Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has raised concerns over exit polls and early trends in the media during the elections. Addressing the issue, Rajiv Kumar highlighted the need for self-regulation on the part of pollsters and the media, particularly regarding the distortion caused by exit polls.

CEC Rajiv Kumar on exit polls, past poll trends and EVM complaints

• Calling for “self-regulation”, CEC Rajiv Kumar observed: “A major distortion is being created due to exit polls and the expectations they set. It is a matter of deliberation and introspection for the press, especially for the electronic media. » He stressed that pollsters should think about sample size, survey locations and the accuracy of their projections, as well as whether disclosures are properly made. “There are bodies that govern this…I am sure the time has come for the governing associations/bodies to self-regulate,” he added.
• CEC Rajiv Kumar also criticized early trends broadcast by channels, often only 15 to 30 minutes after vote counting began, calling the results “absurd”. He pointed out that the count doesn’t start until around 8:30 a.m., but some channels start showing trends as early as 8:05-8:10 a.m. He asked: “How do you get trends even before 9:10 a.m.? So when the actual results start coming in, there is a lag. This lag can sometimes lead to serious problems.” He highlighted the gap between public expectations and actual results, which can lead to frustration.
  

  #WATCH | Delhi: On exit polls, CEC Rajiv Kumar says, “A major distortion is being created due to exit polls and the expectations set by them. It is a matter of deliberation and introspection for the press, especially for the electronic media. During the last elections, 2-3 things are… pic.twitter.com/xFZ1tYJnna

  -ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024

  
  

• On Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Rajiv Kumar provided a detailed explanation of the procedures to ensure their integrity. He said, “The first level verification of EVMs took place five-six months ago. We will respond to the 20 EVM complaints individually, fact by fact. We will insure each candidate and in detail we will also publish the answers. “.
• The Chief Election Commissioner explained the process, explaining that agents of political parties are present throughout the process, from installing batteries during commissioning to sealing and securing EVMs in chambers strong equipped with a three-level security system. “Political party agents are present throughout the process. The battery is inserted into an EVM when it is commissioned… The EVMs are commissioned five to six days before the polls. This is when “There the party symbols are introduced and a new battery is inserted,” he said.

  “Once the EVMs are sealed, the agents of political parties are required to sign regarding the EVMs as well as the battery. This rule now benefits us. These EVMs enter the strong rooms in front of the agents, there is a double lock and a door three-door multi-level security system which will include CAPF and observers When these EVMs are distributed, this process is repeated and the entire process is filmed… Candidates’ agents are present to verify the EVM numbers. and 50 votes are inserted to check its working “Voting takes place, calculations are done and EVMs are closed after polling and Form 17C is given to the candidates,” he added. on the counting day and objections can be raised at any time, he said.

• CEC Kumar stressed that the EVM is “absolutely safe and robust”. “Look at the last 15-20 elections. It gives different results after results. It can’t be wrong, just you don’t like the results… We will share all the answers on the website. We will also an FAQ,” he said.

  #WATCH | Delhi: CEC Rajiv Kumar speaks on the process of voting through EVMs.

  He also says: “…It’s absolutely safe and robust. Look at the last 15 to 20 elections. It gives different results one after the other. It can’t be wrong, just the results don’t tell you not suitable… pic.twitter.com/DFRftIco6P

  -ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024

  
  

• Responding to concerns raised by the Congress during the recent Haryana elections, the CEC has rejected allegations that EVM battery levels influence the results. The Congress had claimed that EVMs with higher battery charges favored BJP candidates. In response, Kumar assured that detailed clarifications would be shared on the Election Commission website and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document would be issued.

  He said, “It is a single-use battery, it can be used for five to seven days when placed in an EVM. It’s like a calculator battery that is not rechargeable… The battery can last up to five years. Battery percentage depends on usage. In our offer it includes the percentage of load and output which is measured in voltage. The machines require a very low voltage between 7.5 and 8, which is considered perfect for use… After commissioning, simulated surveys are carried out. which can deplete the battery charge… If it reaches 5.8, there is a signal that the battery will shut down. We will give a detailed answer on the FAQ.

• Regarding the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Rajiv Kumar mentioned that the polls would be held in two phases due to the naxal-affected areas. On the other hand, Maharashtra will have elections in a single phase. Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled for November 20, while Jharkhand will vote on November 13 and 20, with results for both states to be declared on November 23. According to Rajiv Kumar, there are 9.63 crore eligible voters in Maharashtra and 2.6 crore in Maharashtra. Jharkhand.

  The announcement also included by-elections for 47 Assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, scheduled for November 13.

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