Elections – Election Commission Meets Parties to Ensure Transparent Kerala Polls
Elections – The Election Commission of India on Friday held an important consultation with recognised national and state political parties as part of preparations for the upcoming elections in Kerala. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assured political representatives that the electoral process in the state would remain transparent, impartial and conducted strictly under established legal frameworks.
Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi were also present at the meeting, along with senior officials of the Commission. Representatives from several major political parties attended the discussion, which focused on reviewing election readiness and addressing concerns raised by stakeholders ahead of the polling process.
Political Parties Review Election Preparations
During the meeting, officials from the Election Commission outlined the steps taken so far to ensure smooth conduct of the elections. Representatives of political parties were invited to share their observations and suggestions regarding election arrangements, voter lists and the overall polling process.
According to Commission officials, most parties expressed satisfaction with the recent Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls carried out across Kerala. The revision process was conducted to update voter records and ensure accuracy in the electoral database before the upcoming polls.
Party representatives acknowledged the efforts made to maintain an orderly and peaceful process during the revision exercise.
Booth Level Officers Praised for Voter Roll Work
Several participants in the meeting highlighted the contribution of Booth Level Officers, who were responsible for verifying and updating voter details at the local level. Their work involved door-to-door verification and assisting voters in correcting or updating their information.
Officials noted that the efforts of these officers played a significant role in maintaining the accuracy of the voter lists. The Commission said such ground-level engagement helps reduce discrepancies and ensures that eligible voters are properly registered.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that the voter roll revision had been conducted in a transparent manner and in accordance with legal provisions.
Options Remain Open for Voter List Changes
While the main revision process has been completed, the Commission clarified that voters can still request additions, corrections or deletions in the electoral rolls through prescribed forms.
Forms 6, 7 and 8 remain available for individuals seeking to add their names, remove entries or make corrections to existing records. Authorities also reminded political parties that appeals regarding electoral rolls can be submitted to the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The Commission emphasised that the system is designed to ensure that voters continue to have access to mechanisms for correcting electoral records.
Concerns Raised Over Money Power in Elections
During the interaction, several political parties urged the Election Commission to take strict measures to prevent the misuse of money during the election campaign. Concerns were raised about the potential distribution of cash, liquor or other inducements aimed at influencing voters.
Some parties also suggested that the Commission should carefully consider local festivals and regional events in Kerala while deciding the polling schedule, so that voter participation is not affected.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Election Commissioner said the Commission would enforce election rules strictly and ensure that all parties compete on an equal footing.
Digital Platforms to Report Model Code Violations
Gyanesh Kumar encouraged political parties and citizens to use the cVIGIL feature available on the Commission’s ECINET platform to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period.
The platform allows users to report incidents such as illegal campaigning, misuse of public resources or other violations. Officials said the system enables faster verification and action by election authorities.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to improving voter accessibility by ensuring essential facilities at polling stations. Ramps, wheelchairs and drinking water will be provided at booths to make the voting process more comfortable, especially for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.
Visit Also Included Review of Kochi Infrastructure
During his visit to Kochi, Gyanesh Kumar also took time to review several major infrastructure projects in the city that were developed during his tenure in the Kerala administration. Before joining the Election Commission, he served as an Indian Administrative Service officer in the Kerala cadre and held several key positions, including Secretary of the Public Works Department.
In another public engagement, the Chief Election Commissioner led a voters’ pledge event for young citizens near the Goshree Bridge, encouraging greater participation in the democratic process.
He called on political parties and voters alike to work together to ensure that elections in Kerala continue to set high standards for democratic conduct.
The Election Commission delegation will conclude its visit on Saturday. Before leaving the state, the Chief Election Commissioner is scheduled to interact with the media to share updates on the Commission’s preparations.