India’s Election Reforms in Action: Key Innovations Rolled Out in Bye-Polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a series of landmark reforms during the June 2025 bye-elections in five Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal. These innovations — including a mobile deposit facility, real-time voter turnout reporting, and 100% webcasting at polling stations — represent a major step forward in improving transparency, voter convenience, and election management efficiency ahead of upcoming major polls, including the Bihar Assembly Elections.

Why in News?

The June 2025 bye-polls mark the first-time rollout of several tech-driven and voter-friendly initiatives by the Election Commission of India. The successful implementation in constituencies across four states not only validates these reforms but also sets the stage for their wider adoption in future elections, including the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Bye-Poll Constituencies Covered

• Gujarat: 24-Kadi (SC), 87-Visavadar
• Kerala: 35-Nilambur
• Punjab: 64-Ludhiana West
• West Bengal: 80-Kaliganj
• Total Polling Stations: 1,354

Major First-Time Initiatives Introduced by ECI

Mobile Deposit Facility

• Voters were able to safely deposit mobile phones at polling stations.
• Simple jute bags or pigeonhole boxes were used.
• Volunteers facilitated the process, especially aiding senior citizens, women, and PwD voters.
• Promoted a distraction-free and secure voting environment.

Upgraded Voter Turnout (VTR) Sharing

• Real-time data entry by Presiding Officers via the ECINET App every 2 hours.
• Final data now entered before leaving the polling station, instead of hours later.
• Reduces delays, increases accuracy and transparency in turnout reporting.
• Works offline too, syncing once network connectivity resumes.

100% Webcasting at Polling Stations

• Enabled constant surveillance of poll-day activities.
• Monitored at multiple levels — Returning Officer (RO), District Electoral Officer (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
• Only one polling station missed webcasting due to technical limitations.

Mock Poll Training for Presiding Officers

• Individualized training sessions to ensure flawless poll execution.

Special Summary Revision (SSR) of Electoral Rolls

• First time in nearly two decades before bye-polls.
• Ensured that electoral rolls were updated and accurate.

Significance

• Enhances voter trust, improves election integrity, and streamlines logistics.
• Aligns with Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar’s reform-oriented vision.
• Lays the groundwork for adopting these best practices in larger state and national elections.