Editorial: Credible move by Election Commission

The EC’s recent decision to enable webcasting from 100 per cent of the polling stations with internet connectivity, starting from Bihar, will go a long way in salvaging its image

In a diverse and complex democracy like India’s, the credibility and integrity of the Election Commission are of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the hard-earned reputation of the poll panel as an impartial and independent institution has come under a cloud in recent times. The opposition parties have been accusing it of compromising on its long-cherished values of fairness and professionalism and becoming a pliable tool in the hands of the ruling dispensation. Against this backdrop, the EC’s recent decision to enable webcasting from 100 per cent of the polling stations with internet connectivity is a welcome move that would go a long way in salvaging its image. Reinforcing the independence and impartiality of the poll panel should be a priority for all stakeholders in Indian democracy, particularly political parties and the judiciary. In areas where there is no internet access, alternative arrangements for videography would be made. The move comes in the wake of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging widespread rigging in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls. It is also important for the EC to provide adequate infrastructure for information technology, internet, TV displays, mobile phones and technical staff to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. This initiative will first be implemented in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Thanks to modern technology, the electoral process in India has become more efficient and transparent. The Election Commission’s latest directive will help institutionalise real-time monitoring, allowing for a layer of surveillance that could deter malpractice and reassure both voters and political stakeholders.

The significance of the current measure lies in its universality. Earlier webcasting efforts were limited in scope, covering only select polling stations and leaving critical gaps in electoral oversight. These gaps allowed suspicions, doubts, and conspiracy theories to thrive, particularly in politically sensitive or contested regions. A uniform webcasting mechanism, backed by a network of nodal officers and multi-level monitoring control rooms, could close these gaps and create a verifiable digital trail of the voting process. The move also reflects the immense technological and administrative challenge of conducting free and fair elections in a country where connectivity remains patchy and uneven. Political parties must desist from casting aspersions on the use of technology in the election process. Despite proving their credibility, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) faced criticism in the past with doubts being raised over the possibility of rigging the voting machines. The conspiracy theorists should avoid raising suspicion over webcasting procedures. The ECI’s insistence that webcasting avoid capturing sensitive components such as the face of the ballot unit or the VVPAT (Voter verifiable paper audit trail) demonstrates a careful balance between transparency and voter secrecy. But how this balance is maintained on the ground will depend entirely on the diligence of local officials and technical staff. A robust, verifiable mechanism like this new webcasting initiative will surely help strengthen the credibility of the poll panel.

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