Introduction:

The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 are just a few months away, and as the election date approaches, the Election Commission has released new guidelines for the upcoming polls. It is imperative for everyone to adhere to these rules to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Receipt Requirement for Challenging Votes:

 A two-rupee receipt will now be required for challenging a voter's choice.
 Immediate scrutiny will follow the issuance of the receipt.
 Agents will be refunded two rupees upon the resolution of the challenge.

Addressing Fake Voting Concerns:  

Complaints about fraudulent voting are common during elections.
Instances of absent, relocated, or deceased voters appearing on the voter list have led to disputes Detailed guidelines have been established to address these issues.

EVM-related Complaints and Special Circumstances:

Complaints related to slips generated by VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) from EVMs have sparked controversies.

Special circumstances during the election day have prompted the Election Commission to outline comprehensive guidelines for resolution.

New Directives for Election Officials:

The Chief Election Officer of the state, Manish Shukla, has issued new directives to all district election officials.
Pre-election training sessions will be conducted for presiding officers to familiarize them with the guidelines.

Handling Absent, Relocated, and Deceased Voters:

Presiding officers will receive a list of absent, relocated, and deceased voters.
Voters in these categories will not be denied the opportunity to vote; instead, their identification will involve additional steps.
Presiding officers will collect voter identification cards or alternative photo IDs and personally verify the information.

First Voting Officer's Role:

The first voting officer will announce the name of the voter loudly, emphasizing clarity.
The voter will sign the register and provide a thumb impression.
 An official declaration will be made using a predetermined format before granting permission to vote.

Voting Process:

 Voters will sign the register first upon arriving to cast their vote.
 Failure to adhere to the voting procedure will result in the denial of voting rights.

These guidelines aim to streamline the voting process, address challenges, and maintain the integrity of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.