ECI Strengthens Security for West Bengal Vote Counting

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed 165 Additional Counting Observers and 77 Police Observers to oversee the final stages of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. This move, executed under Article 324 of the Constitution, aims to ensure a transparent and intimidation-free counting process. While the Additional Observers will assist in constituencies with multiple counting halls, the Police Observers are tasked with maintaining a strict security perimeter. To enhance integrity, the ECI has mandated QR code-based Photo IDs for all personnel and prohibited mobile phones inside the halls for everyone except the Returning Officer and Counting Observers.