The Chief Election Commissioner highlighted verification mechanisms covering voter registration, polling, EVMs, VVPATs and vote counting.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has described India’s electoral process as one of the most transparent in the world, pointing to verification mechanisms that operate throughout the election cycle.
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Speaking at an interaction with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad on September 11, 2026, Kumar said political parties, candidates and their representatives participate in verification at different stages of the electoral process.
His remarks covered everything from maintaining electoral rolls to the procedures followed before polling, after voting ends and during the counting of votes.
CEC Explains How Electoral Rolls Are Verified
Kumar said voter lists are continuously checked with the involvement of political parties and their Booth Level Agents.
Booth Level Officers play a key role in identifying cases involving voters who are absent, shifted, deceased or duplicated, as well as other categories requiring verification.
At the same time, officials are expected to ensure that eligible citizens are not incorrectly excluded from the electoral rolls.
Kumar stressed that every eligible Indian citizen who has reached the age of 18 should have their name included on the voter list.
Electoral Rolls Described as a “Living Document”
The CEC said the Election Commission periodically undertakes electoral roll revision exercises to maintain the accuracy and integrity of voter lists.
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As part of the process, BLOs visit voters’ homes and interact directly with residents to verify relevant information.
The process can involve submitting supporting documents, mapping information and hearings where required.
Kumar urged BLOs to remain actively involved in checking voter lists in their respective areas and ensuring that newly eligible voters are added.
He described helping young citizens register as an important contribution to India’s democratic process.
What Happens to EVMs and VVPATs Before Voting?
Kumar also explained the safeguards used during polling.
According to his remarks, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units undergo a mock poll before actual voting begins.
The mock poll is conducted in the presence of polling agents representing candidates.
This allows the participating representatives to observe the process before voting officially starts.
Verification Continues After Polling
The CEC said transparency measures continue once voting concludes.
Procedures relating to the EVM results are completed in the presence of candidates’ agents, with the necessary documents signed as part of the process.
During counting, the votes recorded by EVMs are also checked against the figures recorded in Form 17C, in the presence of candidates’ counting agents.
Kumar cited these multiple stages of participation and verification as part of his argument that India’s electoral process has extensive checks throughout the voting cycle.
CEC Urges BLOs to Help Young Voters Register
Kumar asked Booth Level Officers to pay particular attention to people who have recently turned 18.
He encouraged officials to regularly review electoral rolls and complete the procedures necessary to add eligible young citizens.
The focus on first-time voters was also reflected in a separate programme on electoral literacy held in Ahmedabad.
ECINET and Electoral Literacy Among Youth
Kumar participated in the fifth regional conference on Electoral Literacy Clubs and ECINET in Ahmedabad.
The programme focused on improving awareness about elections and democratic participation among young people.
The CEC encouraged students and participants to download the ECINET app and help family members and others around them with voter registration.
Electoral Literacy Clubs operating in schools and colleges were also highlighted as a way to strengthen awareness of democratic processes among younger citizens.
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More than 1,000 Electoral Literacy Club members, school and college nodal officers, campus ambassadors, BLOs and other stakeholders participated in the interaction, according to the official release cited in the report.
India Holds International IDEA Chairmanship
Kumar also pointed to India’s current chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The organisation comprises 35 member democracies, and Kumar cited India’s leadership role there as reflecting international recognition of the country’s electoral system.
He reiterated that ensuring eligible citizens are included on electoral rolls is an important responsibility and urged citizens to exercise their right to vote on election day.
Why Electoral Verification Matters
The Election Commission’s electoral process involves several stages, from compiling and revising voter lists to conducting polling and counting votes.
Kumar’s comments focused on the role of candidates, political parties and their representatives in observing and participating in these procedures.
The emphasis on verification is intended to reinforce confidence in the electoral process while ensuring that voter information and polling results are properly recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CEC Gyanesh Kumar say about India’s elections?
Gyanesh Kumar said India’s electoral process is among the world’s most transparent, citing verification mechanisms involving electoral rolls, polling, EVMs, VVPATs and vote counting.
How are EVMs checked before polling?
According to Kumar, EVMs and VVPATs are subjected to a mock poll before voting begins in the presence of candidates’ polling agents.
What is Form 17C?
Form 17C records information relating to votes recorded at a polling station. Kumar said EVM vote totals are verified against the figures in Form 17C during counting in the presence of candidates’ counting agents.
What is the role of a Booth Level Officer?
BLOs help maintain electoral rolls by verifying voter information, identifying cases requiring attention and helping ensure eligible citizens are included.
What is ECINET?
ECINET is an Election Commission platform/app referenced in the electoral literacy programme, with Kumar encouraging young people to use it and help others with voter registration.
What is International IDEA?
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, known as International IDEA, is an intergovernmental organisation focused on supporting democracy and electoral processes. The CEC said India currently holds its chairmanship.
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