Responsibilities of Polling Officers in the Upcoming Election

Kathmandu. In the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, the entire process appears organized and secure for voters arriving at polling stations. However, the central figure in this arrangement is the Polling Officer. The responsibility for the complete management, security, and fairness of the polling station rests on their shoulders.

According to the ‘House of Representatives Member Voting Directive, 2082’ issued by the Election Commission, Polling Officers must participate in mandatory election-related training after their appointment. Additionally, there is a provision for them to verify and receive necessary materials, including ballot boxes, ballot papers, voter lists, and stamps.

Upon reaching their assigned polling station, the Polling Officer coordinates with the Assistant Polling Officer, staff, volunteers, and security personnel. Their responsibilities include the timely construction of the polling station, distribution of voter ID cards before voting begins, and the delegation of tasks among staff.

Once voting starts, the Polling Officer is responsible for signing the ballot papers before handing them to voters and continuously monitoring whether the voting process is proceeding in a peaceful, organized, and impartial manner. The directive also mentions the requirement to periodically inform the Election Officer about the voting status.

Another significant responsibility of the Polling Officer is to provide information regarding the voting status to observers, journalists, monitors, and mobile teams visiting the station, ensuring full compliance with the election code of conduct, and remaining vigilant to prevent any illegal activities.

After the voting is completed, the ballot boxes must be sealed and safely handed over to the Election Officer along with the legal records (Muchulka). 

Furthermore, the Election Commission has stated that the primary duty of the Polling Officer is to conduct the election in a clean, fair, and independent manner by exercising the authority provided under the Election (Offenses and Punishment) Act, 2073.