Ministers, MLAs not ‘public servants on duty’ for polls, barred from polling stations
Kohima, June 8 (MExN): The State Election Commission (SEC), Nagaland has issued instructions on admission of persons into polling stations for the municipal bye-elections to be held on June 16 in Ward 11 (Chaara) under Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) under Atoizu Town Council.
Referring to Rule 48 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2023, the Commission stated that only electors, polling officials, election officials on duty, persons authorised by the Commission with valid authority letters or entry passes, candidates and their election or polling agents, children in arms accompanying electors, companions of blind or infirm electors, and persons engaged by the Returning Officer or Presiding Officer under the rules may be admitted into polling stations.
It further informed that the Presiding Officer may appoint a woman polling official or another consenting woman elector to assist women voters. Assistance of the concerned Ward or Colony GB may also be taken for voter identification or other polling-related duties when required.
The SEC clarified that Ministers, MPs, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Advisors and MLAs are not covered under the category of “public servants on duty” and are therefore not permitted inside polling stations. Police Officers, whether in uniform or plain clothes, should also not enter polling stations except when called by the Presiding Officer for maintaining law and order. Security personnel accompanying candidates, agents or electors shall not be allowed entry.
Returning Officers have been directed to issue identity cards to contesting candidates bearing their photographs, while polling agents may be required to produce attested copies of their appointment letters as proof of identity.
For smooth conduct of polling, separate queues shall be maintained for male and female voters. Priority shall be given to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens aged 75 years and above, blind and infirm voters, and women carrying infants. Necessary assistance may be provided to such voters in accordance with the rules.
The Commission further stated that media personnel may photograph voters queuing outside polling stations, subject to maintenance of peace and order. However, entry inside polling stations requires authorization from the SEC. Photography of polling proceedings, access to voting compartments, and interviews with polling personnel inside polling stations are strictly prohibited to safeguard the secrecy of voting.
