WelcomeTo Symposium on “Sharing Best Electoral Practices” Presented By: Shri Garib Dass, SSP, Kathua, J&K

Presentationon “Security Management” & related issues during Electoral process By By Garib Dass, IPS SSP Kathua (J&K)

Various Phases during Electoral process Pre Poll PhasePre Poll Phase On the day of PollOn the day of Poll Post Polling PhasePost Polling Phase

Security Challenges/requirements during pre-poll phase Broadly the objective of security drillBroadly the objective of security drill –To generate conducive atmosphere & sense of security among voters. –To ensure free flow of contesting candidates in their constituencies while campaigning & also people attending Election Rallies etc. as per rules.

How this Objective can be achieved? Necessary SOP’s should be worked out & framed.Necessary SOP’s should be worked out & framed. Preventive MeasuresPreventive Measures –Siezure of all Licensed arms –Ban on transportation of arms –Ban on sale of liquor in sensitive areas –Strict action against History sheeters & Bad Character’s –Execution of pending Non-bailable warrants of criminals Police Patrols & deployment in sensitive areasPolice Patrols & deployment in sensitive areas Regular visits of GO’s & associated teams in the area.Regular visits of GO’s & associated teams in the area.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT Planning Part Briefing Execution De-briefing

PLANNING Availability of Basic Data information –N–N–N–No. of Polling Stns. Location from Headquarter Distance from Roadhead Building in which polling stn is located –V–V–V–Voter population Male Female Working out on the requirement of –M–M–M–Men/Troops –M–M–M–Material such as Accomdn, Security Pickets, transportation, weaponary, communication equipments & other resources. –I–I–I–Identify locations for making Security grid in the area of Poll Communication Plan

DETAILED BRIEFING To police personnel deployed for dutiesTo police personnel deployed for duties –List of Do’s –List of Don’ts Execution of Task on the Polling Day:Execution of Task on the Polling Day: –Taking/reaching of Polling Parties to earmarked polling Stations well in time & report there of: –Starting of Poll Process (Mock Poll) –Ensuring implementation of rules/guidelines issued by ECI for Polling Stations. –Maintaining peace & order at every Polling Stations. –By showing/displaying discipline & dedication of the highest order towards these sensitive duties.

Security Management on the Polling Day Of Polling PartiesOf Polling Parties Polling MaterialPolling Material Contesting CandidatesContesting Candidates VotersVoters Maintenance of peace & Order at every Polling stationsMaintenance of peace & Order at every Polling stations Free, Fair and incident free polling.Free, Fair and incident free polling. Security arrangements while depositing material at strong roomSecurity arrangements while depositing material at strong room Parking arrangementsParking arrangements

–Communication Plan  a detailed communication grid needs to be established in the area of poll.  Second line of communication also needs to be worked out.  a special arrangements for air-maintained polling stations needs to be worked out. –A Proper monitoring & tracking system of entire polling process in the area needs to be worked out till the last vote is casted. –De-induction Plan of polling parties including troops needs to designed carefully.

How it can be achieved? Marrying up of Polling Parties with Security ContingentsMarrying up of Polling Parties with Security Contingents Working out detailed Security deployment Plan based onWorking out detailed Security deployment Plan based on –General Prevailing Security Scenario in the area. –Geopolitical Ground realties. –Social vulnerability. –Money & Muscle power of contesting candidates. –Previous History of violence during elections. –Any other factor.

During ElectionsDuring Elections –Invocations of various provisions of MCC –IPC Sections such as 171 A, 171 B (Bribery), 171 C (Undue Influence), 171 D (Personation), 171 E, 171 F, 171 G (False Statement), 171 H (Illegal Payments) 171-I (Failure to keep Election Accounts) –People representation Act, 1955 –Rules framed by ECI from time to time.

Security arrangements after Polling Security of Strong room.Security of Strong room. –3-tier security Mechanism –Strong room with CPO along with representative of all political parties. –2-tier with State Armed police ensuring proper Entry/Exit to only valid persons –Outer Cordon with local police. Security during counting process till declare of results & issuing winning certificates to the winning candidates.Security during counting process till declare of results & issuing winning certificates to the winning candidates. Security arrangements during post results (Victory Process etc.) near counting centres etc.Security arrangements during post results (Victory Process etc.) near counting centres etc.

The aspect of security management is as relevant as essance of any electioneering process. The entire process should not only be fair and just but outwardly, manifestly seen to be free, fair and just.

The maturity of democracy election after elections in India, the response and turnout of the voter has increased manifold in this largest democracy of the world thus putting forth many challenges before the Election Machinery to gain the trust and confidence of common voters. Security Management should be an Integral Part of electioneering process.

The strict enforcement of various provisions of laws under IPC, People Representation Act, MCC and other rules framed by ECI from time to time needs to implemented during entire electioneering process so that the entire exercise becomes more and absolutely meaningful and

be ensured that the Rule of Law prevails and the elections are conducted in free, fair, peaceful and incident free manner as and when the country goes for the electioneering thus ensuring Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy.

THANK YOU