CPI(M) calls for prompt removal of election rule change.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has strongly condemned the recent amendment to an election rule that restricts public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV camera footage and webcasting recordings. In a statement issued by the CPI Politburo, they expressed their objection to this amendment, which curtails the rights of political parties and candidates to access electronic records.

This amendment was made by the government, based on a recommendation from the Election Commission (EC), in order to prevent any misuse of video and other digital trails by candidates. However, the CPI argues that these measures were initially introduced by the EC to increase transparency in the electoral process and deems this amendment as a "retrograde" step.

The CPI also claims that proper consultations were not carried out with political parties before making this amendment, contrary to established precedents. They point out that while the government consulted with the EC, there was no discussion with political parties, which completely excludes their involvement in the decision-making process.

The CPI cites their experience during the Lok Sabha elections in Tripura, where charges of rigging led to the examination of videographic records within polling booths. This ultimately resulted in repolls being announced in almost half of the polling booths across both constituencies. They argue that in this day and age, where technology plays a crucial role in the electoral process, the government's move is a step backwards.

Therefore, the CPI Politburo demands the immediate withdrawal of this amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules. They emphasize that under Rule 93, all election-related "papers" should be open to public inspection and this amendment, which adds the phrase "as specified in these rules", goes against this principle.

Officials from the Law Ministry and EC have clarified that a court case was the reason behind this amendment. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the sharing of all election-related documents, including CCTV footage, with a petitioner. This prompted the EC to amend Rule 93 to specify which documents can be made available for public inspection.

The Conduct of Election Rules currently mentions only physical documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, results, and election account statements. The recent amendment now includes electronic documents such as CCTV camera footage, webcasting footage, and video recordings of candidates during the Model Code of Conduct period. The EC justifies this by stating that the misuse of such footage could compromise voter secrecy and could also be used to manipulate public opinion through the use of artificial intelligence.

In conclusion, the CPI stands firm in their demand for the withdrawal of this amendment and urges the government to consult with all political parties before making any changes to election rules. They emphasize the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process and urge the government to consider the implications of their actions carefully.

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