The Election Commission of India (ECI) is planning to take a more decisive stance on ordering repolls during the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Officials suggest that repolling might be promptly initiated in cases of voter intimidation or interference with voting. Previously, repolls were reserved for exceptional situations, but now, based on complaints and field reports, the Commission aims to act swiftly.
According to an official, repolls were previously rare occurrences, but now they will be ordered urgently upon reports of voter intimidation or any attempts to disrupt the voting process. The Representation of the People Act, 1951, allows for re-polling under specific circumstances, with the final decision resting on the Commission after assessing ground reports.
In past elections, political parties often raised concerns about intimidation, booth capturing, and voting obstructions in various polling stations across the state. Despite these issues, repolls were not frequently ordered, primarily relying on reports from presiding officers. However, this time, the Commission is expected to make immediate and proactive decisions, especially in cases of significant law and order disturbances during polling.
The Commission has outlined that in instances of booth capturing as per Section 58A of the Representation of the People Act, votes in affected booths will be annulled, and repolls will be scheduled. Similarly, if voters face obstacles in casting their votes, polling in those booths will be canceled. Repolls may also be mandated under Section 135A of the Act for incidents involving forcible booth capture, voting obstruction, or denial of access to polling stations.
Officials emphasized that voters encountering threats preventing them from reaching polling stations can report remotely to the Commission or designated observers. In such scenarios, appropriate actions, including ordering repolls, will be considered. Additionally, the police are authorized to make arrests without a warrant in cases of threats, unrest, or voter obstruction.
