Short Answer

The responsibility for maintaining neutrality during elections within the committee lies with the Election Officer appointed for the society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to appoint an Election Officer for conducting elections in cooperative societies. The Election Officer is responsible for ensuring a fair and neutral election process within the committee. This means that the Election Officer must conduct the elections impartially, without favoritism towards any candidate or group.

In practice, the Election Officer plays a crucial role in overseeing the entire election process, from issuing election notices to counting votes. They must ensure that all eligible members have equal opportunities to participate in the election and that the voting process is conducted transparently. The Election Officer must also resolve any disputes or complaints related to the election process promptly and fairly.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: During a society election, there are allegations of bias and unfair practices. The Election Officer steps in to investigate the complaints, ensuring that the election is conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations.

• Scenario 2: A candidate raises concerns about the conduct of the election process. The Election Officer addresses these concerns by taking appropriate actions to maintain neutrality and fairness.

• Scenario 3: In a highly contested election, the Election Officer ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities to present their manifestos and engage with the members before the voting takes place.

Reference

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF