Mon Dec 15 04:45:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed five nodal officers from other states to oversee the first-level checking (FLC) of electronic voting machines (EVMs). These officers will serve as observers at different FLC venues. The ECI is also implementing a rule to display candidate images on EVMs. The number of polling booths is expected to increase by over 10,000 from the 2021 elections, which had over 80,000 booths.

News Article:

Election Commission Appoints Observers for EVM Checks Ahead of West Bengal Polls

Kolkata, December 15, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the appointment of five nodal officers from various states to oversee the crucial first-level checking (FLC) of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in preparation for the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for next year.

According to a statement released by the ECI on Sunday, the five officers, Shania Kayem Mize (Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (Maharashtra), P K Boro (Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (Mizoram), and Kanishka Kumar (ECI), will serve as observers at different FLC venues across the state. Their primary responsibility will be to ensure the integrity and proper functioning of the EVMs before they are deployed for the election.

“The Election Commission is committed to conducting free and fair elections,” stated an ECI official. “These appointments are a vital step in ensuring the transparency and accuracy of the voting process.”

In addition to the observer appointments, the ECI confirmed that it would introduce a new rule requiring the display of candidate images on the EVMs. This initiative aims to further enhance voter awareness and minimize the risk of mistaken identity.

Officials also anticipate a significant increase in the number of polling booths for the upcoming elections. The 2021 elections saw over 80,000 booths, and preliminary enumeration suggests this number will rise by over 10,000. This expansion reflects the ECI’s commitment to ensuring accessible and efficient voting for all eligible citizens of West Bengal.

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