Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer Warns Against EVM Photo Violations Ahead of Polls

By A Staff Reporter — Ranchi, Jharkhand: With the Jharkhand Assembly elections scheduled for November 13, Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar held a press conference in Ranchi to announce the commencement of the "silent period" from 5 pm, urging voters to adhere to election rules and guidelines. Kumar emphasized that the silent period, which prohibits campaigning and other activities that could influence voters, had officially begun.

Addressing concerns from previous elections, Kumar warned voters against the practice of clicking photos inside polling booths, especially with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "During the last election, there were two incidents where people took pictures inside the polling booths with the EVMs. I urge voters not to engage in such activities and to maintain the secrecy of their vote," Kumar stated. He further clarified that such actions violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and could lead to criminal charges being filed against those involved.

To prevent further violations, the CEO announced that no mobile phones would be allowed inside the polling booths. This measure aims to ensure that voters cast their ballots freely and without external influence, safeguarding the integrity of the voting process.

The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to take place on November 13, with the Election Commission ensuring all measures are in place to maintain order and fairness throughout the voting process. Kumar’s statement serves as a reminder to voters and political parties about the importance of upholding election integrity during this crucial time.