News Brief
EC Releases Constituency-Wise Data On Number Of Votes Cast In First Five Phases Of Lok Sabha Elections
An Indian woman has her finger inked by an elections worker before voting at a polling station. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday (25 May) released constituency-wise data on the number of votes cast in the first five phases of the Lok Sabha elections.
The commission emphasised that the “process of collection and storage of votes polled is rigorous, transparent and participative".
Amid demands from the Opposition parties for the release of voter turnout data, the EC clarified that there had been no delay in providing this information.
The Commission said that it noted the pattern of false narratives and mischievous design to vitiate electoral process
"Voter turnout data was always available 24X7 on facilitative Voter Turnout App from 9:30am in the morning of poll day of each phase. It publishes estimated voter turnout on two hourly basis till 1730 hrs. After 1900 hours when the polling parties start arriving, data is continuously updated. By midnight on the poll day, the Voter turnout app will show best estimated “Close of Poll (COP)” data in percentage form," the poll body said.
The EC also asserted that any alteration in the number of votes polled is not possible.
This clarification came a day after the Supreme Court refused to issue directions to the EC on an NGO’s plea for uploading polling booth-wise voter turnout data on its website.
"The Commission feels duly strengthened by the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s observations and verdict on the process of release of turnout data by the Election Commission of India. This brings upon the Commission, a higher responsibility to serve the cause of electoral democracy with undeterred resolution," it said.
"The Commission has therefore decided to further expand the format of release of turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in every parliamentary constituency, which of course is discernabe Parliamentary Constituency wise by all citizens themselves by applying the turnout percentage to total electors, both already made available in public domain," the poll body added.
Electors are individuals on the electoral roll eligible to vote, while voters are those who actually cast their vote in an election.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
