Concise Notes on Election Procedure by SCEC

Election Procedure by State Co-operative Election Commission

Overview

  • Constitution of Committee: Section 28 mandates that each co-operative society's general body establishes a committee per its byelaws to manage society affairs. The State Government will form a State Co-operative Election Commission (SCEC) via a gazette notification to oversee elections for managing committees of co-operative societies in the state.

Conduct of Election

  1. Decision to Conduct Election (Rule 35A):

    • The existing committee must convene at least 60 days prior to their term's expiration to determine the election date, time, and venue. A resolution must be sent to SCEC within one week.
    • SCEC appoints a Returning Officer (RO) and an Electoral Officer (EO) to facilitate the election process.

  2. Election Notification (Rule 35A):

    • The SCEC must announce the election details in two widely circulated vernacular dailies and post them on the society's notice board. Key details include:
    1. Total vacancies for election.
    2. Constituency area as per byelaws.
    3. Dates for the preliminary voters list publication, objection filing, final voters list publication, nomination process, polls, and scrutiny.
    • For societies with fewer than 500 members, individual notifications can be sent via registered post or similar services.

  3. Voter Registration:

    • The Electoral Officer manages the voters’ list publication, which must be prepared and submitted by the society's chief executive at least 35 days before the election. Preliminary and final voters lists must be published as specified in the rules.
    • An ID card must be issued to eligible voters.

Nomination Process

  1. Filing of Nomination Papers (Rule 35):

    • Candidates must submit nomination forms with a deposit (Rs.250 or Rs.125 for SC/ST candidates) and a sworn affidavit confirming eligibility. Magistrate's acknowledgement receipt is essential to validate the process.
    • Nomination papers must be submitted personally or via registered post before the deadline to be considered for election.

  2. Scrutiny of Nominations:

    • Completed by RO, in the presence of candidates or agents, to verify validity. Lists of valid nominations are published post-scrutiny.
    • Candidates can withdraw their nominations before finalization according to set procedures.

Voting and Results

  1. Polling:

    • If candidates equal or don’t exceed the vacancies, they are declared elected. Otherwise, a polling booth may be set for each 1,200 voters.
    • Voters’ ID is validated before ballot issuance. Disruptions allow the RO to cease polling with documented reasons.

  2. Counting and Result Declaration:

    • Results should be declared promptly after counting. In case of ties, the decision is made via lots. Results are recorded and posted on the society’s notice board.

Election Fees

  1. Fees Payment (Rule 35E):
    • Each society must pay an election fee based on type:
      • Apex: Rs 5,000
      • Central/Federal: Rs 3,000
      • Credit/Housing: Rs 2,000
      • Other: Rs 1,000
    • Exemptions apply for specific categories such as SC/ST/disabled welfare societies and first elections.