Results for: Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) faces scrutiny over delays in releasing voter turnout data and significant discrepancies between initial and final figures. The NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has filed a petition seeking the upload of scanned copies of Form 17C, which contains crucial voting information, within 48 hours of polling. The ECI claims no legal obligation to disclose such data but faces allegations of a lack of transparency. Experts and opposition leaders express concerns about the authenticity of polling data, highlighting the absence of polling agents in many booths and the need for public access to Form 17C information.

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will witness polling in 49 constituencies across six states and two Union Territories. Voting will take place on May 20 (Monday) in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Voters are encouraged to check their names in the electoral rolls to ensure their eligibility. The Election Commission of India’s website provides various options for checking voter status, including searching by Voter ID number, phone number, or personal details. Additionally, voters can use their EPIC number to download a digital version of their Voter ID and locate their polling station.

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be held on May 20th, covering 49 seats across 6 states and 2 Union Territories. In case voters do not possess a voter ID card, they can use various alternate ID proofs or documents for identification. This includes PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license, passport, and other specified documents.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision not to disclose absolute voter turnout numbers in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They are demanding the release of Form 17 C, which contains detailed polling data, to ensure transparency. The ECI has defended its stance, stating that Form 17 C is only shared with candidates and not the public. However, smaller parties and independents face challenges in deploying polling agents at all booths, raising questions about the fairness of the election process.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on May 15 rejected comedian Shyam Rangeela’s nomination from Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi parliamentary constituency, stating that it was “incomplete.”

Rangeela, who shot to fame for impersonating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had submitted his nomination papers as an independent candidate. He had been alleging difficulties in submitting his nomination since May 10.

After the rejection of his nomination, Rangeela alleged that citizens were being deprived of their right to contest polls and that while he did not hope to win, he wanted to send out a message.

The Varanasi District Magistrate and Returning Officer (RO) said that the nomination papers had been scrutinized in Rangeela’s presence and that he had been informed of the “deficiencies.”

Mumbai and surrounding areas, including Palghar, Kalyan, and Thane, will observe dry days from May 18 to 20 in view of the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. This measure aims to ensure a fair and peaceful election process. Bars and wine shops will remain closed during these days to maintain public order. Additionally, a dry day will be observed on June 4 during vote counting. Other cities and regions, such as Gurgaon, Pune, and Kolkata, have also announced dry days during the election period.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued notices to the presidents of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by their star campaigners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, respectively. The EC is currently examining the complaints and counter-complaints received from both parties.

The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged communal speeches made during the Lok Sabha election campaign. The court held that it cannot micromanage the Election Commission of India (ECI) in its handling of alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The plea had cited specific speeches made by Modi in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, alleging that they incited communal tensions. However, the court found the plea to be “misconceived” and declined to intervene.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) allows voters to cast their ballots without a physical voter ID card in certain circumstances. Voters whose names are on the electoral roll can use alternative ID proofs, including PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license, passport, bank passbook with photo, pension document, service ID card, or health insurance smart card issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This provision ensures that eligible voters can exercise their right to vote even if they do not have a physical voter ID card.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged the imposition of Section 144 in Pulwama district ahead of the voting for the newly created Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency. She claimed the development was ‘unprecedented’ and that party workers were being detained. Mufti questioned the Election Commission of India’s actions, suggesting a repeat of the 1987 election irregularities. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement on free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir was invoked by Mufti, who threatened to withdraw from the contest if the polls were rigged.