The Electoral Commission has outlined the roles and responsibilities of polling officials in its official Polling Officers’ Pocket Facts, a handbook designed to guide the conduct of elections at polling stations.
According to the document, each polling station is managed by a team appointed by the Returning Officer, consisting of a Presiding Officer, Polling Assistants, and a Polling Constable. These officials are responsible for ensuring that voting is conducted in accordance with electoral laws and established procedures.
The Presiding Officer is identified as the overall supervisor of activities at the polling station. Their responsibilities include opening the polling station on time, overseeing the voting process, ensuring compliance with the law, maintaining order, and managing the counting and declaration of results at the polling station.
Polling Assistants support the Presiding Officer by handling voter identification, issuing ballot papers, guiding voters through the voting process, and assisting with counting and packaging of election materials after polling closes. Their role is operational and requires strict neutrality and professionalism.
The Polling Constable is responsible for maintaining law and order at the polling station. The handbook emphasizes that security personnel must not interfere with the voting process but instead ensure a peaceful environment that allows voters to exercise their rights freely.
The Electoral Commission stresses that all polling officials must act impartially, follow instructions precisely, and uphold the secrecy of the vote. Any deviation from these responsibilities constitutes an electoral offence under the law.
Also read: Electoral Commission Extends Deadline for 1,050 BVVK Trainer Jobs Ahead of 2026 Elections
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