In light of the upcoming 2025 elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated steps to appoint Returning Officers (ROs) for conducting smooth and transparent elections.
Appointment of Returning Officers:
Returning Officers are appointed by the ECI under Section 22(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They are typically high-ranking officials such as Secretaries or Chief Secretaries of State Legislatures. These officers are responsible for managing the entire election process in their respective constituencies.
In states with Legislative Councils, the Returning Officers are also appointed for the Council constituencies. For the Rajya Sabha elections, the Secretary of the State Legislative Assembly is often designated as the RO.
Assistant Returning Officers (AROs):
AROs are appointed to assist the Returning Officers. Their appointments are recommended by the Chief Electoral Officers of the respective states and approved by the ECI.
Election Procedures:
Elections are conducted in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, and parties nominate their candidates through authorized representatives. The process involves the issuance and scrutiny of nomination papers, polling, and declaration of results.
Important Guidelines:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- They must be at least 35 years old.
- They must meet all eligibility criteria as defined by the ECI.
- Nominations must be submitted within the specified time.
- Parties must ensure their MLAs vote according to the issued party whip.
This structured appointment process ensures transparency and fair conduct during elections to India’s Parliament and State Legislatures.
