Kerala CPI(M) Demands Voting Rights for Election Staff

The CPI(M) in Kerala has raised concerns over the voting rights of election staff ahead of the April 9 assembly polls, urging the Election Commission to address critical issues. The party criticized the complexities and ambiguities in the newly introduced postal ballot system.

According to a memorandum by CPI(M) Kerala secretary M V Govindan, the lack of timely delivered ballot papers at facilitation centers has resulted in many officials being unable to cast their votes. Additionally, the party alleged that unnecessary verification layers and inadequate voting facilities pose significant challenges.

Highlighting the potential for large-scale disenfranchisement, the CPI(M) called for extending postal ballot application deadlines and establishing sufficient facilitation centers. The party also urged the commission to address the voting difficulties faced by essential service employees.