Election Model Code of Conduct : Ballot papers - photograph of candidate
Date : 22nd January 2017

No.4/56/ELEC/PR/SAE-2017: The Election Commission of India (ECl) vide Press NotesNo.EC|/PN/1/2017 & No. ECllPNl2t2O17 dated 04lO1l2017has announced 2(two) phases of poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election Schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4th January, 2Q17 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the State and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned.

Ballot papers - photograph of candidate to be also printed along with the other particulars.

ln terms of Rules 22,30 and 498 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the Commission has specified the particulars to be printed on the ballot paper to be displayed on the balloting unit and the postal ballot paper. The particulars so specified at present are the serial numb-ers for the candidates, names of candidates and the election symbol allotted to each candidate and a panel for 'None of the Above' after the name of the last candidate.

2. The Commission has noted that there are many cases where candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. Although appropriate sufiixes are added to the names of candidates in the event of two or more candidates having same name, the Commission considers that additional measures are required for removing confusion in the minds of electors at the time of voting.

3. Having considered all aspects of the matter, the Commission directed that for elections to be held from 1" May,2015 onwards, the postal ballot papers, the ordinary ballot papers and the ballot papers to be displayed on the balloting unit of EVM shall, in addition to the padiculars as per the existing directions, also contain the photograph of the candidate. The photograph of the candidate shall be printed in the panel for the name of the candidate and shall appear on the right side of the name in between the name and symbol of the candidate.

4. The above direction for printing of photograph of candidate on the ballot paper shall apply in relation to Lok Sabha Elections, Assembly Elections and elections from Council constituencies. In respect of the said elections, the directions are in exercise of powers under Rule 30 as made applicable to these elections by Rule 70 of the said Rules.

5. The specifications for the photograph are as follows:

(i) Candidates are required to submit their recent photograph (taken during the preceding period of 3 months before the date of notification) -

(ii) Photograph should be of stamp size 2 cm.X 2.5 cm. ( two cm. in breadth and 2.5 cm. in height) in white/off white background, with full face view directly facing the camera, neutral facial expression with eyes open. The photo may be in colour or black and white as may be convenient for the candidate.

(iii) Photograph should be in normal clothing. Photograph in uniform is not permitted. Caps/hats should be avoided. Dark glasses also to be avoided.

6. The candidates at every election shall be required to submit their photograph conforming to the above requirements/specifications alongwith their nomination papers and, in any case, latest by the date fixed for scrutiny of nominations. The photograph should bear the signature of the candidate/election agent on the reverse side of the photograph. When the photograph is submitted, the candidate/election agent/proposer submitting the photograph shall be asked to give a declaration stating that the photograph being submitted is that of the candidate (mentioning the name and address) taken during the period of preceding 3 months.

7. When the nomination is filed, if the photograph of the candidate is not submitted, the RO shall give a notice asking the candidate to submit the photograph latest by the date of scrutiny of nomination. In the same Notice, it shall also be added that if the photograph is not submitted, his/her photograph will not be printed on the ballot paper. lf any candidate still fails or refuses to give his photograph, that candidate will not have his photograph printed on the ballot paper. lt may be added that non-submission of the photograph by the candidate shall NOT be a ground for rejection of the nomination of the candidate.

8. The Returning Officer shall display a list of validly nominated candidates with the photographs of the candidates against their names on the day following the date fixed for scrutiny of nominations. The Returning Officer shall inform the candidates at the time of scrutiny that the photographs to be printed on ballot paper will be displayed on his notice board on the next day (time may also be specified). lf there is any error in the photograph or any other particulars, the candidates/others will get an opportunity to point out the same to the Returning Officer for rectifying the error.

(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur