Bengaluru, May 22: At a press conference held in Bengaluru’s Gandhi Bhawan on Tuesday, renowned human rights activist Nadeem Khan expressed serious concerns regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) lack of transparency in the ongoing electoral process. Khan emphasized the ECI’s failure to release crucial data from the completed four phases of the elections, which has led to widespread apprehension among the public and civil society groups.
Khan highlighted several alarming instances of voter harassment, including reports of lathi charges by election officials in certain areas. These incidents, he suggested, indicate potential manipulation and undue influence by the ruling party, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. “The withholding of election data is deeply concerning and raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the elections,” Khan stated.
In response to these issues, civil society groups and other activists have intensified their efforts to monitor the electoral process closely. They have rallied under the slogan “People’s Voice Will Decide,” symbolizing their commitment to ensuring that the true will of the people is reflected in the election results. This slogan has gained significant traction, highlighting the widespread demand for accountability and transparency from the Election Commission.
The press conference saw a gathering of prominent civil society members, legal experts, and human rights advocates who echoed Khan’s concerns. They called for immediate action from the ECI to address the allegations and to ensure a free and fair election. “The credibility of our democratic institutions is at stake,” one activist noted. “We must safeguard the electoral process from any form of manipulation or coercion.”
The activists also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any irregularities they encounter during the remaining phases of the election. They emphasized the importance of civic engagement and the role of the electorate in upholding democratic values.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the nation are on the Election Commission and its response to these serious allegations. The demand for transparency and fairness continues to grow, with civil society leaders asserting that the true power lies in the hands of the people.
