ECI Defends Decision-Making Process, Says Internal Differences Are Part Of Normal Functioning
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday defended its decision-making process and functioning, saying internal discussions, observations and differences of view among Election Commissioners are a normal part of institutional deliberations.
In a press note dated September 23, the Commission said it functions under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. It said its decisions are guided by constitutional, legal and operational requirements.
ECI says decisions follow statutory procedures
The Commission said all official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by it are supported by legal sanctions and follow procedures established under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
It also said that operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during different stages of the electoral process are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter interests and ensuring that suggestions are considered before further action.
Internal deliberations described as normal
The ECI said the diffrences of view and observations during deliberations are a normal feature of decision-making in institutions.
According to the Commission, such observations form part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. It said all three Election Commissioners have the opportunity to give their suggestions to the Commission before a final decision.
The Commission also cautioned against viewing isolated internal notes or observations over an extended period without considering the larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives taken during the same period.
Commission cites recent election-related decisions
The ECI said that in recent months it had taken numerous decisions and issued instructions, including around 40 new initiatives aimed at improving electoral roll revision and revision of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country.
It said these decisions were the outcome of unanimous decisions of the full Commission over the past year.
The Commission also pointed to the recently conducted major elections in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, saying the electoral machinery had been assessed and numerous approvals and instructions had been issued during these processes.
ECI highlights security of digital platforms
The Commission said its digital platforms, including ECINET, operate under strict data-security protocols designed to prevent unauthorised tampering, manipulation and other threats.
It said security checks and audit controls are regularly carried out and that cybersecurity measures are implemented across national databases.
The Commission added that statutory functionaries such as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) operate according to their statutory powers relating to electoral registration and election duties.
ECI reiterates constitutional commitment
Concluding its statement, the Election Commission said it remained committed to carrying out its constitutional duties with complete integrity and recognised its role in advancing democracy.
