents or with a single agent for special focus and intervention. ■ Ensure effective use of micro-observer and video-cameras. ■ Use SMS based poll monitoring to monitor polling process ■ Ensure effective coordination with CPF and other police officials. ■ Ensure Rapid Response on complaints. ■ Track voting by Vulnerable Voters ■ Track whether voter identification takes place properly. ■ Track poll beyond appointed hours. ■ Whenever EVM/VVPATs is replaced it should be done within half an hour. In case the CU or the BU does not work properly, replacement of the whole EVM including CU, BU and VVPAT is required. ■ Track return of Polling staff and EVM/Security of Polling Staff, ROP if required ■ Movement of Sector Magistrates & Sector Police mobiles. 39

General Observers Scrutiny after Polling Day ■ Scrutiny will take place on the next day of Poll at 11. 00 AM. ■ Observer to be present. ■ Proposals of Returning Officers for repoll, if any, have to be countersigned by General Observer. If observer is not in agreement for a repoll, he should give a separate report giving reasons. ■ In cases where R. O does not propose a repoll but Observer strongly feels that repoll is necessary because of vitiation of polls, he may send a separate report, giving reasons. 40

General Observers Counting Procedure ■ Counting centers to be visited and checked by observers. ■ Randomization of counting staff� No advance pairing of counting supervisor and counting assistant. ■ Counting micro-observer� GOI Staff. ■ Random re-checking of result of two EVM by micro-observers. ■ i. Countng of Postal Ballots to start first. EVM counting to start after half an hour. ■ Mandatory re-counting of all postal ballot papers if margin of victory is less than the number of postal ballot paper under videography ■ Mandatory verification of VVPAT slip count of five (5) polling stations in each Assembly Constituency one at a time in addition to the cases of VVPAT count required on account of other reasons. 41

Reports by General Observers ■ Number of reports and timing of submission of the reports has been changed slightly � 1 st Report Immediately after the withdrawal of candidature. � 2 nd Report On P-2 days [two days before the poll date] � 3 rd Report Immediately after completion of poll � 4 th Report After the scrutiny of 17 A, micro-observer’s reports, presiding officer diary etc with recommendations on re-polls, if any. � 5 th. Report Immediately after counting of votes. ■ Besides, any specific matter of importance can and should be reported by the Observer on need basis by fax/e-mail/portal/phone/SMS/Mobile. 42

Role of Police Observer ■ To observe status of Law and Order in the district. ■ To ensure whether training of all Police Personnel on pre-poll and poll duties have been conducted. ■ To ensure whether check-posts have been set up and operational and to see whether illegal Arms/Ammunitions, liquor etc. are not moving into the district. ■ To ensure whether District Police is adequately mobile to keep an eye on Law & Order, vulnerable section and possible intimidation. ■ To ensure whether night patrols have been mobilized in the district. ■ To gather intelligence about LWE & the Anti National Forces. 43

Role of Police Observer ■ To ensure whether area domination and Nakas/ Check posts through route plan are operational. ■ To ensure whether security forces (both State & Central) have been briefed on � Pre-poll duties including Area domination. � Security/sensitivity aspects of the area of their deployment. � Vulnerability ■ To review Status of Preventive actions, seizure of Arms, liquor past Election related incidents. 44

Reports by Police Observers ■ 1 st Report To be submitted on 2 nd day of reaching the assigned District. ■ 2 nd Report To be submitted on 5 th day of reaching the assigned District. ■ 3 rd Report To be submitted 2 days before poll. ■ 4 th Report To be submitted immediately after completion of polls. ■ Daily Report From the next day after last day of withdrawal of candidature to one day before the poll ■ Besides, any specific matter of importance can and should be reported by the Observer on need basis on phone/e-mail/portal/fax/SMS. 45

General Observers Use of ICT and Mobile Applications ■ Ensure that following Mobile Applications for Citizens, candidates and political parties are functioning properly� � � C-VIGIL Model Code of Conduct Portal Voter Helpline Mobile App PWD App Candidate SUVIDHA App National Grievance Services Portal Voter Turnout App Booth App Encore EVM Management System (EMS) Functioning of ETPBS ● Detailed presentation & live demonstration will be given separately by ICT Division of the Commission. 46

Observers Portal ■ ■ ■ The link to observer portal is https: //observerseci. nic. in/ Please update your profile including your local mobile number and official mobile no. on the portal. We will send SMSs to you on these numbers. Please upload your REPORTS on the portal – The report has to be typed on the portal. In addition you can also upload scanned copies. Please see the MESSAGE BOARD frequently. Please update your bank details – Honorarium will be paid directly in your bank account based on these bank details. Detailed presentation & live demonstration is being done separately by ICT Division of the Commission. 47

CHECKLIST FOR OBSERVERS ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Purity of Elector Rolls, Old/discarded EPICs to be destroyed 100% distribution of Photo Voter Slips Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF), All Women managed PS, Facilities for Differently abled voters Randomization of poll staff and EVMs. MOCK POLL instructions and training. Photograph of candidates in ballot papers. EVM/VVPAT awareness/training and mandatory counting of VVPAT slips. District Election Management Plan (DEMP) and Communication Plan: Enforcement of MCC, Deployment of flying squads, Videography/CCTV coverage of all important events GPS installation and monitoring of all Flying Squads. CAPF Deployment, Vulnerability Mapping. Keep a sharp focus on any reports/instances of Paid News Check the effectiveness of IT initiatives and Grievance Redressal Systems Monitor the functioning of the Single Window System for permissions within 24 hours. Webcasting/CCTV coverage of critical PS on poll-day. SMS based Search facility and NVSP. Poll Day Monitoring System. 48

Words of Caution ■ Observer has no executive role. Role Clarity is a must. � An observer kept the vehicle-permission related file in his custody and made life miserable for the District Election Officer. � An observer scribbled instructions to arrest a person. ■ Observer is a leader. � Need not over-do with bare hands- pulling posters off the walls to clean up defacement. ■ Ensuring long term good governance in a state is not part of briefing. � Observer who visited illegal mines, organized raids, got photographed in the action along with some opposition leaders and got himself removed by the Commission. � Observer who raided the treasury to scrutinize the bill sanctioning process 49

Words of Caution (contd) ■ Observer is not playing an adversary role. � Observer who found the entire machinery inadequate, abused every body, called names, compared the local administrative efficiency with the efficiency prevailing in his own state. ■ Observer should display leadership qualities, maturity & team spirit. � An observer used words ‘these people’ & ‘unlike in main land’ type of language while in North East. � Observer who found ‘violation of MCC’ in the color-bordered Dhotis of party workers � A Batch-conscious who discovered that the DEO was a toddler when he entered the service. 50

Words of Caution (Contd) ■ Observers should have conviction about their mission and should take initiatives. � Observer who detected the willful wrong –tagging of villages and polling stations and suggested a ‘eleventh hour’ swapping of polling stations and in the process ensured voting by vulnerable voters after a gap of 15 years. ■ Observers should feel that they are part of a process which the nation is justifiably proud of. � Observer who refused to be shifted to a ‘lighter constituency’ and refused to be ‘exempted’ � Observers who sent ‘thanks’ for having been given an opportunity to be part of an historic election. � Observer who felt that the whole concept of observation is a waste because ‘nothing can change in this country’ 51

Words of Caution (Contd) ■ Some are more “enterprising’’ � An observer landed in the constituency with his steno, peon and in a car hired from a travel company run by his wife and wanted the car to be hired by the DEO for observer’s use. � Observer who came to the constituency in a private car and retained it for his use, got ‘high’ and abused the officers. � Observer who wanted a gender-specific massage, language teaching, cooking and serving and got a ‘message’ in return. � Observer who wanted food to be brought from a 5 star hotel � Observer who wanted membership of a private gym 52

Words of caution (Contd) ■ EYES AND EARS OF THE COMMISSION!!!! 53

Thank You