As India gears up for its upcoming elections,the Election Commission has announced a groundbreaking initiative to publish real-time voting rates during the electoral process. This tech-savvy move aims to enhance openness and engagement, allowing citizens to stay informed about voter turnout as it happens. With the ECI Net app, presiding officers will upload voting rates every two hours, ensuring that the public has access to timely information. This shift comes in response to growing demands for accountability from opposition parties, especially following the Lok Sabha elections and state assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra.
The decision to implement this real-time tracking system reflects a significant evolution in the electoral process, especially as the nation prepares for elections in Bihar, West bengal, and several other states in just a few months.While the new system promises to provide a clearer picture of voter participation, the traditional requirement for polling agents to submit Form 17C remains unchanged. This dual approach aims to balance innovation with established practices, addressing concerns raised by parties like Congress and Trinamool Congress regarding voter authenticity and potential fraud. As the election landscape shifts, this initiative could redefine how citizens engage with the democratic process, fostering a more informed electorate.