The Election Commission of India has introduced a series of new measures aimed at enhancing transparency in vote counting and improving voter accessibility ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in several states, including West Bengal.
To strengthen transparency in the counting process, the poll body announced that the penultimate round of EVM-VVPAT counting will be taken up only after the counting of postal ballots. Additionally, index cards and statistical reports will be released within 72 hours after the declaration of results.
The Commission has also made it mandatory to count VVPAT slips in cases where there is any mismatch between Form 17C and EVM data. As an additional safeguard, checking and verification of burnt memory or microcontrollers in 5% of EVMs will be conducted after results are declared, based on applications submitted by candidates within seven days.
Special facilities for senior citizens and PwD voters
To make polling more inclusive, the EC has announced special arrangements for senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at polling stations. Facilities will include ground-floor polling stations, ramps, wheelchairs and volunteer assistance, along with priority voting and seating arrangements.
PwD voters will also be able to use the Saksham module on the ECINET app to request facilities at polling stations. The Commission has also introduced an optional home voting facility through postal ballot, along with transport assistance to help eligible voters reach polling booths.
EVM awareness drive gains momentum ahead of polls
Meanwhile, the EC has intensified EVM awareness campaigns ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
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A total of 717 EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) have been established at district election offices, returning officer offices and revenue sub-division headquarters. In addition, Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs) have visited 1,24,172 polling station locations to demonstrate how Electronic Voting Machines function.
According to the Commission, over 28.7 lakh people participated in the awareness programmes, while more than 25 lakh voters cast mock votes on EVMs during demonstrations, reflecting growing voter engagement ahead of the polls.
