DISTRICT
ELECTION MANAGEMENT PLAN - POLITY
News:
What is the district
election management plan? | Explained
What's
in the news?
●
The conduct of elections has become
increasingly complex and multifaceted, requiring meticulous planning and
execution to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process.
Key
takeaways:
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A cornerstone of this planning process is
the District Election Management Plan (DEMP), a comprehensive document that
uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
District
Election Management Plan (DEMP):
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As per the Election Commission of India
(ECI), the DEMP is to be prepared at
least six months before the tentative poll day.
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Executing the DEMP requires a
collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities,
law enforcement agencies etc.
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Regular interactions with political
parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.
Strategy
of the District Election Management Plan (DEMP):
The plan starts with a
district profile that serves as the foundation of the electoral strategy. This
includes:
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Political map outlining constituencies.
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Key demographic and infrastructure
statistics.
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Brief on the district’s administrative
setup.
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Socio-economic features.
Key
Features:
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The plan encompasses detailed strategies
for improving the availability and
accessibility of polling stations, ensuring that all stations have
essential facilities like ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water,
toilets, and internet connectivity.
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Special attention is given to voters with disabilities (PwD) and senior
citizens through help desks, 24/7 control rooms, home voting options, etc.
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It also includes procurement and
management plans for essential election
materials and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). These plans are crucial
for the efficient functioning and security of the electoral process.
Systematic
Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP):
Objective:
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To augment electoral participation through
strategic interventions.
Data-Driven
Strategy:
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Utilization of voter turnout data to
pinpoint stations with subpar or notably low turnout for targeted
interventions.
Awareness
Activities:
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Incorporation of social media campaigns,
engagement with community and youth organizations, and pre-election events to
foster awareness and participation.
Important
takeaways of DEMP:
DEMP outlines a
comprehensive strategy for the planning, training, welfare and deployment of
election personnel. It highlights the importance of
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Creating a poll personnel database.
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Categorising available personnel by cadre
and group while assessing their requirement and strategies to address gaps in
personnel needs across various election roles.
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The force deployment plan requires
detailed planning in coordination with the district police, including vulnerability
mapping of polling stations based on past disturbances and voter turnout.
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The plan also includes training
district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).