CITIZENS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
AND
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 (on January 1st) 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 (by visiting the ECI / your State CEO website / Taluka Office / Collector’s Office / the local branch Office of a national political party)
Ø for inclusion of one’s 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 or 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 write your complaints to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Gujarat / your State 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)
Ø (remember having an EPIC does NOT mean that your name is on the ER)
Ø help the poor, the vulnerable, the differently-abled to have their names on the ER
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 and the safeguarding of the Constitutional Rights of all.
Ø check out the candidates, the parties wish to nominate for a particular seat
Ø organize public debates / dialogues with them and assess their views / opinions / promises / track-record
Ø study their Election Manifesto of the previous elections and based on this manifesto, see whether the ruling party / sitting candidate has fulfilled the promises made
Ø assess their views on the poor and on the vulnerable groups like the tribals, dalits, women, children, minorities and also on critical subjects like water, education, food, security, ecology, employment, agriculture, health, displacement, nuclearization and globalization
III. ON VOTING DAY:
Ø cast your vote fearlessly
Ø encourage all others to freely cast their votes too
Ø vote for a party / individual that is NOT corrupt, criminal, communal and / or casteist
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
Ø make sure that the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) you use – works correctly
Ø you have the right to exercise your franchise as “None of the Above” (NOTA) under Rule 49 – O
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 this money is being utilized
Ø insist that your views / concerns are voiced in the assembly / parliament
Ø ensure that they do NOT endorse any draconian or anti-people legislation
Ø remind the representative that as a voter you have a right to ask for his / her resignation for non-performance
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, Second Floor, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar-382 010
[Tel.: (079) 23250316 / 23250318 Fax: (079) 23250317]
(check details for other States)
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
[ECI control room: Tel.: (011) 23710000 / 23718888 & 23717391 to 98 / 23717141 to 43 Fax: (011) 23713412 email: feedback@eci.gov.in]
Ø the above may also be informed about any irregularities regarding the elections
VI. OTHER INFORMATION:
Ø read “A GUIDE FOR VOTERS” posted on the ECI website for detailed information
Ø use “The Right to Information” – to obtain essential information of the political party / candidate / elected representative
Ø contact PRASHANT if needed for further information / assistance
Issued by:
PRASHANT
(Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace)
Near Kamdhenu Hall, Drive-in Road,
Ahmedabad-380 052, Gujarat
Tel.: (079) 66522333 / 27455913
Fax: (079) 27489018
Email: sjprashant@gmail.comm
(25th January 2014)
National Voters Day
(This is issued in public interest to promote and safeguard our Constitutional Rights and obligations. Kindly circulate this as widely as possible. Thanks!!)
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