New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) The Election Commission of India today issued detailed instructions to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across all States and union Territories, mandating that every polling station be equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and comprehensive voter assistance on polling day.
Key facilities under AMFs include access to drinking water, waiting shelters, toilets with water supply, adequate lighting, ramps with appropriate gradients for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), standardized voting compartments, and clear, visible signage to guide voters.
To boost voter awareness, the Commission has directed the installation of four standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFP) at every polling station.
These posters will provide essential information such as polling station details, candidate lists, voting guidelines, approved identity documents, and the voting procedure. In a bid to provide additional support, Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) manned by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or other officials will be set up at all polling locations.
These booths will help voters locate their polling booth number and their serial number on the electoral roll, with clear signage to ensure easy accessibility. As a new security measure, the ECI has introduced a mobile phone deposit system outside polling station entrances.
Voters will be required to hand over their switched-off mobile phones to designated volunteers before entering and collect them after voting, to prevent unauthorized recording and preserve ballot secrecy.
The Commission stressed that all these provisions are mandatory and will be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence. Election officials have been instructed to complete all necessary arrangements well before the polling dates to provide a smooth, dignified, and hassle-free voting experience for all citizens. This announcement comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on November 6 and November 11, alongside bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14.
The ECI’s directives reaffirm its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and inclusive elections, strengthening the democratic process by making voting accessible, transparent, and secure for every eligible voter.
