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Election campaigning in Himachal Pradesh will come to a halt today (May 30, 2024), marking the end of an intense period of rallies and public meetings ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and Assembly by-elections.
Star campaigners from various parties, who have descended upon the state from other parts of the country, are required to leave as the official campaign period concludes.
With the cessation of large-scale campaigning activities, party candidates and local leaders will shift their focus to door-to-door canvassing. This method will be their primary strategy to engage voters in the final hours leading up to election day.
Voting schedule, polling arrangements
Voters will head to the polls on June 1, with voting scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm. The elections will cover four Lok Sabha seats and six Assembly constituencies. In the event of voter queues at the close of polling time, all those waiting will still be allowed to cast their votes before the polling stations are shut down.
In compliance with the Election Department’s directives, liquor shops across the state will be closed from 6 pm today until midnight on June 1. Additionally, all liquor shops will remain closed on June 4, the day when vote counting takes place. To ensure a secure and orderly election process, police have sealed the borders with neighboring states and heightened security at key points, including the Jammu and Kinnaur borders near Chamba and the China border adjacent to Chamba.
Paid holiday declared for voters
To encourage maximum voter turnout, the Election Commission of India has declared June 1 a paid holiday for all registered voters. This decision includes government offices, boards, corporations, educational institutions and industrial establishments. Daily wage earners will also benefit from this paid holiday, which falls under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1981. These guidelines extend to employees of commercial and industrial establishments that are not typically covered by the Act.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manish Garg emphasised the importance of this provision and noted that any violations by employers will result in legal action. The Labour Commissioner and Chief Inspector of Factories in Himachal Pradesh have issued corresponding instructions to local labor officers and factory inspectors to ensure compliance.
Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates paid leave for employees on election day. District Election Officers (Deputy Commissioners) have been tasked with ensuring that all workers, particularly those in the unorganised sector, are granted this leave. No deductions will be made from the salaries of those who take this leave to vote.
The state’s proactive measures aim to facilitate a smooth and democratic voting process, ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in this crucial electoral event.
