The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a statement today addressing concerns raised in a report by the Indian Express. The ECI asserted that all decisions made over the past year were reached unanimously. It emphasized that differing opinions are a standard aspect of discussions within any institution.
“Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution,” the Election Commission of India said
All these decisions are an outcome of the unanimous decisions of the full commission in the past one year,” the poll body said in the statement signed by its Deputy Director P Pawan. “Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken.
Alluding to the report, the ECI said highlighting certain specific internal notes and observations spread over the period of 10 months while overlooking the much larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives give only one part of the picture. “In recent months, the commission has taken numerous decisions, issued instructions, introduced around 40 new initiatives and undertaken many electoral reforms including the conduct of electoral roll revision (including SIR) across the country.
The report had said two election commissioners “objected on record” several decisions taken by the poll body allegedly without their knowledge. Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorized to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system,” the ECI said in a statement this afternoon. Earlier reporting noted: In a press note issued by the poll body, the EC said its three members may have individual views, observations or suggestions during deliberations, but all final decisions of the poll body are taken unanimously. Earlier reporting noted: The poll body said operational queries or inputs raised by Commissioners at the draft stage should not be construed as final decisions. Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorised to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system,” the press note said.
Earlier reporting noted: “Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.
