14,april, 2014 warsaw ,poland. dr s.y. quraishi former chief election commissioner of india
DESCRIPTION
India's General Elections 2014: An Overview. 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India [email protected] ,. India’s Giant Leap. India chose Democracy in 1950 G ranted universal adult suffrage in the very first election despite: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
14,April, 2014Warsaw ,Poland.
Dr S.Y. QuraishiFormer Chief Election Commissioner of India
India's General Elections 2014: An Overview
![Page 2: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
India’s Giant Leap
• India chose Democracy in 1950
• Granted universal adult suffrage in the very first election despite:
• a 16% literacy rate.
• and a caste-based hierarchical social system.
• oppressed masses of India had voted in many elections before Switzerland allowed its women and Australia its aborigines to vote.
4
![Page 3: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
63 Years of Indian Elections
• India has conducted 15 General Elections to Parliament and
more than 340 General Elections to State Assemblies.
• More than 3 million elected representatives – National, State
and Local bodies.
• Indian elections never missed the deadline, credibility never
challenged.
• Barak Obama hailed Indian Elections as “historic” and an
“example for us all.”
. Hilary Clinton described it as "global gold standard".
5
![Page 4: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Concerns of Diversity
• Inclusivity of all sections
• None to be marginalised
• Constitutional Safeguards for minorities :
• Religious / Linguistic / Ethnic / Cultural
• No intimidation allowed
6
![Page 5: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Inclusiveness : Provisions for Women
• Equal Voting Rights from day 1
• Separate queues for women at polling stations
• Separate polling stations for women in some areas
• Women Officers at polling stations for identity check of women voters at Polling Stations
• Use of Women Police
9
![Page 6: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Inclusiveness : Provisions for Disabled
• Ramps in all Polling Stations
• Use of Braille on EVMs and Ballot papers
• Allowing a companion for the infirm and disabled
10
![Page 7: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Inclusiveness : Others
• Use of Symbols on the ballot for illiterate
• Use of Multi-language Electoral Roll
• Use of Multi-language Ballot Paper
• Transgender given the option to describe themselves as “Others” in electoral rolls
11
![Page 8: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
The Largest Election in World History!
•The size of 16th General Election to Lok Sabha
814.5 million voters 18-19 years 2.88% ( 0.75% in 2009) Service Voters 13,28,621 930,000 Polling Stations 1.9 million Electronic Voting Machines 11-12 m poll personnel to be deployed Recognized National Parties - 6 (7) Recognized State Parties - 47 (44) Registered Parties - 1670 (1035) Candidates contested (2009). - ? (8070)
12
![Page 9: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
More Voters than every Continent!
13
Population Electorate
• Entire Europe (50
Countries) - 731m 449 m
• Entire Africa (54
Countries) - 922 m566 m
• North America (41
Countries) - 528 m 324 m
• South America (15
Countries) - 382 m 235 m
• N&S. America (56
Countries) - 910 m 560 m
• India - 1163 m
714 m• Commonwealth
(52 Countries ex India)
- 900 m approx.
![Page 10: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
15
The Complexities
• It’s not just size and magnitude. It is about: • Dealing with Regional, Religious, Ethnic, Cultural and
Linguistic Diversities
• Democracy even at the remotest locations
• Separate polling station for a lone voter
• Trekking 45 km in snow to reach 37 voters
• Using elephants, camels, boats, cycles, helicopters, trains
to ferry polling teams
• Countrywide ‘vulnerability mapping’
• Tracking information from each polling station
![Page 11: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
16
• Election Commission of India – created by the Indian Constitution. Fiercely independent.
• CEC and 2 ECs.
• Right to vote to all above 18 years of age.
• Conducting Elections of President, VP, Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Delimitation of constituencies after each census.
Electoral Administration Framework
![Page 12: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
18
Election Machinery in States
• Chief Electoral Officers ( permanent). - 35
• District Election Officers - 601
• Returning Officers (Parliament) - 543
• Returning Officers (Assembly) - 4120
• Asstt. Returning Officers (Parliament) - 4600
• Asstt. Returning Officers (Assembly) - 10,000
• Electoral Registration Officers - 4120
• Asstt. Electoral Registration Officers - 4800
![Page 13: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
19
Electoral Roll - the Foundation
• Health of ER ensured• Gender, Age cohorts, Elector- population
ratio
• Photo Electoral Rolls introduced.
• Good deterrence against impersonation
• Booth Level Officer (BLO) System introduced to ensure fidelity of ERs at doorsteps.
![Page 14: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
22
Mobilization of the Staff
• Drawn from various Central and State Government departments - no private individual associated.
• Staff on deputation with the Commission.
• Staff subject to Commission’ disciplinary control.
• Staff mobilized & deployed by the CEO under Commission’s instructions.
• Neutrality non negotiable.
Preparation for Elections -
![Page 15: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
23
Preparation for Elections - Training and Deployment of Staff
• Staff of various districts and states mixed/ randomised to ensure fairness.
• Staff given nominal honorarium.
• Deployment of Government employees keeps expenditure under check, enhances control.
• Training : Different Layers
• Tainted and aligned not associated.
![Page 16: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
24
Preparation for Elections -
Procurement of Materials
• Procurement of EVMs by the Commission.
• Other materials by the CEOs and DEOs.
• Standard procurement procedures followed.
• Specifications of materials decided by the Commission in case of non standard items.
• Advance planning by the Commission, CEOs and DEOs for procurement at their levels.
• Safety margins.
![Page 17: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Scheduling of Elections
• Considerations in scheduling:• Weather• Agricultural cycles• Festivals• Exam schedules• Public holidays• Logistical requirements• Law & order• Movement of Central police forces• Why PHASES?
21
Preparation for Elections -
![Page 18: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
25
Checking Intimidation, violence & fraud
• Vulnerability Mapping : a response to threat and intimidation of voters.
• 86,782 villages / hamlets identified as vulnerable.
• 373,886 persons identified as potential trouble makers.
• Preventive measures taken.
• Video-graphers (74,729) Digital cameras (40,599) deployed: a great deterrent
• Hardly any complaint of threat and intimidation.
Preparation for Elections -
![Page 19: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
28
COMET(Communication for Election Tracking)
• Timely information is critical
• Direct connectivity with all PSs (landline telephones, mobile phones, HF, VHF wireless networks, Satellite phones and even runners) established and pre tested
• Proved an effective tool for tracking poll day events.
• Deterrent for trouble makers.
![Page 20: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
• Pilot -1982; all VS elections since 1998, full LS 2004
• More than 1.4 million EVMs deployed in various locations across the country.
• EVMs now used universally in all Elections.
• Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) introduced.
30
EVMs – The Wonder Machine of Indian Democracy
![Page 21: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
32
Model Code of Conduct
• Minimum standards of behaviour
• Conduct of political parties / candidates
• Public meetings, Processions, Campaigning, Media
• Special checks on govt in power
• Conduct on poll day
• Handling of complaints
• Just added: Code about Manifestos
![Page 22: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Issues of Concern
• Role of Money Power • Expenditure monitoring complex and tough• “Paid News” and surrogate advertisements
• Criminalization of electoral politics• Dependence on Central Police Force
• Lack of faith in State Police
• Urban and Youth Apathy• Measures to ensure enhanced participation
• Blaming the Pitch and the Umpire• Rumours / social media
35
![Page 23: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
36
Use of Technology
1.Greater use of Technology
• A National Electoral Database for:• Better Citizen services and accessibility• Avoidance of duplicates in the database• Online registration• GIS for creation of polling stations• GPS for tracking of polling teams• Internet and mobile phones for Voter Education
![Page 24: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
37
Voter Education / SVEEP• National, State & district plans for electoral participation• Research on voters’ behaviour• Special focus on urban, young and women voters• National Voters Day • Partnership with schools/ colleges/ Civil Society and
Election Watch bodies• Documentation/ Inventory of voter education activities/
materials
Voter Education: The Game Changer
![Page 25: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
39
The Times of India 15.05.09
Indian Express 16.05.09
Hindustan Times 19.5.09
Hindustan Times 19.05.09
Asian Age 14.05.09
Some Media Reflections : 2009
![Page 26: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
40
Some Media Reflections (2)
•“It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos….an inspiration to all the World”
- V Mitchell, New York Times, May 22, 2009
•Indian voters show the way forward Financial Times, London, May 17, 2009
![Page 27: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
India Elections 2009 - Glimpses…
![Page 28: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Photo Gallery - Elections 2009
43
Officials checking EVMs and polling materials
Officials carrying EVMs and polling materials
A group of Villagers with EPI cards Officials carrying EVMs and polling
materials
Electors going to exercise
their Franchise
An Elector familiarizing himself regarding
functioning of EVM
![Page 29: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Photo Gallery - Elections 2009
44
An elder on way to cast her vote
Electors waiting in Q Indelible ink being marked on elector’s finger
Physically challenged casting her vote Prime Minister of India after
casting his vote
![Page 30: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
45
![Page 31: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
46
![Page 32: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
47
![Page 33: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
48
![Page 34: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
49
![Page 35: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
50
![Page 36: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
51
![Page 37: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
52
![Page 38: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
53
![Page 39: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
54
![Page 40: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
55
![Page 41: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
56
![Page 42: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
57
![Page 43: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
59
![Page 44: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
60
![Page 45: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
![Page 46: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
![Page 47: 14,April, 2014 Warsaw ,Poland. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Former Chief Election Commissioner of India](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062322/56814dba550346895dbb1008/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
61
THANK YOU