ECI Chief Affirms Electoral Roll Integrity in Puducherry, Unveils Poll Enhancements
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has declared that the final voters' list for Puducherry, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, is both comprehensive and accurate. He emphasized that no eligible voter has been excluded and no ineligible individual has been included, reinforcing the foundation of democratic processes. "Purity of the electoral roll is the bedrock of democracy," Kumar asserted during a press briefing in Puducherry on Wednesday.
Review of Poll Preparedness and New Initiatives
Kumar led a seven-member Election Commission of India (ECI) team to assess readiness for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union territory. During the review, he outlined several innovative measures aimed at enhancing voter experience and transparency:
- Mobile Deposit Counters: All polling booths will feature mobile deposit counters to facilitate smoother voting procedures.
- Color Photographs on Ballots: In response to public feedback, the ECI will print color photographs of candidates on ballot units, replacing black-and-white images to aid voter identification.
- Webcasting Facilities: Every polling station in Puducherry, totaling 1,099, will be equipped with webcasting capabilities to ensure real-time monitoring and accountability.
Puducherry as a Model for Electoral Conduct
Highlighting Puducherry's electoral track record, Kumar noted that past polls have been characterized by peace, fairness, and transparency, with voter turnout consistently exceeding 85%. He praised the Union territory as a exemplary model for the rest of India in conducting elections efficiently and inclusively.
Addressing Electoral Malpractices
When questioned about the distribution of freebies by political parties ahead of the elections, Kumar assured that the commission will take strict action to curb such malpractices once the model code of conduct is enforced. "We have issued strict directions to enforcement agencies to prevent such practices and to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process," he stated, underscoring the ECI's commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
Engagement with Political Stakeholders
Prior to the announcement, Kumar, along with election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, engaged in discussions with representatives from recognized national and state political parties. This interaction aimed to gather diverse perspectives and foster collaboration for the smooth execution of the polls. The seven-member ECI team also included deputy election commissioners Manish Garg, Pawan Kumar Sharma, and Sanjay Kumar, as well as director general Ashish Goyal, ensuring a comprehensive approach to election management.
