Ahmedabad, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that India’s electoral process is conducted in strict accordance with the Constitution, election laws, and directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Speaking at a special discussion titled “Conducting Elections in India – The World’s Largest Democracy” with engaged citizens at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Kumar described the system as vast and transparent, essential for upholding the world’s largest democracy.
Kumar highlighted the scale of the electoral process, noting that there are nearly 900 million voters in India, making the Lok Sabha elections the largest electoral exercise globally. He emphasized that approximately 18 million personnel are involved in election duties, showcasing the capability of India’s electoral system to manage such a large voter base and workforce.
The Chief Election Commissioner outlined three main phases of the election process: preparing the voter list, voting, and counting the votes. He noted that around 1.2 million Booth Level Officers (BLOs) verify the voter lists by visiting homes to ensure that eligible voters are included and ineligible names are removed.
Kumar stressed that the primary goal of the electoral system is to ensure that every eligible individual is registered to vote, while ineligible persons are excluded from the voter list. He also shed light on the participation of political parties and candidates at various stages of the election process.
He explained that booth-level agents participate in the verification of voter lists, and mock polls are conducted on electronic voting machines (EVMs) before actual voting begins. Kumar assured that EVMs are not connected to the internet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Before voting starts, mock polls are conducted in the presence of candidates’ representatives to check the functionality of the machines. Only after this verification does the real voting commence. After voting, the total number of votes cast is recorded in Form 17C, and the EVMs are sealed according to established procedures. During the counting process, the results from the EVMs are verified in the presence of counting agents from the candidates.
Kumar mentioned the increasing use of technology to enhance communication within the electoral machinery. He noted that integrated digital platforms like ECI Net are being leveraged for more efficient communication in the extensive electoral network, consolidating what was previously managed through multiple applications into a more effective digital system.
He encouraged youth and citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, urging every eligible citizen aged 18 and above to register as voters and exercise their voting rights. Increased citizen participation, he argued, strengthens democracy.
Kumar emphasized that elections for the President, Vice President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state assemblies are conducted under a constitutional framework and established legal procedures. He remarked on the uniqueness of conducting elections in such a large geographical area with millions of voters.
During his two-day visit to Gujarat, Kumar also toured the historic Adalaj Stepwell after visiting the Gandhi Ashram, admiring its intricate architecture and carvings. He was welcomed by Gandhinagar Collector Ravindra Khatale and Adalaj Sarpanch Pragyesh Patel, who presented him with a commemorative gift.
Additionally, Kumar interacted with BLOs from various primary schools, including Dantali’s Kumar and Kanya Primary Schools, as well as those in Jamiyatpura, Shertha, and Manekba. Girish Gupta, a government tour guide, provided insights into the history and architecture of the Adalaj Stepwell. Gujarat’s Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale and Assistant Superintendent of the Archaeological Department Dineshkumar Meena were also present during the visit.
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