Rajiv Kumar, the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner, on Monday emphasized the need for remote voting mechanisms for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and migrant workers, biometric authentication for casting votes, and ensuring the secrecy of votes received by candidates at polling stations to prevent post-election violence.
Additionally, Kumar highlighted the importance of financial transparency in election expenditures and campaign promises, while also calling for action against misinformation spread via social media. He acknowledged the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing election processes.
Advocating for NRI Voting
Addressing the issue of enabling NRIs to vote from abroad, Kumar asserted that India’s global aspirations demand a commitment to the Election Commission’s motto of “No voter to be left behind.” He stated, “India’s growing aspirations for its rightful place in the world order require (us) to show deep commitment to the Election Commission’s motto of ‘No voter to be left behind’ (and) it is, therefore, the right time to enable our Non-Resident Indians to vote from outside the country.”
Kumar noted that the Election Commission (EC) had developed mechanisms to facilitate remote voting for NRIs, but the final decision rests with the central government.
Under existing laws, Indian citizens living abroad for education, business, or employment remain eligible to vote but must be physically present in India at designated polling stations. Since 2020, the EC has explored alternative voting methods, including postal ballots, voting at Indian embassies, and online options. However, no consensus has been reached due to differing views among political parties.
Estimates suggest that approximately one lakh NRIs are registered to vote, with many more eligible but not yet on electoral rolls. Around 25,000 of these registered voters traveled to India to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Calling for swift action, Kumar stated, “The government should take a final decision swiftly to enfranchise those who contribute significantly to our nation from afar.” He also stressed the need to develop a consensus on remote voting mechanisms for migrant workers within India.
Responding to Criticism Against the Election Commission
During his speech, Kumar addressed concerns about the Election Commission’s independence and dismissed allegations of bias. He criticized what he termed “motivated and uncorroborated attacks on democratic institutions,” asserting that such accusations had not deterred Indian voters.
His remarks appeared to respond to recent allegations concerning the EC’s handling of elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. In these elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured decisive victories, opposition parties questioned the accuracy and speed of voting data and trends published on the EC’s website.
Referring to these claims, Kumar observed, “I have observed a pattern in the timing of certain narratives. During peak polling or counting hours, a wave of fake allegations and rumors begins to spread across media and social media, misleading people and creating confusion. Narratives are deliberately set to distort facts.”
However, he emphasized that the EC maintains a policy of restraint and does not engage in public rebuttals during election processes, ensuring focus remains on the integrity and smooth conduct of polls.
He further remarked, “The Commission, as an institution, often finds itself unfairly blamed by those unwilling to accept electoral outcomes.” His comments seemed to allude to the Congress party’s reaction to the Haryana election results.
Biometric Authentication and the ‘Totaliser’ System
Kumar also discussed the role of technology in elections, calling it “a powerful enabler.” He highlighted the use of AI and ERONET, a web-based platform supporting 14 languages, which assists poll officials in managing the voter database.
Discussing biometric authentication, he stated, “However, innovations like biometric authentication may further help prevent impersonation and multiple voting, ensuring that every vote belongs to the rightful voter.”
He also addressed concerns regarding the disclosure of booth-level voting data, which is currently made available through Form 17C. He argued that such disclosures lead to post-election violence and exclusion of opposition supporters from development programs.
Kumar advocated for the use of the totaliser system, a technology developed by the EC to ensure that votes cast at individual polling stations remain undisclosed. He stated, “…technologies like the totaliser, already developed by the Commission, will ensure that votes polled by each candidate – polling station-wise – are not disclosed. I believe this should be explored, political consensus attempted, and tested on a pilot basis to enhance voter secrecy…”
Selection of the New Chief Election Commissioner
The process to appoint Rajiv Kumar’s successor is currently underway. According to sources, a three-member selection panel will convene this week to decide on the new Chief Election Commissioner. The panel includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who, as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will play a key role in the decision.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the current law governing the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner. Critics argue that the existing framework disproportionately favors the central government in the appointment process.
The newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner will oversee the upcoming Bihar elections later this year and is also expected to handle elections in Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu in 2026.