EC’s Clarification Regarding Press Reports on Forthcoming State Assemblies Elections Press Note

Election Commission’s attention has been drawn to certain press reports regarding holding of General Elections to the State Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. There are wild suggestions in the reports with reference to the dates, duration and phasing of elections in these States. References have also been made to Commission’s so- called ‘thinking’ in the matter and imaginary inferences have been drawn from such assumptions of ‘thinking’. Name of particular months have been mentioned and deliberations in Commission regarding clubbing or otherwise of polls have been talked about. Some reports have gone on to conjecture on the level of deployment and movement of Central Police Forces in these States. The Commission is amused by a reference made in a news report about its ‘recent’ meeting with Union Home Secretary and other senior officials “few days ago”, whereas the fact is that no such meeting was held. A meeting was held with these officials as early as about one and half months back.

2. In view of the confusion created by the above mentioned reports, the Commission needs to clarify that there has not been any consideration or ‘thinking’ as yet regarding timing of the polls in the concerned 5 States. Never in recent days, any deliberation on the matter has been taken up by the Commission. As such, reports and references as mentioned above are completely baseless and misleading.

3. General Elections to Legislative Assemblies are of course due in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa in 2012. Commission is engaged in its usual preparatory activities for quite some time in respect of these forthcoming elections. This has included one round of visit to these States in August 2011. The preparedness aspects are being followed up through normal official channels and through discussion with stakeholders. Commission proposes another round of visit to these States in the first half of November. The Commission is currently engaged in monitoring of Summary Revision of electoral rolls in all the States and Union Territories, including a systematic campaign for enrolment of newly eligible youth. A vigorous programme of training for election officials is on. There have also been bye-polls requiring Commission’s attention. These are some of the matters occupying the Commission, of late.

4. All concerned need to appreciate that in a country like India, elections are almost a round the year exercise and continuous preparedness and preparatory activities are an essential part of election management. However, incorrect projection or misrepresentation on crucial aspects like timing, phasing and security is likely to cause avoidable damage.

Election Commission of India
New Delhi, 20th October , 2011

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