GUWAHATI: Assam, along with several others states and UTs, are set to undergo Special Summary Revision of voter rolls with the instructions of the Election Commission of India.
ALSO READ: ABVP Secures 5 of 7 Posts at LCB College in Guwahati, Alakananda Deka Becomes First Woman GS
The objective is to ensure accurate, accessible, inclusive and error-free electoral rolls and facilitating a smooth voting experience for all electors.
As part of this exercise, the rationalization, rearrangement and reorganization of polling stations will be carried out after 100% physical verification of existing polling station locations and the relevant parts of the electoral rolls.
This move comes amid protests against alleged electoral fraud and anomalies in Special Intensive Revision by various opposition parties and pressure groups.
During the SSR, the ECI shall assess the requirement for the creation of new polling stations, ensuring that the number of electors attached to a polling station does not exceed 1,200, except with the prior approval of the poll body.
“The jurisdiction of each polling station shall be clearly defined and demarcated to avoid any overlap. Adequate care shall be taken to ensure that electors do not have to travel more than two kilometres to reach their polling stations or cross natural barriers. Polling stations shall preferably be located on the ground floor or at road-entry level to ensure accessibility,” Assam’s Chief Electoral Officer said in a statement.
It added that special attention shall be given to high-rise buildings, group housing societies, residential welfare association (RWA) colonies having common facilitation areas or community halls on the ground floor, and slum-dwelling clusters in urban areas.
Extensive surveys shall be conducted to identify suitable locations for polling stations in these areas.
District Election Officers (DEOs) shall ensure 100% physical verification of all existing and newly proposed polling stations through designated senior officers.
“The verification shall assess the condition and suitability of the buildings and compliance with the parameters prescribed by the Election Commission of India for the smooth conduct of elections. The designated officers shall certify the physical verification,” the statement read.
All claims and objections received during the continuous updation period shall be disposed of before publication of the draft electoral roll.
The Office of CEO and the DEOs will interact with the political parties at regular intervals to update the status of SSR and also to seek feedback for the same.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, has appealed to all electors, recognized political parties and other stakeholders to extend their cooperation during the Special Summary Revision process.
“The exercise is aimed at strengthening the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls, ensuring convenient access to polling stations and enabling every eligible elector to exercise their democratic right to vote,” the statement added.
