Poll Webcasting Faces Challenges in Alipurduar Amid Connectivity Issues

MP, ALIPURDUAR, March 25, 2026 : The Election Commission’s mandate for 100% webcasting across all polling stations is posing a significant logistical challenge in Alipurduar district, where poor network connectivity affects several remote areas.

Officials said 53 polling stations—mostly in hilly and forested regions—face connectivity issues, raising concerns about seamless implementation. Webcasting requires cameras at every booth to allow real-time monitoring by the Election Commission, which depends heavily on mobile network availability.

The situation is most critical in the Kalchini Assembly Constituency, where 22 polling stations—including three in the remote Buxa hills—lack reliable mobile coverage. Other affected constituencies include Kumargram (13 stations), Madarihat (12), and Falakata (6). During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, authorities had used satellite phones for communication in such areas, but mandatory webcasting adds a new layer of complexity.

District Election Officer and District Magistrate Mayuri Vasu convened a meeting with telecom providers to address the issue. Providers were given a list of all polling stations and asked to report connectivity and signal strength within two days. Vasu said, “We are working to ensure 100% webcasting as per EC guidelines. Steps will be taken based on the findings to improve coverage in deficient areas. Connectivity has already improved in several locations, so we expect the number of problematic booths to come down.”

Authorities remain hopeful that coordination with telecom operators will resolve connectivity gaps ahead of polling day.

KalimNews: Poll webcasting, introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is a key initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity during elections. It provides 100% live streaming and real-time monitoring of polling stations, allowing officials to oversee the voting process at the Returning Officer (RO), District Election Officer (DEO), and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) levels.

It prevents electoral malpractice, ensures security, and allows live monitoring of voter sequencing.

Increasingly it covers all polling stations, particularly during state assembly elections, to maintain accountability.

Dedicated teams track live feeds at RO, DEO, and CEO levels.

It uses IP-based cameras with audio-video recording, supported by software to monitor live feeds, network status, and potential downtimes.

Digital oversight boosts public confidence in elections, forming a crucial part of transparency measures for the 2026 assembly polls.

This initiative ensures that elections are fair, secure, and fully transparent, leveraging technology to strengthen democratic processes.