Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi has raised serious concerns over the significant variation between provisional and final voter turnout figures in Maharashtra’s recent Assembly elections. The state, which went to the polls on November 20, initially recorded a turnout of 55% by 5 PM. However, this figure surged to 67% the following day, marking the highest voter turnout in nearly 30 years.
In an interview with India Today, Quraishi, who served as CEC from 2010 to 2012, described the discrepancy as “worrying” and called for an immediate investigation by the Election Commission of India (ECI). “This is real-time data generated on the same day,” Quraishi stated. “How it changes significantly the next day is something I fail to understand.”
He elaborated that voter attendance is meticulously recorded in real-time using Form 17A at polling stations. By the end of polling, the data is consolidated in Form 17C, which is verified and signed by candidates’ agents before being submitted. According to Quraishi, any major variation between these figures raises questions about the integrity of the process.
The former CEC warned that such anomalies could erode public trust in the electoral system. “If doubts spread across the country, it could undermine the entire system,” he cautioned.
Broader Context of Discrepancies
This is not the first time such concerns have been raised. During the May 2024 Lok Sabha elections, discrepancies of 5-6% were observed between the initial and final voter turnout figures. In response, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed a petition in the Supreme Court, demanding that polling station-wise turnout data be released within 48 hours of each phase. However, the Supreme Court rejected the plea, citing logistical challenges. The ECI argued that immediate disclosure of such granular data could complicate the electoral process.
Calls for Transparency
Election watchdogs and experts have echoed Quraishi’s call for greater transparency. “The Election Commission must take these discrepancies seriously and investigate why such variations occur,” an ADR spokesperson said. Critics argue that without clear explanations, such anomalies can fuel skepticism about the accuracy and fairness of elections.
The Election Commission has yet to respond to the allegations or explain the unusual rise in voter turnout figures. As the nation prepares for a series of crucial state elections and the 2025 general elections, addressing these concerns will be vital to maintaining public confidence in India’s democratic process.