Ashok Lavasa says EC must regain public trust amid SIR controversy
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has called for the Election Commission of India to restore public trust amid controversies surrounding electoral roll revisions. He emphasized the need for transparency and impartiality to maintain the credibility of the democratic process.
Why it matters
Public confidence in election management bodies is essential for the stability and legitimacy of democratic institutions.
NEW DELHI: Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa on Tuesday said the Election Commission of India (ECI) was facing an unprecedented level of controversy and urged the poll body to regain public trust amid protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Drawing a parallel with cricket, Lavasa said the credibility of an election depended on people believing that the poll panel was impartial.“If people feel that the umpire is not neutral, they will question the winning team's victory as well,” he said while addressing a citizens' convention in Kolkata virtually, according to news agency PTI.Lavasa's remarks came as opposition parties intensified their protests against alleged “vote chori”, demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise.Opposition leaders have taken to the streets in recent days and clashed with police in New Delhi.“The EC should regain its credibility and people's trust.
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