In response to criticism from opposition parties, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed the Election Commission's (EC) commitment to maintaining regular and extensive dialogue with all political parties. Kumar highlighted the importance of these interactions, emphasizing that political parties are key stakeholders in the electoral process, second only to the voters themselves.
The CEC's statement comes amid accusations from opposition parties who allege that the Election Commission has been ignoring their concerns. These criticisms often arise after electoral contests, with parties questioning the fairness and transparency of the process. Some have gone so far as to accuse the EC of favoring the ruling party, a charge the commission has consistently denied.
Kumar addressed these concerns by pointing to the numerous meetings and consultations the EC holds with political parties. He stated that in the last four months alone, the commission has held approximately 5000 meetings with various parties. These dialogues serve as a platform for parties to raise their concerns, provide feedback, and seek clarification on any aspect of the electoral process.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also addressed similar criticisms during his farewell address. He noted a growing trend of blaming the Election Commission for electoral outcomes, with the EC and its officials often becoming "convenient scapegoats" for those unwilling to accept defeat. Rajiv Kumar stressed that candidates and parties are involved in every stage of the election process with full transparency, and attempts to create doubts after participating without raising objections during the process are undesirable. He advocated for dialogue as the preferred approach and urged an end to the practice of blaming the EC after a poll defeat.
These criticisms aren't new. Following the Maharashtra assembly elections, opposition parties questioned how there were more voters in Maharashtra than its adult population. Former CEC OP Rawat defended the Election Commission, stating that the commission holds consultations with all parties and their processes are open to the courts. He highlighted the EC's success in winning court cases against them, further emphasizing the transparency and accountability of the institution. Rawat clarified that the Election Commission's job is to provide a transparent, objective rebuttal to any allegation labeled against the process. He cited instances where the EC addressed concerns regarding additions to the electoral roll and the number of votes polled after a certain time, providing clarifications and data to support their actions.
The Election Commission's commitment to dialogue and transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process. By engaging with political parties, addressing their concerns, and providing clear explanations of its procedures, the EC aims to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and impartially. While criticisms may continue to arise, the commission's emphasis on open communication and accountability is essential for upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
