Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process. He alleges that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not been forthcoming with detailed voting data, particularly the information recorded in Form 17C, which encapsulates votes polled at each booth.
Form 17C is a crucial document in the electoral framework. It provides a comprehensive record of votes cast across polling stations, detailing the allocation of electors to each booth, the total number of registered voters in a specific area, the count of electors who abstained from voting, instances where individuals were denied voting rights, and the aggregate tally of votes recorded via Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Additionally, this form lists the names of candidates and the total votes each received, serving as a vital tool for candidates and their agents to verify that the votes recorded at a particular booth align with the overall votes polled.
Kejriwal has voiced his dissatisfaction, stating that despite multiple requests, the ECI has not uploaded Form 17C or provided booth-wise voting details for each assembly segment. In response to this perceived opacity, he announced the launch of a new platform, transparentelections.in. This website aims to enhance electoral transparency by publishing Form 17C data for every assembly constituency, detailing votes polled at each booth.
“Throughout the day, we will present the data of every assembly and every booth in a tabulated format so that every voter can access this information,” Kejriwal shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that this initiative is something the Election Commission should have undertaken in the interest of transparency, expressing disappointment at their refusal to do so.
In response to these allegations, Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer refuted Kejriwal’s claims. The official clarified that all Presiding Officers had duly provided the account of votes recorded in Form 17C to every polling agent present at the polling stations on the day of the poll. This procedure, according to the official, was meticulously followed in accordance with established rules, ensuring that each polling agent received a copy of Form 17C as mandated.
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between political entities and electoral authorities concerning the transparency and integrity of the voting process. As the election date approaches, such disputes highlight the critical importance of clear communication and trust between political parties and electoral institutions to uphold the democratic process.
The Aam Aadmi Party has consistently advocated for greater transparency in electoral procedures. By launching transparentelections.in, the party seeks to empower voters with accessible information, enabling them to verify and trust the electoral outcomes. This move is anticipated to encourage other political parties and stakeholders to prioritize transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The Election Commission of India, on its part, maintains that it has adhered to all procedural protocols to ensure a fair and transparent election. The Commission emphasizes that established procedures, such as providing Form 17C to polling agents, are designed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all stakeholders have access to necessary information.
As Delhi prepares to vote, the discourse surrounding electoral transparency remains a focal point. The initiatives by political parties to disseminate voting data and the responses from electoral authorities will play a significant role in shaping public perception and trust in the democratic process.
In conclusion, the dialogue between Arvind Kejriwal and the Election Commission highlights the delicate balance between political advocacy and institutional protocols. It underscores the need for continuous efforts to enhance transparency, build trust, and ensure that the democratic process remains robust and credible in the eyes of the electorate.
