Clarify polling data ‘discrepancies’, CPI(M) tells A.P. Eelection Commission

The Andhra Pradesh Committee of the CPI(M) has demanded that the Election Commission of India should come clear on the alleged discrepancies in polling data related to the general elections held in Andhra Pradesh on May 13, 2024.

In a statement on Friday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao referred to a report published by the online portal The Wire on February 14. The article, based on an analysis by political commentator Parakala Prabhakar, reportedly highlighted the variations in the official polling figures released by the Election Commission.

According to the CPI(M) leader, the Chief Electoral Officer had announced that 68.04 per cent polling was recorded till 5 p.m. on May 13, 2024. At 8 p.m., the Election Commission of India stated that polling had reached 68.12 per cent, reflecting only a 0.08 per cent increase between 5 pm and 8 pm.

However, as per a subsequent announcement made at 11:45 p.m., total polling stood at 76.50 per cent, indicating an increase of 8.38 per cent between 8 p.m. and 11.45 p.m. Such a sharp rise within a short span raises several questions. Furthermore, between 11.45 p.m. and 2 a.m., polling reportedly increased by another 4.16 per cent.

Based on data available on the official website, the CPI(M) leader claimed that a total of 51.83 lakh additional votes were added between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

“These figures have led to doubts and suspicions among the public regarding the polling process. The Election Commission has not yet provided an adequate explanation, giving room for concerns about its credibility,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao said.

He urged the Election Commission to disclose details of the polling data to restore public confidence in the electoral process, democratic institutions, and the Commission’s functioning.