Discrepancy in Poll Percentage Figures: CEO Attributes to Mobile App Variations

Discrepancies in the polling percentage figures reported by Returning Officers (ROs) and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on the day of polling in Tamil Nadu have been attributed to inconsistencies in the use of a mobile-based application by election officials.

According to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, variations arose due to a lack of uniformity in officials’ usage of the mobile app for reporting polling data. While most officials input data into the app, some did not, resulting in the use of sample data for reporting. Sahoo explained that when the sample size was smaller, the skew in reported figures was more pronounced. It was clarified that it was not mandatory for officials to input data into the app, as they might be occupied with polling duties.

The discrepancy between figures shared by ROs and the CEO’s office persisted throughout polling day, with updates shared every two hours.

Sahoo emphasized that the inputs fed into the ‘Poll Turnout Monitoring System’ app were for internal use only. Final polling figures were those reported by the respective Returning Officers.

In related news, the Election Commission of India has maintained 171 surveillance teams in Tamil Nadu, comprising 69 Flying Squad Teams (FST) and 102 Static Surveillance Teams (SST) across 12 border-sharing districts with poll-bound states. Additional FSTs have been deployed in various districts, and SSTs have been positioned strategically to ensure fair conduct.

All 39 counting centers in Tamil Nadu are under CCTV surveillance, with daily security checks conducted by Returning Officers. Central armed police force personnel are stationed at all strong rooms in the constituencies to ensure security.

The Tamil Nadu government has made requests to relax certain Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions following the completion of polling. Sahoo confirmed that all representations seeking MCC relaxation have been forwarded to the Election Commission for consideration. Associations have also appealed for relaxation in MCC provisions now that polling is over.

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The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Election Commission to relax certain Model Code of Conduct restrictions following the completion of polling in the state. Requests include enabling ministers to conduct review meetings and resume routine bureaucratic functions.