From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday showcased the last round of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections to the foreign poll bodies in a virtual mode as part of its international outreach to familiarise them with the electoral system and processes adopted in the world’s largest democracy.
Called the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), it provides an opportunity to the EC to share the best practices and experience of the conduct of the poll process, along with the steps to ensure compliance of the Covid-19 protocols, an EC statement said.
More than 135 delegates from over 26 countries including Australia, Kenya, Bhutan, Guyana, Maldives, Mauritius, Mngolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Romania, Tanzania, Uzbekistan and Zambia as also four international organisations — including International Foundation of Electoral Systems, Association of World Election Bodies and Community of Democracies — participated in the event.
Ambassadors, high commissioners and other members of the diplomatic corps based in India from 20 countries also joined the virtual event.
The participants were also showcased a recorded broadcasst from the select polling stations in each of the five states where the polling has taken place as well as live streaming from the polling stations in Varanasi. The idea is to familiarise them with thee polling process, polling station arrangements, use of technology, interaction with various stakeholders, followed by a question-answer session with the Chief Election Commissioner and his two colleague Election Commissioners.
