The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly stated that political parties should raise concerns regarding errors in electoral rolls during the designated "Claims and Objections" period, rather than after elections or at other belated times. The ECI has emphasized that addressing concerns during this period allows Electoral Registration Officers to make timely corrections, ensuring accuracy and preventing future disputes.
The "Claims and Objections" period is a crucial window provided by the ECI to rectify any errors on the draft electoral rolls. This allows for revisions before the final electoral roll is published. The ECI has expressed its disappointment that parties are raising these issues after the fact, as the appropriate time for intervention has passed.
Recently, the ECI reiterated that it had not received a single claim or objection from any political party regarding the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, even after the claims and objections period had begun. However, the ECI has received claims and objections directly from electors.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging that the revision process could lead to the deletion of a large number of voters. The Supreme Court has directed the ECI to make public a searchable list of voters deleted from the draft electoral roll after the SIR exercise, along with the reasons for deletion. The court has also specified that aggrieved persons can approach ECI officials with their Aadhaar cards as proof of identity and residence to raise objections.
The ECI's stance is that raising issues during the designated period is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. By addressing concerns proactively, the ECI can ensure that electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date, preventing disenfranchisement and promoting fair elections. The commission has welcomed scrutiny of the electoral rolls but insists that such scrutiny should occur at the appropriate time, allowing for effective and timely resolution of any issues.
