Ferdous Ahmed was seen seeking votes for TMC candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal, and participated in rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi. It has been asked to send a detailed report on whether Ahmed, who is in India on a business visa, has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in campaigning.

BJP: Mamata Banerjee's TMC violates poll code of conduct

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC. Election Commission has banned four politicians from campaigning and holding election rally for 48 hrs. Watch complete video to know more.

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage. It may not sound like a big deal today — but it is.&nbsp;

Take, for example, the case of the US, which took 144 years, and the UK, which took 100 years to confer political equality on women. By the time women got unconditional suffrage in the latter in 1928, Dr Muthulaxmi Reddy, a 41-year-old doctor, had already become the first female member of the Madras Legislative Council of colonial India.

Unfortunately, equal voting rights and elections have not translated into better outcomes for women in the field of political and socioeconomic participation. After seven decades, we remain a highly patriarchal society. Social and cultural stereotypes, educational and economic backwardness, safety and security issues lead to women facing uncertainty inside and outside the four walls of their home.&nbsp;

India suffers from one of the worst sex ratios in South Asia — 940 women for every 1,000 men. We rank poorly in World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index — 108 out of 149 countries. Even within that index, we rank 142 out of 149 countries on economic opportunity and participation. This deficit also translates into gender-skewed voter lists. For instance, the ratio was as low as 800 to 1,000 males when I joined the Election Commission in 2006.&nbsp;

To enable greater participation of women as voters, the Commission undertook the onerous task of searching for ‘missing women’ from the voter lists. Gender was included as a principal element in the review of the health of electoral rolls. It was found that some of the common issues post registration included concerns about security at the booths (for instance, encountering anti-social elements), family pressures, sanitation facilities, etc.&nbsp;

Subsequent voter education campaigns included targeted communication to family elders for curing stereotypes. Separate queues for women, female staff at the booths, female police force and all-women polling stations in some areas contributed to jump in female turnout. For instance, in 2012 UP elections, a simple but innovative idea of allowing two women in the queue to enter the polling station for every man proved to be a game-changer. &nbsp; 
 
The EC’s National and State level election icons helped bring women out. Celebrated figures such as folk singers Malini Awasthi in UP and Sharda Sinha in Bihar, inspired millions of women to go to the polling booths. Due to such efforts, women voters outnumbered men in the 2010 Bihar elections (54.85 per cent against 50.77 per cent) and 2012 UP elections (60.28 per cent against 58.68 per cent).

Due to the EC’s Systematic Voter Education for Electoral Participation (SVEEP) aimed at educating the masses and focusing on women, there was a 10 per cent point jump in women’s turnout - from 55.82 per cent in 2009 to 65.63 per cent in 2014! The icing on the cake- women outnumbered men in 16 states despite the adverse gender ratio. The gender voting gap shrank to mere 1.46 per cent.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 1" data-caption="Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71bddf57-a0ec-4c95-859f-d51a06ff2af6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture1_1.png" />
Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House. 
 
While the Commission has lead the way in making elections inclusive, the sorry state of women’s participation in the legislatures is abysmal 12.15 per cent in the Lok Sabha (Fig 2) and even more abysmal in most state legislatures. (Fig 3) 
 
<img alt="Figure 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f67b2-2eae-4af4-91be-ef91292bcf85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture2.png" />

&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 3" data-caption="Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7feb5eb3-f59c-4b6a-b11a-db003937a56e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture3.png" />
Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters) 
 
This is shameful as compared to some neighbouring conservative Muslim countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have high female political representation. This has become a reality due to affirmative legislation on women’s representation. Nepal has led the way with its latest progressive constitution and has recorded dramatic increase of women at all levels of government, not just the national legislature. (Fig 4)
<img alt="Figure 4" data-caption="Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c90b5e6-2225-4490-ac29-aade0717e14a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture4_0.png" />
Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data 
 
The unwillingness of Indian political leadership (which is dominated by males) to provide women fair representation in its legislatures is paradoxical. Women were allowed 33 per cent in local bodies in 1993, which was later made 50 per cent in 2009. A number of states have introduced 50 per cent reservations in corporations and municipalities. But the upper levels of government are still to pass their respective reservation bills that have been debated ad nauseam.&nbsp; 
 
Unfortunately, political parties are reluctant to even give enough tickets to women. Hardly one-tenth of total candidates are female — the excuse of low ‘winnability’ of female candidates is a myth. Anyone with the slightest bit of knowledge of our electoral history is aware of the simple fact that their “strike rate” has always been as much as two to four times higher! (Fig 5) 
&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 5" data-caption="&lt;br /&gt;
Factly.com, ECI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f908e97a-c09e-496d-aabc-2f478aa097f8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture5.png" />
Factly.com, ECI 
 
In this context, it is a welcome transformation that some parties are now competing to give tickets to women, with Trinamool Congress giving 41 per cent tickets to women, and Biju Janata Dal giving 33 per cent. The gender participation within all parties is abysmal and this is certainly a good start. But a lot more needs to be done. The women’s reservation bills at both state and National level are overdue. &nbsp;

Though our elections are considered a gold standard, the agenda of women’s political representation remains unfinished. The society must ensure that women don’t only choose their representatives, but become one. A comprehensive reform agenda must be a priority for the 17th Lok Sabha. Women’s representation in legislatures throughout the country needs to be written down into law and not left to the discretion of political parties. It is time the political parties follow the example of inclusive elections set by the Election Commission by making parliament inclusive. The time for walking the talk is now.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage.

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage. It may not sound like a big deal today — but it is. Take, for example, the case of the US, which took 144 years, and the UK, which took 100 years to confer political equality on women. By the time women got unconditional suffrage in the latter in 1928, Dr Muthulaxmi Reddy, a 41-year-old doctor, had already become the first female member of the Madras Legislative Council of colonial India. Unfortunately, equal voting rights and elections have not translated into better outcomes for women in the field of political and socioeconomic participation. After seven decades, we remain a highly patriarchal society. Social and cultural stereotypes, educational and economic backwardness, safety and security issues lead to women facing uncertainty inside and outside the four walls of their home. India suffers from one of the worst sex ratios in South Asia — 940 women for every 1,000 men. We rank poorly in World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index — 108 out of 149 countries. Even within that index, we rank 142 out of 149 countries on economic opportunity and participation. This deficit also translates into gender-skewed voter lists. For instance, the ratio was as low as 800 to 1,000 males when I joined the Election Commission in 2006. To enable greater participation of women as voters, the Commission undertook the onerous task of searching for ‘missing women’ from the voter lists. Gender was included as a principal element in the review of the health of electoral rolls. It was found that some of the common issues post registration included concerns about security at the booths (for instance, encountering anti-social elements), family pressures, sanitation facilities, etc. Subsequent voter education campaigns included targeted communication to family elders for curing stereotypes. Separate queues for women, female staff at the booths, female police force and all-women polling stations in some areas contributed to jump in female turnout. For instance, in 2012 UP elections, a simple but innovative idea of allowing two women in the queue to enter the polling station for every man proved to be a game-changer. The EC’s National and State level election icons helped bring women out. Celebrated figures such as folk singers Malini Awasthi in UP and Sharda Sinha in Bihar, inspired millions of women to go to the polling booths. Due to such efforts, women voters outnumbered men in the 2010 Bihar elections (54.85 per cent against 50.77 per cent) and 2012 UP elections (60.28 per cent against 58.68 per cent). Due to the EC’s Systematic Voter Education for Electoral Participation (SVEEP) aimed at educating the masses and focusing on women, there was a 10 per cent point jump in women’s turnout - from 55.82 per cent in 2009 to 65.63 per cent in 2014! The icing on the cake- women outnumbered men in 16 states despite the adverse gender ratio. The gender voting gap shrank to mere 1.46 per cent. Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House. While the Commission has lead the way in making elections inclusive, the sorry state of women’s participation in the legislatures is abysmal 12.15 per cent in the Lok Sabha (Fig 2) and even more abysmal in most state legislatures. (Fig 3) Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters) This is shameful as compared to some neighbouring conservative Muslim countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have high female political representation. This has become a reality due to affirmative legislation on women’s representation. Nepal has led the way with its latest progressive constitution and has recorded dramatic increase of women at all levels of government, not just the national legislature. (Fig 4) Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data The unwillingness of Indian political leadership (which is dominated by males) to provide women fair representation in its legislatures is paradoxical. Women were allowed 33 per cent in local bodies in 1993, which was later made 50 per cent in 2009. A number of states have introduced 50 per cent reservations in corporations and municipalities. But the upper levels of government are still to pass their respective reservation bills that have been debated ad nauseam. Unfortunately, political parties are reluctant to even give enough tickets to women. Hardly one-tenth of total candidates are female — the excuse of low ‘winnability’ of female candidates is a myth. Anyone with the slightest bit of knowledge of our electoral history is aware of the simple fact that their “strike rate” has always been as much as two to four times higher! (Fig 5) Factly.com, ECI In this context, it is a welcome transformation that some parties are now competing to give tickets to women, with Trinamool Congress giving 41 per cent tickets to women, and Biju Janata Dal giving 33 per cent. The gender participation within all parties is abysmal and this is certainly a good start. But a lot more needs to be done. The women’s reservation bills at both state and National level are overdue. Though our elections are considered a gold standard, the agenda of women’s political representation remains unfinished. The society must ensure that women don’t only choose their representatives, but become one. A comprehensive reform agenda must be a priority for the 17th Lok Sabha. Women’s representation in legislatures throughout the country needs to be written down into law and not left to the discretion of political parties. It is time the political parties follow the example of inclusive elections set by the Election Commission by making parliament inclusive. The time for walking the talk is now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Women shouldn't just choose their political representatives, they should become one

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the transfer order of Superintendent of Police (SP) of Coochbehar district, Abhishek Gupta. The party termed the order 'arbitrary, biased and motivated.'

The letter reads, "We, TMC would like to raise a strong protest against the order issued by the ECI no 434/WB/HP/2019 dated 9th April 2019 transferring the SP Coochbehar just before 48 hours of the date of poll in Coochbehar Parliamentary Constituency."&nbsp;

"The decision taken by the Election Commission of India to transfer the SP Coochbehar Mr Abhishek Gupta just two days before the date of the election is arbitrary, motivated and biased. From the events unfolded in the recent past, it is amply clear that such order of transfer has been passed at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre i.e. BJP, its national leaders, as well as its local representatives in West Bengal, especially in view of the statements issued by its leaders during the recent election meeting held at Coochbehar in respect whereof a complaint has already been submitted to you on April 7, in respect whereof no action, has been taken by the ECI," adds the letter.&nbsp;

According to sources in the EC, the Coochbehar SP was transferred amidst allegations of inaction by opposition parties. BJP senior leader Mukul Roy had claimed that they were prevented from erecting the stage at Rash Mela Grounds in Coochbehar district where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a public meeting last Sunday. Four days back, the EC transferred two top cops - Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh after the duo was reportedly seen at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna.&nbsp;

Dr Rajesh Kumar was posted as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner and NR Babu was posted as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner.&nbsp;

Two other district SPs - Birbhum and Diamond Harbour - were transferred too.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the transfer order of Superintendent of Police (SP) of Coochbehar district, Abhishek Gupta.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the transfer order of Superintendent of Police (SP) of Coochbehar district, Abhishek Gupta. The party termed the order 'arbitrary, biased and motivated.' The letter reads, "We, TMC would like to raise a strong protest against the order issued by the ECI no 434/WB/HP/2019 dated 9th April 2019 transferring the SP Coochbehar just before 48 hours of the date of poll in Coochbehar Parliamentary Constituency." "The decision taken by the Election Commission of India to transfer the SP Coochbehar Mr Abhishek Gupta just two days before the date of the election is arbitrary, motivated and biased. From the events unfolded in the recent past, it is amply clear that such order of transfer has been passed at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre i.e. BJP, its national leaders, as well as its local representatives in West Bengal, especially in view of the statements issued by its leaders during the recent election meeting held at Coochbehar in respect whereof a complaint has already been submitted to you on April 7, in respect whereof no action, has been taken by the ECI," adds the letter. According to sources in the EC, the Coochbehar SP was transferred amidst allegations of inaction by opposition parties. BJP senior leader Mukul Roy had claimed that they were prevented from erecting the stage at Rash Mela Grounds in Coochbehar district where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a public meeting last Sunday. Four days back, the EC transferred two top cops - Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh after the duo was reportedly seen at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna. Dr Rajesh Kumar was posted as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner and NR Babu was posted as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner. Two other district SPs - Birbhum and Diamond Harbour - were transferred too.

TMC writes to Election Commission, terms transfer order of SP Coochbehar as arbitrary, biased and motivated

EC: Kolkata Police commissioner, 3 Bengal cops replaced

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states.

&nbsp;A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" .

While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. 
Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7.

Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends.&nbsp;

The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.&nbsp;

The proposal is pending with the government.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.

The Election Commission on Friday imposed a near month-long ban on holding exit polls beginning November 12 in the five poll-bound states. A notification issued by the poll panel said between 7 am of November 12 and 5.30 pm of December 7, "conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited" . While Chhattisgarh is going to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have elections on November 28. Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls on December 7. Using powers under the Representation of People Act, 1951, EC bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends. The poll panel had proposed that there should be a prohibition on publication and broadcast of the results of opinion polls starting from the date of notification of elections till the completion of the last phase of polls to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The proposal is pending with the government.

Election Commission bans exit polls from November 12 to December 7

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

On September 8, the EC had stopped all activities relating to the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2019, and said the final electoral rolls list would be published on October 8.

The decision for a revised schedule was taken in the wake of dissolution of the Telangana Assembly on September 6, officials had earlier said.

The EC had also ordered the second Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2018, as the qualifying date in the state.

The Election Commission announced on Saturday that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana would be held between November 12 and December 7.

Counting of votes in all the states would be taken up on December 11, it said.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

Rajat Kumar said on Saturday that the Telangana Assembly polls would be completed in a single phase. He said in an official release that all sections of the Model Code of Conduct was now in force across the state.

"A 24/7 control room will be set-up and more lines will be added to the 1950 helpline number. Mobile and static squads will be deployed to monitor MCC violations," Mr Kumar said.

The Hyderabad Police commissioner has informed that cash worth&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;1 crore was seized on Friday. "We are also coordinating with the Income Tax department in monitoring high-value transactions," Mr Kumar said in the release.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has extended the date for the final publication of electoral rolls in Telangana from October 8 to October 12, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has said. On September 8, the EC had stopped all activities relating to the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2019, and said the final electoral rolls list would be published on October 8. The decision for a revised schedule was taken in the wake of dissolution of the Telangana Assembly on September 6, officials had earlier said. The EC had also ordered the second Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2018, as the qualifying date in the state. The Election Commission announced on Saturday that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana would be held between November 12 and December 7. Counting of votes in all the states would be taken up on December 11, it said. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Rajat Kumar said on Saturday that the Telangana Assembly polls would be completed in a single phase. He said in an official release that all sections of the Model Code of Conduct was now in force across the state. "A 24/7 control room will be set-up and more lines will be added to the 1950 helpline number. Mobile and static squads will be deployed to monitor MCC violations," Mr Kumar said. The Hyderabad Police commissioner has informed that cash worth Rs. 1 crore was seized on Friday. "We are also coordinating with the Income Tax department in monitoring high-value transactions," Mr Kumar said in the release.

Poll body extends final publication time of electoral rolls in Telangana

Dismissing the allegations levelled by the Congress party about the <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-orders-probe-into-anomalies-in-madhya-pradesh-voters-list-141998">discrepancies in Madhya Pradesh's voters' list</a>, the Election Commission on Friday clarified that there were no irregularities in the electoral rolls in the state.

The EC rejected reports of irregularities claiming that the "nothing unusual" could be noticed in the electoral roll of the state.

The EC said, "This has been seen from the perspective of census data and the annual increase in the numbers of the electoral roll and nothing unusual could be noticed. It can be safely concluded that there is no basis to dispute current electoral roll".

Allegations claiming unexplained growth in the electors in Madhya Pradesh were raised as the Elector Population (EP) ratio which used to be 52.76 per cent in 2008 increased to 61.45 per cent in 2018.

The Congress had levelled the allegations in February and asked the Election Commission to take necessary steps for ensuring free and fair elections.

Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Kamal Nath had also alleged that 60 lakh fake voters were deliberately registered in the state`s voter list.

The EC said, 'This has been seen from the perspective of census data and the annual increase in the numbers of the electoral roll and nothing unusual could be noticed. It can be safely concluded that there is no basis to dispute current electoral roll'

Dismissing the allegations levelled by the Congress party about the discrepancies in Madhya Pradesh's voters' list, the Election Commission on Friday clarified that there were no irregularities in the electoral rolls in the state. The EC rejected reports of irregularities claiming that the "nothing unusual" could be noticed in the electoral roll of the state. The EC said, "This has been seen from the perspective of census data and the annual increase in the numbers of the electoral roll and nothing unusual could be noticed. It can be safely concluded that there is no basis to dispute current electoral roll". Allegations claiming unexplained growth in the electors in Madhya Pradesh were raised as the Elector Population (EP) ratio which used to be 52.76 per cent in 2008 increased to 61.45 per cent in 2018. The Congress had levelled the allegations in February and asked the Election Commission to take necessary steps for ensuring free and fair elections. Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Kamal Nath had also alleged that 60 lakh fake voters were deliberately registered in the state`s voter list.

EC quashes Congress' claims of irregularity in Madhya Pradesh electoral lists

The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2.

The elections will be conducted to fill the seats of the members who are retiring in April- May 2018.&nbsp;

The members retiring from their seats&nbsp;include&nbsp;union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale.

A by-election for Rajya Sabha seat in Kerala will&nbsp;also take place, the seat of which&nbsp;fell vacant after the resignation of MP Veerendra Kumar in December. Kumar&#39;s tenure&nbsp;was to end in April 2022.

The voting for the elections is scheduled for March 23.&nbsp;

The last date for filing of nominations is March 12.&nbsp;

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Voting to be held on March 23 for elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states. Last date of filing nominations is March 12.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967042197832028160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2

The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2. The elections will be conducted to fill the seats of the members who are retiring in April- May 2018. The members retiring from their seats include union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale. A by-election for Rajya Sabha seat in Kerala will also take place, the seat of which fell vacant after the resignation of MP Veerendra Kumar in December. Kumar's tenure was to end in April 2022. The voting for the elections is scheduled for March 23. The last date for filing of nominations is March 12. Voting to be held on March 23 for elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states. Last date of filing nominations is March 12. — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 ×

EC to hold biennial elections on March 23 to fill in 58 vacant Rajya Sabha seats

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls.&nbsp;

The court issued the notice to the EC after a plea was filed by TTV Dhinakaran.

The next hearing in the matter is on February 6.&nbsp;

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Delhi High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on plea of TTV Dhinakaran seeking directions to EC to permit his camp to continue using AIADMK-Amma name for the upcoming municipal polls.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956091352072077312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi High Court asks the Election Commission of Commission to file it&#39;s reply within a week, next date of hearing is February 6.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956091795116408832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dhinakaran who recently won the RK Nagar bypoll&nbsp;had fought the election as an Independent candidate.&nbsp;

He beat the AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls. The court issued the notice to the EC after a plea was filed by TTV Dhinakaran. The next hearing in the matter is on February 6. Delhi High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on plea of TTV Dhinakaran seeking directions to EC to permit his camp to continue using AIADMK-Amma name for the upcoming municipal polls. — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Delhi High Court asks the Election Commission of Commission to file it's reply within a week, next date of hearing is February 6. — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Dhinakaran who recently won the RK Nagar bypoll had fought the election as an Independent candidate. He beat the AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes.

High Court issues notice to EC on TTV Dhinakaran's plea

&nbsp;Th<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/vvpats-to-be-used-in-all-future-elections-indias-election-commission-15508">e Election Commission of India(ECI) </a>had told&nbsp;the Supreme Court that convicted MPs and MLAs should be banned from contesting elections.

The Election Commission <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/explained-why-election-commission-believes-evms-in-india-are-hack-proof-14490">said that it had written to the government to amend</a> the law in this regard.

However, the government differed from Election Commission, insisting before the top court that a 6 year-disqualification served the purpose.

In July, India&#39;s top court had rapped the ECI for not taking a clear stand on a plea seeking barring convicted politicians for life, declaring that the election body could not remain silent on the matter.

&ldquo;Is silence an option for you (ECI)? You must say either &lsquo;yes&rsquo; or &lsquo;no&rsquo; on whether you are supporting the petitioner. You are the ECI and here is a citizen of India who has come here to seek lifetime debarment of convicted persons. Can you say I will be silent? No, you cannot,&rdquo; the bench had said.

&ldquo;If you (ECI) feel constrained by the legislature, then let us know. If you are even constrained to the extent of giving your view, feel free and say so clearly,&rdquo; it said.

The Centre, in its affidavit, had said the prayer sought by the petitioner seeking lifetime bar on convicted lawmakers was not maintainable and the plea should be dismissed.&nbsp;

However, the ECI affidavit said it was in favour of setting up special courts to decide the criminal cases related to people&rsquo;s representatives, public servants and members of the judiciary, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.

The affidavit was filed in response to a PIL which is also seeking setting up special courts for trial of criminal cases against people from the legislature, executive and judiciary.&nbsp;

The poll panel had said the issues raised by the petitioner were &ldquo;not adversarial&rdquo;.

The Election Commission said that it had written to the government to amend the law in this regard

The Election Commission of India(ECI) had told the Supreme Court that convicted MPs and MLAs should be banned from contesting elections. The Election Commission said that it had written to the government to amend the law in this regard. However, the government differed from Election Commission, insisting before the top court that a 6 year-disqualification served the purpose. In July, India's top court had rapped the ECI for not taking a clear stand on a plea seeking barring convicted politicians for life, declaring that the election body could not remain silent on the matter. “Is silence an option for you (ECI)? You must say either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on whether you are supporting the petitioner. You are the ECI and here is a citizen of India who has come here to seek lifetime debarment of convicted persons. Can you say I will be silent? No, you cannot,” the bench had said. “If you (ECI) feel constrained by the legislature, then let us know. If you are even constrained to the extent of giving your view, feel free and say so clearly,” it said. The Centre, in its affidavit, had said the prayer sought by the petitioner seeking lifetime bar on convicted lawmakers was not maintainable and the plea should be dismissed. However, the ECI affidavit said it was in favour of setting up special courts to decide the criminal cases related to people’s representatives, public servants and members of the judiciary, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution. The affidavit was filed in response to a PIL which is also seeking setting up special courts for trial of criminal cases against people from the legislature, executive and judiciary. The poll panel had said the issues raised by the petitioner were “not adversarial”.

Life ban for convicted MPs, MLAs: Election Commission to Supreme Court

After holding a four-hour long &#39;hackathon&#39; to demonstrate that&nbsp;Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) cannot be rigged,&nbsp;the Election&nbsp;Commission of India, said on Saturday that the issue of tamperability of the machines&nbsp;stands closed.

In a post-event press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi maintained that the EVMs used by the EC are &quot;non-tamperable&quot; and with 100 per cent use of paper trail machines in all future elections the issue of tamperability of the machines &quot;stands closed&quot;.

The Chief Election Commissioner also ruled out going back to the paper ballot system, saying paper trail machines will usher in more transparency in future elections.

&quot;Once the EVMs are used with VVPATs (or paper trail machines) where a voter can see (cross check) the vote he has cast, it will usher in more transparency. Then there is no scope of going back to ballot (paper) system,&quot; he said.

Zaidi said the EC has already announced that in all future elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, VVPAT machines would be attached to all EVMs.

The process would begin with Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls later this year. 
 
The AAP, which had said it would organise an EVM-hacking challenge in parallel with the one organised by the Election Commission today, said it will hold the exercise later.

The party has invited two government agencies which provide EVMs to the Election Commission - Bharat Electronics Limited and the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd - to participate in the challenge.

The AAP says it has not back-tracked from the challenge and has thrown open the floor to register for its hackathon.

The party will announce a &quot;bigger and better&quot; exercise than the one organised today by the poll body, spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said.

The AAP had declined to participate in the EC exercise, saying the terms and conditions put by the poll body defeat the purpose of an EVM-hacking challenge.&nbsp;

As many as 13 political parties questioned the reliability of the EVMs, but&nbsp;only two parties had accepted the poll panel&#39;s&nbsp;dare but they too opted out of the event held today (June 3).

Zaidi made it clear that there would be no such challenge in future to test the reliability of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used by the poll-conducting body.

He said although the NCP and the CPI(M) reported at the challenge venue they backed out.

The CPI-M said it would not like to participate in the challenge.

The&nbsp;NCP decided to opt out after the Election Commission said it was unable&nbsp;to provide it the details with the&nbsp;details it had sought.

The NCP said the source of all their doubts had been the alleged problems with EVMs during civic body polls&nbsp;in Maharashtra. The Commission clarified that EVMs used by State Election Commission, Maharashtra for urban local bodies elections did not belong to it.

The party had asked&nbsp;for&nbsp;the memory number and battery number of the EVM four days in advance, party MP Vandana Chavan, who led the NCP team said.&nbsp; 
 
The NCP said it did not want to participate in any challenge but was only interested in an academic exercise.

An NCP representative submitted a letter saying they would not&nbsp;participate in the challenge because of non-provision of the information.

In the letter the representative also objected to the&nbsp;&quot;last minute&quot; change in the EVM selection protocol by asking them to select an EVM out of the list of 14 EVMs brought for the challenge.

The NCP&nbsp;has been extended another chance to return at a later date to hack the machines as an &quot;academic exercise&quot;, the Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;said.

The CPI(M) said it did not wish to participate in the challenge but only wanted a &quot;demonstration of the entire process&quot;.

&quot;A detailed demonstration of the entire process was given to them by our technical team...The CPI(M) team expressed complete satisfaction and suggested that to allay any such doubts the Commission should hold such demonstrations and awareness sessions with technical community proactively,&quot; Zaidi said in&nbsp;a statement.

The EC said since the machines were sealed, they could not&nbsp;be opened in the absence of party representatives, adding that the numbers could be accessed after opening the seals of the carry boxes at the time of the challenge.

The Election Commission had earlier refused to permit&nbsp;the&nbsp;Congress and the AAP from&nbsp;changing&nbsp;the motherboards and circuits&nbsp;of the Election Commission EVMs. The poll panel&nbsp;had said if this were to be&nbsp;allowed,&nbsp;the machines would not be the ECI-EVM but at best a &quot;look alike&quot;.

The Commission also did not allow parties like the BJP and the CPI to observe the challenge, saying the framework does not allow anyone to witness the event as an observer.

The BSP and the AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections were tampered with and favoured the BJP.

Over a dozen opposition parties, including the Congress, the BSP, the SP, the Left, the DMK, the JDU had urged the EC in April to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections, saying tampering allegations have created &quot;trust deficit&quot; on the reliability of the voting machines. 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission had thrown open a challenge to prove that the machines can be tampered with

After holding a four-hour long 'hackathon' to demonstrate that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) cannot be rigged, the Election Commission of India, said on Saturday that the issue of tamperability of the machines stands closed. In a post-event press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi maintained that the EVMs used by the EC are "non-tamperable" and with 100 per cent use of paper trail machines in all future elections the issue of tamperability of the machines "stands closed". The Chief Election Commissioner also ruled out going back to the paper ballot system, saying paper trail machines will usher in more transparency in future elections. "Once the EVMs are used with VVPATs (or paper trail machines) where a voter can see (cross check) the vote he has cast, it will usher in more transparency. Then there is no scope of going back to ballot (paper) system," he said. Zaidi said the EC has already announced that in all future elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, VVPAT machines would be attached to all EVMs. The process would begin with Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls later this year. The AAP, which had said it would organise an EVM-hacking challenge in parallel with the one organised by the Election Commission today, said it will hold the exercise later. The party has invited two government agencies which provide EVMs to the Election Commission - Bharat Electronics Limited and the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd - to participate in the challenge. The AAP says it has not back-tracked from the challenge and has thrown open the floor to register for its hackathon. The party will announce a "bigger and better" exercise than the one organised today by the poll body, spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said. The AAP had declined to participate in the EC exercise, saying the terms and conditions put by the poll body defeat the purpose of an EVM-hacking challenge. As many as 13 political parties questioned the reliability of the EVMs, but only two parties had accepted the poll panel's dare but they too opted out of the event held today (June 3). Zaidi made it clear that there would be no such challenge in future to test the reliability of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used by the poll-conducting body. He said although the NCP and the CPI(M) reported at the challenge venue they backed out. The CPI-M said it would not like to participate in the challenge. The NCP decided to opt out after the Election Commission said it was unable to provide it the details with the details it had sought. The NCP said the source of all their doubts had been the alleged problems with EVMs during civic body polls in Maharashtra. The Commission clarified that EVMs used by State Election Commission, Maharashtra for urban local bodies elections did not belong to it. The party had asked for the memory number and battery number of the EVM four days in advance, party MP Vandana Chavan, who led the NCP team said. The NCP said it did not want to participate in any challenge but was only interested in an academic exercise. An NCP representative submitted a letter saying they would not participate in the challenge because of non-provision of the information. In the letter the representative also objected to the "last minute" change in the EVM selection protocol by asking them to select an EVM out of the list of 14 EVMs brought for the challenge. The NCP has been extended another chance to return at a later date to hack the machines as an "academic exercise", the Chief Election Commissioner said. The CPI(M) said it did not wish to participate in the challenge but only wanted a "demonstration of the entire process". "A detailed demonstration of the entire process was given to them by our technical team...The CPI(M) team expressed complete satisfaction and suggested that to allay any such doubts the Commission should hold such demonstrations and awareness sessions with technical community proactively," Zaidi said in a statement. The EC said since the machines were sealed, they could not be opened in the absence of party representatives, adding that the numbers could be accessed after opening the seals of the carry boxes at the time of the challenge. The Election Commission had earlier refused to permit the Congress and the AAP from changing the motherboards and circuits of the Election Commission EVMs. The poll panel had said if this were to be allowed, the machines would not be the ECI-EVM but at best a "look alike". The Commission also did not allow parties like the BJP and the CPI to observe the challenge, saying the framework does not allow anyone to witness the event as an observer. The BSP and the AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Over a dozen opposition parties, including the Congress, the BSP, the SP, the Left, the DMK, the JDU had urged the EC in April to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections, saying tampering allegations have created "trust deficit" on the reliability of the voting machines. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Issue of EVM tampering stands closed, says India's election panel after hackathon

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today&nbsp;in Delhi.

It will also hold a press conference on the &quot; EVM Challenge&quot;.

Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an &quot;opportunity&quot;&nbsp;to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards.

The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs.

Last month,&nbsp;16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However,&nbsp;the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated.

The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs&nbsp;3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not.

&nbsp;(ANI) 
&nbsp;

The poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today in Delhi. It will also hold a press conference on the " EVM Challenge". Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an "opportunity" to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards. The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs. Last month, 16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated. The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

India's Election Commission to hold live demo of EVMs, VVPATs today amid tampering allegations

The Election Commission formally threw a &quot;challenge&quot; to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded.

While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event.

He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections.

Reacting to the EC&rsquo;s &lsquo;challenge&rsquo;, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: &ldquo;Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.&rdquo;

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/863016409646776321">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with,&quot; he told reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;

Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the &quot;challenge&quot;, saying the EC should rather go for a &quot;hackathon&quot;, which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the &quot;shortcomings&quot; in the EVMs.

&quot;We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof,&quot; he said.

Sources in the Commission said AAP&#39;s Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term &#39;hackathon&#39;. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. &quot;EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls,&quot; Sisodia tweeted.

An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. &quot;Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention,&quot; he said.

This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge.

&quot;Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today&#39;s meeting, hold a challenge,&quot; he said.

It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said.

At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines.

There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system.

While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent.

The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine.

The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots.

Zaidi told parties that their &quot;concerns and apprehensions&quot; regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the &quot;forthcoming challenge&quot; and other measures which the EC will take.

Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion.

Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding.

Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair.

They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult.

The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard.

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home.

Zaidi also said the Commission has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties. &quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties),&quot; he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat.

Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.&nbsp;

'Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon,' the Delhi chief minister tweeted

The Election Commission formally threw a "challenge" to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded. While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event. He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections. Reacting to the EC’s ‘challenge’, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked. Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 12, 2017 × "We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with," he told reporters after the meeting. Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the "challenge", saying the EC should rather go for a "hackathon", which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the "shortcomings" in the EVMs. "We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof," he said. Sources in the Commission said AAP's Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term 'hackathon'. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. "EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls," Sisodia tweeted. An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. "Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention," he said. This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge. "Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today's meeting, hold a challenge," he said. It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said. At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines. There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system. While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent. The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine. The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. Zaidi told parties that their "concerns and apprehensions" regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the "forthcoming challenge" and other measures which the EC will take. Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion. Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding. Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair. They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult. The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard. VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home. Zaidi also said the Commission has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties)," he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat. Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.

Playing with words, Kejriwal says EC has backed out of 'hackathon'

The Election Commission of India ( ECI) on Friday said it would offer an &#39;opportunity&#39; to the political parties to prove that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the recently held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with the safeguards laid down.

&quot;The Election Commission will hold a challenge and offer an opportunity to the political parties to demonstrate that EVMs used in the recently concluded elections were tampered or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards,&quot; Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said after the all-party meet.

He further announced that all the future elections will be held under the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system).

Zaidi also said the poll panel has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties.

&quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties,&quot; he added.

The Election Commission earlier in the day convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPAT.

Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper proof and cannot be manipulated.

The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs. 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. 
 
(ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The poll body said it would offer an 'opportunity' to political parties to prove EVMs used in recently-held assembly polls were tampered with

The Election Commission of India ( ECI) on Friday said it would offer an 'opportunity' to the political parties to prove that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the recently held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with the safeguards laid down. "The Election Commission will hold a challenge and offer an opportunity to the political parties to demonstrate that EVMs used in the recently concluded elections were tampered or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said after the all-party meet. He further announced that all the future elections will be held under the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system). Zaidi also said the poll panel has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties," he added. The Election Commission earlier in the day convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPAT. Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper proof and cannot be manipulated. The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs. 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

VVPATs to be used in all future elections: India's Election Commission

India&#39;s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Sunday rejected the Election Commission&#39;s request to enhance the weekly cash-withdrawal limit for candidates contesting the upcoming&nbsp;elections in five states,&nbsp;prompting an angry reaction from the poll panel. 
 
The Election Commission had written to the RBI on Wednesday, asking it to increase the weekly withdrawal limit for candidates contesting the assembly elections to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 24,000 per week. It had asked for the facility to be extended till March 11, the day of counting. The EC wrote another letter to the RBI on Friday (January 28), expressing its concern at the &#39;&ccedil;ursory manner&#39; in which the central bank was dealing with the issue.

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EC wrote to RBI Governor Urjit Patel on issue of cash withdrawal limits for candidates <a href="https://t.co/b7RkWsbyKN">pic.twitter.com/b7RkWsbyKN</a>
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Candidates are bound to open an election account for meeting poll-related expenditure which is monitored by the poll panel.

But RBI said that it was not possible for it to hike the limit at this stage.

An apparently peeved Commission has now written back to RBI Governor Urjit Patel expressing &quot;serious concern about the cursory manner in which the issue has been dealt with&quot;.

&quot;...(It) appears that the RBI has not realised the gravity of the situation...It is reiterated that it is the constitutional mandate of the Commission to conduct free and fair elections and to provide level-playing field to all candidates...In order to facilitate proper conduct of elections, it is imperative that directions issued by the Commission are complied with,&quot; the poll panel said.

It urged the central bank to reconsider the proposal.

The Commission had told RBI Governor Urjit Patel that it has been apprised of the problems candidates were facing due to withdrawal limits imposed after demonetisation, PTI had reported.&nbsp; 
 
The poll panel&nbsp;said with a weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000, a candidate would be able to withdraw Rs 96,000 in cash during the election process which lasts for three&nbsp;to four weeks.&nbsp;

It reminded the Central bank that as per law, candidates contesting assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab can spend Rs 28 lakh for electioneering. The limit in Goa and Manipur is Rs 20 lakh.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The RBI rejected the Election Commission's request to increase the withdrawal limit. A peeved EC has has now written back to RBI Governor

India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Sunday rejected the Election Commission's request to enhance the weekly cash-withdrawal limit for candidates contesting the upcoming elections in five states, prompting an angry reaction from the poll panel. The Election Commission had written to the RBI on Wednesday, asking it to increase the weekly withdrawal limit for candidates contesting the assembly elections to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 24,000 per week. It had asked for the facility to be extended till March 11, the day of counting. The EC wrote another letter to the RBI on Friday (January 28), expressing its concern at the 'çursory manner' in which the central bank was dealing with the issue. EC wrote to RBI Governor Urjit Patel on issue of cash withdrawal limits for candidates pic.twitter.com/b7RkWsbyKN — ANI (@ANI_news) January 29, 2017 × Candidates are bound to open an election account for meeting poll-related expenditure which is monitored by the poll panel. But RBI said that it was not possible for it to hike the limit at this stage. An apparently peeved Commission has now written back to RBI Governor Urjit Patel expressing "serious concern about the cursory manner in which the issue has been dealt with". "...(It) appears that the RBI has not realised the gravity of the situation...It is reiterated that it is the constitutional mandate of the Commission to conduct free and fair elections and to provide level-playing field to all candidates...In order to facilitate proper conduct of elections, it is imperative that directions issued by the Commission are complied with," the poll panel said. It urged the central bank to reconsider the proposal. The Commission had told RBI Governor Urjit Patel that it has been apprised of the problems candidates were facing due to withdrawal limits imposed after demonetisation, PTI had reported. The poll panel said with a weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000, a candidate would be able to withdraw Rs 96,000 in cash during the election process which lasts for three to four weeks. It reminded the Central bank that as per law, candidates contesting assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab can spend Rs 28 lakh for electioneering. The limit in Goa and Manipur is Rs 20 lakh. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India's central bank, poll panel spar over enhancing cash withdrawal limit for election candidates

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