NewKerala.com

Statutory Process for Postal Ballots: DEO Smita Pandey Details Security Measures

North Kolkata DEO Smita Pandey detailed the statutory process for segregating postal ballots, emphasizing strict security protocols. She confirmed that EVM strong rooms are sealed and separate from postal ballot handling areas. West Bengal recorded a historic 91.66% voter turnout in Phase II, with female voters leading at 92.28%. The Election Commission ensured 100% live webcasting across all polling stations for transparency.

Key Points: Postal Ballot Segregation Process Explained by DEO Smita Pandey

  • Postal ballot segregation follows statutory process
  • EVM strong rooms sealed for security
  • West Bengal records 91.66% voter turnout in Phase II
  • Female voter turnout leads at 92.28%
  • ECI ensures 100% live webcasting across polling stations
3 min read

Statutory process in place to segregate postal ballots; EVM strong rooms sealed: DEO Smita Pandey

North Kolkata DEO Smita Pandey outlines statutory process for postal ballot segregation, EVM strong room sealing, as West Bengal records 91.66% voter turnout in Phase II.

"We have a statutory process in place to segregate postal ballots. - DEO Smita Pandey"

Kolkata, May 1

North Kolkata District Election Officer Smita Pandey detailed the statutory process being followed for handling postal ballots, emphasising that strict procedures are in place to ensure proper segregation and security in line with election norms.

While speaking to ANI on Thursday, DEO Smita Pandey said, "We have a statutory process in place to segregate postal ballots. So, basically, during the training, we have given our polling personnel votes at the facilitation centre. These votes could be from another district, another assembly constituency. This work is being done across the state today," Pandey said.

She further clarified that the process is being carried out in a controlled and secure environment, with election staff stationed outside designated areas to maintain protocol and prevent any unauthorised access.

"Our people are sitting in the corridor. The EVM strong room is closed; it is sealed," she stated.

Pandey also highlighted that the separation between electronic voting machines and postal ballots, noting that each is handled independently as per election protocols laid down by the Election Commission of India (ECI)

"The EVM room is separate. The strong room for postal ballots is separate, and we have to remove them and segregate them," she added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal has recorded one of its highest voter turnouts since independence, reaching a historic 91.66 per cent during Phase II of the elections held on Wednesday. The polling process, however, also witnessed heightened political tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the deployment and role of security forces across various constituencies in the state.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), poll participation in West Bengal (Phase-II) stood at 91.66 per cent till 7:45 PM. In Phase I of the elections conducted on April 23, the voter turnout was recorded at 93.19 per cent, resulting in a combined poll percentage of 92.47 per cent across the two phases.

"The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in WB was 84.72% (2011 GELA), " a release from the ECI said.

The voter turnout figures indicate strong participation across demographics, with female voters leading at 92.28 per cent, while male voter turnout stood at 91.07 per cent, reflecting widespread electoral engagement.

The ECI further stated that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, closely monitored the polling process through live webcasting. The Commission ensured 100 per cent live webcasting coverage across all polling stations in West Bengal during Phase II, reinforcing transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
The statutory process sounds good on paper, but in West Bengal, ground reality is different. We need more than sealed rooms - we need independent observers who aren't intimidated by local goons. The high turnout is encouraging though, shows people want change.
M
Michael C
Living in the US, I follow Indian elections closely. 92.47% combined turnout across two phases is democratic spirit at its finest! The separate handling of postal ballots and EVMs seems like an improvement over some states where there have been allegations of tampering. Kudos to the ECI for strict protocols.
K
Karthik V
What I find interesting is female voters leading at 92.28% - that's a powerful statement from the women of West Bengal. They're coming out in force despite the political tensions. The DEO's assurance about segregated processes is reassuring, but let's see if the actual counting reflects this transparency.
D
Deepak U
As someone from Kolkata, I've seen elections turn violent here. The DEO's emphasis on "controlled and secure environment" is crucial - but we also need to ensure that TMC supporters and BJP supporters aren't intimidated at the counting centres. The EVM strong room sealing is a good start, but let's be vigilant till the final result. 🗳️
J
Jennifer L
I appreciate the ECI's efforts with 100% live webcasting - that's more than many countries do. But why is there still tension between TMC and BJP over security forces? Shouldn't both parties welcome more security to ensure fair voting? Troubling that political bickering continues even during the process.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50