EC says for Gujarat Assembly poll VVPAT slips will be randomly selected and counted

The Chief Election Commissioner said that the model code of conduct applies to all, including the  Union government.

The government faced severe criticism from the Opposition when the Election Commission did not announce the dates for Gujarat at the time it declared the dates for the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll.

Counting for both states' assembly elections will be held on Dec 18, media reports said.

Media reports quoted the Chief Election Commissioner citing Gujarat floods as the reason for the delay in announcing the delay for the declaration of dates for Gujarat Assembly polls. 

The CEC said that the elections will divert government workers from pending relief work in seven districts of Gujarat impacted by floods in July this year, media reported.

In Gujarat, in the first phase, 2.11 crore voters will vote for 89 seats in 19 districts while in the second phase, 2.21 crore voters will vote for 93 seats in 14 districts.

For the first phase, notification will be issued on November 14. The last date of nomination is on November 21, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is on November 24.

For the second phase, notification will be issued on November 20. The last date of nomination is on November 22, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is on November 30

Both Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used for the elections in Gujarat; slips generated by VVPAT machine will be randomly selected and counted, the EC said.

CEC Joti said that  CCTV cameras will be used at border check posts to prevent smuggling of liquor and money and to stop anti-social elements from entering the state.

Candidates can avail the online application called Suvidha for rallies or public meetings.

The EC fixed the upper limit of expenditure for the contesting candidates at Rs 28 lakhs,

Candidates will have to open separate account and use that for elections, said the Election Commission, adding that several agencies, including police and excise department, will be monitoring the situation.

Voter guide brochure should be put out in local language, the EC recommended.

Elaborate security arrangements will be in place -- CRPF will be available to help local police, the EC said.