Demystifying Form 17C: Understanding its Role in Elections
What is Form 17C?
Form 17C is a document used in Indian elections to record the number of votes cast at each polling station.
Purpose:
- Vote Counting: It provides an official account of the votes recorded in each Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
- Verification: Helps in verifying and cross-checking the number of votes cast with the number of voters who turned up at the polling station.
Who Can Access Form 17C?
- Electoral Candidates: Form 17C is legally mandated to be shared only with the candidates who contested the election or their designated agents.
- Election Commission: The EC uses this form to compile overall voter turnout data.
Current Issue:
- Public Access: There is no legal requirement for the EC to share Form 17C data with the general public or other organizations.
- Transparency Concerns: Some organizations, like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), have requested that this data be made publicly available to ensure transparency and address concerns about the accuracy of voter turnout figures.
EC's Response:
- Voluntary Disclosure: The EC already shares voter turnout information voluntarily through its voter turnout app, website, and press releases, although this is not legally required.
By understanding these basics, one can appreciate the significance of Form 17C in ensuring the integrity of the voting process and the current discussions around its accessibility.
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