One person can help only one voter: Election Commission issues order

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Election Commission has issued an order that one person can assist only one voter in the local body elections. Along with the inking of the voter's left index finger, the assistant's right index finger will also be inked. This is to prevent a person from voting for more than one person. The State Election Commission had held discussions with political parties regarding the local body elections. The Election Commission issued the order after accepting the demand raised by KPCC Secretary MK Rahman during the discussion.

Those who are visually impaired or have disabilities due to old age, etc., cannot vote without assistance, so they can seek the help of another person who has completed 18 years of age. The Election Commission has given permission for a ‘helper’ to accompany such a voter to the voting compartment. However, the same assistant cannot help someone else in this way.

The helper must assure the Presiding Officer through a specified form that the confidentiality of the vote cast will be maintained and that he/she has not acted as a helper at any other polling station on the same day. This form will be placed in a separate envelope and given to the returning officer by the presiding officer. However, permission to vote with a helper will be granted only if the presiding officer is satisfied that the voter is unable to vote without assistance. However, neither the candidate nor the polling agent is permitted to vote as a helper.

The State Election Commission has announced that Braille has been inscribed on the right side of the ballot unit so that visually impaired voters can cast their votes in the local body elections. The Election Commission also announced that voters with physical disabilities, old age, and diseases will be able to enter the polling station and vote without queuing.