A day before the Lok Sabha election results, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over the delay in releasing the final voter turnout, asserting that the Election Commission’s counting mechanism is robust and error-free. His statements came amid criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress, regarding discrepancies in voter turnout data.
EC Defends Voter Turnout Reporting
Rajiv Kumar, speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, refuted the accusations, stating, “…We failed to understand the fake narratives of the faulty voter lists and turnout data that were going on during the elections. But we have understood it now.” Without naming specific parties, Kumar addressed the widespread scepticism.
The Congress had previously questioned the significant disparity between real-time voter turnout data and the final figures released by the Election Commission, suggesting that voters were uneasy about the perceived irregularities. Other opposition parties echoed these concerns, calling attention to the delay in the final voter turnout announcement.
Counting Process Clarified
Rajiv Kumar clarified the counting process, noting that the counting of postal ballots would commence before that of electronic voting machines (EVMs). “Section 54 A of RPA Act was introduced in 1954. At that time, there were not many people for postal ballots. On all centres, counting of postal ballots will start first. After only half an hour, EVM counting will start,” Kumar explained. He emphasized that this procedure was followed in previous elections, including the 2019 general elections and the 2022 Assembly elections.
Challenge to Opposition
In response to allegations from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had contacted 150 district magistrates before the vote counting, Kumar challenged the opposition to provide evidence. “The entire counting process is absolutely robust. We don’t think anywhere there is a robust system like it. Every part is decided. The whole process is codified,” he stated, highlighting the presence of counting officials, agents, and observers throughout the process.
As the nation awaits the Lok Sabha election results, the Election Commission’s defence underscores its commitment to transparency and accuracy. The opposition’s concerns, however, reflect a broader tension and scrutiny surrounding the electoral process, which remains a cornerstone of India’s democracy.