WEST BENGAL PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS RULES, 2006
(1) These rules may be called the West Bengal Panchayet Elections Rules, 2006.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
(1) In these rules, unless the content requires otherwise,-
(a) "Act" means the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003;
(b) "ballot box" includes any box, bag or other receptacle used for the insertion of ballot papers by electors;
(c) "ballot paper" means a paper in which the names of the candidates nominated for a certain election and their respective symbols are printed and includes the counterfoil of such paper;
(d) "bye-election" means election or elections to fill casual vacancies from one or more seats or constituencies in a Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Mahakuma Parishad or Zilla Parishad :
(e) "Commissioner" means the State Election Commissioner referred to in sub-section (1) of section 3
The electoral roll of any Panchayat shall be in such form as the Commission may direct and shall be prepared in Nepali language for the constituencies of the Panchayats in hill areas as defined in clause (11c) of section 2 of the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973, and in Bengali language for all other constituencies.
When the Commission decides not to adopt, in terms of section 35, the electoral roll meant for election of members to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly for the elections to the Panchayats and issues appropriate directions in this behalf, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer may, for the purpose of preparing the electoral roll, arrange for enumeration of all persons who have attained the age of 18 years and are ordinarily residents in the constituency or any part thereof requiring every such person to furnish information for this purpose to the person authorised by the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer in this behalf and every person on being approached by such person as authorised by him, shall, furnish such information as may be required for that purpose. Form for such enumeration shall be of such design as may be devised, by order, by the Commission.
For the purpose of preparing the electoral roll or deciding any claim or objection to any electoral roll, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer or any other person authorised by him shall have the access to any register of births and deaths as maintained by the Gram Panchayat or to the admission register of any educational institution, and it shall be the duty of every person in charge of any such register to furnish to the said officer or person authorised by him such information and such extracts from the said register as may be required by them.
(1) As soon as the electoral roll for a constituency of a Panchayat is prepared, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall, by order, make the draft publication of the said electoral roll for general information and inspection of the persons likely to be affected thereby.
(2) The draft publication of electoral roll referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be made at,-
(a) the office of the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer,
(b) the concerned office or offices of the Gram Panchayats,
(c) the concerned office of the Panchayat Samiti,
(d) such other places in the concerned Panchayat area as the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer may deem necessary, by displaying a notice in Form I specifying the duration of such draft publication and
(1) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall make a copy of each separate part of the electoral roll, together with a copy of the notice in Form I available for inspection at a specified place accessible to the public in or near the area to which that part relates.
(2) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer may give such further' publicity to the notice in Form I as he may consider necessary.
(3) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall also supply free of cost two copies of each separate part of the electoral roll to every political party for which a symbol has been exclusively reserved in the State by the Election Commission of India.
Every claim for the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll and every objection to any entry therein shall be lodged within a period of thirty days from the date of draft publication of the electoral roll or such shorter period of not less than fifteen days as may be fixed by the Commission in this behalf:
Provided that the Commission may, by notification in the Official Gazette, extend such period in respect of any constituency.
(1) Every claim for inclusion of a name in the electoral roll shall be lodged in Form II and shall be signed by the person claiming his name to be included in the electoral roll.
(2) Every objection to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll or every application for deletion of a name from the electoral roll shall be lodged in Form III and shall be preferred only by a person whose name is already included in that part of the electoral roll and such Form shall also be countersigned by another person whose name is already included in that part of the electoral roll in which the name objected to appear.
(3) Every objection to a particular or particulars in an entry into the electoral roll shall be lodged in Form IV and shall be preferred only by the person to whom that entry relates.
(4) Every application for transposition of an en
Every claim or objection referred to in rule 9 shall be,-
(a) presented to the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer or to such .other officer as may be authorised by him in this behalf, or
(b) sent by post directly to the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer.
(1) Every officer authorised under clause (a) of rule 10 shall,-
(a) maintain in duplicate for each part of the electoral roll separately, a list of claims, a list of objections to the inclusion of names, a list of objections to particulars of entries and a list of applications for transposition of entries within the same constituency, and
(b) keep exhibited one copy of each such list on a notice board in his office.
(2) The authorised officer shall, after complying with the requirements of sub-rule (1), forward it with such remarks, if any, as he considers proper to the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer.
Any claim or objection which is not lodged within the period specified in the notice in Form I, shall be rejected by the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer.
(1) Where a claim or objection is not disposed of on the basis of records available, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall issue a notice specifying the date, time and place of hearing of the claim or objection, as the case may be.
(2) The notice issued under sub-rule (1) may be served either upon the person concerned or any adult member of the family of such person or by affixing at the person's residence or at the last known residence within the constituency.
(1) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall hold a summary inquiry into every claim or objection in respect of which notice has been issued under sub-rule (1) of rule 13 and shall record his decision thereon.
(2) At the time of hearing, the claimant or, as the case may be, the objector and the person objected to and any other person who, in the opinion of the Panchayat Electoral Registration" Officer, is likely to be of assistance to him, shall be entitled to appear and be heard.
(3) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer may at his discretion,-
(a) require any claimant, objector or person objected to appear in person before him,
(b) require that the evidence tendered by any person shall be given on oath and administer an oath for the purpose.
If it appears to the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer at any time before the final publication of the electoral roll that owing to inadvertence or error during preparation, the names of any elector or electors have been left out of the electoral roll and that remedial action should be taken under this rule, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall,-
(a) prepare a list of the names and other details of such electors,
(b) exhibit on the notice board of his office a copy of such list together with a notice as to the time and place at which the inclusion of these names in the roll shall be considered, and shall also publish the list and the notice in such other manner as he may think fit, and
(c) after considering any verbal or written objections that may be preferred, decide whe
If it appears to the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer at any time before the final publication of the electoral roll that owing to inadvertence or error or otherwise, the names of dead person or of persons who cease to be, or are not, ordinarily residents in the constituency or of persons who are otherwise not entitled to be registered in the electoral roll have been included in such electoral roll and that remedial action should be taken under this rule, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer, shall,-
(a) prepare a list of the names and other details of such electors,
(b) exhibit on the notice board of his office a copy of the list together with a notice as to the time and place at which the question of deletion of these names from the electoral roll shall be considered, and also publish the list and the notice in such oth
(1) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall after, preparing a list of amendments to carry out his decision under rule 15, rule 16 and rule 17 and after correcting any clerical or printing errors or other inaccuracies subsequently detected in the electoral roll, notify the electoral roll to be finally published, together with the list of amendments, by making a complete copy thereof available for inspection and displaying a notice in Form IA at his office.
(2) The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall, subject to such general or special direction as may be given by the Commission in this behalf, supply free of cost, two copies of the electoral roll, as finally published under sub-rule (1), with the list of amendments, if any, to every political party for which symbol has been exclusively reserved by the Election Commission of India.
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(1) An appeal shall lie from any decision of the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer under rule 14 or rule 15 or rule 17 to the appellate authority as may be appointed by the Commission for this purpose:
Provided that an appeal shall not lie where the person desiring to appeal has not availed himself of his right to be heard by, or to make representations to, the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer on the matter which is the subject of appeal.
(2) Every appeal under sub-rule (1) shall be,-
(a) in the form of memorandum signed by the appellant, and
(b) presented to the appellate authority within a period of fifteen days from the date of final publication of the electoral roll.
(3) The presentatio
The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer shall secure in his officer or at such other place as the District Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer may, by order, specify, the following papers as official record until the expiration of one year following the completion of the next intensive revision of the electoral roll,-
(a) one complete copy of the finally published electoral roll,
(b) information obtained by the Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer under rule 5,
(c) register of enumeration forms,
(d) applications in regard to the preparation of the electoral roll,
(e) manuscript parts prepared by enumeration agencies and used for compiling the electoral roll,
Every person shall have the right to inspect any of the election papers as referred to in rule 19 and shall get attested copies thereof on payment of such fees as may be fixed, by order, by the Commission in this behalf.
(1) The papers referred to in rule 19 may, on the expiry of the period specified therein, and subject to such general or special direction as may be issued by the Commission in this behalf, be disposed of in such manner as the District Panchayat Election Officer may direct.
(2) Copies of the finally published electoral roll for any constituency in excess of the number required for deposit under rule 19 and for any other public purpose shall be disposed of at such time and in such manner as the Commission may direct and until such disposal the copies shall be made available for sale to the public at such cost as may be fixed, by order, by the Commission.
(1) Subject to any general or special direction issued by the Commission in this behalf, the prescribed authority, by an order, shall,-
(a) divide, in recognisable units like paras, localities, neighbourhoods, bustees or colonies, the area of a Gram into constituencies on the basis of the number of members determined under section 12;
(b) assign consecutive serial number to all such constituencies of a Gram following the sequence of the numbers assigned to the Legislative Assembly polling stations comprising such constituencies;
(c) allocate to each constituency such number of seats, not exceeding two, as may conform to the number determined under section 12;
(d) assign consecutive serial numbers to all such seats following the same sequence of the
(1) On completion of the determination under rule 22, the prescribed authority shall publish draft order showing delimitation of the constituencies and the reservations thereof in Form A not later than seventy five days before the date of poll by posting the same in a conspicuous place in the office of,-
(a) the Gram Panchayat to which the order relates,
(b) the Panchayat Samiti and the Zilla Parishad or the Mahakuma Parishad within whose area the Gram Panchayat is situated,
(c) the Block Development Officer, the Sub-divisional Officer and the District Magistrate of the area concerned.
(2) Any person affected by such order may submit any objection or suggestion in writing stating the reasons thereof so as to reach the prescribed authority within fif
(1) In conformity with the provisions contained in section 14 and also subject to any general or special direction issued by the Commission in this behalf, the prescribed authority, by an order, shall,-
(a) determine the number of members to be elected to a Panchayat Samiti from each Gram comprising the area of the Panchayat Samiti,
(b) divide a Gram into as many constituencies as may match the number of members, determined under clause (a), to be elected to a Panchayat Samiti from the Gram and each such constituency shall have as far as practicable, equal number of voters and shall comprise as many contiguous Gram Panchayat constituencies as may be specified in the order,
(c) assign consecutive serial numbers to all such constituencies following, as far as practicable, the sequence of the num
(1) On completion of the determination under rule 26, the prescribed authority shall publish a draft order showing delimitation of the constituencies and reservations thereof in Form B not later than seventy-five days before the date of poll by posting the same in a conspicuous place in the office of,-
(a) the Gram Panchayats and the Panchayat Samiti to which the order relates,
(b) the Zilla Parishad or the Mahakuma Parishad,
(c) the Block Development Officer, the Sub-divisional Officer and the District Magistrate of the area concerned.
(2) Any person affected by such order may submit any objection or suggestion in writing stating the reasons thereof so as to reach the prescribed authority within fifteen days from the date of publication of the draf
(1) The Commission shall, by order,-
(a) in conformity with the provisions in section 15, determine the number of members to be elected to a Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad from each Block comprising the area of the Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad as the case may be.
(b) divide a Block into as many constituencies as may match the number of members, determined under clause (a), to be elected to a Zilla Parishad from the Block and each such constituency shall have as far as practicable equal number of voters and shall comprise as many contiguous Grams as may be specified in the order,
(c) assign consecutive serial numbers to all such constituencies within the area of a Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad, as the case may be, following, as far as practicable, the sequence of the numbers a
(1) On completion of the determination under rule 26, the Commission shall publish a draft order showing delimitation of the constituencies and reservations thereof not later than seventy-five days before the date of poll by posting the same in a conspicuous place in the office of,-
(a) the Gram Panchayats and the Panchayat Samiti to which the order relates;
(b) the Zilla Parishad or the Mahakuma Parishad;
(c) the Block Development Officer, the Sub-divisional Officer and the District Magistrate of the area concerned.
(2) Any person affected by such order may submit any objection or suggestion in writing stating the reasons thereof so as to reach the Commissioner within fifteen days from the date of publication of the draft order as mentioned in sub-
On the appointment of date or dates of poll for any election under section 43 and in conformity with the provisions made therein, the District Panchayat Election Officer shall, by order in Form I, notify,-
(a) the last date, time and place for making nominations,
(b) the date for scrutiny of nominations,
(c) the last date and hour for the withdrawal of candidature,
(d) the date on which and the hours between which the poll when the election is contested, shall be taken:
Provided that such notice in Form 1 shall be governed by an order as may be issued in terms of sub-section (2) of section 46.
The order under rule 28 shall as soon as made be posted up,-
(a) in some conspicuous place in the offices of the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and the Zilla Parishad or the Mahakuma Perishad within whose jurisdiction, the election is to be held,
(b) in the office of the Panchayat Returning Officer appointed for election to Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and the Zilla Parishad or the Mahakuma Parishad as the case may be.
(1) Every nomination paper presented under sub-section (1) or (2) of section 46, as the case may be, shall be made in Form 2.
(2) Any person attaining the age of 21 years on the date fixed for scrutiny, if not otherwise disqualified under the provisions of the Act or any order made thereunder, may be nominated as a candidate for election from any seat of a constituency to a Gram Panchayat, from any constituency to a Panchayat Samiti or Zilla Parishad or Mahakuna Parishad as the case may be, if his name is included in the electoral roll in force on the last date for making nominations for such Panchayat election when such electoral roll pertains to the area comprised in that Gram in case of Gram Panchayat or pertains to the area of the Panchayat Samiti or Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad in case of Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad as the case may be.
(1) The notice of nomination containing description as mentioned in section 48, shall be issued in Form 3.
(2) The notice of nomination issued under sub-rule (1) shall be,-
(a) fixed at the office of the concerned Panchayat Samiti,
(b) fixed at the office of the concerned Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad, as the case may be.
(1) For the purpose of these rules, symbols are either reserved or free.
(2) A reserved symbol, as enlisted in Table A of the Third Schedule is a symbol which is reserved for,-
(a) a recognised political party for exclusive allotment to the contesting candidate or candidates set up by that party,
(b) a local political party for exclusive allotment in a specified area to the contesting candidate or candidates set up by that party, and
(c) any other political party allotted, by order, an exclusive reserved symbol by the Commission for either the entire State or any part thereof for the purpose of elections to one or more tiers of Panchayats as may be specified in the order, on the ground that,-
(i) such pol
(1) A political party shall be declared as a local political party if that party,-
(a) has been engaged in political activity for a continuous period of preceding five years, and
(b) at the time of declaration, has at least one elected member in any tier of Panchayats for every existing twenty-five members or any fraction thereof, elected to that tier of Panchayats from the area of a sub-division of a district or, if there is no elected body of Panchayats in that sub-division, one elected member in the Municipality or Municipalities for every existing twenty-five members or any fraction thereof, elected to the Municipality or Municipalities within the area of that sub-division.
(2) Any association or body of individual citizens of India calling itself a political party and intending to be decl
(1) The symbols, which may be chosen by the candidates at an election from any constituency or which may be reserved are specified in the Third Schedule:
Provided that in case any political party other than a recognised political or local political party claims any reserved symbol, the Commission shall, by order, issue appropriate instruction on such claim.
(2) Where at any such election, more nomination papers than one are delivered by or on behalf of a candidate, other than a candidate set up by a recognised political party or a local political party, the declaration as to symbol made in the nomination paper first delivered, and no other declaration as to symbol, shall be taken into consideration for the purpose of allotment of symbol even if the nomination paper first delivered has been rejected:
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A candidate set up or nominated by a recognised political party or local political party at any election in any constituency shall choose, and shall be allotted, only the symbol reserved for such party as shown in Table A of the Third Schedule.
(1) For the purposes of these rules a candidate shall be deemed to be set up or nominated by a recognised political party or local political party if,-
(a) such candidate has made a declaration to that effect in any of his nomination papers,
(b) a notice in writing to that effect has, not later than 3 p.m. on the last day of withdrawal of candidature, been delivered to the Panchayat Returning Officer of the constituency, and
(c) the notice referred to in clause (b) is signed by the President, Chairman or General Secretary, or where there is no General Secretary, the Secretary of the State Unit of the recognised political party or local political party or by any member of such recognised political party duly authorised by such President, Chairman, General Secretary or Secretary, as the case ma
(1) A candidate at a Gram Panchayat election from any constituency shall choose one from any of the symbols specified in Table B of the Third Schedule.
(2) A candidate at a Panchayat Samiti election from any constituency shall choose one from any of the symbols specified in Table C of the Third Schedule.
(3) A candidate at a Mahakuma Parishad or Zilla Parishad election from any constituency shall choose one from any of the symbols specified in Table D of the Third Schedule.
(4) Without any prejudice to the provisions contained in section 51, if at any election; the number of candidates, other than those set up by recognised political parties, exceeds the number of free symbols specified in Table B, Table C or Table D of the Third Schedule as the case may be, the District Panchayat Election Off
(1) The nomination papers filed shall be taken up for scrutiny by the Panchayat Returning Officer at the appointed place, date and hour in presence of any two persons among the candidate, election agent and proposer when the nomination papers shall be either accepted or rejected in terms of section 49.
(2) Immediately after all the nomination papers have been scrutinised and decisions accepting or rejecting the same have been recorded, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall prepare a list, in Form 4, of validly nominated candidates arranged in the alphabetical order of the names of candidates in Nepali and in English for the constituencies of the Panchayats in the hill areas as defined in the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973, and in Bengali and in English in all other areas and affix it on his notice board:
Provided that such alphabetical
(1) A notice of withdrawal of candidature under sub-section (1) of section 50 shall be in Form 5 and shall contain the particulars set out therein. On receipt of such notice, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall note thereon the date and the time at which it was delivered.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall, on being satisfied as to the genuineness of notice of withdrawal and the identity of the person delivering it under sub-rule (1), cause a notice in Form 6 to be affixed in some conspicuous place in his office.
(1) The list of contesting candidates referred to in sub-section (1) of section 51 shall be prepared in the manner as laid down in sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of the said section in Form 7.
(2) After finalisation of the list of contesting candidates, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall issue an identity card to the contesting candidates in Form 7A.
(3) When the number of contesting candidates in Form 7 is found equal to or less than the number of seats to be filled in a constituency within the meaning of clause (b) or clause (c) of section 64, such candidates shall be declared by the Panchayat Returning Officer as duly elected in Form 12.
(1) Any appointment of an election agent under section 53 shall be made in Form 8 and the notice of such appointment shall be given by forwarding the same in duplicate with two copies of passport size photograph of the election agent to the Panchayat Returning Officer who shall return one copy thereof for use of the election agent after affixing thereon his seal and signature in token of his approval for such appointment.
(2) The revocation of the appointment of an election agent under sub-section (1) of section 55 shall be made in Form 9.
(3) Where the appointment of an election agent is revoked under sub-rule (2) or where an election agent dies before or during the election, the candidate may appoint a new election agent in the manner laid down in sub-rule (1).
(1) One agent and two relief agents shall be appointed for each polling station:
Provided that at any point of time not more than one agent of a candidate shall remain present at the polling station and while attending the polling station, he shall display the EPIC or such other identity card as may be issued under the direction of the Commission:
Provided further that a person, who does not have his name registered in any part of the electoral roll pertaining to any constituency within the State, shall not be a polling agent.
(2) Every such appointment of polling agent shall be made by the candidate or his election agent in duplicate in Form 10 and both copies shall be made over to the polling agent for production to the Presiding Officer at the polling station.
(1) The appointment of a polling agent may be revoked by the candidate or his election agent in Form 11 at any time before the commencement of poll by a declaration in writing signed by him.
(2) Such declaration shall be lodged with the Presiding Officer of the polling station where the polling agent was appointed for duty.
(3) Where the appointment of a polling agent is revoked under sub-rule (1) or where a polling agent dies before the close of poll, the candidate or his election agent may appoint a new polling agent in accordance with the provisions of rule 42.
(1) Each contesting candidate or his election agent may appoint not more than two agents for a polling station to act as counting agents of such candidate, in Form 10 in duplicate signed by the candidate or his election agent:
Provided that at any point of time not more than one counting agent of a candidate shall remain present at the polling station and while attending the polling station, he shall display the EPIC or such other identity card as may be directed by the Commission:
Provided further that a person, who does not have his name registered in any part of the electoral roll pertaining to any constituency within the State, shall not be a counting agent.
(2) In case or centralised counting, not more than one counting agent shall be appointed by the candidate or his election agent:
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(1) The appointment of a counting agent may be revoked by the candidate or his election agent, in Form 11 at any time before the commencement of the counting of votes by a declaration in writing signed by him. Such declaration shall be lodged with the Presiding Officer of the polling station where counting is to be held.
(2) Where the appointment of a counting agent is revoked under sub-rule (1) or where a counting agent dies before the completion of the counting of votes, the candidate or his election agent may appoint a new counting agent in accordance with the provisions of rule 44.
(1) Every ballot box shall be of such design as may be approved by the Commission.
(2) Separate ballot boxes shall be used for elections to the Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad.
(1) Every ballot paper shall be in Form 13(1) for constituency allocated one seat and in Form 13(2) for constituency allocated two seats for Gram Panchayat election, in Form 13A for Panchayat Samiti election and in Form 13B for Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad election.
(2) The names of the candidates shall be arranged on the ballot paper in the same order in which they appear in the list of contesting candidates in Form 7.
(3) Every ballot paper shall be of such design as may be directed, by order, by the Commission.
(1) Outside each polling station there shall be displayed prominently,-
(a) a notice, specifying the polling area, the voters of which are entitled to vote at the polling station and, where the polling station has more than one polling booth, at each of such booths, the description of the voters allotted to such booth, and
(b) a copy of the list of contesting candidates.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall cause to be provided at every polling station one or more compartments (hereinafter referred to in these rules as a "voting compartment") in which voters can record their votes screened from observation.
(3) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall provide at each polling station sufficient number of ballot boxes, ballot papers, copies of the list of voters in respect of the polling ar
The Presiding Officer shall regulate the number of voters to be admitted at anyone time inside the polling station and shall not allow entry thereto of all persons other than,-
(a) polling officers,
(b) public servants on duty in connection with the election,
(c) the District Panchayat Election Officer or the Panchayat Returning Officer or such other person authorised by the Commission,
(d) candidates, their election agents and subject to the provisions of rule 43, one polling agent of each candidate at a time,
(e) a child in arms accompanying a voter,
(f) a person accompanying a blind or infirm voter who cannot move without help, and
(g) such other persons
(1) The Presiding Officer shall immediately before the poll, satisfy all persons present that the ballot box is empty.
(2) Every ballot box used at a polling station shall bear labels outside marked with-
(a) the serial number, if any, and the name of the constituency;
(b) the serial number and the name of the polling station;
(c) the serial number of the ballot box when more than one ballot box is used in respect of a particular election;
(d) the date of poll.
(3) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the Presiding Officer shall demonstrate to the polling agents and other persons present that the ballot box bears the labels referred to in sub-rule (
(1) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the Presiding Officer shall demonstrate to the polling agents and others present at the polling station that the marked copy of the electoral roll to be used during the poll does not contain any entry other than that made in respect of voters who have been issued election duty certificates in terms of rule 52.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall announce the first and the last serial numbers with the missing numbers, if any, of the ballot papers supplied for the polling station and shall allow the polling agents present to note such numbers. He shall then shuffle the bundles of ballot papers in such a manner so that nobody may ascertain the serial number of ballot paper issued to any voter.
(3) The Presiding Officer shall, immediately before the commencement of the poll, read out and explain the provisions of section 108 to such p
(1) A voter on election duty who wishes to vote shall at least three days before the date of poll, approach the Panchayat Returning Officer of the constituency in respect of which he is a voter and make an application in Form 14 for the issue of a ballot paper in order to enable him to cast his vote.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall on being satisfied as to the identity of such voter and on production of the letter of appointment in connection with election, -
(a) have the person's name marked in the electoral roll, and
(b) issue to such voter a ballot paper and permit him to vote on the spot in a secluded corner so as not to disclose his vote, with the instrument provided for the purpose.
(3) After recording his vote, such voter shall make
(1) Where a polling station is for both men and women voters, the Presiding Officer may direct that they shall be admitted into the polling station alternately in separate batches.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer or the Presiding Officer may appoint a woman to serve as an assistant at a polling station to assist the women voters and also to assist the Presiding Officer generally in taking the poll in respect of women voters, and in particular, to help in searching any woman voter in case it becomes necessary.
(1) The Presiding Officer or the polling officer, as the case may be, shall require every voter to produce EPIC or in absence of EPIC, such other documents as may be specified, by order, by the Commission.
(2) Every voter about whose identity the Presiding Officer or the polling officer, as the case may be, is satisfied shall allow his left forefinger to be inspected by the Presiding Officer or the polling officer and an indelible ink mark to be put on it.
(3) If any voter refuses to allow his left forefinger to be inspected or marked in accordance with sub-rule (2) or has already such a mark on his left forefinger or does any act with a view to removing the ink mark, he shall not be supplied with any ballot paper and shall not be allowed to vote.
(4) Where a poll is taken simultaneously for
(1) The Presiding Officer may employ at the polling station such persons as he thinks fit to help in the identification of the voters or to assist him otherwise in taking a poll.
(2) As each voter enters the polling station the Presiding Officer or the polling officer authorised by him in this behalf shall check the voter's name and other particulars with the relevant entry in the list of voters and then call out the serial number, name and other particulars of the voter.
(3) In deciding the right of a person to obtain a ballot paper, the Presiding Officer or the polling officer, as the case may be, shall overlook mere clerical or printing errors in an entry in the list of voters, if he is satisfied that such person is identical with the voter to whom such entry relates.
(1) Any polling agent may challenge the identity of a person claiming to be a particular voter by first depositing a sum of two rupees with the Presiding Officer for each such challenge.
(2) On such deposit being made, the Presiding Officer shall,-
(a) warn the person challenged of the penalty for personation,
(b) read relevant entry in the list of voters in full and ask him whether he is the person referred to in that entry,
(c) enter his name and address in the list of challenged voter in Form 15,
(d) require him to affix his signature or thumb impression in the said list.
(3) The Presiding Officer shall thereafter hold a summary inquiry into the challenge an
(1) No ballot paper shall be issued to any voter before the hour fixed for the commencement of the poll.
(2) No ballot paper shall be issued to any voter after the hour fixed for the closing of the poll except to those voters who are present at the polling station at the time of closing of the poll. Such voters shall be allowed to record their votes even after the closing hour of the poll.
(3) Every ballot paper shall, before issue to a voter, be stamped with such distinguishing mark as the District Panchayat Election Officer may direct and signed in full on its back by the Presiding Officer.
(4) In case of simultaneous election to Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad or any, the issue of ballot papers shall be in the following order, namely, -
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(1) The voter on receiving the ballot paper shall forthwith,-
(a) proceed to one of the voting compartments,
(b) there make a mark on the ballot paper with the instrument supplied for the purpose on or near the symbol of the candidate for whom he intends to vote,
(c) fold the ballot paper so as to conceal his vote,
(d) if required, show to the Presiding Officer the distinguishing mark on the ballot paper,
(e) insert the folded ballot paper into the ballot box,
(f) repeat the process when more than one elections are held, and
(g) leave the polling station without disclosing to anyone name of the person or persons for
(1) If owing to blindness or other physical infirmity, a voter is unable to recognise the symbols on the ballot paper or to make a mark thereon, the Presiding Officer shall permit the voter to take with him a companion to the voting compartment in the polling station who shall record the vote on the ballot paper in accordance with the wishes of the voter, fold it so as to conceal the vote and insert in into the ballot box:
Provided that a person who has his name recorded in the electoral roll pertaining to that polling station shall be eligible to act as such companion.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall keep a brief record of the blind and infirm voters in Form 16.
(1) A voter who has inadvertently dealt with his ballot paper in such manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper, may, on returning it to the Presiding Officer and on satisfying him of the inadvertence, shall be given another ballot paper, and the ballot paper so returned and the counterfoil of such ballot paper shall be marked "Spoilt, cancelled" by the Presiding Officer.
(2) If a voter after obtaining a ballot paper decides not to use it, he shall return it to the Presiding Officer, and the ballot paper so returned and the counterfoil of such ballot paper shall be marked as "Returned, cancelled" by the Presiding Officer.
(3) All the ballot papers cancelled under sub-rules (1) and (2) shall be kept in separate packets.
(1) If a person representing himself to be a particular voter asks for a ballot paper after another person has already voted as such voter, he shall, on satisfactorily answering such questions relating to his identity as the Presiding Officer may ask, be entitled, subject to the following provisions of this rule, to mark a ballot paper hereinafter referred to as a "tendered ballot paper" in the same manner as any other voter.
(2) Every such person shall, before being supplied with a tendered ballot paper, sign his name or put his thumb impression against the entry relating to him in a list in Form 17.
(3) A tendered ballot paper shall be the same as the other papers used at the polling station except that,-
(a) such tendered ballot paper shall be serially the last in the bundle of ballot paper
(1) The Presiding Officer shall close a polling station at the hour fixed in that behalf under section 42 and shall not thereafter admit any voter into the polling station:
Provided that all voters present at the polling station before it is closed shall be allowed to cast their votes.
(2) If any question arises whether a voter was present at the polling station before it was closed, it shall be decided by the Presiding Officer and his decision shall be final.
(1) As soon as practicable after the closing of poll, the Presiding Officer, shall, in the presence of the candidates or their election or polling agents, close the slit of the ballot box and seal and secure it and also allow the candidates or their election or polling agents present to affix their seals.
(2) Where it becomes necessary to use a second ballot box by reason of the first box getting full, the first box shall be closed, sealed and secured as provided in sub-rule (1) before another ballot box is put to use.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall at the close of the poll prepare a ballot paper account in Part I of Form 18 and enclose it in a separate cover with the words "ballot paper account" super-scribed thereon.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall furnish to every polling agent present at the close of the poll an attested copy of the ballot paper account of votes as prepared in Part I of Form 18 on obtaining a receipt from those polling agents and copies of the accounts shall be furnished to every polling agent even without his asking for it.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall then make into separate packets,-
(a) the marked copy of the electoral roll,
(b) the counterfoils of the used ballot papers,
(c) the ballot papers signed in full by the Presiding Officer under sub-rule (3) of rule 57 but not issued to the voters,
(d) any other ballot papers not issued to the voters,
(e) the ballot papers cancelled for violation of voting procedure under sub-rule (6) of rule 58,
(f) any other cancelled ballot papers,
(g) the cover containing the tendered ballot papers and the list in Form 17,
(h) the cover containing the list
(1) If the poll at any polling station is adjourned under section 66, the provisions of rule 62 and rule 63 shall, as far as practicable, apply as if the poll was closed at the hour fixed in that behalf under section 42.
(2) At an adjourned poll the voters who have already voted at the poll so adjourned shall not be allowed to vote again.
(3) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall provide the Presiding Officer of the polling station at which such adjourned poll is held with the sealed packet containing the marked copy of the list of voters, other sealed packets and a new ballot box.
(4) The Presiding Officer shall open the sealed packets in the presence of the polling agents present and use the marked copy of the list of voters at the adjourned poll.
(5) The provisions of rule 48 to rule 65
Notwithstanding anything contained anywhere in these rules, the Commission may direct as to the use of EVM for taking of the poll.
Every EVM shall have a control unit and a balloting unit and shall be of such design as may be approved by the Commission.
(1) The balloting unit of the EVM shall contain such particulars in such language or languages as the Commission may specify.
(2) The names of the candidates shall be arranged on the balloting unit in the same order in which they appear in the list of the contesting candidates in Form 7.
(3) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this rule, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall,-
(a) fix a label containing the names and symbols of the contesting candidates in the balloting unit, and secure that unit with his seal and the seals of such of the contesting candidates or their election agents present as are desirous of affixing the same,
(b) set the number of contesting candidates and close the candidate set section in the control unit and secure it with his seal and the seals of such of the co
The Panchayat Returning Officer shall provide to each polling station one EVM and such other election materials as may be necessary for taking the poll by the voting machine.
(1) The control unit and the balloting unit of every EVM used at a polling station shall bear a label marked with,-
(a) the serial number, if any, and the name of the constituency,
(b) the serial number and name of the polling station or stations as’ the case may be,
(c) the serial number of the unit, and
(d) the date of poll.
(2) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the Presiding Officer shall demonstrate to the polling agents and other persons present that no vote has been recorded in the EVM and it bears the label referred to in sub-rule (3) of rule 69.
(3) A paper seal shall be used for securing the control unit of the EVM, and the Presiding Off
(1) Before permitting an elector to vote, the polling officer shall,-
(a) record the electoral roll number of the elector as entered in the marked copy of the electoral roll and also the mode of identification, through EPIC or any other record, in a register of voters in Form 17 A,
(b) obtain the signature or the thumb impression of the elector on the said register of voters, and -
(c) mark the name of the elector in the marked copy of the electoral roll to indicate that he has been allowed to vote:
Provided that no elector shall be allowed to vote unless he has put his signature or thumb impression at the appropriate place on the register of voters.
(2) It shall not be necessary on the part of any Presi
(1) If an elector, after his serial number in the electoral roll has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form 17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon decides not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against his entry in Form 17A by the Presiding Officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark, and on his refusal to do so the Presiding Officer shall mention it under his signature.
(2) If an elector on being allowed to vote, refuses after warning given by the Presiding Officer, to observe the procedure laid down in rule 72, the Presiding Officer or a polling officer under the direction of the Presiding Officer, shall not allow such elector to vote.
(1) If a person representing himself to be a particular elector seeks to vote after another person has already voted as such elector, he shall, on satisfactorily answering such questions relating to his identity as the Presiding Officer may ask, be allowed to vote by means of a tendered ballot paper, but not through the EVM.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall provide to each polling station such number of ballot papers as may be directed, by order, by the Commission to be used as tendered ballot papers and in case it becomes necessary to supply any additional ballot paper to any polling station, the same will be arranged by the Panchayat Returning Officer on demand.
(3) Such tendered ballot paper along with its counterfoil shall be endorsed on the back with the words "tendered ballot paper" by the Presiding Officer in his own hand
If any polling agent challenges the identity of a person claiming to be a particular voter, the procedure laid down in rule 56 shall be followed to bring the issue to its logical end. The Presiding Officer shall maintain records of challenges of identity in Form 15.
If owing to blindness or physical infirmity such elector is unable to record his vote without assistance, the Presiding Officer shall permit him to take a companion to the voting compartment for recording his vote in accordance with rule 59. The Presiding Officer shall maintain records of such blind and infirm voters in Form 16.
(1) After the close of poll the Presiding Officer shall prepare an account of votes recorded in the EVM, in Part I of Form 18A in duplicate and the copies shall be kept in a separate cover with the words ’Account of votes recorded’ superscribed thereon.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall furnish to every polling agent present at the close of the poll an attested copy of the account of votes as prepared in Form 18A on obtaining a receipt from those polling agents and copies of the accounts should be furnished to every polling agent even without his asking for it. The Presiding Officer also shall sign the Form.
(1) Immediately after the close of poll, the Presiding Officer shall press the ’close’ button on the control unit to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and shall disconnect the balloting unit from the control unit and put the power switch to ’of:’ position in the rear compartment of the control unit.
(2) The control unit and the balloting unit shall thereafter be sealed, and secured separately in such manner as the Commission may direct and the seal used for securing them shall be so affixed that it will not be possible to open the units without breaking the seals.
(3) The candidates or their election agents or polling agents as are present at the polling station and desirous of putting their seals shall be allowed to do so.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall then make into separate packets,-
(a) the marked copy of the electoral roll,
(b) the register of voters in Form 17A,
(c) the cover containing the tendered ballot papers and the list in Form 17,
(d) the cover containing the unused tendered ballot papers,
(e) the list of challenged votes in Form 15,
(f) the list of blind and infirm voters in Form 16,
(g) any other paper directed by the Commission to be kept in a sealed packet.
(2) Each packet shall be sealed with the seal of the Presiding Officer and with the seal either of the candidate or of his election agent or of his polling agen
(1) The Presiding Officer shall then deliver or cause to be delivered to the Panchayat Returning Officer at such place as the Panchayat Returning Officer may direct,-
(a) the EVM,
(b) the accounts of votes recorded in Form 18A,
(c) the sealed packets referred to in rule 79, and
(d) all other papers and materials used at the poll.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe transport .of the EVM, packets and other papers for safe custody until the commencement of the counting of votes.
In case of adjournment of poll under section 66, the Presiding Officer shall immediately close the control unit of the EVM to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and disconnect the balloting unit from the control unit; and report the matter forthwith to the Panchayat Returning Officer.
(1) If the poll at any polling station is adjourned within the meaning of sub-section (1) of section 66, the provision of rule 78 to rule 80 shall apply mutatis mutandis as if the poll was closed at the hour fixed in that behalf under section 42.
(2) At an adjourned poll the electors who have already voted at the poll so adjourned shall not be allowed to vote again.
(3) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall provide to the Presiding Officer of the polling station at which such adjourned poll is held, with the sealed packet containing the marked copy of the electoral roll, register of voters in Form 17A and a new EVM.
(4) The Presiding Officer shall open the sealed packet in the presence of the polling agents present and use the marked copy of the electoral roll for marking the names of the ele
(1) At every election immediately after the poll, votes shall be counted at the polling station by the Presiding Officer with the assistance of the polling officers or officer appointed under section 28 for that polling station in presence of the contesting candidates or their election agents and not more than one of the counting agents of each candidate whoever may be available at the time of counting.
(2) The counting shall be taken up at the appointed hour by the Presiding Officer with the assistance of the polling officers of the polling station to which the ballot box or boxes relate and the provisions of these rules relating to counting shall apply for the purpose.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall exclude from the place of counting of votes all persons except,-
(a) person authorised by the Commission, the District Panchayat Election Officer or the Panchayat Returning Officer,
(b) public servants on duty in connection with the election, and
(c) candidates or their election agents, and counting agents.
(2) Any person who during the counting of votes misconducts himself or fails to obey the lawful directions of the Presiding Officer may be removed from the place where the votes are being counted, by the Presiding Officer or by any police officer on duty or by any person authorised in this behalf by the Presiding Officer.
The Presiding Officer shall, before commencement of the counting, read out and explain the provisions of section 108 to such persons as may be present.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall first deal with the ballot papers received by him in sealed covers.
(2) The sealed covers shall be opened one after another in the presence of candidates or their election agents and counting agents and the Presiding Officer shall then proceed to scrutinise all ballot papers in terms of rule 88.
(3) The Presiding Officer shall count all the valid election duty votes in the sealed covers and record the total number thereof in the counting sheets in Form 19 in respect of Gram Panchayat or Panchayat Samiti or Mahakuma Parishad or Zilla Parishad election in separate copies of Form for each tier and announce the same.
(4) Thereafter all the valid ballot papers and all the rejected ballot papers shall be bundled and kept together in a packet separately for each tier which shall be sealed with the seal of the
(1) The Presiding Officer shall then open the ballot boxes in presence of the candidates or their election agents and counting agents.
(2) Where a poll has been taken simultaneously for election of members to Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad or any two of them, the ballot boxes shall be opened for the purpose of counting of votes in the following order, namely,-
(a) ballot box relating to Gram Panchayat election,
(b) ballot box relating to Panchayat Samiti election,
(c) ballot box relating to Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad election.
(1) The ballot papers taken out of each ballot box shall be arranged in convenient bundles and scrutinised.
(2) The Presiding Officer shall reject a ballot paper,-
(a) if it bears any mark or writing by which the elector can be identified, or
(b) if, to indicate the vote, it bears no mark at all or bears a mark made otherwise than with the instrument supplied for the purpose, or
(c) if votes are given on it in favour of more candidates than the number of candidates to be elected, or
(d) if it is a spurious ballot paper, or
(e) if it is so damaged or mutilated that its identity as a genuine ballot paper cannot be established, or
(1) For the purpose of counting of votes in respect of election to the Gram Panchayat each valid voting mark in the ballot paper which is not rejected under rule 88 shall be counted as one valid vote for the candidate in whose favour the voting mark has been given.
(2) Every ballot paper which is not rejected under rule 88 shall, for the purpose of counting of votes in respect of election to the Panchayat Samiti or Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad, be counted as one valid vote for the candidate in favour of whom voting mark has been duly given.
(3) During the process of counting of votes in connection with,-
(a) a Gram Panchayat election, the Presiding Officer shall count all the valid votes in the ballot box and record the total number thereof in counting sheet in Form 19A and announce the
The Presiding Officer shall, as far as practicable, proceed continuously with the counting of votes and shall, during any interruption when the counting has to be suspended, keep the ballot papers, packets and other papers relating to the election sealed with his own seal and the seals of such candidates or election or counting agents as may desire to affix their seals and shall cause adequate precautions to be taken for their safe custody during any such interruption.
(1) After the completion of the counting, the Presiding Officer shall record in the counting sheets in Forms 19, 19A and 20 the total number of votes polled by each candidate, and announce the same.
(2) After such announcement has been made, the Presiding Officer shall give a little pause when a candidate or in his absence, his election agent or his counting agent may apply in writing to the Presiding Officer for a recount of the votes either wholly or in part stating the grounds on which he demands such recount.
(3) If there is no demand for recount from anybody present during the aforesaid pause, the Presiding Officer shall sign the completed counting sheets in Forms 19, 19A and 20, as the case may be, and no demand for recount shall be entertained thereafter.
(4) On such an application for
(1) In case of an election to a Gram Panchayat, the Presiding Officer shall as soon as the counting of votes is completed and result sheets in Form 21 is signed, declare in Form 23 the candidate or candidates elected on the basis of highest number of valid votes secured by him or them. He shall hung up immediately one copy of such Form at the polling station and send the other copy in a sealed cover to the Panchayat Returning Officer concerned who shall inform the District Panchayat Election Officer and the Commissioner of Panchayats and Rural Development of the results of the poll. The Commissioner of Panchayats and Rural Development shall cause the names of the elected candidates published in the Official Gazette.
(2) In the case of an election to a Panchayat Samiti or Zilla Parishad or a Mahakuma Parishad, the Presiding Officer shall as soon as the counting of votes is completed
(1) After completing the counting of votes in an election, the Presiding Officer shall then make into separate packets,-
(a) counting sheets in Forms 19, 19A and 20,
(b) result sheets in Forms 21 and 22,
(c) the declaration sheet in Form 23 in respect of Gram Panchayat election, and
(d) any other paper directed by the Commissioner to be kept in sealed packet.
(2) Each packet shall be sealed with the seals of the Presiding Officer and with the seal of the candidate or of his election agent or of his counting agent who may be present at the polling station and may desire to affix his seal thereon.
(1) The Presiding Officer shall then deliver or cause to be delivered to the Panchayat Returning Officer at such place as the Panchayat Returning Officer may direct,-
(a) the ballot boxes,
(b) the ballot paper account,
(c) the sealed packets referred to in rule 65 and rule 93, and
(d) all other papers and materials used at the poll.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe transport of all ballot boxes, packets and other papers and materials for safe custody.
The Panchayat Returning Officer shall keep in his safe custody all sealed packets referred to in rule 65 and rule 93 and all other papers relating to the election.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1) of rule 83, if the Commission is satisfied that the counting of votes can more conveniently be done centrally instead of at the polling stations immediately after the close of poll, it may, in consultation with the State Government, by order, direct that the used and sealed ballot boxes and other records and materials of such polling station or stations shall be brought in such manner as may be specified, to a place, to be appointed by order, by the Panchayat Returning Officer, for safe custody and for counting on such date and at such hour as may be appointed by the Panchayat Returning Officer:
Provided that the date appointed for counting shall be, as soon as may be, within ten days from the date of the poll.
(2) Upon the issue of the order of the Commission, the Panchayat Returnin
Upon issue of the order referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 96, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall, in consultation with the District Panchayat Election Of6cer, appoint such number of Counting Officers and counting assistants as may be considered necessary, and on such appointment, the Counting Officers and the counting assistants shall exercise such powers, perform such functions and discharge such duties as are required to be exercised, performed and discharged by the Presiding Officer and the polling officers under sub-rule (2) of rule 83. Such appointment shall be made in a format devised in this behalf by the Commission.
Subject to such other directions as may be issued by the Commission the counting venue shall be a secured place with relatively easy accessibility. It should preferably be used as a distribution centre and reception centre as well.
(1) The building where counting shall be held, should have a few large and small rooms for use as counting hall and strong room or rooms for storing the polled ballot boxes with ballot paper account, paper seal account, Presiding Officer’s declaration, Presiding Officer’s diary and any other paper as may be considered necessary.
(2) Strong room or rooms shall, after polled boxes and other records are put inside, remain under lock and key and sealed by the Panchayat Returning Officer who shall also invite the candidates or their election agents to put their seals.
(3) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall put one competent officer in charge of the strong room. If there are more than one strong rooms, more than one officer may be given the charge.
(1) Subject to such other directions as may be issued by the Commission, counting halls or rooms shall be situated as near to the strong rooms as possible and under the same roof with the strong rooms. If anywhere the counting hall and the strong rooms do not share the same roof, a temporary, well protected covered passageway may be erected for movement of polled ballot boxes.
(2) A counting hall shall generally have not exceeding 20 counting tables in addition to the table for Panchayat Returning Officer together with such other arrangements as may be directed by the Commission. Each table shall be supplied with such stationery and other articles as may be considered necessary.
(1) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall exclude from the place fixed for counting of votes all persons except, -
(a) counting officers and counting assistants as he may appoint to assist him in the counting,
(b) persons authorised by the Commission,
(c) public servants on duty in connection with the counting, and
(d) candidates, their election agents and counting agents.
(2) Subject to any direction issued by the Commissioner in this behalf, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall decide which counting agent or agents shall watch the counting process at any particular counting table or group of counting tables.
(3) Any person who during the counting of votes misconducts himself or fails to obey the law
The Panchayat Returning Officer shall, before he commences the counting in each hall read out and explain the provisions of section 108 to such persons as may be present in the hall.
(1) Subject to such other directions as may be issued by the Commission, counting shall be continuous and shall not be postponed or deferred until counting in respect of all the three tiers are completed under the provisions of rule 86. There shall be tier-wise counting and counting of one tier shall have to be completed before counting of next tier is taken up.
(2) The sealed covers shall be taken up for counting immediately before opening of polled ballot boxes at the counting tables for each tier in the order as referred to in rule 87. For this purpose, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall keep segregated the related covers tierwise to avoid any mix-up. The procedure for counting of votes in such sealed covers shall be as follows,-
(a) the sealed covers relating to a Gram Panchayat constituency shall be sent to the Counting Officer a
(1) On completion of counting of election duty votes under rule 103 for one tier, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall order roundwise and polling stationwise distribution of polled ballot boxes for that tier along with ballot paper account in Form 18, paper seal account and such other records as may be considered necessary by the Panchayat Returning Officer at the counting tables, such distribution being made in a systematic manner following the sequence of polling stations so as to ensure that no ballot box is left out of sight.
(2) The counting officer may have more than one ballot boxes used at a polling station including its auxiliary booth and the ballot papers found in any or all such boxes shall be counted simultaneously.
(3) Before any ballot box is opened at a counting table, the counting agents present at that table shall be
(1) For counting of ballot papers contained in the polled box or boxes relating to a polling station, the counting officer shall take out the ballot papers from all the boxes one by one in presence of the counting agents at the table.
(2) The ballot papers taken out of the boxes shall be arranged in convenient bundles; the counting officer shall then ascertain the total number of ballot papers found in the box or boxes of the polling station and proceed to fill in the columns in Part II of the ballot paper account in Form 18. In case of unusual discrepancy as referred to in column 2 of Part II of the said Form, he shall bring the matter to the notice of the Panchayat Returning Officer in charge of the hall for instruction.
(3) The counting officer shall then take up the ballot papers for scrutiny and candidatewise sorting.
(1) Subject to any direction as may be issued by the Commission in this behalf, after the completion of counting, in case of a Gram Panchayat constituency, the counting officer after announcement of figures of total votes secured by each candidate as recorded in Form 21 and in case of a Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad or Mahakuma Parishad constituency, the Panchayat Returning Officer concerned after announcement of figures of total votes secured by each candidate as recorded in Form 22 in terms of clause (b) of sub-rule (6) of rule 105, shall give a little pause before putting his signature on such form.
(2) After such announcement referred to in sub-rule (1) has been made, a candidate or in his absence, his election agent or his counting agent may apply in writing to the counting officer or the Panchayat Returning Officer, as the case may be, for recount of votes either wholly or in part stating the grounds on which he d
(1) In case of an election to a Gram Panchayat, the counting officer shall as soon as counting of votes is completed and the result sheet in Form 21 is signed, declare in Form 23 the candidate or candidates securing the highest number of valid votes, as elected. He shall take the copy as also the bundles of valid and rejected ballot papers and other related records to the Panchayat Returning Officer-in-charge of the hall.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall, on receiving Form 21 and Form 23 under sub-rule (1), inform the District Panchayat Election Officer and the Commissioner of Panchayats and Rural Development of the results of the poll. The District Panchayat Election Officer shall forthwith inform the Commission of such result along with such other information as may be required by the Commission. The Commissioner of Panchayats and Rural Development shall cause the names
(1) Subject to such other directions as may be issued by the Commission, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall arrange for sealing and packing of used ballot papers and other records and the provisions contained in rule 93 shall be followed mutatis mutandis for this purpose.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall make adequate arrangement for safe custody of such sealed packets and also other papers as referred to in rule 94.
(1) The Panchayat Returning Officer may have the control units of the EVMs used at a polling station including auxiliary booth taken up for scrutiny and inspection and votes recorded in such units counted simultaneously.
(2) Before the votes recorded in any control unit of an EVM are counted under sub-rule (1), the candidate or his election agent or his counting agent present at the counting table shall be allowed to inspect the paper seal and such other seals as might have been affixed on the unit and to satisfy themselves that the seals are intact.
(3) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall also satisfy himself that none of the EVMs has been tampered with.
(4) If the Panchayat Returning Officer is satisfied that any EVM has been tampered with, he shall not count the votes recorded in that EVM and shall bring the matter to the notice
(1) Before commencement of counting in a hall, the Panchayat Returning Officer shall, for the purpose of maintenance of secrecy of voting, read out and explain the provisions of section 108 to such persons as may be present in the hall.
(2) The Panchayat Returning Officer shall at first take up the sealed covers and for this purpose the procedure referred to in rule 103 shall be followed.
(3) After completion of procedure referred to in sub-rule (2), the EVMs shall be distributed to the counting tables in the hall in the manner referred to in rule 104. The counting officer shall have the votes recorded therein counted by pressing the appropriate button marked "Result" provided in the control unit whereby the total votes polled and votes polled by each candidate shall be displayed in respect of each such candidate on the display panel pro
(1) After the result of voting recorded in control unit has been ascertained candidatewise and entered in Part II of Form 18A and the result sheet has been filled in subject to such direction as may be issued by the Commission, the Panchayat Returning Officer concerned shall take out the detachable memory from the control unit of an EVM and seal such memory with his seal and seal of such of the candidates or their election agents present who may desire to affix their seals thereon so that the detachable memory retains the memory of such result as has been recorded in it :
Provided that if a control unit does not have any detachable memory, or such detachable memory can not be separated for any reason, the control unit shall be sealed in the similar manner and all provisions in this rule relating to the detachable memory, shall apply to such sealed control unit.
For the purpose of any bye-election under section 124, the provisions of these rules for conduct of elections shall apply mutatis mutandis:
Provided that the nature of reservation as determined for that seat or constituency as the case may be, at the time of preceding general election shall remain unaltered.
While in the custody of the Panchayat Returning Officer,-
(a) the packets of unused ballot papers with counterfoils attached thereto;
(b) the packets of used ballot papers whether valid, tendered or rejected,
(c) the packets of the counterfoils of used ballot papers,
(d) the packets of marked copies of electoral roll, and
(e) control unit or the detachable memory of such unit where EVM is used
shall not be opened and their contents shall not be inspected by, or produced before, any person or authority except under order of a competent court.
Subject to any direction to the contrary given by the Commission or by a competent court,-
(a) the packets of unused ballot papers referred to in clause (a) of rule 113 shall be retained for a period of three months from the date of declaration of the result and shall thereafter be destroyed in such manner as may be directed by the Commission,
(b) the packets referred to in clause (b), clause (c) and clause (d) of rule 113 shall be retained for a period of six months from the date of declaration of the result and such packets shall not be destroyed except with the approval of the Commission,
(c) the control unit or the detachable memory of such unit as referred to in clause (e) of rule 113 shall be retained for a period of six months from the date of declaration of the result and shall therea
An order for requisition of any premises, vehicles, vessels and animals under section 127 shall be served on the person being owner of the property or in possession of the property in any of the following manner,-
(a) In person,
(b) in his absence, service may be made on any adult member of the family, whether male or female, residing with him,
(c) in case of corporation or firm, the service may be made on any manager or agent who works for such corporation or firm and is empowered to accept service,
(d) by post,
(e) by courier service,
(f) if a person cannot be found, by affixing the copy of such order to some conspicuous part of the premises in which he is known to have last resided or carried on bus
(1) The West Bengal Panchayat (Election) Rules, 1974 is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal anything done or any action taken under the said rules shall be deemed to have been validly done or taken under these rules.
FORM I
[See rule 6(2)]
Notice of publication of electoral roll in draft
To
The electors of the...........................constituencies for Panchayats..............................Block
.......................................................................:.. Sub-Division
Notice is hereby given that the electoral roll has been prepared in accordance with the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006 and a copy thereof is available for inspection at my office, and........................................................................................during office hours.
The qualifying date for the preparation of the
FORM IA
[See rule 17(1)]
Notice of final publication of electoral roll
It is hereby notified for public information that the list of amendments to the draft electoral roll for the Panchayat constituencies for .................................................., Block has been prepared with reference to 01.01.200..... as the qualifying date and in accordance with the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006. A copy of the said roll together with the said list of amendments has been published and will be available for inspection at my office and the office of the Block Development Officer,........................... Block.
Place:
Date: Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer
&nbs
FORM II
[See rule 9(1)]
Application for inclusion of name in electoral roll
To
The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer
.......................................................................... Block
.......................................................................... Sub-Division
.......................................................................... District
Sir,
I request that my name be included in the electoral roll for the Panchayat elections relating to the above Block. Particulars in support of my claim for
FORM III
[See rule 9(2)]
Application for objecting inclusion or seeking deletion of name in electoral roll
To
The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer
................................................................................ Block
................................................................................ Sub-Division
................................................................................ District
Sir,
@ I object to the proposed inclusion of the name of the under mentioned person in the electoral roll fo
FORM IV
[See rule 9(3)]
Application for correction to particulars entered in electoral roll
To
The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer
................................................................................ Block
……………………………………………………. Sub- Division
................................................................................ District
Sir,
I request that entry relating to myself appearing in the electoral roll for Panchayat elections relating to the above Block is not correct and it should be corrected. Correct p
FORM V
[See rule 9(4)]
Application for transposition of entry in electoral roll
To
The Panchayat Electoral Registration Officer
................................................................................ Block
Sir,
I request that the entry in the electoral roll for the above mentioned Block relating to *myself/*person named below should be the transposed to the relevant part of the roll in this Block. Particulars of the entry to be transposed are given below :-
I. Details of person Name Surname (if any)
whose entry i
FORM A
[See rule 23(1)]
Order
No. ....................................... Dated..........................
In exercise of the power conferred by sections 12 and 17 of the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003 (West Ben. Act XXI of 2003), read with rules 24 and 25 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006, I, the District Panchayat Election Officer and District Magistrate of the district of .............................................. : as the prescribed authority appointed by the State Government in the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development under notification No. .....................................dated .................................. for the purpose of rules 24 and 25 of the said rules, hereby publish the draft of t
FORM AI
[See rule 23(4)]
Order
No. : ..................................... Dated.........................
In exercise of the power conferred by sections 12 and 17 of the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003 (West Ben. Act XXI of 2003), read with rules 24 and 25 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006, I, the District Panchayat Election Officer and District Magistrate of the district of ......................................, as the prescribed authority appointed by the State Government in the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development under notification No. ................. dated ................................. for the purpose of rules 24 and 25 of the said rules, hereby determine, after previous publication of the draft
FORM B
[See rule 25(1)]
Order
No. .......................................... Dated.........................
In exercise of the power conferred by sections 14 and 17 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Act, 2003 (West Ben. Act XXI of 2003), read with rules 26 and 27 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006, I, the District Panchayat Election Officer and District Magistrate of the district of ................................., as the prescribed authority appointed by the State Government in the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development under notification No...................................... dated ...................................... for the purpose of rules 26 and 27 of the said rules, hereby publish the draft of this order
FORM B1
[See rule 25(4)]
Order
No. .............................. Dated..............
In exercise of the power conferred by sections 14 and 17 of the West Bengal Panchayat Elections Act, 2003 (West Ben. Act XXI of 2003), read with rules 26 and 27 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006, I, the District Panchayat Election Officer and District Magistrate of the district of ................................ as the prescribed authority appointed by the State Government in the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development under notification No. ................................................ dated ...................................... for the purpose of rules 26 and 27 of the said rules, hereby determine after previous publication of t
FORM 1
Notice of Election
(See rule 28)
Notice is hereby given that-
(1) an election is to be held of a member/members to * .........................................**Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the -
** (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad)
....................................................................................................constituency
*reserved for ............................................................................................
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women);
FORM 2
Nomination Paper
(See rule 30)
I nominate as a candidate for election to the *......................................................**Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishadfrom the** (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) ........................................................ constituency * reserved for ..................................................................................................
(Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women);
**(For Gram Panchayat) seat having serial No. .................................................
*reserved for.............................................................
FORM 3
Notice of nomination
(See rule 31)
Election to the *................................................ **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the-
**(for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) .......................................... Constituency reserved for .................................... (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women).
**(for Gram Panchayat) seat having Serial No. .................................... reserved for ........................................ and Serial No. .................................... reserved for (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) within ........................... constituency.
&n
FORM 4
List of validly nominated candidates
[See rule 38(2)]
Election to the *................................................. **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the **(for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) .......................................... Constituency reserved for *.................................... (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes; Women).
**(for Gram Panchayat) seat having Serial No. .................................... reserved for *........................................ and seat having Serial No. .................................... reserved for*................................................... (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) within ........................... co
FORM 5
Notice of withdrawal by the candidate
[See rule 39(1)]
Election to the *.............................................**Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad .......................... (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) from the.............................. constituency (for Gram Panchayat) from the seat having Serial No. ................of...................... constituency.
To
The Panchayat Returning Officer
I, ........................................................................ (name), a candidate validly nominated at the above election do hereby give notice that I withdraw my candidature.
&
FORM 6
Notice of withdrawal of candidature
[See rule 39(2)]
Election to the * ........................ **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/ Mahakuma Parishad................................ (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) ** ..............................constituency **(for Gram Panchayat) seat No. ........................ of ................................ constituency.
Notice is hereby given that the following **candidate/candidates at the above election withdraw** his candidature/ their candidatures to-day:
SI. No. Name of candidate Address of candidate Seat No. (for Gram Remark
Panchayat only)
&
FORM 7
List of Contesting Candidates
[See rule 40(1)]
Election to the *...................... * * Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the **(for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) ........................................................... constituency reserved for *................................ (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) **(for Gram Panchayat) seat having Serial No. ................... reserved for * .................................. and Serial No. ................................reserved for * ...............(Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) of .................. constituency.
SI. No. Name of candidate Address of Serial number of the seat Symbol
FORM 7A
Candidate’s Identity Card
[See rule 40(2)]
Shri ..................................................................................... is a contesting candidate for election to the * ................................................... from the ................................................. **constituency, and has been set up by the ......................................... Parties an Independent Candidate.
(Signature of the candidate)
Place...................................
Date ...................................
Panchayat Returning Officer/ Asstt./ Panchayat Returning Officer.
FORM 8
Appointment of Election Agent
[See rule 41 (1)]
Election to the *................................................. **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mhakuma Parishad from the ....................................... constituency.
To
The Panchayat Returning Officer
I, ........................................................ (name) of..............................................(address), a candidate at above election, do hereby appoint ............................................ (name) of .......................................................................................................................(address) as my election agent fro
FORM 9
Revocation of appointment of Election Agent
[See rule 41 (2)]
Election to the *................................................. **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the ..................................................... constituency.
To
The Panchayat Returning Officer
I, ......................................................................{name), a candidate at above election, do hereby revoke the appoint of............................................ my election agent.
Place ............................
Date .................
FORM 10
Appointment of polling/counting agent
[See rule 42(2) and 44(1)]
Election to the *.................................................................Gram Panchayat**/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the....................................... constituency.
I, ........................................................................................................... (name), a candidate/**the election agent of .................................................................. who is a candidate at the above election, do hereby appoint ......................................................... of ................................................................................................................................ (ad
FORM 11
Revocation of appointment of polling/counting agent
[See rule 43(1) and 45(1)]
Election to the *....................................................................................... Gram Panchayat**/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the..................... constituency.
To
The Presiding Officer
I, ....................................................................................................................................... (name), a candidate/**the election agent of ......................................................................... at the above election, hereby revoke the appointment of ............................
FORM 12
Declaration of election when seat is uncontested
[See rule 40(3)]
Election to the *............................................................................... **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the........................., (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) ............................................. constituency reserved for *...................................................... (Schedule Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) (for Gram Panchayat) seat having Serial No. ....................................... reserve for *........................................... (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Women) of ...................................................................... constituency.
&n
FORM 13(1)
Ballot paper
[See rule 47(1)]
............................................................................................. Gram Panchayat ................... Constituency, Serial No. of Seat .............................................Part No. .................... Serial No. ......................................... of voter in electoral Roll Record produced for identification of voter: (i) EPIC (ii) any other record. [please put tick mark in appropriate box]
Signature/L.T.I. of voter
................................................... (Perforation) .................................................. Gram Panchayat................................................... Constituency No. ...........
FORM 13(2)
Ballot paper
[See rule 47(1)]
...................................................................................... Gram Panchayat............................. Constituency, Serial Nos. of Seats .....................................Part No. .................. Serial No. ...................................... of voter in electoral Roll Record produced for identification of voter: (i) EPIC (i) any other record. [please put tick mark in appropriate box]
Signature/L.T.I. of voter
............................................. (Perforation) Gram Panchayat..........................
Constituency No. ..................................
&n
FORM 13A
Ballot paper
[See rule 47(1)]
................................................................................. Panchayat Samiti.................................. Constituency, Part No. ........................ Serial No.......................................... of voter in electoral Roll Record produced for identification of voter: (i) EPIC (ii) any other record. [please put tick mark in appropriate box] Signature/L.T.I. of voter
................................................... (Perforation) ..................................................Panchayat Samiti...................................................
Constituency No. ..................................................
FORM 13B
Ballot paper
[See rule 47(1)]
Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad ........................... constituency, Part No........................ Serial No ................................ of voter in electoral Roll Record produced for identification of voter: (i) EPIC (ii) any other record. [please put tick mark in appropriate box] Signature/L.T.I. of voter
......................................................... (Perforation) ..................................................Zilla Parishad ......................................................
Constituency No. ............................................. ....
Name Symbol
FORM 14
Application for casting vote by person on election duty
[See rule 54(1)]
To
The Panchayat Returning Officer
......................... Gram Panchayat
............................. Panchayat Samiti
....................... Mahakuma Parishad
.................................. Zilla Parishad * constituency.
I intend to cast my vote at the ensuing election to the *Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Mahakuma Parishad/Zilla Parishad to be taken at polling station No. ……………. in........................... Gram.
&nb
FORM 15
List of challenged votes
[See rule 56(2)(c)]
Election to the *................................................................... **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the....................................... constituency No. and Name of polling station………………………
Serial No. Name of Part No. Serial number of Signature or thumb
of entry voter voter’s name in impression of the
that part person challenged
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Address of the Name of Name of Order of Signature of
FORM 16
List of blind and infirm voters
[See rule 59(2)]
Election to the *................................................................ **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the........................................ constituency No. and Name of polling station ……………………………..
Part No. and Full name Full name of Part No. and Signature of
serial No. of of voter companion serial No. of companion
voter companion
(1 ) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Date .......................
Signature
FORM 17
List of Tendered Votes
[See rule 59(2)]
Election to the *............................................................................... **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the......................... constituency No. and Name of polling station
Name of Part No. and Serial No. of Serial No. of Serial No. Signature
voter serial No. of tendered ballot paper in Register or thumb
voter in ballot issued to the of voters impression
electoral paper person who (17A) of of person
roll has already the person tend
FORM 17 A
Register of voters
[See rule 72(1)]
Election to the *.................................................................... **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the........................................ constituency No. and Name of polling station .............................Part No. of electoral roll.......................
Serial No. Serial No. of # Identification #Identification Signature/LTI Remarks
voter in by EPIC by other record of elector
electoral roll
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Date .....................
FORM 18
Ballot paper account
[See rule 65(1) and rule 65(3)]
PART-I
Election to the *.................................................................... **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the .....................................constituency No. and Name of polling station .................................................
Serial number Total number
1. Ballot papers received ..........................
2. Ballot papers unused-
(a) with the signature of Presiding Officer,
if any.............
FORM 18A
Ballot Paper Account for EVM
[See rule 110(4)]
PART-I
Account of votes recorded
Election to the *.................................................................**Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad from the .............................constituency No. and Name of polling station .......................... Identification No. of EVM used at the polling station ......................................... Control balloting unit
1. Total No. of electors assigned to the polling station:
2. Total No. of voters as entered in the Register for voters (Form 17A) :
&nbs
FORM 19
Counting sheet for election duty votes
[See rule 86(3) and rule 93(2)]
Election to the *..................................................................Gram Panchayat from the seat having serial No. ........................ of *...................constituency,
Or
Election to the *...................................** Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad from................ constituency.
Date of poll ...............................
Votes cast by person on election duty
No. and name of Total number of Total number of Total number of
FORM 19A
Counting sheet
[See rule 89(3)(a) and rule 105(5)(a)]
Table No. ...................
Sheet No. ..................
Election to the * ................................................................... Gram Panchayat from the seat having serial No. ...................................... of ........................ constituency,
Date of poll ...................................
Votes cast in ballot box at polling station
No. and name of Ballot papers Number of valid Number of No. of
polling station found in ballot pap
FORM 20
Counting sheet
[See rule 89 (3)(b) and rule 92(2)]
Table No. ...................
Election to the * ......................:......................................... **Panchayat Samiti/Mahakuma Parishad/Zilla Parishad from the *............................. constituency.
Date of poll .....................................
Votes cast in ballot box at polling station
No. and name of Ballot papers Valid Rejected No. of tendered
polling station found in ballot papers ballot papers votes
ballot box
FORM 21
Result sheet
[See rule 92(1) and rule 105(6)(a)]
Election to the * ................................................................... Gram Panchayat from the seat having serial No. ................................... of ........................ constituency.
Date of poll ................................
Votes cast in ballot box at polling station
No. and name of Number of Number of valid Number of Number of
polling station ballot papers ballot papers rejected tendered votes
found in ballot papers
ballot box
FORM 22
Result sheet
[See rule 92(3) and rule 105(6)(b)]
Election to the * .............................................................. **Panchayat Samiti/ Mahakuma Parishad/Zilla Parishad from the *............................ constituency.
Date of poll....................................
Votes cast in ballot box at polling station
Total number of Total number Total number of Total number of
ballot papers of valid rejected No. of tendered
found in ballot papers ballot papers ballot papers
ballot box
&
FORM 23
Declaration of result
[See rule 92(1), rule 92(3), rule 107(1) and rule 107(2)]
Election to the *.................................................................................................................. **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad (for Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad/Mahakuma Parishad) from the .................................... constituency (for Gram Panchayat) from the seat having Serial No. .......................... and Serial No. ............................................. of .................................................................. constituency.
In pursuance of the provisions contained in rule 92 of the West Bengal Panchayat Election Rules, 2006, I declare that-
&nbs
FORM 24
Certificate of election
[See rule 92(5) and rule 107(4)]
I, **Panchayat Returning Officer/Presiding Officer/Counting Officer for the *.................. **Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Mahakuma Parishad/Zilla Parishad constituency, hereby certify that I have on the ........................................ day of ...................................... 20 ...................... declared Shri......................................................... of ........................... to have been duly elected to the *...............................................
**Gram Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti/Zilla Parishad from the ............................................ *constituency and the seat having Serial No. ......................................
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