Voter turnout data affirmed as accurate, transparent, and accessible.
ECI highlights measures to ensure data integrity and transparency in electoral process.
DESK – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the absolute number of voters for the completed phases of the Lok Sabha elections. This move reaffirms the ECI’s commitment to transparency and the integrity of the electoral process.
The ECI emphasized that the data of votes polled, shared on poll day with polling agents through Form 17C, cannot be altered.
Releasing Absolute Voter Numbers
The ECI, strengthened by the Supreme Court’s observations and verdict, has decided to expand the format of releasing turnout data to include the absolute number of voters in each parliamentary constituency. This information, previously discernible by applying turnout percentages to total electors, is now explicitly available in public domain.
Ensuring Data Integrity
The ECI detailed the rigorous, transparent, and participative process of collecting and storing votes. Key points include:
1. Final elector lists provided to candidates after finalizing contesting candidates.
2. Authorized agents possess Form 17C for each of the approximately 10.5 lakh polling stations.
3. The total number of votes recorded in Form 17C cannot be altered, as it is accessible to all candidates.
4. Candidate agents accompany EVMs and statutory papers to storage, as per Rule 49 V (2) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961.
5. Agents compare Form 17C with results at counting centers.
Voter Turnout App
The ECI underlined that voter turnout data has been consistently available on the Voter Turnout App from 9:30 AM on poll days, updated every two hours until 5:30 PM. After 7:00 PM, data is continuously updated, showing the estimated "Close of Poll" data by midnight.
Additional Measures
To further enhance transparency, the ECI has:
– Upgraded the Voter Turnout App from phase 3 to include aggregate phase-wise turnout figures.
– Enabled a screenshot feature in the Android version of the app.
– Started releasing constituency-wise elector data.
– Released voter turnout data at 11:45 PM on poll days.
– Issued a third press note of each phase on P+4 day after any repolls.
Commitment to Transparency
The ECI reiterated its commitment to the highest level of transparency and stakeholder involvement at every stage of the electoral cycle.
