Chandigarh, September 29- The Election Commission of India has today announced the bye-election schedule to fill the vacancy in Baroda Assembly Constituency in Haryana. The model code of conduct has come into force in the region as soon as the bye-elections are announced. Polling will be held on November 3, 2020.
As per the schedule released by the Commission, the last date for filing of nominations is October 16, 2020, while the scrutnization of nomination papers will be held on October 17, 2020. Last date of withdrawal of nomination papers by candidates is October 19, 2020. Polling will be held on November 3, 2020 and counting of votes will be done on November 10, 2020.
The Commission has decided to use EVMs and VVPATs at all polling stations in the bye-elections. Adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs have been provided and all steps have been taken to ensure that the voting is done smoothly.
The Commission has decided that voter identification will be mandatory at the time of voting in this bye-election. The Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the main document of the voter’s identity. However, in order to ensure that a voter is not deprived of their franchise, if their name is mentioned in the electoral rolls, then they can exercise their franchise by using 11 alternative photo identification documents as prescribed by the Commission.
These 11 alternative photo identification documents include passport, driving license, Service identity cards with photographs issued to employee by central, state government, public undertakings or public limited companies, passbook issued by bank or post office, PAN card, Smart cards issued by RGI under NPR, MNREGA job cards, health insurance smart cards issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labor, pension document with photograph, official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs and Aadhaar cards.
The Model Code of Conduct will come into force with immediate effect in the district in which the whole or any part of the Assembly Constituency going for election is included. The model code of conduct will also apply to all candidates, political parties, the state government and central government also.