Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes at the national, state, and local levels in India. Established on January 25, 1950, the ECI is tasked with ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and local bodies. Headquartered in New Delhi, the ECI operates under the guidance of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), supported by Election Commissioners, who oversee electoral procedures, implement voter registration drives, monitor campaign expenditures, and enforce the Model Code of Conduct during elections.

The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic process in the world’s largest democracy. It uses advanced technology like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) to enhance transparency and prevent electoral fraud. The Commission also implements various initiatives to increase voter turnout, including efforts like the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, which focuses on voter education and awareness.

Despite its efforts to maintain the integrity of elections, the ECI frequently faces allegations of bias, manipulation, and fraud, especially during high-stakes elections. However, the Commission actively addresses these claims, collaborating with fact-checkers to debunk misinformation that could influence voter behavior or public perception.

In February 2019, BOOM fact-checked a viral WhatsApp forward claiming that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) would be allowed to vote online in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

BOOM found that the Election Commission had denied this claim and asked the Delhi Police to investigate the source of the misinformation, clarifying that there was no provision for online voting for NRIs in the elections