EC deploys 5 external officers for West Bengal EVM FLC to ensure fair polls.

• Election Commission appointed 5 nodal officers from outside West Bengal for First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
• The FLC process ensures reliability and impartiality of EVMs, involving technical checks by engineers and political party representatives.
• This move aims to ensure transparency and neutrality in the election process, especially given the politically sensitive nature of West Bengal elections.
• New rules will feature candidate photographs on EVMs to reduce voter confusion and aid identification.
• The number of polling booths is expected to increase significantly, from over 80,000 in 2021 to potentially over 90,000 for the next elections.

Why It Matters: External officers ensure transparent EVM checks in West Bengal, vital for election integrity.