New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued detailed directions to all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure a smooth and accessible voting experience.

The Commission has mandated that all 2,18,807 polling stations across the country are equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and comprehensive voter assistance on polling day. AMFs include drinking water, shaded waiting areas, clean toilets with water, adequate lighting, ramps for PwD voters, standard voting compartments, and clear signage. Additional seating will be provided at regular intervals in queues to allow voters to rest while waiting.

To enhance voter awareness, the ECI has directed the display of four standard Voter Facilitation Posters (VFPs) at every polling station. These posters will provide details of the polling station, a list of candidates, approved identification documents, the voting process, and polling do’s and don’ts.

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Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) will be set up at all polling stations, staffed with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or election officials to help voters locate their polling booth numbers and serial numbers in the electoral roll. The VABs will feature prominent signage for easy visibility.

In a notable initiative, a mobile phone deposit facility will be available outside polling station entrances. Voters can deposit their switched-off phones with a designated volunteer before entering and collect them after voting, ensuring security and focus inside the polling premises.

The ECI emphasises that provisioning of AMFs and accessibility measures is mandatory and will be strictly monitored. Field officials have been instructed to complete all preparations well in advance to guarantee a seamless, safe, and voter-friendly election experience.

ANI