New Delhi, 19 June 2025 — In a significant step towards enhancing transparency, efficiency, and voter convenience, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully implemented several pioneering initiatives during the bye-elections held today across five Assembly Constituencies (ACs). These included 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Visavadar in Gujarat, 35-Nilambur in Kerala, 64-Ludhiana West in Punjab, and 80-Kaliganj in West Bengal. A total of 1354 polling stations were involved in these by-elections.
The ECI, under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, introduced a series of “firsts” aimed at enhancing the voting experience and streamlining the administration of polling processes. These measures not only ensured seamless electoral procedures but also set a strong precedent for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections.
Major Initiatives and Their Significance
1. Mobile Deposit Facility at All Polling Stations
In a move that prioritizes voter convenience, especially for senior citizens, women, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) voters, ECI provided mobile deposit facilities at all polling booths. Voters could safely deposit their mobile phones in designated pigeonhole boxes or jute bags before entering polling stations. Volunteers were stationed at entrances to guide voters through the process. This addressed a longstanding concern about where to keep personal phones during the polling process, enabling more secure and accessible participation.
2. Real-Time Voter Turnout Updates via Upgraded VTR Process
The Voter Turnout Reporting (VTR) process received a much-needed upgrade. For the first time, Presiding Officers at each polling station directly updated the voter turnout figures through the ECINET App every two hours. This eliminated earlier delays caused by manual data relay via Sector Officers and phone-based reporting systems.
Critically, the Presiding Officers were instructed to update the final voter turnout data into the system immediately after poll closure—before vacating the polling station—thus enabling accurate polling percentages to be published by evening, not late night or the next day as was previously the case. In areas with weak or no connectivity, the data could be entered offline and synced later.
3. 100% Webcasting Coverage of Polling Stations
Demonstrating an unyielding commitment to electoral transparency, ECI ensured 100% webcasting of poll-day activities across all polling stations—with just one exception due to technical constraints. Real-time footage was monitored at various administrative levels: Returning Officer (RO), District Election Officer (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), to ensure smooth conduct of polls and immediate redressal of any irregularities.
Special Summary Revision (SSR) Conducted Pre-Poll
For the first time in almost two decades, a Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls was undertaken specifically for the bye-polls. This step ensured that updated and accurate voter information was available, enhancing electoral credibility and accessibility.
Presiding Officers Receive Enhanced Training
All Presiding Officers underwent individual mock poll training, ensuring they were well-prepared to handle new responsibilities like direct VTR entry and webcasting management. This initiative improved overall poll-day efficiency and reduced errors in data reporting.
Implications for Future Elections
The successful deployment of these initiatives marks a transformative phase for India’s electoral machinery. The new systems will be fully rolled out in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, representing a significant shift towards technology-driven, voter-friendly, and transparent elections.
The ECI’s efforts not only aim to foster a better polling experience but also align with India’s larger democratic goals of inclusivity, accuracy, and accessibility. By reducing delays, increasing transparency, and easing voter participation, the ECI sets a benchmark in electoral innovation.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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