In response to recent allegations surrounding the issue of duplicate voter identity card numbers, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that it will take definitive steps to address this longstanding matter within the next three months.
In an official statement released on Friday, the poll body acknowledged the complexity of the issue, emphasizing that India’s electoral database is the largest in the world, comprising over 99 crore registered voters. The Commission assured the public that despite the existence of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, there is no possibility of electoral malpractice, as an individual voter is registered at a specific polling station and can cast their vote only at that designated location.
“As regards the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers, the Commission has already taken cognizance of the matter. Regardless of an EPIC number, an elector is linked to the electoral roll of a particular polling station and is permitted to vote only at that station and nowhere else,” the ECI clarified.
The Commission further stated that after extensive discussions with technical experts and state chief electoral officers, it has formulated a plan to resolve this issue permanently. Over the next three months, the ECI will implement measures to ensure that each voter is assigned a unique national EPIC number. This system will not only eliminate existing duplicate voter identity numbers but will also apply to all new voters who are registered in the future.
The problem of duplicate EPIC numbers has existed for decades, and the decision to address it now is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the electoral process and enhancing transparency.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Alleges Cover-Up
Despite the Election Commission’s assurances, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised serious concerns over the issue, alleging that the poll body is attempting to cover up what they claim is a scandal.
TMC’s Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), Saket Gokhale, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the ECI’s explanation. In response to the Commission’s announcement, Gokhale dismissed the move as a mere “eyewash”, questioning why the issue had not been addressed earlier if it has been ongoing for so many years.
Gokhale raised several pressing questions regarding the functioning of the ECI and the transparency of the electoral system.
How was an incorrect EPIC series issued, ie, first place?
Gokhale pointed out that the Election Commission’s own handbook for electoral registration officers provides clear and strict guidelines on the issuance of voter identity cards. He questioned how, despite these guidelines, duplicate numbers were generated.
Why did the EC’s voter registration software fail to detect these errors?
The EC employs sophisticated software for electoral management, which should automatically detect duplicate voter entries. Gokhale questioned whether there were flaws in the system or deliberate lapses.
Why has the EC ignored this issue since the year 2000?
The TMC leader accused the Election Commission of being aware of the problem for over two decades but failing to take action until now. He asked why it took so long for the poll body to acknowledge and address the issue.
How many duplicate voter ID numbers currently exist?
Gokhale demanded that the Election Commission disclose the actual number of duplicate EPIC numbers present in the system. He criticized the Commission for not revealing this crucial data to the public.
A “Scam” That Needs Answers
Terming the Election Commission’s response as “the second eyewash in a week”, Gokhale accused the poll body of attempting to mislead the public by passing off its inaction as a mere “clarification.”
“What exactly is the EC hiding, and who are they trying to protect?” he asked. The TMC leader alleged that the issue of duplicate voter IDs is part of a larger electoral scam, demanding full transparency and accountability from the Commission.
With the upcoming elections drawing closer, the Election Commission is now under immense pressure to swiftly resolve the issue and rebuild trust in the electoral process. The next three months will be crucial in determining whether the Commission can successfully implement the proposed reforms and ensure a tamper-proof voter ID system.
As political parties continue to scrutinize the ECI’s actions, the focus remains on whether the poll body can address long-standing electoral irregularities and uphold the integrity of India’s democratic system.