Rajasthan Assembly By-Election 202.

Jaipur : The Election Department of Rajasthan will deploy additional human resources in the form of micro-observers and sector officers to ensure free, fair, transparent, and fear-free by-elections in seven assembly constituencies. This will enhance the sensitivity and alertness of the personnel involved in the electoral process. Additionally, awareness activities will be increased to encourage more voters to participate in the election.

Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Naveen Mahajan issued these instructions during a video conference meeting with district election officers, returning officers (ROs), police, and administrative officials from the by-election constituencies on Wednesday. While reviewing the preparations for the by-elections, he emphasized that all returning officers should thoroughly study the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and accordingly provide appropriate training to their team members to conduct the election as an impartial and inclusive process.

Mr. Mahajan instructed district election officers to identify sensitive polling stations within the assembly constituencies and deploy additional micro-observers or sector officers as needed. These officers should be fully aware of their responsibilities and powers and hold regular meetings with representatives of political parties to share information regarding the commission’s guidelines and regulations.

Top Priority on a Fear-Free and Peaceful Election Environment

During the meeting, State Police Nodal Officer Inspector General (Law and Order) Mr. Anil Tank directed district superintendents of police and other police officials to closely monitor the law and order situation in the by-election areas. He informed that special monitoring and inter-state border checkpoints have been established for four out of the seven districts, which share borders with neighboring states. Proper security arrangements are being made in sensitive areas across all seven assembly constituencies, and central security forces will be deployed if required. Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Mahajan also stated that conducting the election process in a secure, fear-free, and peaceful environment is the top priority, with no room for negligence.

Promotion of Home Voting Option

The Chief Electoral Officer emphasized the grassroots-level promotion of the home voting option for voters aged 85 and above and those with more than 40% disability, to enable them to exercise their voting rights more conveniently. Currently, 19,674 voters aged over 85 and 22,834 voters with disabilities have been identified in the seven by-election assembly constituencies and are eligible for home voting. He mentioned that Form 12D can be submitted by eligible voters through BLOs until October 23, making the election process more inclusive and increasing participation in the democratic process.

Mr. Mahajan instructed that random inspections be conducted at district-level control rooms, where complaints can be registered and addressed via phone number 1950. He also directed the authorities to increase the number of model polling stations and ensure the availability of basic amenities such as drinking water, shade, toilets, and wheelchairs at all polling stations in accordance with the commission’s guidelines.

10 Lakh Male and 9.32 Lakh Female Voters in 7 Constituencies

It was reported during the meeting that there are a total of 1,936,533 voters across the seven assembly constituencies, including 1,004,283 males, 932,243 females, and 7 third-gender voters. A total of 1,862 polling stations have been set up, including 241 in urban areas and 1,621 in rural areas, with 53 auxiliary polling stations also proposed.

Special Plan to Increase Voter Turnout

The Chief Electoral Officer instructed officials to formulate a special plan to increase voter turnout during the by-elections. He asked the officials to identify the different reasons for low voter turnout in their respective areas and then make efforts to encourage voters to participate more actively. To achieve better voter turnout, all levels of officials must reach out to communities and coordinate with the public. He also emphasized the need to raise awareness among voters about the use of 12 alternative documents for voting in the absence of a voter ID.

Zero Tolerance for Sensitive Posts on Social Media

Mr. Mahajan stressed the importance of focusing on social media during the election period. He stated that any sensitive post should be promptly and appropriately addressed at the local level, as the Election Department will follow a zero-tolerance policy on this matter. He directed district officials to coordinate with telecom companies locally to ensure that audio-video messages, appeals, and other election-related content are broadcasted only after being certified at the district or state level.

During the video conference, district election officers from Dausa, Nagaur, Dungarpur, Tonk, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, and Salumber presented detailed reports on the preparations for the by-elections, availability of various physical and human resources, and the planning and training of officials and staff involved in the election process. The officers reported that compliance with the Model Code of Conduct is being enforced in all districts, with measures for removing campaign materials from public and private properties within 24, 48, and 72 hours as required. The checking and randomization of EVMs and VVPAT machines have been completed, and all necessary election-related materials are sufficiently available. Police officials also provided updates on the law and order and security situation.