The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently expressed dissatisfaction over the issues faced by voters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. The concerns were raised in a review meeting attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and other senior officials. The meeting was part of a broader assessment of preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for later this year.
According to sources, the ECI highlighted several shortcomings in the arrangements at polling stations. Basic facilities such as benches, fans, drinking water, and shelters, which are considered minimum requirements, were either inadequate or missing at some polling booths.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar emphasised that the ECI would take strict action on complaints related to voter inconvenience during election day. The focus is to ensure that all facilities are available to make the voting process smoother and more accessible for citizens.
During the meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, stressed the importance of managing queues efficiently at polling stations.
Ensuring proper crowd management would prevent long waiting times and reduce the frustration many voters experienced during the Lok Sabha elections. The ECI is keen on improving these aspects for the state elections, as the well-being of voters is a key priority.
Another issue that drew the Commission’s attention was the low volume of seizures during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The CEC expressed displeasure over this and emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards the distribution of inducements, including money or gifts, aimed at influencing voters.
The ECI made it clear that such practices would not be tolerated during the state elections, and stricter measures would be implemented to prevent such malpractices.
Apart from addressing logistical issues at polling stations, the ECI also directed the state government to fill vacant assistant returning officer positions promptly.
These vacancies, if left unaddressed, could hinder the smooth functioning of the election process. By ensuring that all posts are filled, the ECI aims to maintain a fair and transparent electoral process.
In an earlier review meeting regarding the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the CEC had emphasised the importance of conducting free, fair, and inducement-free elections.
The ECI reiterated that political parties must have a level playing field, and measures should be in place to prevent disturbances from neighbouring states. For the Maharashtra elections, similar steps are expected to be taken, with a focus on sealing borders and tightening security to avoid any disruptions.
In another significant development, the ECI sent a strongly-worded letter to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, and the state’s police chief. The letter criticised the state administration for failing to fully implement its orders regarding the transfer of officials ahead of the Assembly polls.
In a directive issued on July 31, the ECI had instructed the state government to relocate officials who had served in their home districts or the same post for more than three years. This measure is aimed at preventing undue influence or bias during elections.
Despite the directive, the state administration had not completed the process by the August 31 deadline. While the additional director general of police submitted a partial report, the Chief Secretary had yet to submit a full response.
According to sources, over 100 inspector-level officers in Mumbai and various revenue officials, many of whom held key positions, had not been transferred as required.
The CEC expressed displeasure over the delay and stressed that any further inaction would not be tolerated. The delay in transferring these officials undermines the ECI’s efforts to ensure a fair and impartial electoral process. The ECI has made it clear that the state government must comply with its orders, or further action may be taken.
In response to the ECI’s concerns, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik assured the Commission that a compliance report would be submitted by Monday. This report would outline the steps taken to address the transfer and posting of officials ahead of the polls.
The term of the Maharashtra Assembly is set to end in November, and the elections are expected to be held before the month concludes. The ECI is closely monitoring the preparations and has made it clear that ensuring a smooth and transparent election process is of utmost importance.
To further strengthen security ahead of the elections, a delegation led by CEC Rajiv Kumar held meetings with senior police officers across key regions of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Konkan.
The focus of these discussions was on reviewing security preparations to ensure that the elections proceed without any incidents or disruptions. The ECI met with police commissioners, divisional commissioners, and superintendents of police to assess the situation and discuss any potential challenges.
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