New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released raw turnout data of the seven general constituencies in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections for the first five phases. Thus, in reaction to what it terms as mischievous attempts and dissemination of wrong information to discredit the electoral process, the ECI has again noted that the voter turnout information has always been made available to both the candidates and the public. This comes in the wake of the Supreme Court declining to intervene following an application by an NGO that sought for the EC to release the polling booth-wise voter turnout statistics during the election period on its website.
In a statement, the ECI emphasized the transparency and accessibility of the polling data, noting that it has been promptly accessible through its app since 9:30 am on the polling day of each phase of the polling area designated by the electoral commission. Responding to the detailed comments raised by the Supreme Court, the Commission saw it as endorsing its processes and threw its weight behind its methods.
The ECI explained that the process was protected and there was no alteration by enforcing strict measures to make the data accurate. It pointed out that all candidates’ authorized representatives can access Form 17C, which declares the total votes recorded at any of the about 10. Over 5 lakh polling stations in the 543 constituencies to be elected. The Commission posited that the votes in the form for electronic transcription, Form 17C, cannot be manipulated and has been disclosed to all the contestants.
Moreover, the ECI explained how candidates or their agents, in exercising their rights, may accompany the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other necessary documents, such as Form 17C, from the polling stations to the strong rooms. This process is in practice in accordance with the rules that govern elections: Conduct of Election Rules 1961. Speaking of the accountability of vote counting, it is crucial to highlight that the process is transparent.
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