Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 24: The Election Commission of India on Thursday issued fresh post-poll guidelines for the West Bengal Assembly elections, introducing strict protocols for handling surveillance cameras and video data after voting concludes.

According to officials, SD cards from polling booth cameras cannot be removed immediately after voting ends. Only the cameras may be dismounted, and they must remain under the supervision of the sector officer until further processing.

“The SD cards can be removed only at the designated Data Collection and Receiving Centre in the presence of the Assistant Returning Officer,” an election official said.

The Commission has directed that all video footage captured during polling be preserved in a secure and systematic manner. It has also made it mandatory for polling personnel and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to remain at the polling station until the camera equipment is completely dismantled.

Meanwhile, a trial run of webcasting arrangements for the second phase of polling will be conducted from 10 am on Friday in three shifts, officials said.

The first phase of polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly was held on Thursday, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.