AMN /
Gujarat government has issued a notification making voting compulsory for people of the state during elections to local self governing bodies. The notification would mean that people have to compulsorily vote during the elections of municipal corporations, municipalities, and all village panchayats. The Act has also made provisions to penalize those who fail to vote. However, the notification has not specified what punishment will be given to voters who fail to exercise their franchise. The state government also issued another notification making voting compulsory for elected representatives of local bodies, who would face disqualification if they do not vote.
Senior Minister and Spokesperson of Gujarat Government Nitin Patel has confirmed that Government has issued notifications regarding the compulsory voting provision. Following this, the voting is now compulsory for citizens as well as elected representatives to cast their votes in local body elections. Mr. Patel said that Government will shortly announce necessary rules regarding the degree and mode of punishment for the violation of compulsory voting. Bill in this regard was introduced in the state assembly when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Governor Mr. O. P. Kohli had given his approval to the Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009 in last November.
