நடைபெறவுள்ள மக்களவைத் தேர்தல் ஏற்பாடுகள் குறித்து இந்திய தலைமை தேர்தல் ஆணையர் தலைமையில் இன்று (23.02.2024) சென்னையில் நடைபெற்ற கருத்துக் கேட்பு கூட்டத்தில் இந்திய கம்யூனிஸ்ட் கட்சி (மார்க்சிஸ்ட்) சார்பில் மத்தியக்குழு உறுப்பினர் பி. சம்பத், மாநிலக்குழு உறுப்பினர் ஐ. ஆறுமுக நயினார் ஆகியோர் கலந்து கொண்டனர். இக்கூட்டத்தில் மார்க்சிஸ்ட் கம்யூனிஸ்ட் கட்சியின் சார்பில் வழங்கப்பட்ட கருத்துக்கள் மற்றும் ஆலோசனைகளை அடங்கிய கடிதத்தின் நகல் கீழே தரப்பட்டுள்ளது.
February 23, 2024
To
Shri.Rajivkumar
Chief Election Commissioner,
Election Commission of India,
Nirvachan Sadan,
New Delhi. Camp: Chennai.
Sir,
18th PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS – 2024
We, on behalf of the CPI (M) Tamilnadu state committee, submit the following suggestions and demands for conducting the 18th Parliamentary Elections in the state of Tamilnadu and completing the electoral process in a free and fair manner.
1. The introduction of the VVPAT has added a crucial and unique vulnerability to the system of EVM voting. In the pre-VVPAT days, the biggest defense of the sacrosanct nature of the EVM was on the ground that the chip in the EVM machine was unaware of the names and symbols of the candidates before it was placed for verification. Subsequently, mock poll and sealing was done for actual voting. VVPAT has changed all this and introduced the element of prior knowledge of the precise information about names of candidates, their respective symbols and the order of the names that appears on the Ballot Unit. In terms of actual operation, other factual evidence has shown that the introduction of the names, symbols and order on the Ballot Unit is interlinked with the operation of the VVPAT with the involvement of private agencies. Therefore, if the VVPAT is manipulated and is subsequently connected to the Control Unit, it is possible that the manipulation is reflected in recording the vote. We have not received any authentic response from the ECI on this count so far. Hence we demand,
a) Re-sequence of placement of the three units, ensuring that the voters’ choice exercised in the Ballot Unit goes into the Control Unit of the EVM where it is recorded and then routed to the VVPAT.
b) A hundred percent matching of VVPAT output with the EVM recorded data for each booth.
In the central level too, we had placed a similar demand and here too we want to reiterate that following request. 100% VVPAT receipts are to be provided to all those who had voted. Secondly the sequence of the voting process for issue of VVPATS must be in the order of – Ballot unit (BU) – Control Unit (CU) – and then, – VVPAT Receipt.
2. The assembly polls in the state, hitherto had been conducted as a one day poll, i.e., in a single phase. The administrative capability, availability of manpower, infra-structure, and the experience in mobilizing forces are quite possible in Tamilnadu for conducting a single phase election. We request that the entire polling, hence be planned and be completed in a single day.
3. The undue advantage of using money power for winning votes, are attempted by influential sections of the political parties and individuals; that must be curbed by the election commission and its machinery. We request the Commission to deploy additional vigilance squads and expedite its machinery to put an end to this unfair and unethical practice. The detailed plan of action and a status report on implementation to eliminate the adverse impact of money power, a concern you also shared in your affidavit before the Supreme Court be made known immediately.
4. We are aware that the Commission is empowered to appointing neutral observers for curbing electoral malpractices. We request that the Commission may form suitable guidelines for appointment of neutral observers in a transparent and impartial manner. The services of retired senior officers, as well as public servants who have impeccable credentials may be considered for the same.
5. During the election campaign if VVIP visitors are coming for campaign in a particular area, citing that as reason, permission for meetings of other parties are sought to be denied. In the interest of providing level playing field for all parties, suitable methodology may be formulated in consultation with the leading political parties.
6. In every election the non-issue of EPI Cards to the voters for identification remains a major issue. The process has to be further simplified so that at any point of time the EPI Cards can be easily obtained by eligible voters.
7. However much efforts are taken to make the voter lists fool proof, due to deaths, transfers, shifting and other such reasons, omissions and deletions appear to be a common thing and many voters are left high and dry to find their place of voting. Remedial measures for solving this perennial problem are urgently needed.
8. On the day of the polling, the undistributed booth slips of the commission were, in many areas being handed over to a favoured few party functionaries facilitating them to indulge in malpractices. We request the authorities to ensure that they appoint a special nodal person to coordinate with the Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of all parties.
9. From the experience of the earlier elections, the sensitive and vulnerable booths are to be immediately identified and the list be provided to all political parties. Any elected representatives, persons holding powerful position on no account are permitted into the polling booths. The commission must take necessary steps including CCTV installation in all such booths.
10. All facilities should be provided like drinking water, toilets etc. in all the Election Booths for the Officers and Staffs who are in election duty.
We, as a responsible political party committed to democratic values, assure you that we will extend all cooperation to the Election Commission and all support for the smooth conduct of the free and fair polls. We request the commission to take all our suggestions into consideration while formulating its strategies to conduct the ensuing elections in the state of Tamilnadu.
With warm regards,
Yours Sincerely,
(K.BALAKRISHNAN)Secretary
Tamilnadu State Committee
