In the midst of a controversy over voter turnout data, the Election Commission (EC) has firmly stated that the data of votes cast cannot be tampered with. The EC released Lok Sabha constituency-wise data on the number of votes cast in the first five phases of the elections, as 58 Lok Sabha seats across eight states and UTs vote in phase 6.
Strengthened by the Supreme Court’s decision, the EC announced its decision to expand the format of releasing turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in every parliamentary constituency.
This information can be discerned by citizens themselves by applying the turnout percentage to the total electors, which are already available in the public domain.
Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea by an NGO demanding immediate release of authenticated voter turnout records and declined to issue any directions to the EC.
The EC emphasized that the voter turnout data has always been available to candidates on its Voter Turnout app. It also highlighted a pattern of false narratives and mischievous designs aimed at undermining the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns about doubts and suspicions surrounding the electoral processes. He stressed the need to dispel these doubts and suspicions, affirming the commission’s commitment to revealing the truth.
Kumar expressed determination to address how people are misled and how doubts arise in people’s minds regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, he asserted that the EC would provide its own response to address these concerns.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court refused to issue directions to the EC regarding the NGO’s plea for uploading polling booth-wise voter turnout data on its website during the Lok Sabha elections. The court favored a “hands-off attitude” amidst the ongoing electoral process, expressing concerns about potential mischief.
The court stated that while everyone desires free and fair elections, there is also a need to be cautious of mischievous elements seeking to exploit the situation. It adjourned the hearing on the NGO’s application, indicating that it would be considered after the Lok Sabha elections are concluded.
The court emphasized the practical challenges of implementing certain demands during the electoral process and underscored the importance of maintaining consistency without altering the process midway.
Comments