Differing views, observations are normal part of deliberation in any institution: ECI on reports of internal friction
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed reports of internal friction, stating that differing views among commissioners are a standard part of the decision-making process. This follows allegations that two commissioners formally objected to several decisions made by the Chief Election Commissioner.
Why it matters
The integrity and internal cohesion of the ECI are critical to the functioning of Indian democracy, especially amid accusations of centralization and autocracy.
Reacting to an investigative report that claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, have formally recorded objections at least 14 times over ten months, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that “dffering views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.”
“They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorized to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system,” ECI said in a statement.
The Indian Express on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) carried an ‘expose’ that said that major decisions were being made in the name of the full Election Commission without their knowledge — several of which they called “unauthorised and illegal.”
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