The Vote for Democracy (VFD) and Experts, who monitored and analyzed Lok Sabha Elections 2024, have published a comprehensive report on vote manipulation and misconduct. We present a brief part from its Introduction for the benefit of readers. Ed.
The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections concluded with the declaration of results on June 4, 2024. Spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, the elections saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 240 seats, falling short of the 272-seat majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The opposition I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) alliance, led by the Indian National Congress (INC), won 232 seats. Amidst this backdrop, Vote for Democracy (VFD) and experts undertook a comprehensive monitoring and analysis exercise to investigate allegations of vote manipulation and misconduct during voting and counting.
Unexplained Vote Hikes: A Cause for Concern
The total voter turnout for all phases witnessed an unexplained hike of approximately 5 crore votes, precisely 4,65,46,885 votes. This increase was observed between the voter turnout figures reported at 7-8:45 PM and the final turnout figures extrapolated from the Election Commission of India (ECI). The average percentage increase ranged from 3.2% to 6.32% across the seven phases, with Andhra Pradesh and Odisha showing a staggering increase of 12.54% and 12.48%, respectively. Historically, voter turnout figures have only changed by about 1%, making this hike unprecedented and unacceptable without credible explanation from the ECI.
ECI’s Silence and Accountability
Despite the significant hike in voter percentages, the ECI has failed to provide justifiable reasons for this increase. As the highest constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections, the ECI’s reluctance to address these concerns undermines public faith in the electoral process. The report raises the question of whether the 2024 mandate has been manipulated and stolen from the people, emphasizing the need for the ECI to respond with detailed and credible explanations to restore trust in the democratic process.
Impact on Seat Distribution
The unexplained hike in voter turnout translated into actual votes, potentially influencing the election results. The report suggests that the manipulated vote figures may have contributed to the BJP’s gains in several states, resulting in an additional 79 seats. Specifically, the BJP reportedly gained 18 seats in Odisha, 11 in Maharashtra, 10 in West Bengal, 7 in Andhra Pradesh, 6 in Karnataka, 5 each in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, 3 each in Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, 2 in Assam, and 1 each in Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala.
Corrupt Practices and Ignored Misconduct
The report also highlights instances of corrupt practices and divisive speeches that were ignored by the ECI, further questioning the integrity of the election process. Additionally, there were reports of voter suppression in Farrukhabad Parliamentary Constituency and misconduct by the Returning Officer in Mumbai North West PC, Maharashtra.
Technical Concerns and Supreme Court Directions
Concerns were raised regarding the checking and verification of burnt memory/microcontroller of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Supreme Court’s directions on the matter. The Totaliser technique, which ensures anonymity and protects the mandate and voter secrecy, was discussed as a potential solution to address these issues.
Reactions from Opposition Parties
Post-election reactions from opposition parties were marked by accusations of vote manipulation and demands for accountability from the ECI. The report underscores the need for a transparent investigation into the discrepancies and a thorough verification process to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Wrapping-up
The VFD report presents a comprehensive analysis of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting critical concerns regarding vote manipulation and misconduct. The significant and unexplained hike in voter turnout, coupled with the ECI’s failure to address these issues transparently, raises serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process. It is imperative for the ECI to provide detailed and credible responses to restore public confidence in India’s democratic system and uphold the principles of free and fair elections.
