CITIZENS' RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS IN GUJARAT

It is the Right and the Duty of every citizen above the age of 18 years to exercise his/her vote. Here are some pointers which may be helpful :



I. THE ELECTORAL ROLL :


Ø if you are above 18 years and a citizen of India, you must have your name on the Electoral Roll (ER).

Ø it is a basic identity for an adult citizen of India

Ø check immediately whether your name is on the ER (at your Taluka Office / Collector's Office / the local branch Office of a National political party).

Ø for inclusion of ones name on the ER, you will have to fill Form 6.

Ø ask the concerned officer on what date you should return to check whether your name is in the ER or not.

Ø for any objection on inclusion of name / s, you will have to fill Form 7.

Ø for correction of entries in the Electoral Rolls you will have to fill Form 8.

Ø please feel free to write your complaints to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Gujarat and to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Delhi

Ø always retain copies of your application / letters, signed by the receiving officer, for further reference.

Ø ensure that you have the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC). (For the present, you may be required to provide your own Passport Photos in order to receive an EPIC).


II. POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT :


Ø get involved in mainstream politics.

Ø encourage / support political parties which focus on governance and on issues related to transparency, human rights, justice and peace.

Ø check out about the candidates, the parties wish to nominate for a particular seat.

Ø organize public debates / dialogues with them and assess their views / opinions / promises

Ø study their Election Manifesto of the previous elections and, based on this manifesto, check out whether the ruling party / sitting candidate has fulfilled the promises made.

Ø assess their views on vulnerable groups like the tribals, dalits, women, minorities and also on critical subjects like water, education, food, security, environment, employment, agriculture, health and globalization.


III. ON VOTING DAY :


Ø cast your vote.

Ø encourage all others to cast their votes too.

Ø vote for a party / individual that is not corrupt, criminal, casteist and / or communal

Ø if you notice any bogus voting, rigging or booth capturing, bring it to the notice of the police / election officers immediately and preferably in writing.


IV. AFTER ELECTIONS :


Ø find out the details of your elected representative (name, address, telephone / fax nos., email, etc.

Ø arrange that organizations, villages / groups invite the person to share his / her views about the area for the next five years.

Ø ensure that you keep in touch with him / her constantly.

Ø remember that they have budgetary allocations for their constituency; find out for what programmes the money is being utilized.

Ø insist that your views / concerns are voiced in the assembly / parliament.

Ø remind the representative that as a voter you have a right to recall, or to ask for his / her resignation.


V. REGARDING CONCERNS / COMPLAINTS :


Ø any concern / complaint in the context of the electoral rolls must be sent in writing (registered post / courier) immediately to : The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Election Commission, General Administration Department, Block No. 7, II Floor, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar 382 010
[ Tel.: (079) 23250316 / 23250318 Fax: (079) 23250317 ]
email: ceo_gujarat@eci.gov.in ; www.ceogujarat.nic.in

Ø serious concerns like the disenfranchisement of a whole community / village must also be brought to the notice of : The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001
[ Tel.: (011) 23717391 - 98 Fax : (011) 23713412 email : feedback@eci.gov.in ]

Ø the above two may also be informed about any irregularities regarding the elections.

Ø The Election Commission of India also has a website : www.eci.gov.in Please visit it very specially "A GUIDE FOR VOTERS"

Ø use "The Right to Information Act" – to get essential information.

Ø contact "PRASHANT" for further information / assistance.



Issued by :

PRASHANT (Centre for Human Right, Justice and Peace)
Near Kamdhenu Hall, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad 380 052
Tel.: (079) 66522333 / 27455913
Fax : (079) 27489018
Email: sjprashant@gmail.com
www.humanrightsindia.in


(September 2007)


(This is used in Public Interest to promote and safeguard our Constitutional Rights and Obligations. Kindly circulate this as widely as possible)