ECI begins preparations for Maharashtra, Arunachal elections

The Election Commission of India today took stock of the election preparedness in Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh, where assembly elections are scheduled to be completed by early November.
 
"We have taken stock of the preparedness in Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh where the election process has to be completed by early November. Shortly we will begin a series of visits to these states," Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla said after a meeting with the election officials of the two states here.
 
Some last-mile problems like missing names in photo electoral rolls were discussed in the meeting, he said.
 
Ruing the low turn-out in the general elections in Mumbai, Chawla said: "We are trying to increase the photo electoral roll and EPIC coverage, besides other last mile irritations to enhance the turn-out in Mumbai".
 
Referring to the ECI's emphasis on disabled voters, he said they are following the spirit of the apex court's ruling on provision of ramps in polling centres and use of Braille-equipped voting machines.
 
"We have made some progress in bringing the Braille literate people to vote. We are trying to ensure that every disabled person reach the polling centre and vote," he added.