After the success of model polling stations that were set up during the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, the Delhi Election Office will now replicate the same for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in all 70 Assembly constituencies. “The model polling stations that were set up not only improved polling infrastructure but it also enhanced the voting experience,” said Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Dev on Wednesday.

“We will look at the parameters even in the normal polling stations and make sure there are basic facilities such as drinking water, shelter from the sun and proper queuing arrangements,” he said, especially since the country will go to polls at the onset of the summer months. However, voters will be requested to leave their mobile phones at home before heading out to exercise their franchise.

Mr. Dev also said that a new campaign that will ensure a better poll day experience for differently-abled persons will be put in place. “We will work with civil society organisations and NGOs working with differently-abled person to ensure a pleasant voting experience,” he said.

With the Model Code of Conduct enforced on Wednesday, Mr. Dev said a “level playing field for all stakeholders” will be provided so the elections are “clean” and the atmosphere “conducive”. “We appeal to political parties to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and cooperate with us. We will also be scrutinising poll promises made in the manifestos of political parties, which will be brought under the MCC, and check if there are ways of achieving such promises,” he said.

Source: The Hindu