Kolkata: The Election Commission has significantly bolstered its oversight for the upcoming vote count in West Bengal by deploying 165 Additional Counting Observers and 77 Police Observers on Saturday. This move follows the conclusion of a highly contested assembly election held across two phases in late April, with the formal counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. Officials stated that this increased presence is essential to guarantee that the tallying of ballots for all 294 assembly seats remains secure, transparent, and free from any form of intimidation. These appointments were made under the authority of Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act of 1951, ensuring that the process remains under the direct and rigorous supervision of the Commission.
The decision to step up monitoring comes at a time of heightened political friction and widespread allegations of potential electoral manipulation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal in her concerns regarding the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines, urging her supporters to maintain a constant vigil at the strongrooms where the devices are currently stored. The Trinamool Congress has raised formal complaints regarding alleged security lapses, including reports of CCTV failures and unauthorized access to these facilities. While the opposition has dismissed these claims as groundless, the Commission has responded by ordering repolling in 15 specific booths within the South 24 Parganas district, which was underway on Saturday to address irregularities reported during the initial voting phases.
To further safeguard the process, the Commission has implemented a sophisticated multi-layered security protocol. Access to counting centres will be strictly regulated through QR code-based digital identity cards issued to all authorized personnel, including candidates and their agents. In a bid to prevent the unauthorized transmission of data, only the primary Counting Observer and the Returning Officer will be permitted to carry mobile phones inside the counting halls. Additionally, micro-observers will be stationed at every table to independently record results for cross-verification after each round of counting. This robust mechanism is designed to provide a credible outcome in what has become one of the most closely watched and sensitive political contests in recent history.
