The Election Commission (EC) has strongly asserted that sharing video footage from polling stations would constitute a breach of voters' privacy and could potentially lead to discrimination and intimidation. This statement comes amidst increasing demands from various political parties and individuals to make available the webcasting footage from polling booths.
EC officials have firmly resisted these demands, citing grave concerns regarding the privacy and security of voters. They argue that releasing such footage could expose voters to undue pressure and potential harassment, as it could reveal who voted and who did not, and their voting choices. This is especially concerning in areas where a particular political party may have underperformed, as it could create an environment where voters are targeted based on their perceived allegiances.
The EC emphasizes that maintaining the privacy and secrecy of the elector is a non-negotiable tenet, upheld by both the law and the Supreme Court. Sharing footage that allows easy identification of voters would compromise this principle, leaving individuals vulnerable to pressure, discrimination, and intimidation by anti-social elements. The EC is legally bound and committed to protecting the privacy of the electors and the secrecy of voting. Video footage from polling stations cannot be given to any person, candidate, NGO, or any third party without the express consent of the electors.
To strike a balance between transparency and voter protection, the EC retains CCTV footage as an internal management tool for 45 days, aligning with the period for filing an election petition. After this period, the footage is destroyed to prevent misuse and the spread of misinformation. However, if an election petition is filed within the 45-day window, the CCTV footage is preserved and made available to the competent court upon request.
The EC's stance is further reinforced by a recent amendment to Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which restricts public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage and video recordings of candidates. This amendment aims to prevent the misuse of electronic election records and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The debate surrounding the release of polling station footage has intensified, with some political figures alleging that the EC is deliberately concealing evidence. However, the EC maintains that its decisions are guided by the need to protect voter privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive information. The commission remains firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of free and fair elections while ensuring the safety and security of all voters.
