Chandigarh: Political activity in Punjab is gathering pace ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) expected to visit the state towards the end of November to review preparations for the polls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing for Assembly elections in five states — Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur — early next year. The poll panel is expected to announce the election schedule in January 2027, after completing its assessment of administrative and security arrangements in the poll-bound states.
The full Commission is expected to visit the states in late November or December before finalising the election timetable. The polling process in Punjab is likely to take place in February or early March, although the Election Commission has not officially announced the dates.
The current Punjab Assembly’s term ends on March 16, 2027, making it necessary to complete the election process before the term expires.
What Happened During The 2022 Punjab Assembly Election?
The previous election provides a reference point for the expected timeline.
In 2021, an Election Commission team visited Punjab on December 15 and 16. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force on January 8, 2022, around 24 days after the visit.
Polling was held on February 20, 2022, and the results were declared on March 10.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, teams of senior Election Commission officials visited Punjab on October 27 and 28 to assess preparations. They have reportedly submitted their findings to the Commission.
What Will The Election Commission Review During Its Punjab Visit?
The CEC’s visit is expected to cover several aspects of election preparedness, including administrative arrangements, voter registration, security and the availability of polling infrastructure.
Meetings With Political Parties
The Commission will meet representatives of recognised national and state-level political parties to hear their complaints, suggestions and demands.
Political parties are expected to raise issues concerning free and fair elections, the deployment of officials, security arrangements and the overall conduct of the polling process.
Review Of Preparations With DCs, Police Commissioners And SSPs
The CEC is expected to hold meetings with Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Police Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from different districts.
The discussions will focus on district-level election preparedness, administrative arrangements, the responsibilities of officials and coordination between departments during the election process.
Voter Lists And Registration Of New Voters
The Commission will review the status of electoral rolls, including the addition of new voters, removal of names of deceased or permanently shifted voters, issuance of voter identity cards and correction of errors in existing lists.
Special attention is expected to be given to the registration of young and first-time voters.
Identification Of Sensitive And Highly Sensitive Polling Booths
Polling stations with a history of violence, booth capturing, clashes or other electoral irregularities will be reviewed.
The Commission is expected to discuss additional police deployment, the presence of central security personnel and live webcasting at sensitive locations to prevent electoral malpractice.
Law And Order And Security Arrangements
Police officials will brief the Commission on preparations to deal with criminals, gangsters, illegal weapons and drug trafficking during the election period.
Security arrangements along Punjab’s borders and coordination with neighbouring states are also expected to feature in the review.
Measures To Prevent The Use Of Money And Drugs During Elections
The Commission will examine arrangements to prevent the distribution of cash, liquor, narcotics and other inducements intended to influence voters.
The functioning of flying squads, static surveillance teams, check-posts and election expenditure monitoring teams will also be reviewed.
EVM-VVPAT Availability And Polling Station Facilities
The availability, inspection and secure storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units will be assessed.
The Commission will also review the training of election personnel and facilities at polling stations, including ramps, drinking water, electricity, toilets and seating arrangements. Special attention will be given to accessibility for voters with disabilities.
IT Systems And Complaint Redressal
The use of technology in election monitoring and grievance redressal is also expected to come under review.
The Commission will assess the functioning of the cVIGIL app, which allows citizens to report alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct, and the Suvidha portal, used by candidates to seek election-related permissions.
Final Meeting With Senior State Officials
At the end of the visit, the CEC is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP).
The meeting will focus on findings from the review and any directions required to ensure that the state is prepared for the Assembly elections.
