1 hr ago
Election Commission Defends Unanimous Decisions Amid Dissent Report
The Election Commission was criticized after a report said two commissioners objected to some decisions.
The objections reportedly happened 14 times during 10 months.
The Commission said disagreements are normal while people discuss important decisions.
It said the final decisions made by the full Commission over the past year were unanimous.
The Commission also said the report focused on only a small part of its work.
It said it had made many decisions and introduced about 40 initiatives, including electoral-roll revisions.
Opposition leaders disagreed and said the Commission may no longer be independent.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission, the BJP and the RSS of helping organize voter fraud, while the Commission defended its integrity.
The Election Commission said differing views are a normal part of institutional deliberation before final decisions.
Its statement followed a report that Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected to decisions at least 14 times in 10 months.
The Commission said all decisions taken by the full panel during the past year were unanimous.
Reported objections involved voter additions, deletions and restorations, Form 6 changes, and electoral-roll technology.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Derek O’Brien, accused the Commission of undermining democracy and called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal.
- Who
- The Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, and Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Derek O’Brien.
- What
- The Commission responded to a report alleging that two commissioners objected to 14 decisions during the rollout of electoral-roll revisions and the Special Intensive Revision.
- Where
- The matter concerns the Election Commission of India and electoral-roll revision across India.
- When
- The Commission issued its statement on Wednesday, following a report covering the previous 10 months.
- Why
- The Commission sought to explain that internal disagreements are normal and said its final decisions during the past year were unanimous.
Opposition parties
Election Commission
Meaning of internal objections
Opposition parties
Opposition leaders said the reported objections raise serious concerns about the Commission’s independence and decision-making.
Election Commission
The Commission said differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation before a final decision.
Electoral-roll revision
Opposition parties
Opposition parties alleged that the Special Intensive Revision could exclude voters for the BJP’s benefit.
Election Commission
The Commission described electoral-roll revision, including SIR, as part of its electoral reforms and constitutional duties.
Accountability of the chief commissioner
Opposition parties
Congress leaders and Derek O’Brien called for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, removal or impeachment.
Election Commission
The Commission defended its overall record and said it remains committed to carrying out its duties with complete integrity.
Key facts
- Reported objections
- Two Election Commissioners reportedly raised formal objections at least 14 times over 10 months.
- Commission’s position
- The Election Commission said differing views are a normal part of deliberation.
- Final decisions
- The Commission said decisions by the full panel during the past year were unanimous.
- Issues cited in report
- The reported objections concerned voter additions, deletions and restorations, Form 6 changes, and electoral-roll technology.
- Recent initiatives
- The Commission said it introduced around 40 new initiatives and undertook electoral reforms.
- Political response
- Congress leaders demanded accountability, while Derek O’Brien renewed calls for a motion to remove Gyanesh Kumar.
- Special Intensive Revision
- The report and political dispute centered partly on the electoral-roll exercise known as SIR.
Quotes
Election Commission of India
India's constitutional election management body
“Five months ago, 60 Rajya Sabha MPs (50 needed) wrote to Chairman RS moving Motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar. After big news break today that two Election Commissioners objected to many of CEC's actions, it's time to bring out the RS Motion today. Impeach CEC to save democracy.”
livemint.com
“Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”
NDTV
livemint.com
Sources
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