Kolkata: International delegates visiting polling stations in West Bengal on Thursday praised the arrangements as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.
A delegate who visited a polling booth in the Kurseong Assembly constituency appreciated facilities such as crèche services, drinking water, and health check-up camps.
“Wonderful… systematic, very well managed,” a delegate said, as quoted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in a post on X.
In another post, the ECI said an international delegate appreciated the seamless arrangements at a polling station in Simulbari under the Kurseong Assembly constituency, describing the setup as “festive, inclusive, accessible, and voter-friendly.”
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal said that international delegates and ECI representatives were welcomed at polling stations, including Paul Choudhury Tribal Hindi High School in Matigara in Darjeeling district.
A total of 13 delegates from countries including Namibia, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Kenya, along with representatives from International IDEA, are visiting West Bengal to observe the conduct of the elections.
The IEVP is a flagship initiative of the ECI aimed at strengthening international cooperation and engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and global organisations.
Under the theme “Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv,” the delegates observed the security protocols and administrative mechanisms underpinning the electoral process.
West Bengal is witnessing a two-phase election for its 294 Assembly seats. The first phase covers 152 constituencies, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29. According to the ECI, a total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray in this phase.
The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The state is set to witness a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which won 77 seats in the previous election and is aiming to form the government.
(DD News)
