Citizens Fume Over Missing Names on Voter List, Demand Action from Election Commission
Dehradun: Anger and frustration have erupted among Dehradun residents over the large-scale mismanagement in the recently held municipal elections, with several voters alleging that their names were mysteriously missing from the voter list.
Social activist Anoop Nautiyal has stepped in to demand accountability from the Uttarakhand State Election Commission (SEC), presenting three key demands to ensure such lapses are not repeated in future elections.
The municipal elections, which concluded yesterday, were marred by chaos at multiple polling booths. Complaints of missing names, slow voting processes, and long queues past the 5 p.m. deadline were widespread.
Dehradun’s voter turnout, a dismal 55 percent, was among the lowest in the state, sparking further outrage. In stark contrast, Sultanpur emerged as a top scorer, with polling percentages soaring above 90 percent.
Anoop Nautiyal criticized the SEC for what he called a “highly irresponsible and careless attitude” in conducting the elections.
Highlighting the irregularities, he said, "The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy. When names are missing from the voter list, it amounts to a violation of democratic rights, and this cannot be compensated."
He also expressed concern that these lapses may have directly impacted the election results.
To address the situation, Nautiyal has proposed three demands:
1. Detailed Investigation and Report: The SEC must launch an investigation into the negligence and issue a preliminary report within two weeks.
He urged the commission to identify the reasons behind the missing names and the slow voting processes.
2. Accurate Voter Data: Nautiyal emphasized that voter data is not just for elections but is crucial for urban planning and governance.
To restore credibility, the SEC must release a ward-wise and municipality-wise report on the number of missing voters within 30 days.
3. Electoral Stakeholder Meetings: He called for urgent stakeholder meetings in all 100 municipal bodies of the state.
These discussions should involve election officials, political parties, media representatives, and social organizations to analyze the mismanagement and draft a roadmap for reforms.
"The SEC owes it to the voters to take these demands seriously and ensure transparency in the electoral process," Nautiyal added.
The poor polling percentage in Dehradun has raised eyebrows, especially as it stands in stark contrast to Sultanpur's high voter turnout.
Residents are now appealing to the SEC for immediate corrective measures, urging the commission to prioritize reforms and protect the sanctity of future elections.
