The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged voters to use its ECINET platform to access detailed information about candidates ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and by-elections, while also announcing key measures to enhance voter convenience and security, particularly in West Bengal.
In a statement, the poll body emphasised the importance of informed voting, noting that citizens can access candidates' educational qualifications, criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, and verified social media handles through the "Know Your Candidates" module on ECINET. The platform also allows users to download affidavits (Form 26) and offers services such as voter registration, electoral roll search, grievance redressal, and tools like cVIGIL for reporting violations.
The Commission had earlier announced the election schedule for Assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, along with by-elections across multiple states. A total of 1,955 candidates are in the fray for polls scheduled on April 9, while nomination processes are underway in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In a parallel move to improve voter access, the ECI has approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in West Bengal in areas where the number of voters exceeds 1,200. Additionally, 321 polling stations have been relocated to ensure better accessibility, taking the total number of polling stations in the state to 85,379.
The Commission has directed authorities to widely publicise these changes and ensure that all affected voters are individually informed. Recognised political parties are also to be notified in writing to maintain transparency.
To ensure smooth and secure elections, the ECI is set to deploy a record 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel across the state. A detailed post-poll security plan has also been put in place, with 500 companies of central forces to remain deployed even after the counting of votes on May 4.
Meanwhile, the Commission has raised concerns over the alleged disproportionate deployment of security personnel for leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress. It has directed West Bengal's Director General of Police to conduct a fair and professional review of security allocations within the next few days.
The ECI said these measures are aimed at ensuring transparency, accessibility, and a level playing field in the electoral process.
