CEC Gyanesh Kumar urges officials to address party concerns

New Delhi

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday directed officials to be approachable and responsive to political parties. He emphasized that statutory meetings should be held regularly to address concerns within the legal framework.

The Election Commission began a two-day conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all States and Union Territories in New Delhi, marking the first such meeting since Gyanesh Kumar assumed office. Alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, he discussed election management improvements.

CEC urged all officials, including CEOs, DEOs, and BLOs, to fulfill their statutory duties transparently under the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951, Electoral Rules, and ECI guidelines. He instructed that all eligible citizens above 18 be registered as voters, in line with Articles 325 and 326 of the Constitution. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) should be trained to assist electors courteously while ensuring electoral staff is not intimidated.

Officials were also directed to ensure polling booths have 800-1200 electors and are within 2 km of residences. Rural areas must have booths with essential facilities, while urban areas should include booths in high-rises and slums to boost voter turnout.

The Commission identified 28 key stakeholders in the election process and aims to strengthen their capacities. For the first time, one DEO and one ERO from each State and UT are participating in the conference to enhance election management.