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New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday directed that all polling stations in the upcoming assembly elections and by-elections in eight assembly constituencies of Bihar be equipped with assured minimum facilities (AMF) and voter assistance measures to ensure a seamless and dignified voting experience for all voters.
Announcing this in a press note, the ECI said the directive is aimed at providing a voter-friendly environment and maintaining accessibility standards at all polling stations.
“The AMF includes drinking water, a waiting shed, a toilet with water facility, adequate lighting, a ramp of reasonable gradient for PWD voters, a standard polling booth and proper signage,” the ECI said.
To increase voter awareness and participation, the Commission will display four standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) at each polling station.
These posters will contain polling station information, list of contesting candidates, do’s and don’ts for voters, approved identity documents and step-by-step voting process.
Additionally, Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be set up at each polling station location. Staffed with booth level officers (BLOs) and other officials, these booths will help voters identify their polling station number and sequential position in the voter list.
Each VAB will have prominent signage to be easily visible to voters when they arrive at the precinct.
“In a unique initiative, a facility will be provided for voters to deposit a mobile phone outside the polling station entrance. Voters will have to hand over their phone to a designated volunteer before entering the station and take it back after casting their vote.”
The Commission has directed all the field officers to complete the arrangements related to AMF before the day of voting.
It reiterated that these features are mandatory and compliance will be strictly monitored to ensure a smooth, safe and inclusive voting experience for every voter.
–IANS
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