NEW DELHI: In a strongly-worded statement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed as baseless the allegations of widespread irregularities in Kerala’s electoral roll, asserting that accusations of ‘vote theft’ are a direct insult to the country’s democratic foundations and Constitution.
The ECI’s firm response comes in the wake of a flurry of complaints and charges from various political parties in Kerala, who have alleged the presence of duplicate and fraudulent voters on the list, suggesting a concerted effort to manipulate election outcomes.
ECI’s Key Observations:
Impartiality is the Guiding Principle: The commission, in its statement, underscored its constitutional mandate to remain impartial. “The commission has no side,” the ECI said, clarifying that its sole objective is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in accordance with the law.
Vote Theft’ Allegations Undermine Institutions: Hitting back at the “vote theft” and “vote chori” narrative, the ECI stated that such phrases are a direct attack on the integrity of the Indian electoral system. The commission highlighted the robust, multi-stage process of electoral roll preparation, which includes public scrutiny, to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Complaints from Kerala Lack Substance: The ECI found that the grievances raised by political outfits in Kerala were largely without solid evidence. While acknowledging that minor discrepancies like duplicate entries can occur in any large-scale electoral roll, the commission maintained that these are not proof of systemic fraud or deliberate manipulation. The ECI said that mechanisms are already in place to address and correct such issues.
Meticulous Due Process Followed: The commission reaffirmed that the process of adding or deleting voters from the roll is a meticulous one, guided by due process. It explained that all changes are made only after proper verification and following a period for public claims and objections.
Urges Responsible Political Discourse: The ECI called on political parties to engage in responsible and constructive dialogue instead of making unfounded allegations that could erode public trust in India’s democratic institutions. It stressed that such charges ultimately harm the very fabric of the nation’s democratic process.
The controversy originated with opposition parties in Kerala raising concerns about alleged anomalies in the voter list, including the names of deceased persons and multiple entries for individuals, ahead of upcoming polls. The ECI’s statement is a powerful rebuttal to these claims, seeking to quell the political storm and reinforce confidence in the sanctity of the electoral process in the state.
