ECI’s New Voter-Centric Innovations Succeed in By-Elections

Mobile Deposit Facility, Enhanced VTR System, and 100% Webcasting Implemented

Mumbai : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully implemented several innovative voter-centric initiatives during recent by-elections held in five legislative assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal. These innovations, executed over the past four months under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Dyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, mark a significant step toward enhancing voter convenience, transparency, and data accuracy.

The by-elections were conducted in 1,354 polling stations across the following constituencies:

• 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Vishwadar in Gujarat
• 35-Nilambur in Kerala
• 64-Ludhiana West in Punjab
• 80-Kaligunj in West Bengal

Key Innovations Implemented:

🔹 Mobile Deposit Facility:
For the first time, voters were provided with a secure place to deposit their mobile phones at each polling station. This addressed a common concern, especially for senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities, who were unsure where to keep their phones before entering the polling booths. Simple lockers or storage bags were used, monitored by volunteers.

🔹 Enhanced VTR (Voter Turnout Reporting) System:
Earlier, voter turnout data was collected manually via phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps. In this election, updates were made every two hours directly through the ECINET app. Final data was uploaded by the presiding officer before leaving the polling station, reducing delays. In no-network areas, data was recorded offline and later synchronized.

🔹 100% Webcasting:
Except for a single exception, live webcasting of the polling process was conducted from every polling station. This ensured full transparency. Special monitoring teams at the RO (Returning Officer), DEO (District Election Officer), and CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) levels closely supervised the webcasts.

🔹 Special Summary Revision (SSR) of Electoral Rolls:
For the first time in nearly 20 years, a special summary revision of electoral rolls was undertaken before the by-elections to ensure updated and accurate voter data.

The successful implementation of these initiatives is expected to serve as a guiding model for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, the ECI noted in an official press release.