An Election Commission (EC) team, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, is set to visit Mumbai from September 26 to September 28, 2024, aimed at assessing preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. This visit underscores the heightened political activity in the state, with a commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across 288 constituencies.
The 14-member delegation will engage with key stakeholders, including senior government officials, enforcement agencies, and political party representatives. Their primary goal is to evaluate the readiness for the polls, focusing on electoral rolls, polling station logistics, security measures, and effective voter outreach initiatives.
Prior to this, the team conducted a similar review in Jharkhand, with announcements regarding election schedules for both Maharashtra and Jharkhand expected soon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has indicated that elections may be scheduled for mid-November.
An official involved in the preparations noted that the delegation will arrive in Mumbai late Thursday and will meet with officials from the Chief Electoral Officer on Friday, including district election officers and police superintendents. Discussions will cover essential topics related to voter registration, electronic voting machines (EVMs), and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.
The officer indicated, “While elections were conducted in a single phase during the last three elections, consideration is being given to whether the current Commission will opt for multiple phases this year. It’s likely the elections could unfold in two to three phases.”
Maharashtra, home to over 9.5 crore registered voters, is anticipated to be a focal point in this election, with the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP coalition facing challenges from opposition parties, including Congress, NCP(SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT). Recent political shifts, including internal divisions within leading parties and the rise of smaller parties, are likely to shape the electoral dynamics.
The Election Commission’s visit will also assess its strategies aimed at enhancing the inclusivity of the electoral process, focusing on increasing voter registration among young people, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
Published – September 26, 2024 07:22 am IST
