New Delhi, March 22,IPU Media Update News : In light of the assembly elections scheduled to take place in four states and one Union Territory next month, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued key directives to ensure that voters face no difficulties whatsoever. The Election Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective states to provide standard amenities at the 218,807 polling stations located across the country.

** ‘Assurance’ for Voters – Mandatory Facilities at Polling Stations! **

With the dual objective of increasing voter turnout and providing a pleasant experience for voters, the Election Commission has released new guidelines under the initiative titled ‘Assured Minimum Facilities’ (AMF).

** Basic Infrastructure for Voters **
Every polling station must be equipped with drinking water, toilet facilities with running water, and a shaded waiting area to provide relief from the sun. Permanent ramps must be constructed to facilitate access for persons with disabilities and the elderly. The EC has further directed that benches be arranged in an orderly manner, spaced at appropriate intervals, so that voters do not have to stand while waiting in line. For the convenience of voters, special counters will be set up outside the polling stations for the safekeeping of mobile phones; voters may deposit their phones at these counters and retrieve them after casting their vote.

** Voter Assistance Booths (VABs) **

A dedicated assistance booth will be established at every polling station. The Booth Level Officers (BLOs) stationed here assist voters in locating their serial numbers and other relevant details. Consequently, voters need not worry or scramble to find their names.

** Information Posters at Polling Stations **

To streamline the voting process, four types of Standard Posters (VFP) are displayed.

*1. Polling station details.

*2. List of candidates.

*3. Voters’ Do’s and Don’ts.

*4. Details regarding the identity cards accepted for casting a vote are made available at the polling stations.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor And Investigative Journalist.