A step away from transparency
TThe Indian Election Commission (ECI) introduced some new rules and revisions, including a special intensive revision of the election rolls in Bihar before the parliamentary surveys. This exercise will then take place throughout the country.
In Bihar, Sir exercise, which aims to remove the recurrent entrances in the election rolls, began on June 25th. He usually uses the 2003 election rolls. The process includes the requirements of verification and new documentation from the door to the door. ECI aims to publish the final voter list until September 30th.
As part of the process, voters listed in the 2003 election rolls – when a last intensive revision is made in Bihar – does not have to send documents unless asked. However, those who are not in rolls in 2003 and new applicants will have to provide evidence of the birthplace and/or birth place of the spontaneity if they were born before 1 July 1987; If they were born between 1 July 1987 and 2 December 2004, the birthplace and/or evidence of a parent; And if they were born after December 2, 2004, self -esteem and proof of the birthplace and/or evidence of both parents.
On the surface, this seems to be compatible with the aim of cleaning ECI’s selection rolls and eliminating ghost voters from voters and enabling only Indian citizens to use their franchises, which are the basis for a free and fair democratic process. However, there are a few concerns. First, many people/families from poor, dalit, Muslim, tribal and immigrant communities often lack official birth certificates. Secondly, others will struggle to produce a document to verify the place of birth of their parents due to historical gaps in the state documents.
Third, there may be a lack of awareness and clarity around new requirements. Many voters, especially in rural areas, may not fully understand which documents are needed, how to fill the forms or where and when to send them. Limited public access, complex documents are required, and with a strict time schedule that led to the last publication of election rolls until September 30, the risk of confusion, errors and unintentional exceptions are high, especially those on the sides of the system.
Fourth, the process is based on the authorities (stand level officers and election registration officers) at the field level with optional power. While the framework allows allegations, objections and objections, the first verification and decision -making processes are in the hands of local civil servants. This may lead to inconsistencies, delays or prejudiced judgments, especially in areas with limited surveillance.
Fifth, ECI did not undertake to publish the list of names removed from the election rolls, nor did it provide a clear, accessible system for applicants to monitor their applications. This makes it difficult for citizens, civil society and the media to monitor the process, identify mistakes or challenge wrong exceptions, and ask serious questions about accountability.
Lokniti-Centre for the National Election Study 2024’s development societies (CSDs) after the survey has revealed a relevant tendency. When the participants were asked whether they trust ECI, 12% reported ‘too much’ and 7% ‘no trust’. In this doubt atmosphere, ECI issued a circular director within 45 days of the election, unless an election petition was opened at that time. Previously, images and photographs have been preserved for three months to one year depending on the polling stage. This new measure not only limits the time of the material examination, but also closes roads for the transparency that existed before.
The steps such as Epic Clean Up and Voter Participation Increase, ECI forced for productivity, voting station images early, apply new documentation rules without adequate public awareness, and not explained the names removed from the roller roller actions, such as the uncertainty and undoubtedly contribute to the valid atmosphere. At a time when the public trust in institutions is forced, ECI cannot afford to be so opaque.
Krishangi Sinha is a researcher with Lokniti-CSDS; Sanjay Kumar is a joint director of Lukniti and a professor in CSDS. Views are personal
Published – 08 July 2025 01:47
