Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), is scheduled for a three-day visit to review preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Officials stated that the visit is aimed at assess the overall readiness of the election machinery in the state, with particular emphasis on ensuring the flawless execution of the ongoing revision of electoral rolls.
The official proceedings will begin on Friday morning with a series of consultations involving representatives of various political parties and district election officers. During these discussions, the CEC will directly address concerns raised by political parties and gather suggestions to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Kumar is expected to visit the Ernakulam Shiva Temple and the Ernakulam Hanuman Temple before beginning formal engagements the following day.
“On Saturday, the final day of his visit, Kumar will hold high-level meetings with senior bureaucrats and law enforcement officials. The meeting is expected to be attended by the chief electoral officer (CEO), the chief secretary, the home secretary, and the director general of police (DGP), along with other key election authorities,” said an Election Commission official.
According to sources, discussions will primarily focus on the law and order situation across the state, particularly in border districts. Officials will also review security arrangements and explore measures to curb inter-state liquor smuggling and the circulation of black money during the election period. The possible deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the state will also be considered to ensure a secure pre-poll environment.
The Election Commission is placing significant emphasis on publishing an error-free electoral roll. Officials will therefore assess the progress made in removing duplicate entries and enrolling newly eligible voters as part of the ongoing intensive revision process.
District collectors and police authorities are expected to receive strict directives to maintain heightened vigilance against attempts to influence voters through monetary or other inducements.
To ensure peaceful polling, the Commission may also decide to deploy additional micro-observers and implement uninterrupted webcasting at politically sensitive and vulnerable polling booths that have previously witnessed violence.
An Election Commission official said the review will also cover the status of security checks for electronic voting machines and voter verifiable paper audit trail systems (EVMs and VVPATs), as well as the progress of training programmes for polling personnel.
In line with environmental concerns, political parties will be urged to strictly follow the green protocol during campaigning, ensuring plastic-free and eco-friendly election activities.
Ensuring accessibility at polling stations for elderly and differently-abled voters will also remain a priority. Arrangements such as ramps, wheelchairs and adequate drinking water facilities are expected to be reviewed during the visit.
Following the assessment of the state’s election preparedness, the CEC is scheduled to address the media in Kochi on Saturday, where further details regarding the electoral roll revision are likely to be shared.
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