Haryana votes for a new Assembly in a single phase

CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu kept a close watch on the poll process from Nirvachan Sadan. As directed by the Commission, webcasting was in place in all the Polling Stations for strict and constant vigil over the poll proceedings. 97 Central Observers were deployed by the Commission for on the field monitoring and constant feedback.

ECs persistent efforts for an inducement free elections, have led to seizures worth Rs. 75.72 crores in Haryana, since the announcement of elections, the corresponding figure in 2019 was Rs. 19.03 crores, representing a 4 fold increase in seizures.  Seizures have been made across all districts & cohorts which includes Rs. 31.5 crore cash, Rs. 16.6 crore worth of liquor and 11.13 crore drugs. Ambala (Rs 11.82 crores), Faridabad (Rs 10.07 crores) and Gurugram (Rs 9.94 crores) remained the top 3 districts in terms of seizures. 12 ACs were identified as expenditure sensitive for strict vigil. 391 Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and 453 Flying Squads Teams (FST) were deployed for surveillance. Vigilance was also maintained with 133 checkpoints (Nakkas) on the state borders and 140 checkpoints within the state.

In a first, home voting facility was introduced in the Haryana Assembly Elections for voters above the age of 85 and PwD voters. The entire process has been videographed to ensure transparency, while preserving complete secrecy of the ballot. 2468 PwD voters and 8907 voters aged above 85 years availed the home voting facility.

For the candidates, the Suvidha app has revolutionised campaigning by digitising the process of seeking permissions for various campaigning requirements such as booking of grounds and meeting halls, permissions for rallies, use of loudspeakers etc. With emphasis on removing discretion, more than 8300 permissions were given through SUVIDHA portal on first in first out principle.

To make the elections more participative and involve citizens in cleaning up the electoral process, cVIGIL App leverages technology to empower voters by anonymously and safely bringing forth electoral malpractices to the notice of authorities. Since the announcement of elections in Haryana, over 29,000 complaints were received with a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Highest number of complaints were received in Faridabad, followed by Sirsa and Rohtak.

As part of ECI’s commitment to make the voting experience a pleasant and memorable, Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF’s) like drinking water, electricity, toilet, ramp, furniture, adequate shelter, helpdesk amongst others were provided at all Polling Stations. Wheelchairs and volunteer assistance were provided to those in need. As an encouragement to young voters, 114 polling stations were managed by the youth. As part of promoting gender inclusivity and accessibility, 115 Polling Stations were managed completely by women while 87 were managed by PwDs.

A slew of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities promoted the democratic festivities ahead of polling day. Local themes and elements were used in various activities such as street plays, local influencers and icons, and indigenous sport activities, along with plantation drives, painting and debate competitions to channel the enthusiasm witnessed amongst the youth towards voting into greater participation on polling day.

The provisional voter turnout figures of 61.19% as of 7 PM will continue to be updated AC wise on the Voter Turnout App by the ROs, as and when the polling parties formally close the poll and return from the polling stations based on the geographical/logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls, if any. The Commission for convenience of stakeholders, will also issue another press note with provisional voter turnout figures at ~2345 hours tonight.

Counting of votes for J&K and Haryana Assembly Elections is scheduled on October 8, 2024.