The Left party also expressed concerns over flaws and confusion surrounding the postal ballot system.
In a memorandum submitted to the state Chief Electoral Officer, CPI(M) Kerala secretary M V Govindan stated that the newly implemented system, replacing the previous postal voting mechanism, is “complicated and fraught with uncertainties”.
The party accused the authorities of showing “complete indifference” towards providing voting facilities for polling officials, employees involved in election duties, and those in essential services.
It claimed that ballot papers have not been delivered to facilitation centres on time, leading many officials who attempted to vote starting April 1 to leave without casting their ballots.
In various instances, secondary training centres also lacked ballot papers, denying many the chance to vote, it claimed.
The CPI(M) further contended that delays were exacerbated by “unnecessary” multiple verification steps, with nodal officers rechecking ballot papers already verified by returning officers.
Also Read: Iran US Israel War LIVE Updates
Due to these challenges, many officials may need to travel substantial distances to their designated constituencies to vote, potentially discouraging participation, the memorandum stated, noting that in many cases, no duty leave has been granted for this purpose.
The party also highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the number and location of facilitation centres, despite authorities indicating that such centres would be established at distribution points.
It mentioned that several officials, including those with late duty assignments, have been unable to apply for postal ballots, and alleged that returning officers have generally adopted a negative stance despite having the authority to extend application deadlines.
The CPI(M) criticized the CEO for failing to issue “uniform and transparent” guidelines on postal ballots, which it claimed has contributed to the confusion.
The party called on the Election Commission to release data concerning the total number of officials on election duty and those who have applied for postal ballots.
Emphasizing the challenges faced by employees in essential services, the CPI(M) stated that requiring them to travel to their home constituencies to vote and then return to duty is impractical, especially without assurance that ballots would be available there.
Also Read: Bihar hooch tragedy: 5 killed, 12 arrested; Opposition slam NDA govt, probe underway
Claiming that the current scenario could lead to widespread disenfranchisement, the party urged the Commission to extend the deadline for applying for postal ballots and ensure that facilitation centres are established at all returning officers’ offices, enabling personnel to vote from any constituency.
It also requested sufficient facilitation centres at distribution points and the reinstatement of previous provisions that allowed ballot papers to be submitted at counting centres on polling day.
The CPI(M) further demanded that facilitation centres remain operational even after April 9 and that postal ballots be mailed to all eligible voters who have not yet received them.
“The Election Commission’s responsibility is to uphold voting rights, not to deny them based on technicalities,” the Left memorandum concluded.
