Dr. M. BEENA, I.A.S, DEO & DISTRICT COLLECTOR, ERNAKULAM RO, 11 CHALAKUDY & 12 ERNAKULAM HOUSE OF PEOPLE CONSTITUENCIES 2009 DEO, 072 ERNAKULAM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY 2009

Ernakulam District - Specific Challenges A highly literate population Multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic population Visibility of the entire electoral process is very high under the vigilant eyes of the political parties, media and general public. Elections become occasions for the public to put forth their bargaining powers Officers on polling duty are very particular about duty hours and facilities provided to them. Five year shift phenomenon which is more of a development problem.

Phase I: Preparatory Phase (Date of announcement to date of Notification) Phase II: Pre-poll Phase (Date of Notification to Previous Day of Poll) Phase III: Post Poll Phase (Day of poll to Counting day)

Phase I: Preparatory Phase (Date of announcement to date of Notification) Preparation of Election Team Thorough knowledge Voter education Model code of conduct Public Relation & Media Meeting with political parties Meeting with Police Officials Visit to Polling Stations

Phase II: Pre-poll Phase ( Date of Notification to Previous Day of Poll) Preliminary scrutiny of nomination papers Scrutiny of nomination papers Central Observer Management Meeting with Political parties Personnel Management

Phase III: Post Poll Phase (Day of Poll to Day of Counting) Timely execution of duties Fire fighting mechanism Laison with Media

General Activities FO and DPO : To watch election expenditure Excise Department : For strict watching the sale of liquor and intoxicating drugs. A close watch of the occupants in the Government Guest Houses and Rest Houses Availability of vehicles and vessels

Democracy is an impossible thing until the power is shared by all, but let not democracy degenerate into mobocracy. - Mahatmaji