The Election Commission of India on Saturday deployed an additional 165 counting observers and 77 police observers in West Bengal ahead of the vote count scheduled for May 4, aiming to ensure a secure and transparent process across the state’s 294 Assembly constituencies.
The move comes as part of enhanced monitoring and security arrangements for the counting exercise following polling held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The poll body said the additional counting observers would supplement the 294 observers already assigned, one for each constituency, particularly in seats with more than one counting hall.
Police observers, who are not typically deployed during counting, have been tasked with overseeing law and order outside counting centres. They will not be permitted to enter counting halls and will instead focus on maintaining security in surrounding areas.
“The additional counting observers and police observers have been deployed to ensure that the counting proceedings are conducted in a secure, peaceful, intimidation-free and transparent environment,” the Election Commission said.
The Commission said the deployment was carried out under its constitutional mandate, invoking powers under Article 324 and provisions of the Representation of the People Act. It added that all observers would function under its direct supervision and control during the counting process.
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Officials indicated that the additional counting observers would assist in constituencies where logistical complexity is higher due to multiple counting venues, helping streamline operations and ensure adherence to guidelines.
The police observers will monitor security arrangements around counting centres and ensure compliance with instructions issued by the Commission. Their presence is expected to bolster confidence in the conduct of the counting exercise, particularly in sensitive areas.
The EC also reiterated that strict protocols will be followed inside counting halls. Only authorised personnel, including the counting observer and the returning officer, will be permitted to carry mobile phones within the premises, in line with established norms.
The enhanced deployment follows judicial backing for the Commission’s arrangements. The Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court recently rejected a plea by the All India Trinamool Congress challenging the use of Central government employees for counting duties. The courts upheld the Commission’s authority to appoint personnel, clearing the way for counting to proceed as planned.
The results of the closely watched West Bengal Assembly elections will be declared on May 4, with heightened security and oversight measures in place to ensure a smooth and credible counting process.
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