The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday published the voter turnout numbers for the first five phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The commission emphasized that this data has always been accessible to both candidates and the public.
In a strong statement, the ECI criticized what it termed a "pattern of false narratives and mischievous design to vitiate the electoral process." The commission reiterated that voter turnout data has been consistently available through its app starting from 9:30 am on the polling day of each phase.
The ECI's release of the absolute polling numbers came a day after the Supreme Court declined to issue directions to the commission on an NGO's plea. The NGO had requested that polling booth-wise voter turnout data be uploaded on the ECI?s website during the Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court favored a "hands-off attitude" during the ongoing electoral process.
The poll panel had argued against the NGO's demand, stating that it would "vitiate" the electoral environment and create "chaos" within the poll machinery amidst the general elections.
?The Commission feels duly strengthened by the Hon?ble Supreme Court?s observations and verdict on the process of release of turnout data by the Election Commission of India,? the ECI said in a release.
