Kerala Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar stated that by the conclusion of the scrutiny process, there will be approximately 1,254 candidates remaining.
He further indicated that the logistics necessary for this extensive democratic undertaking were in place.
Detailing the preparations, Kelkar informed reporters that 1.75 lakh polling officials have been appointed and are presently undergoing thorough training in various districts.
He also noted that the EC has launched “E Vidya,” an online training platform.
The poll panel is placing significant focus on inclusivity and transparency, and aims to facilitate voting from home to maintain integrity, he added.
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For the first time, media personnel will be allowed to use postal ballots, the CEO shared.
For security during the election, the EC has requested 145 companies of central forces to monitor 30,471 polling stations, especially the 2,040 booths deemed sensitive, according to Kelkar.
On the voter demographics, he mentioned that there is a substantial electorate of 2,71,42,952 voters—1,32,20,811 men, 1,39,21,868 women, and 273 transgender voters.
The overseas voter count stands at 2,42,093, comprising 2,04,218 men, 37,867 women, and 8 transgenders, the CEO mentioned.
Additionally, there are 53,984 service voters, including 51,330 men and 2,654 women.
A special campaign targeting the 18-30 age demographic is planned to help boost turnout to 85 percent this time.
In light of recent controversies, the CEO also addressed the “BJP seal” incident on official forms.
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He acknowledged that it was an “unacceptable oversight” occurring on March 19, confirming that all political parties were informed by March 21 and the mistake has been corrected.
The official responsible for the error has been suspended, and a high-level inquiry led by Special Secretary P B Nooh is expected to be completed within 48 hours, Kelkar clarified.
Regarding the removal of certain news content from social media by police, the CEO explained that such actions have been taken to limit the spread of misleading and potentially harmful information related to the assembly elections.
Concerning the controversial “Hindu MLA” comment made recently by BJP candidate B Gopalakrishnan, Kelkar stated that the video has already been ordered for removal from social media, and legal counsel has been sought to determine if a statement made prior to the official nomination filing violates the Model Code of Conduct.
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