New Delhi, April 29: In a decisive move to protect the integrity of the democratic process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has outlined seven cardinal principles for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections (WBLA-2026). These principles are non-negotiable and must be rigorously enforced by all election-related agencies in West Bengal.
Here are the key directives:
1. Fearless Voting: Every citizen must be able to vote without fear or intimidation. To foster public trust, area domination, route marches, and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) are actively being carried out, particularly in vulnerable areas.
2. No Intimidation. Any form of threat, coercion, or voter pressure is deemed a criminal offense. The police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are proactively identifying potential intimidators and known offenders for preemptive action.
3. Zero Tolerance for Violence. There will be an absolute zero-tolerance policy for any form of election-related violence. The authorities are prepared with swift FIR registration protocols, quick-response teams, and 24/7 surveillance to prevent any disruptions before, during, or after the voting process.
4. No Inducements Offering cash, alcohol, gifts, or any other incentives to influence voters is strictly prohibited under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Flying Squad Teams (FSTs), Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs), and police personnel are conducting thorough checks to curb such malpractices.
5. No Booth Jamming. Any attempt to disrupt or obstruct genuine voters, through overcrowding, unlawful gatherings, or deliberate queuing, will result in immediate legal action. The forces will be responsible for maintaining orderly queues at polling stations.
6. No Source Jamming: Any efforts to sabotage the election process will be met with swift and decisive action, ensuring the smooth flow of the electoral system.
7. No ‘Chhapa’ Voting: Acts such as proxy voting, impersonation, or organized bogus voting are considered severe electoral offenses. Stringent verification measures and the deployment of micro-observers will ensure that the principle of one person, one vote is upheld.
Directive to Authorities: All District Election Machinery, Police, and CAPF personnel are instructed to adhere to these principles strictly. Any violations will be dealt with harshly under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Representation of the People Act (RP Act) 1951, and the Election Commission’s guidelines.
Democracy thrives when these principles are upheld. The ECI remains committed to ensuring that the WBLA-2026 elections are free, fair, and transparent.
