The ongoing elections in West Bengal will be the 'fairest' polls in the state because of the Election Commission's strict enforcement of the code of conduct and foolproof security arrangements, former Election Commission observer K J Rao said on Monday.

Rao, who resigned as EC observer citing personal reasons, was touring the three districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura as a private observer. He attributed the slow polling rate in the three districts where the first phase of elections is being held on Monday, to the rigorous checking of photo identity cards.

• Shadow of the gun in Maoist-hit land

"This is required to avoid false voting, booth jamming and impersonation," Rao said, adding that these would be the 'fairest' elections in West Bengal.

According to Rao, both voters and parties would realise at the end of polling why the EC adopted such a tough stand for the elections. "Such stern measures might have caused consternation to some parties, but EC assumed the correct and perfect role as watchdog of democracy," he said.

Rao also lauded the Election Commission for its poll arrangements in three Maoist-hit districts.

Complete coverage: Siege of Left fortress