Outgoing CEC Rajiv Kumar warns of social media risk; calls for poll transparency and AI use

“I have observed a pattern in the timing of certain narratives. During peak polling or counting hours, a wave of fake allegations and rumours begins to spread across media and social media, misleading people and creating confusion. Narratives are deliberately set to distort facts,” he asserted while noting that the Commission, however, follows a policy of restraint, choosing not to respond while the election process is underway, ensuring that focus remains on the integrity and smooth conduct of polls.On the more contentious issue of the release of voting data from booths, which is currently accessed by the EC publishing Form 17C, Kumar blamed such information for post-election violence, and victimisation and exclusion of the supporters of opposition parties from developmental activities”.The CEC said, “… technologies like the totaliser, already developed by the Commission, will ensure that votes polled in favour of each candidate – polling station-wise – are not disclosed. I believe this should be explored, political consensus attempted, and tested on a pilot basis to enhance voter secrecy…”He also suggested that promises made by political parties to voters must be backed by financial disclosures and courts need to facilitate early decision on the issue. 



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