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SC Seeks ECI Response on Voter Turnout Data Disclosure
Context
The Supreme Court of India has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to respond to an application demanding the disclosure of the absolute number of votes polled in the ongoing elections. The application seeks timely transparency in voter turnout data to maintain public confidence in the election process.
Key Issues Raised:
- Delayed Release of Voter Turnout Data: The ECI delayed releasing voter turnout data for the first two phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The final data released showed a significant increase compared to initial data, raising concerns about data integrity.
- Discrepancy in Data: The application highlighted a 5-6% increase in voter turnout. This discrepancy has caused public suspicion regarding the accuracy of the election data.
- Need for Timely Disclosure: It suggests uploading scanned copies of Form 17C, which records votes polled at each booth, to the ECI website immediately after elections.
Legal and Procedural Aspects:
- Form 17C Data: The ECI provides Form 17C data to every candidate, and any candidate can raise objections through an election petition.
- The Voter Turnout App provides real-time tentative voter turnout figures, which can later differ from the actual figures recorded in Form 17C.
Transparency in Elections:
- Timely and accurate disclosure of voter turnout data is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
- Ensuring that discrepancies are minimized and explained can help mitigate suspicions and enhance the credibility of election results.
Integrity of Elections and Public Trust
- Impact of Discrepancies: The application argues that delays and discrepancies in data release undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
- Need for Verification: Without absolute numbers, the public cannot verify the accuracy of the votes polled against the votes counted.
- Historical Comparison: In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the ECI released total votes polled data comparing it with 2014 data, providing transparency and trust.
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