---

Questions That Remain Unanswered: A Reflection on the Election Commission’s Recent Press Conference

Democracy thrives on transparency, accountability, and public trust. The Election Commission of India (ECI), as the custodian of free and fair elections, carries an enormous responsibility to ensure that every action it takes strengthens rather than weakens these values. Recently, a press conference by the ECI has attracted criticism from various quarters, particularly because many crucial questions were left unanswered. Civil society members and political observers argue that the press meet, instead of clarifying concerns, only deepened doubts about the Commission’s intent and conduct.

One such critique, articulated through a list of ten pointed questions, deserves careful attention. These questions do not merely reflect partisan worries; they touch upon the larger issue of how electoral practices are being shaped in the country. Let us unpack and expand upon these concerns.

---

1. Consultation with Political Parties

The first and most fundamental question is why the Election Commission did not consult political parties before undertaking the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a democracy, consultation is not an optional courtesy; it is a safeguard. Political parties, though often in conflict with one another, represent the voices of millions of citizens. To bypass them in matters directly affecting voter rolls raises suspicions about transparency.

---

2. Violation of ECI’s Own Guidelines

It has been highlighted that the ECI itself had earlier issued guidelines against undertaking an intensive revision in an election year. Why then was this principle ignored in Bihar? Guidelines are created to prevent precisely such ambiguities, and their selective application weakens institutional credibility.

---

3. The Haste Amidst Floods

Observers are particularly alarmed by the timing of the exercise. Why was there such urgency to carry out SIR in Bihar, that too without adequate notice or preparation, in the midst of floods? Natural calamities already make citizens’ lives difficult, and holding revisions under such conditions risks excluding vulnerable populations who are unable to complete documentation in time.

---

4. Addition of Electors

Transparency demands disclosure of basic data. How many electors were actually added during the SIR in Bihar between June 25 and July 25? Without clear figures, citizens are left to speculate whether the exercise was fair, comprehensive, and unbiased.

---

5. Forms Without Documents

Another troubling question is how many enumeration forms were filed without the necessary supporting documents. If large numbers of forms lack verification, the credibility of the rolls themselves comes under doubt.

---

6. The Role of BLOs

The Booth Level Officer (BLO) plays a critical role in the verification process. But how many forms have been marked “not recommended” by BLOs, and on what basis? Without clarity, one cannot rule out the possibility of arbitrary or biased decisions that may disenfranchise eligible voters.

---

7. Detection of Foreigners

One of the objectives of SIR is to ensure that only eligible citizens remain on the rolls. How many foreigners were actually detected on the existing rolls during the revision? If the numbers are negligible, then the justification for the sudden, large-scale exercise needs to be re-examined.

---

8. Changes After a Press Conference

An intriguing concern raised is why the format of electoral rolls was altered soon after a press conference by a leading opposition leader. Such timing creates the perception of political pressure influencing administrative decisions, which is damaging for an institution expected to be above politics.

---

9. Selective Affidavit Demands

Another area of concern is the selective approach in demanding affidavits from political figures. Why has the ECI not sought an affidavit from certain leaders, such as Anurag Thakur, while similar demands have been made from others? Equality before the law must extend to election procedures too.

---

10. Lack of Inquiry on Past Affidavits

Finally, why has there been no inquiry into affidavits filed in the past, for example, those submitted by leaders from parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP)? If affidavits are taken seriously, then consistency in scrutiny is essential. Otherwise, the process risks being seen as politically motivated.

---

The Larger Picture

These ten questions highlight a disturbing pattern: haste, selective enforcement of rules, lack of consultation, and insufficient transparency. None of these practices strengthen democracy. On the contrary, they erode trust in institutions.

The Election Commission is among the most respected bodies in India’s constitutional framework. For decades, it has been hailed for conducting elections with integrity in a country of immense diversity and scale. That reputation is too precious to lose. Silence or evasive answers in the face of legitimate questions can do more harm than direct criticism.

---

Conclusion

The ten unanswered questions are not just for the Election Commission; they are for all citizens who value democracy. Every voter has a stake in the fairness of the electoral process. It is therefore imperative that the ECI clarifies these concerns, reaffirms its commitment to its own guidelines, and ensures that electoral practices remain above suspicion.

A strong democracy does not fear questions. It grows stronger by answering them.

---