Will Webcasting Precision Be the Key Focus for ECI in the 2026 Bengal Assembly Elections?
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Synopsis
In a bid to improve the integrity of the electoral process, the ECI is prioritizing webcasting accuracy for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. With previous lapses identified, the Commission is implementing critical measures to ensure a smooth and reliable webcasting experience during the polls.
Key Takeaways
- Webcasting accuracy is crucial for electoral transparency.
- The ECI plans to implement strict measures to improve webcasting reliability.
- Camera quality and placement are essential factors in ensuring functional webcasting.
- Continuous monitoring will be conducted during the polling process.
- Learning from past experiences will enhance public trust in elections.
Kolkata, Oct 13 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has prioritized the accuracy of webcasting as a primary goal for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. To this end, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has been instructed to commence proactive measures aimed at reinforcing the system.
According to officials from the CEO's office, this directive stems from internal assessments indicating that webcasting was non-operational for periods ranging from two to four hours at various polling booths during each phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state.
The findings revealed that the highest instances of malfunction occurred in nine Lok Sabha constituencies that participated in the final phase of voting on June 1, 2024. These include Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat (North 24 Parganas); Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, and Jadavpur (South 24 Parganas); alongside Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar (Kolkata district).
In response, the Commission has put forth initial recommendations to guarantee 100 percent webcasting accuracy in all booths for the 2026 assembly elections.
The first recommendation involves camera procurement, stressing that equipment must be obtained solely from vendors known for their reliability, and each camera's operational quality should be confirmed prior to installation.
The second recommendation is about the positioning of cameras. It advises against placing cameras in areas directly exposed to harsh sunlight or heat, as many devices reportedly failed during the 2024 elections due to overheating.
The third recommendation highlights the importance of ensuring that camera lenses remain unobstructed throughout the polling period, a concern identified in prior elections.
Finally, the Commission emphasizes the necessity of continuous monitoring to confirm that webcasting remains functional throughout the voting process.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the ECI's commitment to enhancing electoral transparency. The focus on webcasting precision not only addresses past shortcomings but also reinforces public trust in the democratic process. The measures being adopted are essential for ensuring an accountable and transparent electoral environment.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of webcasting in elections?
Webcasting plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability during elections by providing real-time visual access to polling activities.
What issues were identified in the previous elections regarding webcasting?
Previous elections experienced significant webcasting outages, with non-functionality reported for two to four hours across various polling booths.
What measures is the ECI implementing for the upcoming elections?
The ECI is focusing on camera procurement, optimal placement, lens obstruction prevention, and continuous monitoring to ensure effective webcasting.
How does camera placement affect webcasting reliability?
Improper camera placement, especially in areas exposed to heat, can lead to equipment malfunctions, impacting the webcasting quality.
Will the new measures guarantee 100% webcasting accuracy?
While the measures aim for 100% accuracy, ongoing monitoring and quality checks will be essential to achieving this goal during the elections.
