NATIONAL

Election Commission Issues Directions for Secure Handling of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs)

• 01 May 2024

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directions for the handling and storage of Symbol Loading Units (SLU) in compliance with the Supreme Court Order. The Commission has directed all Chief Electoral Officers to create the necessary infrastructure and provisions to implement the new protocols for handling and storage of SLUs. Last week, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to seal and secure the Symbol Loading Unit for 45 days after the declaration of election results.

The Commission said that all the SLU containers (both used and reserved SLUs) shall be sealed with Pink Paper Seal in a manner so that the container could not be opened without breaking the paper seal. It said, the candidates or their representatives shall be allowed to sign the seals pasted on the SLU Container. The ECI said, that after sealing the SLU containers, it shall be deposited with the District Election Officer concerned within 24 hours of the completion of commissioning. It said, these containers should be stored in a separate strong room.