As India gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, starting next week and set to unfold in seven phases with results on June 4, a message brimming with misinformation about voters’ rights has been making rounds on social media.
The Viral Claim:
The widespread message asserts:
1. Voters not listed on the electoral roll can still vote by presenting their Aadhar card or voter ID and requesting a “challenge vote” under section 49A.
2. If someone else has voted in your place, you can opt for a “tender vote.”
3. A polling station with over 14% tender votes will undergo repolling.
Separating Fact from Fiction:
First Claim Analysis:
The initial claim misinforms voters that absence from the electoral list can be bypassed with an ID card to cast a so-called “challenge vote” under section 49A. This information is incorrect. Voter eligibility hinges on one’s inclusion in the electoral roll. Possession of a Voter ID card alone does not suffice; the electoral roll must list the voter. The mentioned section 49A relates to the design of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) rather than voting protocol, and the concept of a “challenge vote” as described does not exist within the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) regulations.
Understanding the ‘Challenge Vote’:
Though the viral message inaccurately cites section 49A for a “challenge vote,” it’s crucial to clarify that while a ‘Challenged Vote’ is a recognized term, its context and application are misrepresented in the message.
Second Claim Verification:
The message’s accuracy improves with the mention of the “tender vote.” This procedure is legitimate, allowing individuals to vote if records incorrectly show their vote as already cast. This process is well-documented within the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, ensuring the integrity of one’s vote.
Third Claim’s Veracity:
The final point, regarding repolling triggered by an excess of 14% tender votes at a polling station, is baseless. The Election Commission of India has specified that tendered votes influence election outcomes only under direct High Court orders, debunking the claim of automatic repolling.
– Conclusion:
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the circulating claims about a “challenge vote” are not only misleading but entirely unfounded. Voters are urged to rely on verified information and understand the actual procedures in place to safeguard the electoral process.
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