The Nagaland Government has implemented stringent measures to regulate entry into polling stations for the upcoming Municipal/Town Council Polls of 2024. These directives, aligned with Rule 48 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2023, aim to ensure a smooth, secure, and orderly voting process.
Key directives for entry to polling stations include:
Polling Officials: Individuals, who are directly involved in the polling process.
Public Servants on Election Duty: This includes Election Observers, Deputy Commissioners, Sector Magistrates/Officers, and other designated officials.
Authorised Persons: Individuals, who have the Election Commission’s authority letters or entry passes.
Candidates and Agents: Each candidate, their election agent, and polling agent may enter one at a time.
Assisting Persons: This includes children accompanying electors, persons assisting blind or infirm electors, and others as specified under specific rules.
Additionally, under Rule 46 (2), the Presiding Officer may designate a female polling official or a consenting woman from the voters present to assist women electors or conduct searches if necessary.
The directive explicitly states that “Public Servants on Duty” does not include Ministers, MPs, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Advisors, or MLAs, as their presence requires security personnel, who are not allowed inside the polling station. Police officers are also generally not permitted unless specifically called by the Presiding Officer for law and order purposes.
Returning Officers are required to issue identity cards with photographs to contesting candidates, and Presiding Officers may request these IDs for verification. Polling agents must produce attested copies of their appointment letters.
No security personnel accompanying candidates, agents, or electors are permitted inside polling stations.
To prevent crowding, there will be separate queues for male and female voters, who will be admitted in alternating batches. Priority will be given to persons with disabilities, senior citizens (75 years and above), and women with babies. Female assistants or MTS polling officials will help these voters if needed.
Media representatives are allowed to photograph voters outside polling stations but must have an entry pass from the State Election Commission to enter. They are prohibited from photographing inside the polling station, approaching the voting compartment, or interviewing polling personnel to maintain the secrecy and integrity of the voting process.
These guidelines have been communicated to all presiding officers to ensure adherence and facilitate a seamless polling experience.
