Uncovering the Truth Behind the 2024 Elections
In the aftermath of the 2024 elections, significant concerns have arisen regarding the integrity of the vote-counting process, particularly involving Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar, Founding Member & Trustee of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), recently shed light on these issues in an interview with TV9. The analysis conducted by ADR and other independent bodies reveals discrepancies that raise critical questions about the electoral process.
Basis of the Discrepancies
The reported discrepancies are rooted in factual data obtained from the Election Commission’s website. Typically, the number of votes cast should match the number of votes counted, with rare exceptions for invalid votes in postal ballots. However, EVMs do not have invalid votes, as each button press is recorded as a valid vote. The analysis showed discrepancies in many constituencies, indicating potential systemic issues.
Detailed Findings
The data from the 2024 elections revealed that out of the 543 constituencies, one did not have an election, leaving 542 for analysis. Among these:
- Four constituencies (Amreli, Attili, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) showed no discrepancies, indicating that error-free elections are possible.
- 362 constituencies had fewer votes counted than cast, totaling 54,558 fewer votes.
- 176 constituencies had more votes counted than cast, totaling 35,393 additional votes.
The total discrepancy amounts to 89,691 votes across 538 constituencies, a significant number that raises questions about the electoral process’s integrity.
Analyzing the Discrepancies
The existence of discrepancies in most constituencies, while some show none, suggests that the issues may stem from systemic problems rather than isolated incidents. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer suggested that the discrepancies might be due to:
- Failure to clear the control unit before starting the actual vote counting.
- Residual votes from mock polls conducted before the actual voting.
While these reasons could explain some errors, the widespread nature of the discrepancies implies deeper issues that need to be addressed.
The Importance of Transparency
Voting is a fundamental democratic right, and any discrepancy, no matter how small, undermines public trust. Just as banks meticulously tally their accounts, electoral processes must ensure every vote is accurately counted. The nearly 90,000 vote discrepancies in the 2024 elections call for a thorough and transparent investigation by the Election Commission.
Previous Incidents and the Need for Robust Systems
Similar discrepancies were noted in the 2019 elections, leading to petitions and demands for more transparent processes. Despite these calls for improvement, the recurrence of such issues in 2024 highlights the urgent need for the Election Commission to enhance its systems and ensure accuracy in vote counting.
Real-Life Examples of Discrepancies
For instance, in Assam’s Karimganj constituency, 3,811 extra votes were counted, and in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvallur constituency, 16,791 extra votes were recorded. These significant discrepancies highlight the need for detailed explanations from the Election Commission.
Raising Questions and Seeking Answers
Independent analyses by ADR, Vote for Democracy, and journalist Poonam Aggarwal consistently show that the number of votes cast does not match the number counted in many constituencies. Despite formal requests for explanations from the Election Commission, responses have not been forthcoming, raising further concerns about transparency.
Broader Implications and Allegations
The discrepancies in the vote counting process have led to broader allegations of electoral malpractice. Reports and analyses suggest potential biases and irregularities that could undermine the legitimacy of the election results. These concerns are compounded by the perceived inaction of the Election Commission against the ruling party during the election period.
Conclusion
The discrepancies in the 2024 elections, as highlighted by various independent bodies and experts, underscore the need for a robust, transparent, and accurate electoral process. The Election Commission must address these issues promptly to restore public trust in the democratic process. Ensuring the integrity of elections is paramount to maintaining the democratic values of the nation.