Ensuring Transparent Vote Counting: Extra Measures in West Bengal

The Election Commission has intensified security measures for West Bengal's Assembly election vote counting by deploying additional observers and enforcing strict access controls. Measures include QR code-based photo IDs for entry and barring mobile phones in counting halls to maintain transparency and order.

In a bid to ensure secure and transparent counting of votes in West Bengal's Assembly elections, the Election Commission has deployed 165 additional counting observers alongside 77 police observers across the state.

These observers will supervise the vote count in constituencies with multiple counting halls, ensuring adherence to law and order protocols. Police observers, however, are mandated to not enter counting halls on the day of counting. This action is part of the powers granted to the commission under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

To further tighten security, the commission announced measures such as QR code-based photo ID cards for counting centre access, while banning mobile phones in counting halls. Results will be transparently recorded and verified in the presence of counting agents and micro-observers, aiming for a smooth and successful election process.