Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on April 23, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that the entry of media personnel into polling stations will be closely monitored by presiding officers. The ECI emphasized the strict prohibition of any misuse of Authority Letters and the photography/videography inside voting compartments to safeguard the secrecy of votes.
According to the ECI, the presiding officer, as per Rule 32 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, has the authority to control media access to polling stations. Media professionals seeking Authority Letters for entry can request them through the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) via the State Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
The ECI highlighted that media persons authorized by the Election Commission for election day coverage are considered essential services and are eligible for the postal ballot facility at the Postal Voting Centre (PVC). The Commission ensures a thorough verification process, where the CEO forwards a list of recommended media persons for approval, and the Authority Letters are issued only after proper authentication by the CEO/DEO or an authorized officer.
The Commission’s multi-level media verification process aims to allow only verified and authorized personnel access to polling stations and counting centers, ensuring the integrity, security, and orderly conduct of the electoral process. Media professionals authorized by the Election Commission for election day coverage are also entitled to the postal ballot facility at the PVC.
