Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu, conducted a comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Haryana.
The term of the Haryana State Assembly is set to expire on November 3, 2024, and the elections will be held for 90 Assembly Constituencies (ACs), including 73 General and 17 Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved seats.
During the two-day visit to Chandigarh, representatives from various national and state political parties, including Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Indian National Lok Dal, and Jannayak Janta Party, met with the Commission.
The main concerns raised by these parties included ensuring free and fair elections, strict action against the misuse of government machinery, deployment of adequate central forces at sensitive polling stations, updating the electoral roll, and improving polling station facilities, especially for elderly and women voters.
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For the first time in Haryana’s State Assembly Elections, voters over 85 years old and persons with disabilities (PwDs) with a 40 percent benchmark disability will have the option to vote from home. This “Home Voting” facility is optional, and necessary assistance will be provided at polling stations for those who choose to vote in person.
The Commission reviewed various aspects of election planning, including the management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), logistics, polling station infrastructure, training of election staff, law and order, and voter awareness activities. They also held meetings with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other senior officials to discuss administrative and security arrangements.
The review revealed that 2.01 crore electors are registered in the state, with 20,629 polling stations planned for the elections. Special facilities, including webcasting, ramps, and wheelchairs, will be available at polling stations to ensure accessibility for all voters.
The Election Commission emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field and urged all enforcement agencies to work together to ensure inducement-free elections, with strict monitoring of cash, liquor, and drug movements.
This extensive review reflects the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Haryana.
