CEC Gyanesh Kumar defends electoral roll process as 'unparalleled transparency'

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday asserted that the Election Commission (EC) follows an “unparalleled level of transparency” in the preparation of electoral rolls, a statement aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the world’s largest democratic exercise.

Speaking at a programme in Agravan, near Water Works crossing, Mr. Kumar highlighted the scale of India’s electoral machinery. He said nearly 18 lakh personnel work under the EC during Lok Sabha elections, managing a voter base of around 950 million. “India has around 950 million voters, making it the world's largest democracy … the Election Commission follows an unparalleled level of transparency in the preparation of electoral rolls,” he said.

The CEC urged citizens to download the ECI Net mobile application, which provides access to Election Commission information and electoral data dating back to 1951. The app, he said, is part of the EC’s efforts to make electoral information easily accessible to the public.

Commenting on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Mr. Kumar said the exercise has already been completed for around 700 million voters, while verification of another 350 million voters is underway. The SIR is a routine process aimed at updating the rolls to include new voters, delete deceased or shifted voters, and correct errors.

He also outlined the multi-layered checks built into the system. Before the publication of the final electoral roll, government officials certify the records, and recognised political parties are allowed to audit the lists. This, he said, ensures that the process is not only transparent but also accountable to all stakeholders.

The EC’s transparency mechanisms have been a subject of public debate, especially during election periods. The commission has consistently maintained that its processes are designed to prevent fraud and ensure free and fair elections. The CEC’s remarks come at a time when electoral preparedness is under scrutiny ahead of upcoming state and general elections.

Political parties, civil society groups, and citizens rely on the electoral roll as the foundational document for exercising their franchise. Any errors or omissions can disenfranchise voters, making the revision process critical. The EC’s decision to involve political parties in auditing the rolls is seen as a confidence-building measure.

The CEC’s emphasis on the ECI Net app also reflects a broader digital push by the commission. The app not only provides historical electoral data but also allows users to check their registration status and access voter guides. This aligns with the EC’s goal of leveraging technology to enhance electoral participation.

As India prepares for future electoral cycles, the accuracy and transparency of electoral rolls remain central to the credibility of the democratic process. The EC’s assertions, backed by procedural safeguards, aim to reassure voters that their voice will be counted.