Polling Agent Seating: Ahead of the upcoming elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission has cleared the air regarding the seating arrangements for polling agents inside election booths. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has explicitly dismissed recent media reports claiming that polling agents would be required to sit outside the polling stations.
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Background and Official Clarification
A few days ago, a news report published in a newspaper sparked confusion among election personnel, political parties, and voters. The report falsely claimed that polling agents would not be permitted to sit inside the booths during the upcoming elections. To address this growing rumor and maintain peace, the CEO’s office in West Bengal issued an official clarification.
What Does the Election Commission Order State?
The official notification clearly mentions that there has been no change in the existing rules regarding the seating arrangements of polling agents.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not issued any new guidelines or instructions regarding polling agent seating.
- The news circulated by a section of the media stating that polling agents must sit outside the booth is completely baseless and fake.
- As per the old rules, polling agents will continue to sit inside the booths to observe the voting process on election day.
- According to the latest official protocols, one polling agent per candidate is allowed to be present inside the booth at any given time.
Seating Guidelines Inside the Booth
The election management manual outlines strict rules for the seating of polling agents inside the booth.
- The Presiding Officer must arrange the seats in a way that allows the polling agents to easily identify the voters.
- Adequate opportunity must be provided to the agents to monitor the Control Unit, EVM, and VVPAT machines.
- Polling agents representing recognized national and state political parties will be given priority in seating arrangements.
- Carrying or using mobile phones, cordless phones, or wireless sets inside the polling booth is strictly prohibited for the agents.
Impact on Election Personnel
This clarification is a major relief for government employees assigned to polling duties.
First, it significantly reduces the mental pressure on the Presiding Officer and other polling personnel. With the rules clearly stated, the chances of arguments or conflicts with political party agents over seating rights are eliminated.
Second, the presence of polling agents inside the booth ensures transparency in all activities, from the mock poll to the final sealing of the EVMs. If agents were seated outside, baseless allegations of EVM tampering could have increased.
Third, the agents play a crucial role in verifying the identity of voters, thereby reducing the chances of false voting. This helps polling personnel maintain a peaceful and orderly environment inside the polling station.
Latest Update
According to the recent guidelines of the Election Commission, strict surveillance is being maintained across all booths. Real-time monitoring will be conducted through webcasting and CCTV cameras installed both inside and outside the polling stations. The Commission remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of polling personnel and the smooth functioning of the electoral process.
Source: Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.
- Fact Check: Verified against official Department orders by experienced WB state personnel.*
