Electoral Roll Discrepancies and ECI's Role
The article discusses the significant issues surrounding inaccuracies in electoral rolls, such as incorrect details, duplication, and ghost voters, which lead to electoral fraud like impersonation and multiple voting. This undermines public trust and representative democracy.
Election Commission of India's (ECI) Responsibilities
- The ECI is responsible for maintaining accurate and clean electoral rolls.
- Despite its duties, the ECI has faced criticism for opacity and failing to address inconsistencies.
- In the 1990s, under T.N. Seshan, the ECI was highly credible, implementing model codes of conduct and issuing Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to prevent bogus voting. However, this credibility has eroded over time.
Role of Political Parties
- Political parties have shifted from traditional, local-level campaigning to digital strategies, utilizing social media and professional consultants.
- This shift has weakened local party infrastructure, leading to unchecked systemic failures like electoral roll discrepancies.
Local Party Organization and Booth Level Agents (BLA)
- BLAs are appointed to assist in scrutinizing electoral rolls and aiding in corrections during revisions.
- BLAs are essential in maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls by working closely with local election officers.
- Despite mechanisms to prevent fraud, irregularities have been reported, raising questions about the effectiveness and vigilance of BLAs.
Challenges and Opportunities
- The reported irregularities, such as those in the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, indicate potential manipulation by BLAs and highlight the need for vigilant local party organizations.
- Political parties must revitalize their local units to ensure electoral integrity and sustain democracy.
Revitalization and Vigilance
- This controversy allows parties to focus on revitalizing dormant local units sidelined by technology and consultants.
- Parties are becoming more vigilant in scrutinizing draft rolls, as seen in Kerala, where issues like duplicate voter registrations are being actively addressed.
Conclusion
The article concludes by emphasizing the necessity of robust local organizations in safeguarding democracy. Political parties, by neglecting local vigilance, risk more than electoral losses—they may jeopardize democracy itself.
