Yechury writes to CEC, flags ‘delay and discrepancies’ in releasing voting figures

“Unfortunately, the ECI has not come out with any explanation for the cause of this undue delay. What goes unanswered is also surge of six per cent from the initial figures that the ECI put out and the final figure,” the CPI(M) said in the statement.

“While it is plausible that there may be a slight variation between the initial and the final figures, this variation of six per cent is unusual and raises some suspicion. Also, while the percentages have been disclosed, the voting figures (number of votes polled) have not yet been provided,” the statement said.

In the interest of credibility

The CPI(M) said in the interest of transparency and credibility of the process, it is incumbent that the ECI clear the doubts that have arisen in this regard.

“It should provide state-wise, constituency-wise and assembly segment-wise break-up of the initial and final percentage as also the number of votes cast. Further, it also needs to be clarified as to how much under which category this rise has taken place – EVMs, postal ballots, votes at Facilitation Centres for personnel on duty etc,” it said.

In a post on X, Yechury said the ECI should provide state-wise, constituency-wise and assembly segment wise break-up of the initial and final percentage as also the number of votes cast.

In the interests of transparency and credibility of the process, the ECI should provide state-wise, constituency-wise and assembly segment wise break-up of the initial and final percentage as also the number of votes cast. pic.twitter.com/YAAmGpKUw0

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) May 3, 2024

Opposition criticises EC

The Congress, CPI(M) and the TMC had on Tuesday criticised the Election Commission over the delay in publishing the final voter turnout figures for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

The commission that evening made public the voter turnout data of the first and second phases of polling held on April 19 and April 26.

According to the EC, voter turnout of 66.14 percent was recorded in the first and 66.71 percent in the second phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

However, opposition parties are demanding that the absolute number of voters, not just the percentage, be made public.

Voting for the general election is being held in seven phases, of which polling for two phases are over. The remaining phases are scheduled for 7 May, 13 May, 20 May, 25 May and 1 June. The counting of votes will be taken up on 4 June.

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