Norms set by SEC for the discharge of functions

Superintendence, directions, control of preparation of electoral rolls for, and conduct of elections to the Gram Panchayats and the Zilla Panchayats shall vest in the SEC constituted under Article 243 K of the Constitution of India read with section 103 of the Sikkim Panchayat Act, 1993.

The Governor shall when so requested by the State Election Commissioner, make available to the State Election Commission such staff as may be necessary for discharge of functions relating to conduct of election.

Superintendence, direction and the control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and conduct of elections to Municipalities also be vested in the SEC under Article 243 ZA of the Constitution read with section 14 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007.

In exercise of its plenary powers vested in it by the Articles 243 K and 243 ZA of the Constitution, the District Electoral Registration Officers and District Assistant Electoral Registration Officers are given the schedule by the SEC for preparation of ward wise electoral rolls to be finally printed within a period of three months. In the process of preparation of electoral rolls, form are prescribed for use of eligible voters to claim for inclusion of their names, raising objection to inclusion of names, transfer of names, deletion of names etc. in the electoral rolls.

On the completion of publication of electoral rolls the SEC issues press releases for programme for conduct election. Model Code of Conduct is deemed to have come into force from the date of announcement of elections by SEC.

A programme appointing dates for the last date of making nominations, the date of scrutiny of nomination, the last date for with drawl of candidature, the date on which a poll shall be taken and the date before which the elections shall be completed shall drawn by the SEC.

Forms are prescribed for making nominations and with drawl of candidature within the time allotted.

The SEC shall publish immediately all the names of uncontested candidates in the election in an official gazette for information of candidates and members of public.

The District Returning Officers are notified the date for counting of votes and the names of winning candidates shall be forwarded by the SEC to the State Government for publication in the official gazette.

The SEC may order adjournment of poll if the pollings are obstructed by riots and open violence and issue order for recommencement of polls.

The Commission may order fresh poll in case of destruction of ballot boxes, and rigging of polling booths by anti-social elements and such error or irregular in procedure as is likely to vitiate the poll.

The Commission appoints the Election Observers whose duty is to oversee the voting is completed in free and fair manner and the secrecy of voting is maintained.

Proper arrangement of security during the poll and counting hours is a vital aspect of the election process and as such the Commission has to see that the sufficient member of police personal are deployed for law and order duty. Required of Sector Magistrates are also appointed by the State Government on the request of the Commission to supervise law and order situation during the period of election.

Usually, the norms followed for setting got setting up of polling station are based on convenience of voters and one polling station is considered suitable for one thousand voters.