CEC reviews poll preparedness in Kochi

Kochi: Chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held a detailed and comprehensive review of poll preparedness for the forthcoming assembly elections in Kochi on Friday.CEC interacted with representatives of recognized national political parties, namely BJP, CPM, INC, AAP, BSP and recognized state political parties, namely CPI, IUML, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M) and RSP, and sought their suggestions.Political parties urged CEC to keep in mind the upcoming local festivals while finalising dates of elections and requested it to make special arrangements to facilitate elderly and disabled voters. They also sought stringent measures to curb use of money power and distribution of liquor/freebies during elections. They raised concerns over use of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetically generated content in vitiating electoral atmosphere. Kumar reiterated that SIR was conducted in the most transparent manner. He said objective of SIR is to ensure that no eligible elector is left out while no ineligible person is included in electoral rolls. He added that Forms 6/7/8 can still be filed for any inclusions/deletions/changes.He asked political parties to use cVIGIL component of ECINET Platform of ECI for filing any complaints of violations of model code of conduct during elections.Later, CEC held a detailed review with heads/nodal officers of enforcement agencies, IGs, DIGs, DEOs, SPs, on every aspect of election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.He directed all district election officers to ensure that assured minimum facilities, including ramps, wheelchairs and drinking water, are made available at all polling stations.