Election Commission Unveils Assembly Poll Schedule for Four States and Puducherry
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday officially announced the dates for assembly elections in four states and one union territory, while outlining a comprehensive set of special provisions designed to bolster voter accessibility, closely monitor the electoral process, and reinforce transparency. The states going to the polls are West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala, alongside the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Detailed Polling Schedule and Result Declaration
Polling across these five regions will be conducted in a staggered manner between April 9 and April 29. The electoral exercise will commence with Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry voting on April 9. Tamil Nadu will follow, with its single-phase polling scheduled for April 23. West Bengal, however, will witness a two-phase voting process, with phases on April 23 and April 29. The results for all five assemblies are slated to be declared uniformly on May 4.
Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
In preparation for these crucial elections, the Election Commission emphasized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a meticulous exercise undertaken particularly in West Bengal. This initiative aimed to enhance the accuracy and integrity of voter lists by systematically eliminating duplicate, shifted, and ineligible entries, ensuring only legitimate electors remain registered.
The revision process involved rigorous door-to-door verification and detailed scrutiny of electoral records conducted by dedicated booth-level officers. Officials underscored that this effort was fundamentally aimed at strengthening the integrity of the electoral roll and fostering greater transparency throughout the polling process.
Enhanced Polling Infrastructure and Voter Facilities
Further detailing its planning, the Commission outlined significant steps to expand polling infrastructure and improve voter convenience. A key directive establishes that there shall be a maximum of 1,200 electors per polling station. In constituencies where voter strength exceeds this limit, the creation of additional polling stations or auxiliary booths has been mandated.
To ensure a comfortable voting experience, the EC has directed authorities to provide Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at every booth. These mandated facilities include:
- An accessible road in good condition leading to the polling station.
- Drinking water and a waiting shed for voters.
- Toilets with water facilities and adequate lighting arrangements.
- A properly graded ramp and a standard voting compartment to assist Persons with Disabilities (PwD) electors.
Special emphasis has been placed on accessibility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Polling stations are to be located on the ground floor or at road level wherever feasible, with provisions for ramps and wheelchairs to facilitate easier voting for senior citizens and differently-abled electors.
Strict Monitoring and Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct
The Election Commission also highlighted stringent measures for monitoring the election process. All critical events, including nominations, polling, and counting, will be meticulously recorded. The Commission stated that these events "will be video-graphed," utilizing CCTV cameras and webcasting at polling stations and key monitoring points to ensure oversight.
Concurrently, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect following the schedule announcement. This code applies to all political parties, candidates, and governments in the poll-bound states. The EC clarified that "the Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Central Government so far as announcements/policy decisions pertaining to or for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry are concerned."
Extensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure the MCC's strict enforcement, with the Commission warning that any violation of these guidelines would be dealt with strictly. Authorities in the concerned states and Union Territory have been directed to prevent any misuse of official machinery during the MCC period. Election officials have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly during the first and last 72 hours surrounding the polling process.
