The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken significant steps to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April or May this year. Issuing a series of directions to District Magistrates (DM) and Superintendents of Police (SP), the commission emphasized the importance of impartiality, transparency, and accessibility to all parties, ensuring a level playing field for candidates and voters alike. The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of violence in democracy, emphasizing the need to prevent intimidation or threats to voters and candidates.
In its directive, the ECI emphasized the principle of transparency in granting permissions for grounds and meeting places, advocating the “First In First Out” principle to ensure fairness in the process. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during a review of poll preparedness in West Bengal, announced the establishment of polling stations entirely managed by women. This move aims to promote gender equality and empowerment, setting an example for the society that women are equal stakeholders in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the commission highlighted the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwD) in the electoral process by establishing polling stations staffed entirely by individuals with disabilities. This initiative seeks to underscore the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in elections, demonstrating that every citizen, irrespective of their abilities, has the right to participate in the democratic process.
With over 7.58 crore electors in West Bengal, including a significant number of female electors, the commission outlined its plan to set up more than 80,000 polling stations across the state, with an average of 943 voters per polling station. Over 75% of these polling stations will be located in rural areas, reflecting the commission’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to voting facilities across diverse geographical regions.
To encourage voter turnout and promote inclusivity, the commission announced that over a thousand polling stations will be entirely managed by women, while 24 polling stations will be staffed by persons with disabilities. Additionally, the commission emphasized the need for a coordinated approach with enforcement agencies to curb the influence of money and muscle power in elections, particularly through stringent vigilance on interstate and international borders.
In parallel efforts, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also reviewed the election preparedness in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of increasing voter participation and ensuring transparent elections. The commission announced the launch of three new mobile applications to facilitate voter engagement and complaint redressal, enabling voters to report instances of inducements, distribution of liquor, and misuse of money during elections directly to the Election Commission.
Through the Voter Helpline app, voters can access transparent essential information, while the Know Your Candidate app provides comprehensive details about candidates contesting in the elections. These initiatives underscore the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing voter participation and transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that every citizen can exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly.
