ECI Reviews Poll Preparedness for Upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections.
Kochi:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the forthcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections during a high-level meeting held in Kochi.
The review was chaired by Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The meeting focused on assessing the overall poll preparedness and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the state.
Interaction with Political Parties
During the visit, the Commission interacted with representatives of recognised national and state political parties. National parties present at the meeting included the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress.
Recognised state parties that participated included the Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M), and the Revolutionary Socialist Party.
Most of the parties appreciated the Election Commission for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Several representatives also commended the work carried out by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the revision process.
Key Suggestions from Political Parties
Political parties offered several suggestions to the Commission regarding the conduct of the upcoming elections. Many parties requested that local festivals in Kerala be taken into account while finalising the polling schedule to ensure maximum voter participation.
Some parties also urged the Commission to introduce special facilitation measures for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwD), including improved accessibility and assistance at polling stations.
Concerns were also raised about the possible misuse of money power and the distribution of liquor or freebies to influence voters during the election period. Parties called on the Commission to take strict action to curb such practices.
Another major concern highlighted was the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and synthetically generated content, which political parties said could potentially disrupt the electoral environment by spreading misinformation.
Commission Assures Transparency
Addressing the meeting, CEC Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls had been conducted in a fully transparent manner. He emphasised that the objective of the exercise was to ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll while preventing the inclusion of ineligible names.
He also informed political parties that voters can still submit Forms 6, 7, and 8 for additions, deletions, or corrections in the electoral rolls. Appeals related to electoral roll matters can be filed with the District Magistrate (DM) or the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The Chief Election Commissioner assured political parties that elections in the country are always conducted strictly in accordance with the law and in an impartial and transparent manner.
Encouragement to Use Complaint Platform
CEC Kumar encouraged political parties to make use of the cVIGIL feature of the ECINET platform to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period. The system allows quick reporting and monitoring of electoral offences.
He also urged all political parties to ensure that elections in Kerala continue to serve as a model for the entire country and the world in terms of democratic conduct and peaceful participation.
Review with Enforcement and Administrative Officials
Following the interaction with political parties, the Commission held a detailed review meeting with heads and nodal officers of enforcement agencies, along with senior administrative and police officials including Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs).
The discussions covered various aspects of election planning such as Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) management, logistics, training of election staff, law and order arrangements, voter awareness campaigns, and monitoring of seizures related to election violations.
The Commission directed enforcement agencies to act with complete impartiality and take strict action against inducement-related activities aimed at influencing voters.
Ensuring Voter Facilities
The ECI also instructed all District Election Officers to ensure that Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) are available at every polling station. These include essential amenities such as ramps for accessibility, wheelchairs for elderly and disabled voters, and the provision of drinking water to ensure voter comfort.
With preparations underway, the Election Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections in a free, fair, and inclusive manner.
