New Delhi, March 22 -- Ahead of elections to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in six states, the Election Commission of India has issued directions to the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the States/UTs.

They have been directed to ensure that each of the 2,18,807 Polling Stations is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) and voter assistance on poll day.

AMF include drinking water, a waiting area with shade, a toilet with a water facility, adequate lighting, a ramp of proper gradient for PwD electors, a standard voting compartment, and proper signage. CEOs have also been asked to provide benches placed at regular intervals in the queue so that electors can sit w...