EC monitors voting nationwide through body-worn cameras

In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process, the Election Commission (EC) is monitoring voting activities across the country using new technology. 

Special “body-worn cameras” have been attached to members of law enforcement agencies deployed at polling centres. Through these devices, the overall voting situation is being observed live from the Election Building in Agargaon by members of the EC’s Law and Order Coordination Cell.

Such a scenario was observed on Thursday morning during a visit to the central control room set up at the Election Building.

According to the Election Commission, these small cameras have been installed on the uniforms of presiding officers and law enforcement personnel stationed at risky and sensitive polling centres. Through live streaming, footage from each camera is being transmitted directly to the control room via the internet. Officials are not only able to see live visuals but also hear conversations taking place at the centres. Additionally, GPS tracking allows real-time monitoring of officials’ locations on a digital map.

Sources at the control room said that if any large gathering or untoward situation arises at a polling centre, the Commission can immediately issue instructions to the responsible personnel. Officials concerned stated that the body cameras are playing an effective complementary role alongside CCTV surveillance.