Kochi, March 6: The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, visited Kochi to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. During his visit, he met with representatives from various political parties alongside senior officials from the Election Commission to discuss election-related preparations and arrangements.
Most political parties praised the Election Commission for conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in a peaceful and efficient manner. Several parties commended the work done by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during this process. They noted that the voter list revision was systematic and transparent, providing convenience to voters.
The meeting addressed several crucial issues to ensure that the election process is transparent, fair, and smoothly conducted. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the entire SIR process was carried out with utmost transparency. He explained that applications for any errors or amendments could be submitted through Form-6. Additionally, voters can still file Forms 6, 7, and 8 to add, remove, or modify their names.
He clarified that under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, appeals against any decisions can be made to the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer.
During the meeting, several political parties urged the Election Commission to take strict measures against the use of money power and the distribution of alcohol or other freebies during elections. Some parties also requested that local festivals and cultural events be considered when determining election dates.
Gyanesh Kumar assured all political parties that elections would always be conducted according to the law, without discrimination, and in a completely free, fair, and transparent manner. He urged parties to use the ECI Net platform’s C-Vigil app to report any violations of the election code of conduct.
He also mentioned that all polling stations would be equipped with ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water, and other essential facilities for voter convenience. The Chief Election Commissioner expressed hope that the upcoming elections in Kerala would serve as a model example for the nation and the world.
Representatives from several national parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Marxist Communist Party, and Congress, attended the meeting, along with state-level party representatives such as the Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M), and Revolutionary Socialist Party.
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