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Legal Framework for Polling Disruptions:
- Section 58 of the Representation of People Act 1951 (RPA): Addresses the destruction or tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). It allows the Election Commission to void the poll and schedule a new one.
- Section 135A of the RPA: Defines and penalizes booth capturing, which includes seizing or tampering with polling stations or intimidating voters.
- Section 57(1) of the RPA: Allows polling to be adjourned due to natural disasters or other significant disruptions, enabling the poll to recommence at a later date.
- Section 52 of the RPA: Covers the death of a candidate from a recognized political party, leading to adjournment of the poll and the nomination of a new candidate by the party.
Procedures and Responses:
- Repolling: Conducted if EVMs are damaged or booth capturing occurs. During repolling, different fingers of voters are inked to prevent double-voting.
- Adjournment: In cases of natural disasters or other disruptions, polling can be adjourned and later resumed, allowing those who haven’t voted to do so.
- Candidate Death: Leads to poll adjournment and the nomination of a new candidate by the deceased candidate’s party within seven days.
Why in News?
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the poll void in 19 polling stations of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh due to disruptions.
