CEC reviews poll preparedness in Bengal, issues directive for ‘fair’ Lok Sabha elections
Election Commission of India directs DM/SPs in West Bengal to ensure impartiality, transparency, accessibility to all parties, and zero tolerance for violence.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued directions, including to DM/SPs in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are due in April or May this year.
“Be absolutely impartial, transparent, accessible to all parties equally and ensure level playing field. Absolutely Zero Tolerance to any violence in democracy. No scope for any kind intimidation/ threat to voters and candidates. Ensure transparency in giving permissions for grounds, meeting places- First In First Out Principle,” the commission said.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday reviewed the poll preparedness in West Bengal and said that there will be a few polling stations which will be run entirely by women.
"There will be a few polling stations which will be run entirely by women. We will try to deploy female security personnel in those polling stations... Similarly, some polling stations will be established entirely by persons with disabilities. This will present an example for the society that they are no less than anyone else." said Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in Kolkata.
The Election commission said that "As on the 22nd of January, 2024 the total #Electors in West Bengal stands at 7.58 Crores. Female electors number 3.73 Crores while male electors stand at 3.85 Crores. State has significant numbers of PwD, very senior citizens, and young voters enrolled."
The commission said over 80,000 Polling Stations will be set up with an average of 943 Voters per Polling Station (PS). More than 75% of these PS are in rural areas.
To encourage voting amongst different sections of the population and have inclusive elections and accessible elections, of all the Polling Stations, over a 1000 PS will be all women managed while 24 would be staffed by Persons with Disabilities.
The Commission also held a review meeting with Enforcement Agencies. A coordinated approach aided by technology was called for to curb money and muscle power and ensure better outcomes. The commission said there will be a strict vigil on interstate & international borders.
Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed the preparations in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.
After reviewing the preparedness for the forthcoming polls, Rajiv Kumar, addressed a press conference, where he said, that strict instructions have been given to the election officials to increase the voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh.
He said that transparent elections will be ensured in the entire country, including Uttar Pradesh. He also said that the election schedule will be announced soon.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that this time, three apps are being launched. Through an app, voters can directly complain to the Election Commission about inducements, distribution of liquor and misuse of money during elections. Voter Helpline is another application from which voters can get information. Through the Know Your Candidate application, the voter will be able to get all the information about the candidates.
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Business NewsNewsIndiaCEC reviews poll preparedness in Bengal, issues directive for ‘fair’ Lok Sabha elections
First Published:5 Mar 2024, 01:49 PM IST
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