ECI | DD News

April 30, 2026 4:54 PM

ECI introduces QR code-based ID system to secure counting centres

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system to enhance security and prevent unauthorised access at counting centres during elections. The new system will be implemented starting May 4, during the counting of votes for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, as well as bye-elections in seven constituencies across five states. The poll body said the mechanism will subsequently be extended to all future Lok S...

April 29, 2026 9:12 PM

West Bengal records highest-ever voter turnout since Independence; Phase 2 election sees 91.66% polling

West Bengal has recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with an impressive 91.66% polling in Phase two of the Assembly elections on Wednesday, said the Election Commission of India (ECI). Polling for Phase-II began at 7:00 AM and continued till evening, with voter participation reaching 91.66% by 7:45 PM. Combined with Phase-I turnout of 93.19%, the overall polling percentage across the first two phases stands at a record 92.47%, surpassing the previous high of 84.72% record...

April 27, 2026 9:47 PM

West Bengal assembly elections: Poll crackdown intensifies as seizures cross Rs 510 crore

Seizures of illicit inducements in West Bengal have crossed ₹510 crore ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, marking a significant escalation in enforcement action by the Election Commission of India (ECI). According to ECI, the total value of seizures in the state reached ₹510.10 crore between February 26 and April 27, surpassing the ₹339 crore recorded during the 2021 Assembly elections. The seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other inducements intended to influen...

April 17, 2026 5:54 PM

Poll seizures cross Rs 865 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of assembly elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday said seizures related to election-related violations have crossed ₹865 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal as enforcement measures intensify ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The Commission had announced the poll schedule on March 15 for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections, and directed strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Massive enforcement drive under...

April 6, 2026 4:10 PM

ECI mandates pre-certification of print ads ahead of 2026 assembly polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made pre-certification of political advertisements in print media mandatory during the immediate pre-poll period and on polling day for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections. The directive applies to elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where polling is scheduled in phases later this month. According to the poll body, no political party, candidate, organisation or individual will be allowed to publish ad...

April 5, 2026 3:24 PM

ECI steps up vigil ahead of assembly elections, bypolls; seizures cross Rs 650 crore

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said seizures related to cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements have crossed ₹650 crore ahead of the upcoming assembly elections and bypolls across multiple states. According to the Commission, enforcement agencies have seized assets worth ₹651.51 crore since the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26. The seizures include cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals and other freebies aimed at influencing...

April 4, 2026 3:39 PM

Election Commission launches ECINet KYC feature to help voters check candidates’ background

Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and by-elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged voters to make informed choices by using the “Know Your Candidates” (KYC) module available on its ECINet platform. The Commission had earlier announced the poll schedule on March 15 for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with by-elections in several constituencies across multiple states. Over 1,900 Candidates in Fray According to the ECI, ...

April 2, 2026 5:37 PM

ECI bars exit polls, reiterates 48-hour silence period ahead of Assembly elections

With polling for Assembly and bye-elections across multiple states scheduled through April, the Election Commission of India on Thursday reiterated restrictions on the dissemination of election-related content during the mandatory 48-hour “silence period”. The poll body also imposed a ban on exit polls from April 9 to April 29, covering the entire duration of the elections. As per the notified schedule, polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9, followed by Tamil Nadu...

March 23, 2026 5:20 PM

ECI allots digital time vouchers to parties for DD, AIR broadcasts ahead of Assembly polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allocated broadcast and telecast time to recognised National and State political parties on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The Commission, exercising its powers under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has issued directions in this regard. According to an official statement, digital time vouchers have been provided through an IT...

March 22, 2026 1:30 PM

ECI prepares all polling stations with AMFs and voter assistance for 2026 elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15, 2026. In preparation, the Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective States and Union Territories to ensure that all 2,18,807 polling stations are equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and voter assistance on polling day....