The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. S.S. Sandhu, conducted a thorough review of preparations for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Haryana. The current State Assembly’s term ends on November 3, 2024, and elections are planned for 90 Assembly Constituencies (73 General; 17 SC).
During the two-day review in Chandigarh, representatives from several 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 to discuss various concerns. The issues raised included ensuring free and fair elections, adequate deployment of central forces in sensitive areas, updating the electoral roll, reducing the distance between polling stations, and improving facilities for elderly and female voters. Parties also requested more accessible election observers, timely sharing of voter lists, and adjustments to expenditure limits for candidates.
The Election Commission reassured the political parties of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections. Parties were urged to participate actively in the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls.
For the first time in Haryana, voters aged 85+ and persons with disabilities (PwDs) with at least 40% disability will have the option to vote from home. If they prefer to vote in person, necessary assistance will be provided at polling stations. The process of home voting is fully documented, and political party representatives are involved throughout.
The Commission reviewed all aspects of election planning, including electoral rolls, EVM management, logistics, training, law and order, voter awareness, and outreach activities. Meetings were held with the Chief Electoral Officer, State Police, and various enforcement agencies to ensure coordinated efforts and address any issues related to law and order, illegal inducements, and logistics.
Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer informed that 2.01 crore voters are registered in the state, with an increase in polling stations from previous elections. New technology tools, such as the cVIGIL app for reporting electoral violations and the SUVIDHA app for candidate permissions, will be used to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
The Commission emphasized impartiality, accessibility, and law enforcement coordination to ensure the integrity of the elections, with particular attention to preventing the misuse of government machinery, monitoring social media for misinformation, and curbing illegal inducements.
Senior officials from the Commission were also present during these review meetings.
