Challenges in Uploading Voting Data

Challenges in Uploading Voting Data

Sub :Polity

Sec : Elections

Context:

• In May 2024, in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court of India considered a petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), seeking the publication of the first part of Form 17C.
• This includes booth-wise voter turnout data, on the Election Commission of India’s (EC) website, within 48 hours of polling.

Election Commission’s Stand

• The Election Commission (EC) maintains that Form 17C is legally required to be shared only with polling agents and not the general public.
• EC has expressed concerns that “indiscriminate disclosure” could create chaos and lead to misinformation.
• The EC has now agreed to meet petitioners to discuss the demand for transparency.

What is Form 17C?

• As per the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, Form 17C is a two-part document recording voter turnout and vote count at each polling station.
• Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded
  • Filled by the presiding officer at each polling station.
  • Includes EVM identification number, number of electors, votes cast, rejected votes, and tendered ballots.
  • Signed by the presiding officer and polling agents before sealing.
• Part 2: Result of Counting
  • Filled by the returning officer on counting day.
  • Lists candidates and the votes received by each.
  • Checks if the total matches the votes recorded in Part 1 or if discrepancies exist.

Why Do Opposition Parties Demand Online Publication of Form 17C?

• Discrepancies in Vote Count:
  • Analysis by ADR found that in only 5 constituencies, the votes polled matched the votes counted.
  • In 538 constituencies, mismatches were observed:
    • 362 seats: 5.5 lakh fewer votes counted than polled.
    • 176 seats: 35,000 extra votes counted.
• Delayed Voter Turnout Updates:
  • In Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections, the final turnout was published 11 days late and was up to 5% higher than the initial announcement.
  • EC provides voter turnout data in percentages, not absolute numbers.
• Challenges in Accessing Form 17C:
  • Not all candidates have polling agents at every booth.
  • Possible manipulation or lack of representation of Opposition parties.

Difficulties Faced by the EC

• Concerns Over Misuse:
  • Images of Form 17C could be morphed to spread misinformation.
• Practical Challenges:
  • Errors by polling officials due to pressure and stress.
  • Data verification process by returning officers and observers takes time.
• Political and Administrative Implications:
  • Mistakes can lead to disciplinary actions against poll workers.
  • Political parties can collect and publish Form 17C themselves.