• UGI USER
  • May 26, 2024
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EC RELEASES ABSOLUTE NUMBER OF VOTES CAST IN FIVE PHASES OF POLLS

Why in the news?

The Election Commission of India releasing the absolute number of votes cast in each constituency for the first five phases of the Lok Sabha election, amidst demands for greater transparency in voter turnout data and concerns over potential manipulation.

About ECI :

  • Constitutional Body: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to oversee the conduct of elections at various levels of government.
  • Conduct of Elections: It conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and offices of the President and Vice-President of India. It ensures free, fair, and transparent elections by deploying election observers, monitoring election expenses, and addressing electoral malpractices.
  • The ECI undertakes various voter education and awareness programs to enhance voter participation and promote electoral literacy among citizens. It conducts campaigns on voter registration, voting rights, and ethical voting practices.
  • The ECI enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure a level playing field for political parties and candidates during elections.

About the News: 

  • Released absolute vote numbers for each constituency in the first five phases of the Lok Sabha election.
  • This is the first time such data has been shared during this election.
  • The release followed the Supreme Court’s refusal to direct the EC to disclose Form 17C details.
  • Form 17C contains booth-level voter turnout data and is given to polling agents.
  • Civil society welcomed the release of voter turnout figures as a victory for the Right to Information