West Bengal Elections: ECI Engages Videographers for 'Shadow Zones' Monitoring
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has appointed expert videographers to record polling activities in identified 'shadow zones' of West Bengal ahead of the critical two-phase Assembly elections. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and security amid concerns of electoral malpractice.
Key Takeaways
Expert videographers appointed to monitor polling in 'shadow zones.' 'Shadow zones' defined by poor connectivity affecting online surveillance.
Videographers will be accompanied by CAPF personnel for security.
Recorded content will be sent to district control rooms for scrutiny.
A total of 625 shadow zones identified, with significant electoral malpractice reported in past elections.
Kolkata, April 18 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) designated expert videographers to meticulously document the polling events at booths located in 'shadow zones' during the upcoming crucial two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, set to take place later this month.
The ECI has defined 'shadow zones' as areas with inadequate mobile network and internet connectivity, which can hinder effective online monitoring of the election process. This move aims to ensure transparency and security in the polling activities.
According to inside sources from the Commission, these ECI-appointed videographers will be accompanied by personnel from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to prevent any disruptions to the videography by anti-social elements linked to powerful interests.
Furthermore, arrangements have been made for the recorded videography to be periodically transmitted online from any nearby 'non-shadow zone' to the district control rooms at the offices of the district magistrates and electoral officers, as well as to the central control room at the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in Kolkata.
Based on the analysis of the recorded videography by ECI observers, the Commission will determine whether any 'shadow zone' booths will require re-polling.
An official from the West Bengal CEO’s office revealed that 625 'shadow zones' have been identified by the Commission so far.
In the first phase of polling on April 23, these shadow zones primarily encompass remote hilly areas in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, along with tribal regions in Jangalmahal scattered across Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore, and Jhargram districts. Additionally, the thickly forested areas of the Sunderbans in South 24 Parganas will also feature shadow zones.
Reports gathered by the Commission have indicated that previous elections saw the highest occurrences of electoral malpractices, such as booth jamming and voter intimidation, particularly in these 'shadow zones'.
On Friday, the Commission disclosed that the number of counting centers for the two-phase elections later this month will be reduced to 87, down from 90 in 2016 and 108 in 2021.
Of the 87 counting centers, the majority will be located in South 24 Parganas with 12, followed by 8 in North 24 Parganas and 6 in Hooghly. The least number of centers will be in Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jhargram, with one each.
Point of View
The Election Commission's decision to deploy expert videographers in 'shadow zones' reflects a strong commitment to electoral integrity. This move is a critical step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process, especially in areas prone to malpractices.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 'shadow zones' in the context of the elections?
'Shadow zones' are areas identified by the Election Commission of India where poor mobile network and internet connectivity hinder effective online monitoring of polling activities.
What role will the videographers play during the elections?
The appointed videographers will document the entire polling process in 'shadow zones' to ensure transparency and security, and prevent any electoral malpractices.
How will the recorded content be monitored?
The recorded videography will be periodically sent online to district control rooms and the central control room in Kolkata for scrutiny by ECI observers.
How many 'shadow zones' have been identified?
The Election Commission has identified a total of 625 'shadow zones' across various districts for the upcoming elections.
What changes have been made to counting centers for this election?
The number of counting centers has been reduced to 87 for the upcoming two-phase elections, down from 90 in 2016 and 108 in 2021.
