The Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has developed a facial recognition system (FRS) app to enhance the integrity of the upcoming panchayat polls. Successfully trialed during bypolls in Katra (Shahjahanpur district) and Fazilnagar (Kushinagar district), the app aims to eliminate duplicate voting by capturing and matching images of voters with their ID cards in real-time. RP Singh, the state election commissioner for panchayat and local bodies, confirmed that the app will be rolled out across 2.20 lakh polling booths. The app, developed over eight months, is designed to process verifications in about 20 seconds, significantly faster than the estimated 45 seconds. It also serves as a comprehensive polling dashboard, providing the SEC with real-time analytics on voter turnout and demographics. The app temporarily takes control of presiding officers' mobile phones during polling and ensures all captured data is securely deleted post-voting. In case of disputes, votes can be kept separate for later verification. This innovative approach marks a significant step towards improving electoral processes in Uttar Pradesh.