Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, said the vote counting for the 2026 [1] Assembly elections will be free, fair, and peaceful.

Ensuring a secure counting process is critical in West Bengal, where electoral violence has historically threatened the stability of democratic transitions. By pledging a strict security posture, the electoral commission aims to maintain public confidence in the legitimacy of the final results.

Agarwal said that the election machinery is fully prepared to handle the process. He said that the administration is committed to a transparent environment to prevent potential disruptions during the tallying of votes.

"The election machinery is fully prepared and we will ensure a free, fair, and peaceful counting of votes," Agarwal said [4].

To ensure this stability, the CEO has overseen the deployment of security forces across the state. This strategy is designed to mitigate risks and ensure that the democratic process is not compromised by local volatility.

"We have a zero tolerance approach toward any potential unrest," Agarwal said [1].

Preparation for these measures began during the polling phases. On April 26, 2026 [2], Agarwal visited Kakdwip in the South 24 Parganas district to oversee arrangements ahead of the final phase of polling. This visit served as a precursor to the current focus on the counting phase, signaling a coordinated effort to maintain law and order throughout the entire electoral cycle.

The CEO's assurances come as the state prepares for the official announcement of the new assembly. The focus remains on preventing electoral violence and ensuring that the transition of power, or the continuation of the current government, occurs without civil strife.

“"The election machinery is fully prepared and we will ensure a free, fair, and peaceful counting of votes."”

The emphasis on a 'zero-tolerance' approach reflects the high-stakes nature of West Bengal's political landscape, where polling and counting days are often flashpoints for conflict. By proactively deploying forces and making public commitments to fairness, the electoral machinery is attempting to preemptively neutralize the risk of post-election violence that could lead to legal challenges or civil unrest.