Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy on Wednesday said that easy and secure access to voter lists is a cornerstone of transparency, public trust, and democratic credibility. However, he stressed that such accessibility must be carefully balanced with the protection of personal privacy and data security. Delivering the keynote address at a special session on “Ease of Access to the Voter Register” during the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM–2026), Sudarshan Reddy said voter registers play a vital role for citizens, political parties, and civil society organisations. Accurate voter data, he noted, is essential for verifying personal details, planning election strategies, and monitoring the integrity of electoral processes. “At a time when information is increasingly digital and widely accessible, safeguarding personal data and ensuring privacy protection are equally critical,” he said, adding that election authorities must adopt systems that promote transparency without compromising individual security. Highlighting initiatives undertaken in recent years, the CEO explained that online voter look-up services, controlled-access kiosks, and the publication of voter lists with limited personal details have emerged as effective models for public access while ensuring data protection. These methods, he said, offer secure, user-friendly solutions that reduce the risk of data misuse. Sudarshan Reddy further said that technology-driven voter services have significantly improved service delivery, reduced public grievances, and enhanced confidence in the electoral system. “Balanced access mechanisms not only promote transparency in line with democratic principles but also strengthen meaningful citizen participation,” he added. The session, moderated by Sudarshan Reddy, featured speakers including election representatives from Suriname and Mexico, academicians from Hyderabad, and officials from the Election Commission of India. It concluded with an interactive discussion and question-and-answer segment. The IICDEM–2026 conference, which has drawn delegates from more than 70 countries, serves as a global platform for discussions on international best practices, innovations, and emerging challenges in election management. The conference aims to foster cooperation among democracies and advance credible, inclusive, and technology-enabled electoral systems worldwide.
25
