Election Commission says ‘false campaign’ being run to discredit Lok Sabha polls

The poll body claimed that ‘unfounded attempts’ are being made to compare the approx turnout of voters at 7pm on poll day with the ‘end of poll turnout’.

Published on: Aug 4, 2024, 21:16:43 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said that a false campaign was being run with a design to discredit the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission of India office in New Delhi. (File)

“False campaign is being run by some (other than candidates) in furtherance of design to discredit largest elections ever held in the history of mankind in a most transparent manner involving candidates/ stakeholders at every stage of elections,” the ECI posted on X.

Also Read | EC hints at imminent assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir

The poll body claimed that ‘unfounded attempts’ are being made to compare the approximate turnout of voters at 7 pm on poll day with the ‘end of poll turnout’, which is made available a day after polling ends.

“Unfounded attempts are made to compare approx turnout fig at 7 pm on poll day (when many PS might be closing poll &/or voters waiting in queue)with ‘End of Poll’ turnout available a day after poll day,” it wrote.

“While legitimate means to challenge an electoral outcome by a candidate or elector is through an Election Petition u/ RPA 1951, no EP is reportedly filed on such grounds. A lesser number of EPs have been reportedly filed in 79 PCs in GE 2024 as against 138 EPs in GE 2019," it added.

Also Read | EC releases techincal SOPs to verify functioning of EVMs used in polls

The clarification comes a day after the Congress cited a report by a citizens’ platform, which has raised questions about the substantial hike in the Lok Sabha voting turnout percentages and urged the Election Commission to address the concerns.

Vote for Democracy (VFD) Maharashtra in a report released in Mumbai last month had claimed significant discrepancies between the votes polled and counted as well as a "substantial unexplained hike" in the turnout percentages, according to PTI.

Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit had urged the poll body to address the doubts raised in the 'Vote for Democracy' report.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.