Coimbatore District Collector Conducts Intensive Training for Election Officials Ahead of 2026 Assembly Polls
In a significant preparatory move for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar presided over a comprehensive training program for all zonal election officials on Saturday. The session, held at the Coimbatore Corporation's auditorium in RS Puram, saw the participation of a substantial 366 zonal officials, marking a crucial step in election readiness.
Detailed Briefing on Duties and EVM Training
According to a senior official from the district collectorate, the training provided an in-depth briefing on the multifaceted duties and responsibilities of zonal officials. Attendees were thoroughly educated on the various types of materials and forms utilized at polling stations, ensuring they are well-versed in procedural requirements. A key component of the program was hands-on training on the operation of electronic voting machines (EVMs), equipping officials with practical skills essential for election day.
Crucial Role of Zonal Officials in Election Management
The official emphasized the pivotal role zonal officials play in guaranteeing the seamless conduct of elections. Their responsibilities are extensive and critical to electoral integrity, including:
- Ensuring the availability of basic amenities such as toilets, chairs, and reliable network connectivity at assigned polling stations.
- Reporting directly to presiding officers and managing the proper handover of election forms.
- Identifying and reporting vulnerable polling stations within their designated jurisdictions, a task of paramount importance for security and smooth operations.
Increase in Polling Stations and Vulnerable Stations
The training comes amid notable changes in the electoral landscape. For the 2026 assembly elections, Coimbatore district will have 3,563 polling stations, an increase from the 3,177 stations in the 2021 elections. This expansion is partly due to the rationalization of polling stations, which has also impacted the identification of vulnerable stations.
In the 2021 elections, approximately 390 polling stations were classified as vulnerable. Currently, around 425 stations are preliminarily identified as vulnerable, though these numbers are pending finalization. This anticipated rise underscores the heightened need for vigilant monitoring and robust training, as officials must be adept at managing potential challenges in these sensitive areas.
The proactive initiative by Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar aims to fortify the electoral process, ensuring that zonal officials are fully prepared to uphold transparency and efficiency in the democratic exercise. With hands-on EVM training and a focus on vulnerable stations, the program sets a strong foundation for the smooth execution of the 2026 assembly polls in Coimbatore.
