Dear Election Commissioner,

The writer experienced ghastly incidents in the 25 Thane Parliamentary Constituency, Maharashtra, during the 2024 Elections. However, the situation was similar for voters all over the nation.

1) Existing voters holding a valid EPIC surprisingly had their names missing/deleted from the current electoral lists without any Panchnama done by the BLOs. Hundreds of taxpayers across states and cities had to return home from polling booths disappointed and discouraged after spending hours in the sweltering heat.

2) Resident students studying in different cities and states missed out on exercising their electoral rights as they couldn't travel, due to their exams clashing with election dates. Many were first-time voters and young citizens, the country's future. Is the Election Commission not accountable for this deprivation of their fundamental right? Such a scenario demands that Colleges and Universities be brought under the Model Code of Conduct, making it mandatory to conduct the exams before or after the elections.

3) The voting process was delayed by an hour at some centres due to dysfunctional EVMs. The working class, i.e., most taxpayers and others scheduled to travel, had to leave without voting. You must be accountable and responsible for the ineffectiveness.

4) The photos on the EPIC did not match those on the electoral list. For example, a lady had her correct photo on her card, but the list showed a male's picture. She had to wait hours in the sweltering heat and take help to fight for her right to vote.

5) I had filled out Form No. 12 D for my mother, age 87, to avail of the postal ballot for absentee voters facility. However, despite informing the BLO and the ARO office, no staff turned up. This case is not an outlier, as many depend on this service.

6) Another set of citizens left out is the significant number of hospitalised and homebound patients of different age groups and levels of severity, mainly those on dialysis, cancer patients, paralytic patients, and women post-childbirth. Does a taxpayer's health condition take away their right to vote?

The voting percentage is not borne by citizens alone but also reflects the work done by the Election Commission. The head, after all, has the best education, training, and calibre of an IAS.

We live in a country where the internet has reached every corner, but the reach of the electoral process after years of democracy has not.

The question arises, Is the Universal Adult Franchise truly Universal?

I earnestly request you to find proper ways and means to ease /clear the chaotic and troublesome age-old ways of exercising the FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE.

"Bad politicians are elected by good people who don't vote!" But even the ECI must take the blame here!

Looking forward to your immediate assurance and action.

Yours faithfully,
Ms. Merlyn D'Sa
Educationist, Ex-Municipal Councillor of MBMC.