The Election Commission (EC) has asked all district returning officers to set up five to ten ‘model polling stations’ (MPS) with good infrastructure, waiting lounge and token system to avoid voters standing in long queues.
These booths will have a display system as in bank counters, providing information on the length of the queue outside, using an SMS-based system.
The MPS is to address the disenchantment among voters in urban areas. In a circular issued to all district returning officers on April 2, officer on special duty Ponnuraj, office of the Chief Electoral Officer, said elections in India are a mega event where the largest number of people exercise their franchise. “The world is curious about how India conducts elections effectively on such a scale. People from around the world are watching keenly,” he said.
“Preparing infrastructure is a demanding job. The EC has been giving emphasis on providing basic facilities at all polling stations to cater to the needs of polling personnel as well as voters,” Ponnuraj said.
According to the EC guidelines, the MPS will have sufficient external space to provide shade from the scorching sun for 400-500 voters and adequate internal space. BBMP is expected to set up 75-100 such booths in its three constituencies and 5-10 in each parliamentary constituency, he added.
Chamarajanagar DRO A M Kanjappa said they are setting up five such model booths.