The Election Commission of India on Monday issued revised guidelines mandating 100% webcasting of polling stations that have internet connectivity on election day. The decision aims to monitor critical activities as an internal management tool to prevent any violation of the poll process.
Earlier, the poll panel had mandated webcasting at a minimum of 50% of the polling stations and 100% webcasting of the stations identified as critical.
New guidelines direct all polling stations with internet connectivity to implement webcasting. For “shadow areas” or locations without internet connectivity, suitable alternative arrangements such as videography or photography must be made. A webcasting monitoring control room will be established at the State Level, District Level, and AC Level.
These control rooms will be supervised and monitored by a Nodal Officer appointed at each level.
The New guidelines are seen as a response to allegations levelled by opposition parties about polling data in the recent elections. Earlier this month, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi repeated allegations that there was “match-fixing” in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November.
Gandhi alleged Election Commission inflated voter turnout as part of a scheme to rig elections.
“In case of any violation, suspicious, or wrongful activity observed during webcasting, immediate notice must be given to the Presiding Officer/Sector Officer/Returning Officer/District Election Officer/Observer for necessary action,” the notification directed.
The nodal officer should set up webcasting arrangements and conduct a dry run at least two days in advance.
