The INDIA bloc’s delegation met with the Election Commission, which agreed to count postal ballot votes first following concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi announced the decision, according to media reports.
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NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc’s delegation meeting with the Election Commission, the poll body has agreed to complete the counting of postal ballot votes first. This decision came after concerns were raised regarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The announcement was made by Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, as reported by the Media.
On Monday(3rd June), Senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi addressed the press, providing details about the meeting with the Election Commission held on Sunday, June 2. Singhvi emphasized the critical issue presented to the Election Commission: the priority of counting postal ballot votes.
“The most crucial issue we raised was that the counting of votes for postal ballots should be completed first, and the results should be announced immediately.”
-Singhvi stated.
The delegation from the Opposition highlighted the procedural norms stipulated in the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. According to these rules, the Returning Officer is mandated to start the counting process with postal ballots. The delegation also underscored that the Election Commission had reiterated this procedure in writing back in 2019.
The INDIA bloc’s insistence on this matter stems from a broader concern about the transparency and reliability of the election process, particularly involving the Electronic Voting Machines. By ensuring that the postal ballots are counted first, the delegation aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
During the press briefing, Singhvi elaborated on the delegation’s perspective and their discussions with the Election Commission officials.
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He explained-
“The rules are explicit that postal ballots must be counted first. This practice not only adheres to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 but also aligns with the guidelines set by the Election Commission in 2019.”
The delegation’s argument is rooted in ensuring that the process of counting votes remains transparent and adheres strictly to the established legal framework. The emphasis on postal ballots is particularly significant, given the increasing use of postal voting by various sections of the electorate, including senior citizens, disabled persons, and service voters.
Singhvi’s statements reflect the Opposition’s dedication to maintaining a fair and transparent election process.
He reiterated-
“Our main concern is to ensure that every vote is counted fairly and transparently. Counting postal ballots first helps guarantee that the initial phase of vote counting is free from any potential discrepancies.”
The Election Commission’s decision to heed the INDIA bloc’s request marks a crucial step towards addressing these concerns. It demonstrates the Commission’s willingness to engage with political stakeholders and uphold the principles of electoral integrity.
The INDIA bloc, comprising various Opposition parties, has been vocal about their apprehensions regarding the election process. Their engagement with the Election Commission and the subsequent decision to prioritize postal ballot counting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic practices in the country.
Former Rajya Sabha MP, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, has raised significant concerns regarding the current practices of the Election Commission (EC) concerning the counting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and postal ballots. Singhvi highlighted that the EC has deviated from established rules, which has led to potential inconsistencies in the electoral process.
Singhvi stated-
“However, the Election Commission has disregarded this rule and discontinued the practice.”
He explained that the original practice required the counting of postal ballots to be completed and results declared before the EVM counting commenced. This practice ensured transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.
“The practical effect is that EVM votes can be counted, and if the EVM counting is completed before the postal ballots, it will still be finalized. This means that the counting and result announcement for postal ballots need not be prioritized.”
-Singhvi elaborated. This shift, according to him, undermines the statutory rules that govern the electoral process, potentially compromising the integrity of election results.
He went on to describe this change as a “grave and clear violation of a statutory rule.” Singhvi emphasized that such critical practices should not be altered through mere guidelines or letters.
“Therefore, we have requested the Election Commission to withdraw the 2019 directive and instruct the Returning Officers to complete and announce the results of postal ballot counting at the Returning Officers’ table before proceeding with the final count.”
– Singhvi said.
This demand underscores the importance of adhering to statutory rules to maintain the legitimacy of election outcomes. Singhvi’s appeal to the Election Commission to revert to the earlier procedure is rooted in the principle of ensuring that postal ballots, which often include votes from service personnel and other remote voters, are given due priority and transparency in the counting process.
The issue at hand highlights a broader concern about the balance between modernizing electoral practices and preserving the foundational principles that guarantee fair and transparent elections. Singhvi’s insistence on restoring the traditional method of counting postal ballots first reflects a call for maintaining rigorous standards in electoral procedures.
