Deep rot: On the Election Commission of India’s functioning during its SIR
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Elections, ECI & electoral reforms· Prelims + Mains·
Institutional autonomy and collective decision-making: a GS2 case study on electoral integrity.
Why in news
An investigation by The Indian Express revealed that two Election Commissioners objected on record 14 times in ten months
Background
The investigation covers the ECI's Special Intensive Revision, Form 6 disputes, and ERONet centralisation issues. These processes impacted the deletion of 27 lakh voters in West Bengal ahead of state elections.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact27 lakh voters were deleted in West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- FactTwo Election Commissioners recorded 14 objections in a ten-month period.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR), consider the following statements:
- Two Election Commissioners recorded 14 objections in a ten-month period.
- The investigation revealed that Election Commissioners objected on record 25 times.
- A total of 27 lakh voters were deleted in West Bengal during the SIR.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states they objected on record 14 times.
For Mains
Q. Examine the institutional challenges regarding the internal decision-making processes of the Election Commission of India and its impact on electoral integrity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Internal Governance: Lack of consensus among commissioners potentially undermining the collective decision-making mandate.
- Data Integrity: Risks of arbitrary voter deletion during Special Intensive Revisions without multi-layered oversight.
- Technological Centralization: Concerns over ERONet centralization and its impact on state-level electoral roll accuracy.
Keywords: Electoral Integrity · Institutional Autonomy · Collective Decision-making · Transparency · Special Intensive Revision · ERONet
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