Context:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently acknowledged and committed to resolving the issue of multiple voters carrying the same Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) number.
• This long-pending problem is part of broader concerns regarding the electoral process in India, including electoral roll anomalies, the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the transparency of Form 17C.
• These issues, collectively termed as the ‘Infernal Trinity,’ impact the integrity of India’s democratic process.

Key Issues in India’s Electoral Process:

• Electoral roll anomalies:
  • The electoral roll is fundamental to voting rights, as having an EPIC alone does not guarantee the ability to vote if the name is missing from the roll.
  • The integrity of electoral rolls has been questioned due to unexplained deletions and additions.
  • Political parties have raised concerns over sudden spikes in voter registration, as seen in Maharashtra in 2024, and the deletions/additions to the Delhi electoral roll.
• Proposed solution:
  • Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), delayed the first general elections to ensure roll accuracy, setting a precedent that must be upheld.
  • The ECI should mandate Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to publish a list of polling stations where voter changes exceed 2-3% of the previous list.
  • This list should be accessible on ECI websites, allowing scrutiny by political parties and the public.

Transparency in Form 17C Data:

• Concerns:
  • Form 17C records the number of votes polled at each booth and is given to polling agents.
  • There have been concerns about the delay in publishing voter turnout data.
• Proposed solution:
  • Transparency can be improved by uploading polling station-wise data on the ECI website after scrutiny by election officials.
  • Ensuring prompt online publication of polling data to eliminate doubts and prevent controversy.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Trust Deficit:

• Concerns:
  • While courts have largely upheld the reliability of EVMs, doubts persist among political groups and civil society.
  • The distinction between ‘whether EVMs have been manipulated’ and ‘whether they can be manipulated’ remains a topic of debate.
• Proposed solutions:
  • Conducting random 100% Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slip counts in selected constituencies.
  • Publishing the source code of EVMs (a long-discussed proposal) to enhance transparency.
  • Proactively engaging with critics rather than dismissing concerns outright.

The Role of the Election Commission:

• The ECI plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections.
• Its credibility has come under scrutiny due to allegations of selective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and reluctance to address electoral roll discrepancies.
• To restore public trust, the ECI must:
  • Strengthen its commitment to impartiality.
  • Enhance transparency in voter registration and turnout data.
  • Address concerns over EVMs through proactive engagement and reforms.

Conclusion:

• The ECI is at a critical juncture where addressing systemic electoral concerns is essential for upholding democracy.
• Proactive reforms, increased transparency, and a commitment to questioning and improving its own processes can help the Commission emerge stronger and regain public confidence.