Asia Press Agency

Tag: Election Commission of India

  • India Sets Dates for Marathon Seven-Phase Lok Sabha Elections

    India Sets Dates for Marathon Seven-Phase Lok Sabha Elections

    India, the world’s largest democracy, is gearing up for a marathon seven-phase Lok Sabha election, scheduled to commence on April 19 and conclude on June 1. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the election schedule, highlighting the extensive electoral process that will involve nearly a billion voters across the country.

     

    The marathon election will be conducted in seven phases, with polling dates set for April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Additionally, assembly elections in four states – Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha – will coincide with the Lok Sabha polls.

     

    The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, comprising elected representatives from each of India’s states and union territories. The upcoming elections will see the election of members to the 18th Lok Sabha, as the tenure of the current 17th Lok Sabha ends on June 16, 2024.

     

    In the previous Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a resounding victory, winning 303 seats out of the 543-member house. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a total of 350 seats, while the Indian National Congress and its allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) managed to win only 91 seats.

     

    This time around, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious targets for his party, aiming for 370 seats for the BJP and 400-plus for the NDA. The BJP’s campaign will focus on its track record of governance and service delivery across various sectors, contrasting it with what it portrays as the previous regime’s failures and corruption.

     

    With the announcement of election dates, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect, imposing restrictions on the government’s activities. Any new projects or schemes must receive prior approval from the Election Commission to ensure fairness during the election period.

     

    To prevent illicit methods of influencing voters, the Election Commission has deployed various measures, including confiscating illegal funds and scrutinizing digital payment wallets for suspicious activities. Additionally, e-way bill analytics and data analysis tools will be used to detect unusual demand spikes for consumer goods in specific areas.

     

    The Election Commission aims to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process, with over a million polling stations set up across the country. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel, along with state police forces, will be deployed to maintain law and order during the elections.

     

    One of the notable regions facing unique challenges in the electoral process is Manipur, where ethnic clashes between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities have resulted in significant violence. Despite these challenges, arrangements have been made to allow voters living in camps to cast their votes from their respective locations.

     

    In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), assembly elections will be scheduled after the Lok Sabha polls due to security concerns. The region, which has been under Governor’s rule since June 2018, underwent significant political changes following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

     

    The upcoming marathon Lok Sabha elections in India represent a critical juncture in the country’s democratic process, with millions of voters set to determine the course of its governance for the next five years. As political parties gear up for intense campaigning and electoral battles, all eyes will be on the outcome of this historic democratic exercise.

  • EC Seeks Modification in Supreme Court Judgment

    EC Seeks Modification in Supreme Court Judgment

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a significant step toward enhancing transparency in political funding by seeking a modification of the Supreme Court judgment in the electoral bonds case. This move comes on the heels of the ECI uploading details of electoral bonds issued to political parties on its website, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over electoral finance reform in India.

     

    In its application to the Supreme Court, the ECI has requested the return of sealed cover documents previously furnished to the court. The poll body clarified that it had not retained any copies of these documents to maintain confidentiality. The ECI’s objective is to ensure the secure handling of sensitive information while complying with the court’s directives regarding electoral bonds.

     

    The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the electoral bonds scheme stems from concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding. By directing the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide details of electoral bonds to the ECI, the court aims to shed light on the flow of funds to political parties through this mechanism. Additionally, the court instructed the ECI to disclose electoral bonds data by March 13, prompting the recent actions by the poll body.

     

    The ECI’s decision to upload electoral bonds data on its website signifies a significant step toward promoting transparency in political financing. This move aligns with the broader efforts to enhance accountability and integrity in the electoral process. By making this information publicly accessible, the ECI aims to foster greater awareness and scrutiny of political funding practices.

     

    However, the process has not been without its challenges. The ECI’s application for modification of the Supreme Court judgment underscores the complexities involved in handling sensitive financial data while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The poll body’s request for the return of sealed documents reflects its commitment to upholding confidentiality standards while fulfilling its obligations to the court.

     

    The Supreme Court’s directives regarding electoral bonds have prompted a series of actions aimed at increasing transparency in political funding. The SBI’s submission of electoral bonds data to the ECI and subsequent publication on the ECI’s website represent significant milestones in this process. The availability of this information allows for greater scrutiny of political finance practices and holds political parties accountable for their funding sources.

     

    The electoral bonds scheme, introduced as a means of promoting transparency in political funding, has been a subject of debate since its inception. While proponents argue that it provides a mechanism for legitimate and transparent political donations, critics raise concerns about its potential for misuse and lack of transparency. The Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring fairness in the electoral process.

     

    The ECI’s role in overseeing political finance is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of elections and promoting public trust in the electoral process. By seeking modifications to the Supreme Court judgment, the ECI demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling its mandate while navigating complex legal and procedural challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in political funding, thereby strengthening the foundations of democracy.

     

    The Election Commission of India’s efforts to enhance transparency in political funding through the electoral bonds case underscore the importance of accountability and integrity in the electoral process. By seeking modification to the Supreme Court judgment and publishing electoral bonds data, the ECI aims to promote greater transparency and scrutiny of political finance practices. These initiatives represent important steps toward strengthening democratic norms and upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in elections.

  • EC Publishes Electoral Bonds Data in Compliance

    EC Publishes Electoral Bonds Data in Compliance

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) took a significant step towards transparency in electoral funding by uploading electoral bonds data on its website, in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of India. The State Bank of India (SBI), the designated bank for issuing electoral bonds, provided the data to the election body, which was subsequently made available to the public.

     

    The decision to publish the electoral bonds data aligns with the ECI’s commitment to transparency and disclosure in the electoral process. The move comes in response to the Supreme Court’s directives issued in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 880 of 2017. In its statement, the ECI underscored its unwavering support for transparency, emphasizing its consistent stance on the issue throughout the legal proceedings.

     

    By making the electoral bonds data accessible on its website, the ECI has taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency in electoral funding in compliance with SC. The data provided by the SBI is now available to the public on the ECI’s website, allowing citizens to scrutinize the flow of funds to political parties through electoral bonds.

     

    The transparency initiative is crucial for promoting accountability and fostering public trust in the electoral process. With access to information about electoral bonds, citizens can better understand the sources of funding for political parties and assess their financial transactions. This transparency not only strengthens democratic principles but also helps prevent the misuse of funds and curb corruption in politics.

     

    The publication of electoral bonds data marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards electoral transparency. It reflects the ECI’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that political parties operate in a transparent manner. By providing citizens with access to crucial information about electoral funding, the ECI empowers them to hold political parties accountable and participate more actively in the democratic process.

     

    The availability of electoral bonds data on the ECI’s website serves as a valuable resource for researchers, journalists, civil society organizations, and the general public. It allows stakeholders to analyze trends in political financing, track the flow of funds to different political parties, and identify any potential irregularities or discrepancies. This information enables informed public discourse on electoral funding and contributes to greater transparency and accountability in the political sphere.

     

    Moreover, the publication of electoral bonds data is a significant step towards fulfilling the objectives of electoral reforms. It aligns with the recommendations of various expert committees and civil society organizations advocating for greater transparency in electoral funding. By proactively disclosing information about electoral bonds as per compliance with SC, the ECI sets a precedent for other aspects of electoral finance regulation and strengthens the framework for democratic governance.

     

    As India continues to strengthen its electoral system and democratic institutions, initiatives like the publication of electoral bonds data play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the political process. The ECI’s commitment to disclosure and transparency sets a positive example for other electoral management bodies around the world and reinforces India’s position as a vibrant democracy committed to upholding democratic values and principles.

  • SBI Submits Electoral Bonds Data to Election Commission

    SBI Submits Electoral Bonds Data to Election Commission

    The State Bank of India (SBI) took a significant step on March 12 by submitting all data related to electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI), adhering to the directives issued by the Supreme Court. This move marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding political funding transparency in India.

     

    The SBI, the country’s largest lender, had initially requested an extension of the deadline set by the apex court, seeking time until June 30 to disclose the details of electoral bonds. However, the Supreme Court rebuked the SBI, ordering the bank to provide the information to the Election Commission by the end of business hours on March 12.

     

    Electoral bonds have been a subject of contentious debate since their inception in 2018. These bonds allow individuals and corporations to make anonymous donations to political parties, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding.

     

    In a landmark verdict, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional. This decision was hailed by opposition leaders and activists who have long criticized the lack of transparency in political funding.

     

    The Supreme Court’s ruling not only invalidated the Electoral Bonds Scheme but also mandated the closure of the program. Additionally, the court directed the SBI to furnish details of all electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission by March 6.

     

    As the sole authorized financial institution under the Electoral Bonds Scheme, the SBI plays a crucial role in facilitating political funding. The bank’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s order is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

     

    Furthermore, the Supreme Court instructed the Election Commission to publish the information provided by the SBI on its official website by March 15. This transparency measure aims to ensure that the public has access to crucial data regarding political donations.

     

    The retrieval of electoral bond information posed a logistical challenge for the SBI, as it required collating data from various sources. The bank cited the complexity of the process, emphasizing the need for time to gather and verify the information accurately.

     

    Opposition leaders welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, viewing it as a victory for transparency and democratic values. They criticized the government’s implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on March 11, alleging that it was a diversionary tactic to shift focus away from the electoral bond controversy.

     

    In a separate development, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) urged President Droupadi Murmu to seek a presidential reference on the electoral bonds case. The SCBA chief argued that revealing the names of corporate donors could expose them to potential victimization, necessitating further examination of the court’s ruling.

     

    The call for a presidential reference reflects the ongoing legal and political battle surrounding electoral bonds. The issue has broader implications for democracy and governance in India, as it raises questions about the influence of money in politics and the need for transparency in electoral processes.

     

    The Electoral Bonds Scheme was introduced by the government with the aim of promoting transparency in political funding. However, critics argue that the scheme has failed to achieve its objectives and has instead exacerbated concerns about opacity and corruption in the political system.

     

    The submission of electoral bond data to the Election Commission is a crucial step towards addressing these concerns. By providing transparency and accountability in political funding, the move enhances public trust in the electoral process and strengthens democratic norms.

     

    Moving forward, it is essential for the government and regulatory authorities to heed the Supreme Court’s verdict and take concrete steps to reform the electoral funding system. This includes exploring alternative mechanisms for political financing that prioritize transparency and accountability.

     

    The submission of electoral bond data by the State Bank of India to the Election Commission represents a significant milestone in the quest for transparency in political funding. It underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring accountability in the electoral process. As India navigates the complexities of its democratic journey, efforts to promote transparency and integrity in political financing remain paramount.

  • Appointment of Election Commissioners Expected by March 15

    Appointment of Election Commissioners Expected by March 15

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to undergo a significant transformation with the appointment of two new election commissioners by March 15. This move comes in response to the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel, leaving Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll authority.

     

    The sudden resignation of Arun Goel, which was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, has prompted the ECI to expedite the process of appointing new commissioners. With the Lok Sabha polls schedule expected to be announced soon, the need to fill these vacancies becomes even more urgent.

     

    Anup Chandra Pandey had retired on February 14 upon reaching the age of 65, creating one of the vacancies in the commission. Now, with Arun Goel’s resignation, the need to appoint two new commissioners has become paramount.

     

    To facilitate the appointment process, a search committee led by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has been tasked with preparing two separate panels of five names each for the vacant positions. These panels will then be reviewed by a selection committee chaired by the Prime Minister, along with other members including a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

     

    The appointment of the new election commissioners will be finalized by the President, with the selection committee expected to convene either on March 13 or 14 to make their recommendations. It is anticipated that the appointments will be made by March 15.

     

    Before the implementation of a new law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), the President appointed commissioners based on the government’s recommendation. However, under the new law, the selection process involves a more structured approach with the involvement of a selection committee.

     

    Regarding Arun Goel’s resignation, sources suggest that it may have been due to personal reasons. There is no indication of any dissent or differences between Goel and Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, as internal records and decisions show no such conflicts.

     

    Despite Goel’s resignation, the ECI has continued its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Goel’s absence from a crucial meeting between the EC and top home ministry and railway officials did not impede the commission’s efforts to finalize deployment and movement plans for central forces during the elections.

     

    Arun Goel, a seasoned bureaucrat and former IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His tenure was scheduled to last until December 5, 2027, with the possibility of becoming the Chief Election Commissioner after Rajiv Kumar’s retirement next year.

     

    The appointment of new election commissioners will ensure the smooth functioning of the Election Commission and uphold the integrity of India’s democratic process. With the Lok Sabha polls on the horizon, the commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

  • SBI Misses Supreme Court Deadline on Electoral Bonds Disclosure

    SBI Misses Supreme Court Deadline on Electoral Bonds Disclosure

    The State Bank of India (SBI) has failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive to disclose information regarding electoral bonds encashed by political parties as of March 6, according to a report by PTI.

     

    Despite requesting an extension until June 30 to disclose the details, the plea made by SBI has not yet been scheduled for a hearing by the apex court. The bank cited the time-consuming process of retrieving information from various sources and matching data between silos as reasons for the delay.

     

    As per sources, SBI has not shared any details with the Election Commission of India (EC) as required by the Supreme Court’s order on February 15. The EC was directed to publish the disclosed information on its official website by March 13.

     

    However, an Election Commission spokesperson declined to provide any information or comments on the matter, as reported by PTI.

     

    The Supreme Court had instructed SBI to cease issuing electoral bonds immediately following its January verdict and set March 6 as the deadline for furnishing the requested details.

     

    The details to be provided by SBI will include information on each electoral bond encashed by political parties, including the date of encashment and the denomination of the electoral bond.

     

    In its verdict on February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme, which allows for anonymous funding to political parties, deeming it unconstitutional. A five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, delivered unanimous verdicts on pleas challenging the scheme.

     

    The court ruled that the electoral bonds scheme infringed upon the Right to Information and freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. It emphasized that there are alternative methods to fulfill the purpose of electoral funding without compromising the right to information.

     

    Furthermore, the bench highlighted concerns regarding the close nexus between money and politics, stating that financial contributions to political parties could lead to quid pro quo arrangements, potentially favoring the party in power.

     

    Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the electoral bonds scheme reflects its commitment to upholding democratic principles and transparency in political funding. The failure of SBI to comply with the court’s directive underscores the challenges in ensuring accountability and integrity in electoral processes.

  • NCP Factional Dispute: Supriya Sule Questions Praful Patel’s Claims

    NCP Factional Dispute: Supriya Sule Questions Praful Patel’s Claims

    Tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have flared as senior leader Praful Patel claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) would provide its decision on the party’s name and symbol by September 30. However, his statement has sparked controversy, with party MP Supriya Sule, aligned with the Sharad Pawar faction, questioning the source of Patel’s information.

     

    Supriya Sule expressed her concerns, stating, “I have full faith in the EC, but I started feeling uneasy since Praful Patel started giving all the dates… EC is an independent authority then who is giving dates to Praful Patel?”

     

    Praful Patel responded to the queries surrounding his statement, clarifying that he had merely speculated about the possible date. “Since they (Sharad Pawar led NCP) have been asked to file their submissions by September 8, I speculated that the hearings would be completed within a couple of weeks and the verdict would be out by September 30. It was mere speculation, nothing else,” Patel stated, as reported by The Times of India.

     

    Meanwhile, Patel emphasized that key appointments made prior to June 30 were not in accordance with the Nationalist Congress Party’s constitution. He argued that the Election Commission should decide which faction represents the party based on electoral majority.

     

    The NCP experienced a split on July 2 when Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde government. Since then, both the Ajit Pawar faction and the group led by party founder Sharad Pawar have asserted their legitimacy as the true representatives of the party, each claiming to have the majority of MLAs.

     

    Praful Patel elaborated on this issue, stating, “We have 43 MLAs in Maharashtra supporting us as well as six out of nine MLCs. While we believe in the principle of majority, it should be noted that the party can function only within the parameters of its own constitution. We never had our internal elections as per the constitution of the party, so all the appointments prior to June 30 are unconstitutional.”

     

    He continued, “Therefore, the only test based on which the Election Commission (of India) can decide (to whom the party, name, symbol belongs) is by the number of elected representatives.”

     

    The ongoing dispute within the NCP highlights the complexity of party factionalism and the intricacies of determining party legitimacy. As the Election Commission of India evaluates the competing claims, it remains to be seen which faction will ultimately secure the party name and symbol, crucial elements in the world of Indian politics. The feud also underscores the importance of adherence to a party’s constitution and the need for internal democratic processes in political organizations.

  • Assam’s Delimitation Approval: Receives Praise from CM

    Assam’s Delimitation Approval: Receives Praise from CM

    The recent approval of parliamentary and assembly constituency delimitation in Assam by President Droupadi Murmu has garnered praise from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sarma shared the Gazette notification and expressed his sentiments on the achievement, describing it as a “significant milestone” in the history of Assam.

     

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has finalized the order on the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies for Assam. Despite the changes, the number of assembly seats will remain at 126, while Lok Sabha seats will stand at 14. This official order has been duly published in both the Central Government’s and the State of Assam’s gazettes.

     

    Of note, the allocation of legislative assembly seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) has seen an increase from eight to nine, accompanied by an additional Lok Sabha seat allocation. Moreover, an assembly seat has been introduced in the autonomous districts of West Karbi Anglong District. The order ensures the reservation of 19 assembly and two parliamentary constituencies for Scheduled Tribes (ST), in accordance with the constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 330 and 332 of the Constitution of India.

     

    The delimitation process has been conducted using the 2001 Census figures, as specified in Articles 170 and 82 of the Constitution. The commission has stressed that these figures have been considered solely for the purpose of delimitation. The decision to maintain 126 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Assam and allocate 14 seats in the House of the People for the state has been made in adherence to constitutional guidelines. The commission also cited that the allocation of seats will remain unchanged until the relevant figures from the first census conducted after the year 2026 are published.