ECI To Adopt Stricter Norms For Repoll In Bengal polls
Hyderabad, March 29: The ECI to adopt stricter norms for repoll in West Bengal Assembly elections. The Commission plans faster action in cases of voter intimidation or voting obstruction.
Officials said the ECI to adopt stricter norms for repoll marks a shift from earlier practice. Previously, repolls were ordered only in exceptional cases. Now, the Commission will act quickly based on complaints and field reports.
An official said repolls will be ordered urgently if intimidation or attempts to disrupt polling occur. Therefore, authorities will rely more on ground inputs during polling.
ECI to adopt stricter norms for repoll decision process
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 allows repolls in specific cases. The Commission can order repolls at selected booths based on reports. Hence, the final decision remains with the Commission.
Earlier, parties often alleged booth capturing and voter obstruction. However, many such cases did not lead to repolls. Decisions mainly depended on presiding officers’ reports.
This time, the ECI plans quicker and more proactive decisions. Moreover, strict action may follow any serious law and order breakdown during polling.
Under Section 58A, votes will be cancelled in booth capturing cases. Then, repolls will be conducted in those booths. Similarly, authorities will cancel polling if voters face obstruction.
Under Section 135A, repolls may be ordered for forced booth capture or blocked access. Meanwhile, voters facing threats can file complaints remotely with officials.
The Commission also said police can arrest without a warrant in such cases. Thus, authorities aim to ensure free and fair polling.
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