Context

With the increasingly complex and multifaceted conduct of elections, the District Election Management Plan (DEMP) can be one of the possible solutions to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.

About the District Election Management Plan (DEMP)

• District Election Management Plan (DEMP) is a comprehensive document that uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
• Preparation: As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day. 
  • However, as the election is notified, it becomes necessary to revise the plan occasionally.
• Execution: It requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc. 
  • Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.

Key Elements of District Election Management Plan

• District Profiling: 

  • It is the foundation of the electoral strategy which includes a political map outlining constituencies, key demographic and infrastructure statistics, a brief on the district’s administrative setup and socio-economic features.

• Availability and Accessibility of Polling Stations: 

  • The detailed strategies deal with improving the availability and accessibility of polling stations, ensuring that all stations have essential facilities like ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water, toilets, and internet connectivity. 
  • Special attention is given to voters with disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens through help desks, 24/7 control rooms, home voting options, and advanced postal ballot voting for essential service personnel. 

• Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Plan: 

  • It focuses on increasing electoral participation by analysing voter turnout data and taking actions accordingly to address these issues. 
    • It includes the use of social media, engagement with community organisations, and organising events  leading up to the poll day to increase awareness and participation.

• Force Deployment Plan (FDP): 

  • The FDP requires detailed planning in coordination with the district police, including vulnerability mapping of polling stations based on past disturbances and voter turnout. 
    • It also includes training district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and providing a training program for all election personnel to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.

• Material Management: 

  • It involves procuring 61 essential items, including indelible ink, seals, stamps, stationary and statutory forms. 
    • Categorisation on Procurement: These items are categorized based on the level at which they are to be procured (State/U.T. or district level), with timelines ranging from two-to-three weeks to four months before the election. 
    • Management of Other Devices: Similarly, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, with plans necessary for secure storage and availability of EVMs.
    • Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) also include plans for transportation and maintenance.

Significance of District Election Management Plan

• Enhancement of the Voting Experience: By making it more organized and accessible for everyone. 
• A Lesson for Broader Governance: Its approach of meticulous planning, collaboration and transparency offers lessons for broader governance. 
• Tackle Challenges Effective: It emphasizes the importance of advanced planning, data-driven decisions, and stakeholder collaboration to tackle challenges effectively.