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Kerala CEO Issues Strict Counting Protocols, Bars Strong Room Access

The Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala has issued strict instructions to District and Returning Officers, prohibiting the opening of strong rooms for any data-related procedures to ensure the security of the electoral process. This comes as the Election Commission of India reiterates its framework for social media and AI-generated content, requiring clear labeling of synthetic campaign material. The ECI also reported high resolution rates for electoral complaints via its C-Vigil app. The Model Code of Conduct remains in effect in five states and UTs, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

Key Points: Kerala CEO Directs DEOs, ROs on Vote Counting Security

  • Strong rooms cannot be opened for data prep
  • ECI mandates AI content labeling for campaigns
  • Over 11,000 violative posts addressed
  • C-Vigil app resolves 3.1 lakh complaints
  • Counting for all regions set for May 4
2 min read

Keralam CEO issues instructions to DEOs, ROs on counting protocols

Kerala CEO instructs officials not to open strong rooms for any data procedures, ensuring electoral integrity. ECI mandates AI content labeling.

"Political parties... are required to ensure that any synthetically generated or AI-altered content... is clearly labelled - ECI"

Thiruvananthapuram, April 21

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Keralam on Tuesday issued clear instructions to all District Election Officers and Returning Officers regarding counting protocols, reiterating that strong rooms must not be opened under any circumstances for data-related procedures.

According to the press release, the CEO's office directed that neither strong rooms nor any unsealed rooms should be accessed for preparing Index Cards or verifying data in the ENCORE portal.

All concerned officials have been instructed to strictly comply with the guidelines to ensure the integrity, transparency and security of the electoral process, the release stated.

Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on April 18 reiterated strict compliance with legal frameworks for social media and AI-generated content in the 2026 state assembly elections in five states/UT, requiring the removal of unlawful content within three hours.

The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01 per cent resolution rate within 100 minutes.

"Political parties, candidates and campaign representatives are required to ensure that any synthetically generated or AI-altered content used for campaigning is clearly labelled as "AI-Generated", "Digitally Enhanced" or "Synthetic Content", along with disclosure of the originating entity, to maintain transparency and voter trust," said ECI in a release.

Meanwhile, the Model Code of Conduct is in effect in Assam, Keralam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry since the announcement of the election schedule on March 15. The voting for Assam, Puducherry and Keralam took place on April 9. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, with West Bengal's elections scheduled on April 23 and 29. The counting of votes for all poll-bound regions would take place on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on AI content is very timely. We saw so much fake news and deepfakes in other elections. Making parties label synthetic content is a great step for informed voting. Hope it's implemented properly.
R
Rohit P
Counting day in Kerala is always tense! These clear instructions to DEOs and ROs are needed. No room for error or doubt. The 96% complaint resolution rate via C-Vigil is impressive, I must say.
A
Anjali F
While the protocols seem robust, my respectful criticism is about the speed of action on social media. "Within three hours" for unlawful content is too long in the digital age. Misinformation spreads in minutes.
D
David E
Observing from abroad, India's election machinery is fascinating in its scale and detail. The specific rules for each step, from strong rooms to AI labels, show a deep commitment to process. A lesson for many democracies.
K
Karthik V
As a software professional, the ENCORE portal mention is interesting. Glad they are not allowing data verification by opening sealed rooms. The system's integrity depends on these digital safeguards. Tight security is a must.
M
Meera T
All this is fine, but what about the basic facilities at polling booths? My elderly parents had

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