EPIC Number Duplication Does Not Indicate Fake Voters: ECI
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has clarified that duplication in EPIC numbers does not suggest the existence of duplicate or fake voters. This clarification follows reports of duplicate EPIC numbers due to identical alphanumeric series used by different states. The ECI assures that unique EPIC numbers will be assigned to registered voters to eliminate any confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Duplication in EPIC numbers does not mean fake voters.
- Identical EPIC numbers arise from a manual system prior to ERONET.
- Unique EPIC numbers will be assigned to registered voters.
- Electors can only vote in their designated polling stations.
- ECI addresses concerns raised by social media and political figures.
New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that duplication in EPIC numbers does not suggest the presence of duplicate or fake voters. This clarification comes as the ECI acknowledged instances of duplicate EPIC numbers arising from the use of the same alphanumeric series by different States/UTs.
The ECI explained that these duplicate EPIC numbers originated from an outdated manual system that was in place prior to the launch of the ERONET platform. This led to identical alphanumeric series being assigned to different voters across various states.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ECI responded to social media discussions and media reports highlighting the issue of voters from two states possessing the same EPIC numbers.
"It is important to clarify that while some electors may have identical EPIC numbers, their other information, such as demographic details, Assembly Constituency, and polling booth, are distinct for each elector sharing the same EPIC number," the statement indicated.
The ECI emphasized that regardless of the EPIC number, each elector can only vote at their designated polling station within their registered Constituency in their respective State/UT.
Addressing the complaints, the ECI stated, "The issuance of identical EPIC numbers to electors from different States/UTs was a result of a decentralized and manual process used before the electoral roll database was migrated to the ERONET platform. This allowed certain State/UT CEO offices to utilize the same EPIC alphanumeric series, resulting in the possibility of duplicate EPIC numbers being assigned in different Assembly Constituencies across states."
To alleviate concerns, the ECI will assign unique EPIC numbers to all registered voters. To reassure the public, the Commission has committed to providing unique EPIC numbers to registered electors. Any identified cases of duplicate EPIC numbers will be corrected by issuing a unique EPIC number. The ERONET 2.0 platform will be enhanced to facilitate this process.
The ECI's response follows accusations from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who alleged that the BJP was attempting to manipulate the electoral system by introducing fake voters from other states.
On Saturday, West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) refuted CM Mamata Banerjee's claims of electoral manipulation, asserting that the voter roll update procedure adheres to established legal standards.
