The Congress on Friday demanded an immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s decision to introduce the use of postal ballot in the ...
The Congress on Friday demanded an immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s decision to introduce the use of postal ballot in the Assembly elections, reported The Indian Express. The party said the move allows voters to come under “organised administrative influence”, violates the secrecy clause and makes election officials more vulnerable to the coronavirus.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Law and Justice had published a notification permitting people over the age of 65 to vote in elections via postal ballot, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Elderly persons are believed to be more vulnerable to the virus, along with children, pregnant women and those suffering from co-morbid conditions.
Senior Congress leaders Abhishek Singhvi and Randeep Surjewala, in a virtual presentation before the Election Commission, argued the decision was unconstitutional and was taken without consulting stakeholders and political parties.
“The manner in which this decision has been taken demonstrates a complete non-application of mind and a shocking circumvention of any consultation process with the key stakeholders,” the party said in a petition. “Even upon a cursory examination, the numerous legal deficiencies in this decision become apparent.”
Allowing postal ballot for those above 65 years of age violates the secrecy clause in voting as a large segment of the population is illiterate and might seek assistance from...
