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Context: ENCORE, which stands for "Enabling Communications on Real-time Environment," is a software system developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to streamline and enhance candidate and election management processes.

Key components and features of ENCORE

Candidate Nomination and Affidavit Management

• ENCORE facilitates the seamless processing of candidate nominations and affidavits.
• Returning Officers can use the software to handle nomination submissions and affidavit verification.
• Candidates can create accounts on the ECI's online portal to fill out nomination forms, deposit security, and plan visits to the Returning Officer.
• The online portal simplifies the nomination process by allowing candidates to fill out forms online, which they can then print, notarize, and submit along with relevant documents in person.

ENCORE Counting Application

• The ENCORE counting application is an end-to-end solution for returning officers to digitize and tabulate the votes polled during an election.
• It enables the real-time collection and tabulation of round-wise election data.
• Various statutory reports related to the counting process can be generated using this application.

ENCORE Scrutiny Application

• This application allows Returning Officers to scrutinize the nominations submitted by candidates online.
• After verifying the nomination details, the status of each nomination (Accepted, Rejected, or Withdrawn) is marked, aiding in the preparation of the final list of contesting candidates.
• The application also assists in assigning election symbols to the candidates.

Candidate Affidavit Portal

• The Candidate Affidavit Portal is used to display information about a candidate's financial assets and liabilities. This information provides transparency about a candidate's financial standing to the voters and other stakeholders.

ENCORE Nodal App

• The ENCORE Nodal App is used by various government departments (e.g., fire, education, police, environment, CPWD) to issue 'no objection' certificates.
  • These certificates are required when political parties or candidates seek permission to hold rallies, road shows, and meetings.
• By obtaining 'no objection' certificates from relevant departments, the ECI ensures that all necessary approvals are in place before allowing election-related activities.

Conclusion

• ENCORE applications and online portals are designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the election process in India, making it easier for candidates to file nominations and for election officials to manage the entire election process, from candidate nominations to counting and reporting.

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Appointment Of Election Commissioners: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/appointment-of-election-commissioners

Committee On Simultaneous Elections: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/committee-on-simultaneous-elections

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The term “ENCORE” was frequently seen in the news, it is related to: A) To manage candidate nominations and affidavits B) To display Students academic credit C) To monitor skill development expenditures D) To monitor the implementation of government projects. Answer: A Explanation: ENCORE was in the news for its role in simplifying the process of managing candidate nominations and affidavits during elections.