'Not possible to change no. of votes polled': EC releases data for 6 phases, condemns 'misleading narratives'

Unemployment and job creation has been a central theme this election.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the voter turnout data for Phase 6 of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with figures indicating a turnout of 63.36 per cent. The poll body also released details of the absolute number of votes cast within three days of polling- the shortest gap between the polling day and release of such data this election season.

In an official press statement, the EC reaffirmed that the data of votes polled, which is shared on polling day with the polling agents of all candidates through Form 17C, cannot be altered. The commission further stated that the voter turnout data has consistently been accessible to candidates and is available round-the-clock on the Voter Turnout App for citizens.

The poll panel noted that authorised agents of all candidates will have access to Form 17C across all 543 Parliamentary Constituencies, with a distinct form available for each of the approximately 10.5 lakh polling stations.

Following the SC's refusal to issue any interim orders on a petition filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on May 24, the EC took the step to release polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of the conclusion of polling for each phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

On May 22, the EC informed the apex court that there is no legal entitlement to demand the publication of final authenticated data regarding voter turnout in all polling stations.

In an affidavit submitted to the apex court, the poll panel asserted that releasing voter turnout information derived from Form 17C (votes cast in each polling station) could potentially cause confusion among voters, as it would include counts from postal ballots as well.

In the affidavit, the poll panel questioned the intentions of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and alleged that it consistently engages in a malicious campaign to raise suspicion and doubt regarding the conduct of elections by the Election Commission of India through misleading assertions and baseless allegations.