Sharing video of polling station violation of voter privacy: EC officials

Amid growing demands for transparency during elections, the Election Commission (EC) officials have addressed concerns regarding the public release of webcasting footage from polling stations. On Saturday, officials clarified that sharing such videos would infringe on voter privacy, emphasizing the need to protect the confidentiality of the voting process. The EC maintains that while transparency is crucial, it must not come at the expense of fundamental democratic principles. The debate over webcasting footage has intensified, with some stakeholders arguing that public access to these videos could enhance trust in the electoral process. However, EC officials argue that the presence of cameras is primarily to deter malpractice and not for public scrutiny. They stress that revealing such footage could compromise the anonymity of voters, potentially leading to unintended consequences that may undermine the integrity of elections. Despite the calls for greater openness, the Election Commission remains firm in its stance. Officials have assured the public that robust mechanisms are in place to monitor and ensure fair conduct at polling stations. The commission continues to explore balanced approaches that uphold transparency while safeguarding voter privacy, recognizing the delicate balance required to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.

— Authored by Next24 Live