Just before the tentative two-day visit of the full Bench of the Election Commission of India to the state on 9 March, Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharati on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to take stock of election preparedness in Bengal.
The meeting was held at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal and was attended by senior officials of the Election Commission of India, the CEO and top officers of his department, the Special Roll Observer, and senior officials of the state police administration.
District Electoral Officers and senior police officers from various districts joined the meeting virtually.
During the review, the commission issued a series of clear directions aimed at ensuring the smooth and transparent conduct of the forthcoming elections.
One of the key instructions was to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at every polling station. Officials underlined that no polling booth should remain in darkness under any circumstances.
Alongside this, stable internet connectivity at all polling stations was made mandatory to enable real-time monitoring of the voting process.
The commission also made webcasting compulsory at all polling booths.
In areas where webcasting is not technically feasible, officials were instructed to make alternative arrangements for videography.
According to the commission, these measures are crucial to address concerns related to transparency and credibility during polling.
Security arrangements figured prominently in the discussions.
The Commission also stressed close coordination between District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners to ensure effective and timely deployment of Central Forces.
Another important issue reviewed was the identification of sensitive and vulnerable polling booths.
Based on past electoral experience and local conditions, such polling stations will be identified well in advance so that additional security arrangements can be put in place where required.
The Election Commission of India made it clear that it intends to leave no room for administrative lapses ahead of the polls.
With a strong emphasis on technology, surveillance and security, election preparations in Bengal are being carried out under heightened vigilance, especially in the run-up to the proposed visit of the commission’s full Bench.