LS polls: Chief Election Commissioner allays fears of EVM tampering

Chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar cited Section 151 of the Representation of People Act and said ECI had six months to hold the poll.  | Latest News India

Pakistan Election Results 2024: Pakistan President Arif Alvi held the lack of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) responsible for the unusual delay in elections results. Meanwhile, several Indian politicians have been demanding the use of ballot paper for voting.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed election preparations in Uttar Pradesh and emphasized increasing voter turnout. He assured fair and transparent elections, with equal treatment for all political parties. Kumar stated that election schedules would be announced soon and that 15.29 crore voters are registered in UP. Special arrangements will be made for women, disabled individuals, and elderly voters. He also mentioned the launch of three apps for complaints, voter information, and candidate details. Security measures will be strict, especially along borders and with cash transactions. District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police are responsible for ensuring fair elections.

India News: The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, on Saturday said that voters have the right to be informed about the feasibility of fulfilling the promises made by political parties during elections. However, he clarified that this matter is currently under judicial review.

During the event, Election Commissioner Arun Goel quoted the Vedas to emphasise that India was the world’s oldest, and not just the largest, democracy.

Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu as new Election Commissioners. Their appointment fills vacancies left by Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement and Arun Goel's recent resignation. Kumar and Sandhu join Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar ahead of a busy election season.

The Model Code of Conduct has officially begun for the Karnataka Assembly elections until the finish of the electoral process, ensuring that the state's ruling parties do not misuse their position. One rule prohibits parties from using promises about new projects that could sway a voter. Political parties and their candidates must avoid corrupt practices, including bribing and intimidating voters, or holding public meetings during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of polls. The ruling party must ensure its practices do not indicate that it is using an official position for the purposes of an election campaign.

Private detective agencies play a crucial role in election campaigns by monitoring rivals, conducting background checks, and predicting electoral outcomes. With increasing demand, politicians rely on private eyes to gather crucial information for strategic advantage.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of voters being informed about the feasibility of political party promises during elections. He stated that while parties have the right to make promises, the electorate has the right to know if they are genuine and how they will be funded.

Urging voters to come out and vote in large numbers, Rajiv Kumar said that the EC has kept the polling day specifically in midweek as it has been observed that people use the polling day as a holiday to use it for vacation purpose on weekends.