Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.) : The Election Commission has stepped up preparations to prevent malpractice, bogus voting and possible booth capturing during the West Bengal Assembly elections, issuing a series of strict directives on voter slip distribution, identity verification and rechecking of electoral rolls.

The effectiveness of these measures will face its first major test during the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23.

Under the Commission’s instructions, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will distribute voter slips through door-to-door visits. If the concerned voter is not present at home, the slip may be handed over only after verifying the identity of an adult family member.

Officials have also been directed to obtain signatures in the distribution register after handing over voter slips. The practice of giving multiple slips to a single individual on behalf of several voters has been prohibited.

If a voter is not found at the listed residence and the slip cannot be delivered, the BLO must record the details. This information will be shared with the Presiding Officer at the polling station on voting day.

The Commission has further directed that if any voter arrives at a polling booth without a voter slip, his or her identity documents will be subjected to special scrutiny. Officials may also ask why the slip was not received.

Electoral rolls will also undergo a final review to identify absent, missing, deceased or duplicate names. During slip distribution, BLOs have been asked to verify whether the person listed in the voter roll is actually residing at the address mentioned.

The collected information will be forwarded to the Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer and will also be made available to the Presiding Officer at the polling station.

Officials believe these measures will significantly reduce the chances of impersonation and fraudulent voting during the elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh