Why is the Election Commission afraid of transparency? – ..

Congress on Saturday targeted the Election Commission and the Central Government over the amendment in electoral rules. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the decision to block some election-related electronic documents from public inspection was taken in haste and the move would be legally challenged.

What is the matter?

The Central Government has amended Rule 93 of the Election Conduct Rules, 1961 on the recommendation of the Election Commission.

• Now electronic documents like CCTV footage, webcasting recordings and video recordings of candidates will not be available for public inspection.
• The government claims that this step has been taken to prevent misuse of these records.

Jairam Ramesh’s question: Why fear transparency?

Jairam Ramesh wrote on ‘X’:

“This is the biggest example of the continuously deteriorating credibility of the Election Commission of transparency in the electoral process.”

He also said that transparency helps in preventing corruption and unethical practices.

Reference to Punjab and Haryana High Court

Citing the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Ramesh said that the court had directed the Election Commission to share election information.

• Advocate Mahmood Pracha had filed the petition seeking videography, CCTV footage and copies of Form 17-C related to the Haryana Assembly elections.
• The court had ordered the commission to provide this information.
  Ramesh alleges that instead of following the court, the Election Commission amended the law.

What has been changed?

By making changes in Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, the word “as specified in these rules” was added after the word “papers”.

• This means that now only those documents will be made public, which are clearly mentioned in the rules.
• Documents like CCTV and webcasting footage are now out of this scope.

Election Commission’s argument

The Election Commission said that this step has been taken to protect the confidentiality of voting.

• Officials say that misuse of CCTV footage could jeopardize the confidentiality of polling stations.
• The footage can be used to create fake discussions with AI technology.

One officer said:

“Any electronic record which is not covered by the rules will not be allowed for public inspection. “However, candidates and concerned parties can obtain it through the court.”

Congress’s stance

Congress has expressed opposition to this amendment and called it a threat to democracy. Ramesh said this move raises questions on the integrity of the Election Commission and will be challenged in court.