The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a video conference with West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer and senior district administration officials on Friday to review the state’s preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections, official sources said.
EC purge continues to ensure free and fair polls in second phase of Bengal polls
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a video conference with West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer and senior district administration officials on Friday to review the state’s preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections, official sources said.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will be attended by the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, district magistrates who also function as district election officers, police commissioners, district superintendents of police and central observers.
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According to sources, the commission will carry out a detailed review of the overall election preparedness in the state, including the ongoing voter list revision process, administrative arrangements, law and order situation and the role and readiness of officials assigned election-related duties.
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The interaction is part of a broader effort by the commission to tighten oversight ahead of the polls.
The ECI has already issued directions to intensify preparations in the state.
In recent weeks, activity has picked up on several critical fronts such as the publication of the final electoral rolls, transfer and appointment of officials, training of micro-observers and identification of counting centres.
Against this backdrop, the video conference is being seen as a key exercise to assess readiness at the district level.
Commission sources said that each district will be asked to submit a detailed report on the status of preparations.
District administrations may also be directed to address any gaps or shortcomings within a stipulated time frame.
Officials believe that the meeting could lead to the finalisation of several measures aimed at ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections in the state.
Sources further indicated that the commission is keen on conducting the Assembly elections in West Bengal in a single phase.
If preparations remain on track, the poll schedule is likely to be announced towards the end of March.
According to Election Commission of India sources, a delegation of the commission may visit the state in the beginning of March, followed by a visit of the commission’s full Bench later in the month.
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