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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responding to concerns raised by the Indian National Congress (INC) party regarding irregularities in voter rolls and polling data from recent elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The Congress party alleges arbitrary deletions and additions of voters, as well as discrepancies in the reported voter turnout percentages between the 5 PM interim report and the final count at around 11:30 PM. The ECI, in an interim response, maintains that the electoral roll updation process is transparent and involves all political parties. They refute claims of discrepancy in the voter turnout data, attributing the difference between the 5 PM and final figures to the time-consuming nature of post-polling procedures performed by presiding officers. These procedures, mandated by law, include completing various forms, maintaining records, and securing voting equipment. The ECI emphasizes that the final voter turnout figures are meticulously verified and accessible to all political parties.
The ECI's response highlights the procedural priorities that necessitate the delay in reporting final voter turnout figures. Presiding officers are legally obligated to perform several critical tasks after the polls close before they can update the voter turnout data. These tasks include completing various statutory forms, updating the presiding officer's diary with records of activities, and securely sealing the voting machines. Only after these essential steps are completed can the data be accurately inputted and integrated into the voter turnout app. The time required for this process contributes to the delay between the 5 PM interim count and the final count.
The ECI's commitment to transparency is further underscored by their practice, implemented starting with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, of issuing a press statement with updated voter turnout figures by 11:45 PM on polling day. This measure is presented as an additional transparency initiative to address concerns about potential data manipulation. This practice is aimed at reducing uncertainty and enhancing public trust in the integrity of the election process. Furthermore, the ECI has agreed to meet with a Congress delegation on December 3rd to address their concerns directly. This meeting indicates the ECI's willingness to engage in open dialogue and provide further clarification to resolve any remaining doubts or questions regarding the election process.
The Congress party's concerns were raised despite the varied electoral outcomes in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, with the BJP-led alliance winning a landslide victory in Maharashtra and the UPA alliance achieving a significant win in Jharkhand. This suggests the concerns transcend the specific results of the elections and are rooted in broader concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The ECI's agreement to examine the addition and deletion of voters demonstrates their commitment to thoroughly address the Congress party's concerns. The ECI's proactive engagement with the Congress delegation signals a desire for open communication and transparency to allay any suspicions about the election process. The ECI's repeated clarifications underscore its commitment to maintaining public trust in the fairness and accuracy of election results.
The ECI's letter to Congress referenced a previous letter dated May 10, 2024, detailing the reasons for deviations in voting percentages between the 5 PM and final tallies. The letter reiterates that the total votes polled at each polling booth are provided to authorized agents of candidates in Form 17C Part 1. The ECI emphasizes the immutability of this data, which forms the basis of the final voter turnout, and confirms that this information is available for verification by all political parties and candidates. The involvement of state government employees in election duty is also highlighted, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the electoral process. The ECI’s detailed response addresses each specific point raised by Congress aiming to demonstrate procedural transparency and accuracy.
Source: Election Commission to Address Congress Concerns on Voter Roll Issues and Polling Data