Kochi, March 6 (IANS). The Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted a detailed review of the preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi took stock of the election arrangements during his three-day visit to Kochi.
The visit is considered important in the final preparation phase for the elections, as the term of the state assembly ends on May 23, 2026 and voting is likely to take place in April 2026.
During the review, the Commission met representatives of recognized national parties such as Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and regional parties such as Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M) and Revolutionary Socialist Party. Suggestions were sought from the parties and their issues were discussed.
Most of the political parties appreciated the ECI for the peaceful and smooth process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Many parties also praised the work of the Block Level Officer (BLO). CEC Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that the SIR has been conducted with complete transparency. Its objective is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included in the list. He said Forms 6, 7 and 8 can still be submitted and appeal can be made to the DM/CEO under the Representation of the People Act 1950.
The parties urged to keep local festivals in mind while deciding the election dates. There were demands to provide special facilities, such as ramps, wheelchairs and drinking water, for elderly and disabled voters. Parties expressed concern over strict ban on misuse of money power, liquor and freebies and misuse of AI and synthetic content to vitiate the electoral environment.
The CEC assured all parties that the elections would be free, fair, without discrimination and in accordance with the law. He called for using C-VIGIL app of ECINET platform for complaints of Model Code of Conduct violations. He appealed to make Kerala elections an example for the entire country and the world.
Later the Commission held a detailed meeting with heads of enforcement agencies, IGs, DIGs, DEOs and SPs on EVM management, logistics, staff training, seizure, law and order, voter awareness and outreach. The Commission gave instructions to work impartially and be strict on inducement activities. All DEOs were ordered to ensure minimum facilities (AME) at polling stations.
–IANS
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