Question

Consider the following statements regarding election officials in India.

1. The District Election Officer (DEO) supervises election work in a district.

2. The Returning Officer (RO) is responsible for preparing electoral rolls for a constituency.

3. The Presiding Officer conducts the poll at a polling station.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 and 3 only

Election Officials in India: Roles and Responsibilities

District Election Officer (DEO)

• The DEO is the key official responsible for the overall superintendence, direction, and control of the election work within a district.
• This role is typically held by a senior administrative officer, often the District Collector or District Magistrate.
• Key functions include:
  • Conducting voter registration drives.
  • Appointing and training polling staff.
  • Ensuring the availability of polling materials and facilities.
  • Overseeing the smooth conduct of polling, counting, and declaration of results.
  • Ensuring compliance with election laws and ECI guidelines.

Returning Officer (RO)

• The RO is appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for each constituency and is responsible for the conduct of elections within that constituency.
• The RO is responsible for:
  • Receiving nominations of candidates.
  • Scrutinizing nomination papers.
  • Accepting or rejecting nominations.
  • Issuing the list of valid candidates.
  • Allotting election symbols.
  • Conducting the poll in the constituency.
  • Counting of votes and declaration of results.
• Important Note: The preparation of electoral rolls is the responsibility of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), not the RO. The RO uses these rolls for conducting the election.

Presiding Officer (PO)

• The PO is in charge of conducting the poll at a particular polling station on the day of the election.
• They are assisted by polling officers.
• Key duties include:
  • Ensuring that only eligible voters cast their vote.
  • Maintaining order and discipline at the polling station.
  • Ensuring the proper functioning of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) or ballot box.
  • Sealing the ballot box/EVM and other election materials after the poll concludes.
  • Preparing the election record and handing over the ballot box/EVM and other papers to the RO.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• The appointment and functions of these election officials are governed by the Constitution of India and the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a crucial role in appointing, supervising, and controlling these officials to ensure free and fair elections.