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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday confirmed that it is strictly implementing the landmark rulings introduced by former CEC TN Seshan in 1994 regarding ‘Pardansheen’ (burqa-clad) women voters during next month’s Bihar Assembly elections.
Referring to the 1994 ECI order with the subject line – “General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies – 1994 – Special facilities in polling stations for women voters”, the Commission highlighted that the Election Panel is “implementing the decisions of former CEC TN Seshan of 1994 on polling booths in Bihar.”
The term ‘Pardanashin’ refers to women who, due to cultural traditions, do not appear before male authorities or in public places without a veil.
In 1994, TN Seshan issued specific guidelines directing polling authorities to make arrangements that respected such sensitivities and ensured that these women were able to cast their votes without fear or identity challenges.
According to a 1994 order issued by the former CEC, “Chief Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers and Presiding Officers are responsible to ensure that special arrangements are made for women voters to exercise their franchise in the presence of women staff.”
“Where the number of women voters is significant (say, 50 per cent or more) and the provision of burqa or purdah is seen as a social tradition, at least one polling officer in every such polling station should be a woman polling officer,” it noted.
It further states that, “If the required number of women officers are not available, the Returning Officer or the Presiding Officer has the power under Rule 34(2) to ‘appoint any woman as an attendant’ at the polling station.”
Ahead of the Bihar elections next month, the Election Commission’s claim reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring value to every voter, regardless of gender.
Along with the two-phase voting schedule in Bihar, the Election Commission’s renewed emphasis on inclusive voting arrangements is expected to significantly increase the number of women voters, especially in rural and conservative areas.
–IANS
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