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ECI Deploys 294 Central Observers for Bengal Pre-Poll Phase to Curb Violence

The Election Commission of India will appoint 294 Central observers, one for each Assembly constituency in West Bengal, to oversee the pre-poll nomination phase. This move aims to address recurring complaints of violence, voter intimidation, and threats against opposition workers reported in recent elections. These observers, drawn from central and state government officers currently in training, will be empowered once polling dates are announced and the model code of conduct is enforced. The final voters' list is set for publication, with polling dates expected after Holi, potentially in fewer phases than previous elections.

Key Points: ECI Sends 294 Central Observers for Bengal Pre-Poll Phase

  • 294 observers for each assembly seat
  • To curb pre-poll violence and intimidation
  • Observers are central/state govt officers
  • Empowered from poll date announcement
  • Final voter list to be published soon
2 min read

Bengal polls: ECI to depute Assembly-wise Central observers to oversee pre-poll nomination phase

ECI deploys one central observer per Bengal assembly seat to oversee nominations and address complaints of pre-poll violence and intimidation.

"The Commission intends to strictly address these complaints... hence it has decided to depute one Central observer for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies. - CEO's office insider"

Kolkata, Feb 26

The Election Commission of India has decided to depute one Central observer for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies to oversee the pre-poll nomination phase in West Bengal.

Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that all the 294 Central observers to be appointed to oversee the pre-poll nomination phase will be either Central government officers or officers from other states.

"Currently, a total of 1,444 officers are undergoing training provided by the ECI. At the end of the training period, they will be deputed by the Commission to oversee matters in the various poll-bound states and Union Territories. Of these 1,444 under-training officers, 294 will be earmarked for the Assembly constituencies in West Bengal," the CEO's office source said.

According to him, the ECI has noted that in the last few elections, there have been reports of regular violence from different corners of the state from the pre-poll nomination phase.

"The maximum complaints of such pre-poll violence in the nomination phase relate to the intimidation of voters and threatening the opposition party workers and their polling agents. There had been complaints about the non-utilisation of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel deputed in the pre-poll nomination.

The Commission intends to strictly address these complaints surfacing in the pre-poll nomination phase this time, and hence it has decided to depute one Central observer for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in the pre-poll phase, the CEO's office insider said.

He also said that these 294 Central observers will be given their respective authorities in the matter by the ECI from the moment the polling dates are announced, and the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

The final voters' list in West Bengal, minus those "logical discrepancy" cases referred for judicial adjudication, will be published. Supplementary lists will be published in due course as per the progress of the judicial adjudication.

Meanwhile, the ECI is expected to announce the polling dates immediately after the Holi festival on March 4. This time, there is a possibility of conducting the polls in fewer phases than they were in the last few elections.

The office of the CEO, West Bengal, has already recommended a single-phase poll this time, but maintained that the final decision in the matter will be taken by the ECI.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good move! The pre-poll phase is where a lot of the malpractices start. If the CAPF wasn't being utilized properly before, these observers can ensure they are. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy. 🙏
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the intent, but I hope this doesn't become just another bureaucratic layer. The observers need to be truly independent and not just officers from other states who might have their own political leanings. The proof will be in the implementation.
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Arun Y
Single-phase polling would be ideal for Bengal. Less time for trouble to brew between phases. The Holi announcement timing is also good, gives everyone clarity. Now, let's see if political parties will cooperate or find new ways to create chaos.
V
Vikram M
Finally! Addressing the "logical discrepancies" in the voter list is crucial. So many fake voters get enrolled. Judicial adjudication is a slow process, but it's the right way. Hope the observers also keep an eye on the final list publication.
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Meera T
As a Bengali, I just want peace during elections. The last few cycles were terrifying for common people. If 294 observers can stop goondagiri and let us vote without fear, then it's a welcome step. Bas, let it work on the ground. 🤞

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