Ahead of the Delhi assembly poll schedule announcement, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar addressed pressing concerns regarding India’s electoral integrity. Speaking at his final press conference as CEC, Kumar debunked allegations surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls, calling them baseless and unfounded.
Key Concerns Addressed
Kumar highlighted six primary issues raised by voters and political leaders:
- Errors in Electoral Rolls (ER): Allegations of wrongful additions or deletions, allegedly targeting specific groups.
- EVM Manipulation: Claims of tampered EVMs influencing results.
- Voter Turnout Rise Post-5 PM: Questions about sudden increases in turnout figures.
- Vote Count Discrepancies: Reports of mismatches in votes polled and counted in certain constituencies.
- Delayed Counting: Concerns about slow vote-counting processes.
- Transparency Issues: Criticisms over rule changes perceived to limit transparency.
CEC’s Clarifications
Kumar emphasized the robustness of the electoral process, stating, “Right to question is intrinsic to democracy, and we respect it, but the processes cannot be judged solely by the results.”
On Electoral Rolls
Kumar explained that all additions or deletions in the electoral roll follow due process involving Form 6 and Form 7, ensuring transparency. Political parties are consistently involved through meetings, and they have the right to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to oversee the process.
On EVMs
The CEC reiterated that EVMs are tamper-proof, hack-proof, and cannot be altered with Trojan Horses or viruses. He outlined the stringent procedures for EVM commissioning, including mock polls, sealing in strong rooms under surveillance, and transport under security.
On Voter Turnout and Counting
Kumar dismissed claims of manipulated voter turnout, calling narratives about sudden increases post-5 PM misleading. He clarified that voter turnout records are accurately tallied with Form 17C and that postal ballot data, often missing from voter turnout apps, could explain perceived anomalies.
Conclusion
Kumar reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, adding that allegations of tampering and fraud undermine the trust in India’s democratic institutions.
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