Latest news with #ElectionCommissionofIndia
Mint
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Shashi Tharoor says ‘didn't get a missed call' for Kerala bypoll; Congress star campaigners list tells a different story
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on June 19 claimed he was not invited by the party to campaign for its candidate in the Nilambur Assembly byelection in Kerala. Tharoor even said that even got a missed call to campaign for the party's candidate in the bypolls held on June 19. 'It is true that I was not invited (to campaign). As you know, I was abroad for around 16 days. Even then, I did not get an invite or even a missed call...," Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, told reporters when asked why he was absent from the party's campaign in Nilambur. Tharoor's remarks come on a day when Kerala's Nilambur seat is voting in the by-election. Tharoor was conspicuous by his absence during the campaigning while senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, drummed up support for the party candidate. "But regardless of whether I campaigned or not, I want the Congress to win in Nilambur. We have a good candidate there, and our workers have worked very hard,' he said. Tharoor was, however, among the list of star campaigners submitted to the Election Commission by the Congress party. According to the list of star campaigners submitted by the Congress to the Election Commission, Tharoor's name is in eighth place among the 40 people, including KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. According to the list of star campaigners submitted by the Congress to the Election Commission, Tharoor's name is in eighth place among the 40 people, including KC Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. Congress General Secretary Mukul Wasnik submitted the list to the Election Commission of India through an official letter dated June 2. The Election Commission officially communicated this list to the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, on June 5 for circulation to relevant authorities. The list is available on the Election Commission of India website. The bypoll was necessitated after the seat fell vacant since the two-time MLA PV Anvar, previously supported by the Left, switched allegiance to the Congress party. Anvar contested the election as an Independent. The Congress nominated Aryadan Shoukath, the son of former MLA Aryadan Mohammed, while the ruling LDF backed M Swaraj. 'Some differences of opinion' with Congress In the same conversation with reporters, Tharoor admitted that he has some differences of opinion with the party. Tharoor, however, said that he will discuss these differences privately when someone from the party approaches him. 'I have been working in Congress for the past 16 years. I have some differences of opinion with the party, and I will discuss them inside the I don't want to speak it. I need to meet and talk, let the time come, and I will discuss it,' Tharoor said. Tharoor, who took the India case post Operation Sindoor in foreign countries while heading an all-party delegation earlier this month, has, with his remarks, seemingly riled his party for showing support for the Narendra Modi government over recent military actions across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Some Congress leaders even accused Tharoor of being a 'super spokesperson' for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. I was not invited (to campaign). Even then, I did not get an invite or even a missed call. On June 10, Tharoor called his meeting with Prime Minister Modi 'good, lively and informal'. PM Modi met the members of the all-party delegations of Operation Sindoor at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi.
India Gazette
18 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
ECI marks several firsts in Bye-polls: Mobile Deposit Facility; Upgraded VTR sharing process; 100% Webcasting of Polling Stations
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The bye-polls to five Assembly Constituencies (ACs) held by the Election Commission of India (ECI) today witnessed successful implementation of several major new initiatives launched by the ECI in the past four months, as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. According to release from the Election Commission, Bye-polls were held at the ACs of 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Visavadar in Gujarat, 35-Nilambur in Kerala, 64-Ludhiana West in Punjab and 80-Kaliganj in West Bengal. During these bye-polls, polling was held at 1354 Polling Stations (PS) in the five ACs. The new initiatives include the provision of mobile deposit facility for the electors at all polling stations, upgraded Voter Turnout sharing process resulting in faster updation of the approximate polling trends by ensuring that the Presiding Officer updates the VTR data at the close of poll before leaving the polling station, webcasting at 100 per cent of polling stations ensuring constant vigil of the entire polling process and individual mock poll training of all Presiding Officers. Also, Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the Electoral Rolls was conducted before the bye-polls for the first time in nearly two decades. The successful implementation of these measures in the bye-polls paves the way for full introduction of all these measures in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections. For the first time, voters were able to avail the mobile deposit facility provided by the ECI at the entrance of all polling stations. The measure is in recognition of the ubiquity of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas and the challenges faced by the voters particularly the senior citizens, women, and PwD electors as to where to leave their mobile phones before entering the polling station. Simple pigeonhole boxes or jute bags were provided at the entrance door of the polling stations where the voters deposited their mobile phones. Volunteers were deployed at the polling stations to facilitate the process. The upgraded VTR sharing process was also successfully implemented where the Presiding Officer of each polling station was able to directly enter voter turnout on the new ECINET App every two hours on polling day in order to reduce the time lag in the updation of the approximate polling trends. This was automatically aggregated at the constituency level. The approximate voting percentage trends were published every two hours as before. Also, voter turnout data was entered into the ECINET by Presiding Officers immediately after the close of poll, before they left the polling station to ensure that the approximate percentage of votes polled would be available on the updated VTR App constituency-wise after the close of polls subject to network connectivity. Where mobile networks are unavailable, entries can be made offline and synced once connectivity is restored. Previously, voter turnout data was collected manually by Sector Officers and relayed to Returning Officers (ROs) via phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps. This information was aggregated every two hours and uploaded to the Voter Turnout (VTR) App. At the close of poll, the Presiding Officer used to update the final VTR data after completing all other statutory responsibilities like filling up of various forms including 17C where he would take the signatures of the polling agents of political parties/candidates and hand over a copy to them, sealing and safe depositing of the EVMs in the strong room as per laid down procedures etc. Thus, the polling percentage trends were often updated hours later, i.e., around 10-11 PM, based on physical records arriving late in the night or even the next day. The upgraded system of VTR updation would cut down this delay, as now the Presiding Officer would be updating the data in ECINET before leaving the polling station. The Commission has ensured 100% webcasting of poll-day activities at all polling stations, except one, in the five bye-poll ACs. The webcasting was monitored to ensure that critical activities were taking place smoothly and there was no violation of the poll process. Dedicated monitoring teams at RO, DEO and CEO levels kept a strict vigil on the poll proceedings. (ANI)
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why ECI has issued new rules for checking, verification of EVMs in case of a challenge by losing candidates
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for the checking and verification of electronic voting machines (EVMs), which second- and third-placed candidates in an election can opt for. The ECI had introduced the checking and verification system last year following a judgment by the Supreme Court. The revised SOP was issued on June 17 following a second judgment by the top court on May 7, after the petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) moved court again, and the ECI agreed to make some changes. What is the checking and verification process? On April 26 last year, the SC had rejected a challenge to the use of EVMs and a plea for 100% counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips, but had allowed a new system of checking and verification of votes for candidates who came second or third in an election. Following the judgment, the ECI published an administrative SOP on June 1, 2024, followed by a technical SOP on July 16, 2024. Candidates who had come second or third could ask for the checking and verification of the burnt memory/ microcontroller of up to 5 per cent of the EVMs used in the voting. As per the SOP, candidates who opted for the facility would be able to conduct a mock poll of up to 1,400 votes per machine. If the results of the EVM and VVPAT slips matched, the machine would be considered to have passed the test. So why did the ECI revise the SOP? The ECI carried out the checking and verification as per its SOP until the petitioners in the case moved court again, asking that the data stored in the EVMs not be deleted while the process was on, and that the Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) should also be covered as part of the process. The SLU is the device that is used to load the symbols of candidates onto the VVPAT machine. This is the stage at which activists have long believed that potential tampering could take place. On February 11 this year, the SC ordered the ECI to not delete the data. The ECI then filed an affidavit stating that it would 'no longer delete the data on the Electronic Voting Machine Units, of which verification is sought by the candidates', and that it would amend the SOP. The court accepted the proposal, and added that candidates would have the option to 'state the data loaded on the Symbol Loading Units (SLU) may not be erased and retained for use in the mock poll'. What does the new SOP state? Most of the SOP remains the same, including the requirement that during the mock poll, engineers of the EVM-manufacturing companies – Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) – would switch on the control unit (CU), ballot unit (BU), and VVPAT of the EVM in the presence of the candidates or their representatives. If all units switch on and the self-diagnosis is completed – that is, if there is no error message – they can go on to the next step of the mock poll. * As per the 2024 SOP, candidates were required to pay Rs 47,200 for each set of EVM (including the BU, CU, and VVPAT) they wanted checked. Under the new SOP, the candidate has more choice – they pay Rs 23,600 per EVM if they want only the self-diagnostic test, and Rs 47,200 only in the event that they decide to go for the mock poll as well. * The new SOP also gives the candidate the option of loading the symbols on the VVPAT. 'The eligible candidates may also opt to upload the data loaded on the SLUs used election in the mock poll. In this regard, it is highlighted that the VVPAT already have loaded data of actual candidates' symbols. However, the applicant can opt for use of already loaded symbols of VVPAT or request to reload the symbols loaded on the Symbol Loading Units afresh in VVPAT for the mock poll,' says the SOP. * The new SOP also increases the time for which records of the checking and verification process, including VVPAT slips and video footage, would be stored with the District Election Officer from one month to three months after the completion of the process. ADR co-founder Jagdeep S Chhokar said the process was no different from what is already carried out before any election – self-diagnosis and mock poll. Merely switching on the machines did not amount to checking and verification, he said. 'The SOP satisfies the letter of the Supreme Court judgment, however, the spirit of it is completely missing from the current system of checking and verification,' Chhokar said. Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu's national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana West bypoll: FIR against digital news portals for publishing opinion polls
An FIR has been registered against multiple digital news portals for violating the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) by reportedly publishing opinion polls in connection with the Ludhiana West bypoll scheduled to be held on Thursday. The complaint, formally filed by the returning officer of Ludhiana (West) Assembly Constituency, has led to the registration of an FIR at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana. The case has been filed under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As per the guidelines issued by the ECI, the publication or broadcast of opinion polls is strictly prohibited in electronic media during the 48-hour period prior to the conclusion of polling. This period, also known as the 'election silence' window, is designed to ensure voters are free from external influence and are able to cast their votes in an unbiased environment. However, despite repeated warnings and clear legal directives, several news portals, including 'Turn Times', 'Jan Hitaishi', 'The City Headlines', and 'E News Punjab', allegedly published digital content reflecting opinion polls during the prohibited period. These publications are now under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to sway voter perception at a critical juncture of the democratic process. Officials stated that the premature publication of opinion polls is a direct violation of electoral integrity, and such actions are viewed seriously by the authorities. The returning officer's complaint noted that the circulation of these polls was not only unauthorised but could have potentially influenced undecided voters, thereby compromising the fairness of the election. A senior police official from the Cyber Crime Unit confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and that the source and intent behind the content will be thoroughly examined. 'Publishing such material during the silence period is a punishable offense. We are pursuing the matter as per legal protocol, and any individual or organization found guilty will face strict consequences,' the official said. The Election Commission of India has reiterated that media platforms—both traditional and digital—must comply with the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws. Any violations, especially during the silence period, are not only unethical but legally actionable.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Voter ID Cards To Be Delivered Within 15 Days: Here's How To Apply And Track Online
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Wednesday that Electors' Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) will be delivered to voters within 15 days of an update in the electoral rolls - a move aimed at ensuring convenience and efficiency in service delivery and real-time tracking. Currently, it takes over a month for the EPIC to be delivered to voters. Here's how real-time tracking of EPIC works: Real-time Tracking: The system tracks EPICs from generation to delivery, keeping electors informed about the status of their cards. SMS Notifications: Electors receive SMS updates at each stage, ensuring transparency and accountability. Dedicated IT Module: The ECI has launched a dedicated IT module on the ECINet platform, which integrates with the Department of Posts' API for seamless delivery. Streamlined Workflow: The new system replaces the existing process, re-engineering the workflow to enhance service delivery while maintaining data security. Here's how to apply for a Voter ID card online: Visit NVSP Portal: Go to the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP) website. Sign Up: Click "Sign-Up" in the top right corner and enter your mobile number, email ID, and captcha code. Create Account: Fill in your name, password, and confirm password, then request an OTP. Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile and email to verify your account. Log In: Log in to the portal using your mobile number, password, and captcha, then verify with an OTP. Fill Form 6: Click "Fill Form 6" for new voter registration and enter your personal, relative, contact, and address details. Upload Documents: Upload required documents and preview your application before submitting. Submit Application: Review your details for accuracy and submit your application. Here's how to track Voter ID application: Visit the NVSP portal to check the Voter ID status. Navigate to the 'Track Application Status' section after logging in using your mobile number, password, captcha code, and OTP (One Time Password). Enter your reference number (received after submitting Form 6 or Form 6A) Select your state and click Submit to know the application status.
