West Bengal Assembly elections 2026: EC deploys 165 additional counting observers, 77 police observers

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a major step to strengthen security and transparency during the counting process for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal by deploying an additional 165 counting observers and 77 police observers across the state.

According to an official notification issued by the poll panel, the primary objective behind the deployment of these additional observers is to ensure maintenance of law and order at counting centres and to guarantee that the entire process is conducted in a secure, peaceful, fear-free and transparent manner. The appointments have been made under Article 324 of the Constitution and relevant statutory provisions.

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In Assembly constituencies where multiple counting halls have been set up, additional observers have been appointed to assist the designated counting observers. Meanwhile, police observers will oversee security arrangements as well as law and order outside the counting centres.

However, the Election Commission has clarified that under no circumstances will police observers be allowed entry into the counting halls on the day of counting.

Further, it has directed that access to counting centres will be strictly regulated through QR code-based identity cards. Moreover, a complete ban has been imposed on carrying mobile phones inside the premises has also been imposed.

Also, the poll body said that results will be prepared in the prescribed statutory forms and shared with counting agents for their signatures, ensuring greater accountability and procedural transparency throughout the counting exercise.

Voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 was held across two phases on April 23 and April 29. In the maiden phase, polling was held in 152 Assembly constituencies, followed by the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies in the second phase. The counting of votes will be done on May 4.