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The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Voting will take place in a single phase on February 5, 2025, with the results being declared on February 8, 2025. The election will cover all 70 constituencies in the National Capital, with the counting of votes to take place on the same day as the results announcement.
Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP Seeks a Third Term in Office
The Delhi Assembly elections will see the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vying for a third consecutive term in office. The AAP has been in power in Delhi since 2015, and they are determined to continue their governance in the national capital. This election will be a significant battle for the AAP, as they face off against other major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
5 फ़रवरी का दिन होगा - झाड़ू चुनाव चिन्ह होगा🧹💯
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 7, 2025
#DelhiElections2025
Final Voter Roll Released
The Election Commission published the final electoral roll for the Delhi elections a day before the announcement of the election dates. According to the updated roll, 1,55,24,858 voters are registered to cast their votes in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. This reflects a net increase of 1.09 percent in the number of voters compared to the previous election. The increase in voter registration is a positive sign of growing civic participation in the electoral process.
Concerns Over Voter Roll Deletions
During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed allegations from the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the deletion of voters’ names from the rolls. The AAP claimed that many eligible voters had been removed from the list, which they argued could influence the results of the election.
In response to these claims, the Chief Election Commissioner emphasized that due process had been followed in the deletions and additions to the electoral rolls. “There is no room for any manipulation,” Kumar stated, reassuring the public that the process was transparent and fair. He also clarified that whenever changes are made to the voter list, they are subject to rigorous checks, including sharing updates with all political parties.
The Election Commission also highlighted that multiple steps are involved in maintaining the accuracy of electoral rolls. There are up to 70 steps in the process, which include meetings with political parties to ensure transparency. Any objections or claims about the voter roll are addressed promptly, and these updates are shared publicly through the website for everyone to review.
EVM Integrity Defended Amid Manipulation Allegations
Another point of contention in the Delhi elections has been the allegations surrounding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Opposition parties, including the Congress and the AAP, have raised concerns about the possibility of EVM manipulation, claiming that these machines could be tampered with to alter the outcome of the election.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar firmly rejected these allegations, stating that there was no evidence to support claims of EVM manipulation. He asserted, "There is no question of introducing a virus or bug in the EVMs. No rigging is possible, and there is no evidence of unreliability or any drawback in the EVMs." Kumar further emphasized that High Courts and the Supreme Court have repeatedly upheld the integrity of EVMs through various judgments, reinforcing the notion that these machines are foolproof.
He also addressed the broader concerns regarding voter turnout data. Kumar clarified that it was impossible to alter the voter turnout numbers, stating that discrepancies, if any, occur due to late reporting by polling parties. The figures from Form 17C are matched before the counting begins, ensuring complete transparency in the process.
Election Commission’s Efforts to Ensure Transparency
The Election Commission of India has been working tirelessly to ensure the election process is conducted with the highest level of integrity and transparency. They have already put in place various safeguards to avoid irregularities, and their meticulous procedures aim to ensure a free and fair election.
In the case of voter registration and deletion, the Election Commission has stressed that regular reviews and updates to the rolls are conducted in full compliance with the law. By providing public access to the changes and updates in the electoral rolls, the Election Commission aims to build trust and prevent any allegations of manipulation.
As the election day approaches, all eyes will be on Delhi, with political parties making their final pushes to garner support from voters. The AAP, BJP, and Congress are expected to have heated campaigns, with all three parties vying for control of the national capital.
The final phase of preparations is now underway, and with the transparency measures being implemented, Delhi's voters can look forward to a fair and orderly election. The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains free from any manipulation or external influence.
