Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Issues Strict Directive on Strongroom Security
In a decisive move to uphold electoral integrity, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan Kelkar has mandated that all strongrooms at counting centers across Kerala must remain sealed until the vote counting process is fully concluded. This directive, issued on Tuesday, explicitly prohibits access to both sealed strongrooms and any unsealed rooms for any purpose whatsoever.
Unwavering Instructions to Safeguard the Electoral Process
"We are reiterating that under no circumstances shall any strongrooms or unsealed rooms be opened or accessed for the purpose of preparing index cards or verifying data in the ENCORE portal," stated CEO Rathan Kelkar. He emphasized that all election officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions. The primary objective is to safeguard the integrity, transparency, and security of the entire electoral process, leaving no room for ambiguity or procedural lapses.
Background: Controversies in Kozhikode and Palakkad
This firm order comes against the backdrop of recent controversies and allegations in the Kozhikode and Palakkad districts. The CEO has specifically sought an explanation for the decision to open a materials strongroom in Palakkad. On Monday, the United Democratic Front (UDF) alleged that an election strongroom in Vellimadukunnu, Kozhikode, was opened in violation of established guidelines. However, District Election Officer Snehil Kumar Singh clarified that the strongroom containing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and postal ballots was never opened.
Election Commission Reverses Decision Following Protests
Adding to the tension, the Election Commission (EC) initially decided to open a strongroom at Government Victoria College in Palakkad on Tuesday. This move aimed to retrieve a diary reportedly left behind by a presiding officer on polling day. However, following strong protests from UDF leaders, the EC dropped this decision. Reports that the strongroom housing EVMs from the Nemmara constituency would be opened had already triggered a significant political controversy.
Clarifications from District Election Officials
Collector and District Election Officer M S Madhavikutty provided crucial clarifications regarding the Palakkad situation. She stated that there was never a plan to open the sealed strongroom containing EVMs. "Only the adjacent materials strongroom was being considered for opening to retrieve documents, including Form 17A, which contains voter registers," she explained. This consideration was solely to retrieve administrative documents.
Madhavikutty further noted that the decision to even consider opening the materials room was dropped following a directive from the CEO after misleading reports surfaced. "No action will be taken to open any room until the Election Commission gives a directive," she affirmed. She reiterated that reports about opening EVM strongrooms were incorrect and that due procedure, including written communication to candidates and the presence of candidate representatives, was followed for the considered action.
Political Opposition and Demands for Explanation
Meanwhile, UDF leaders have strongly opposed any moves to access strongrooms, alleging potential irregularities. District Congress Committee (DCC) president A Thankappan questioned the rationale, stating, "The Election Commission must explain why there is a need to open the strongroom all of a sudden. A highly-secure facility cannot be opened arbitrarily citing forgotten items. Such actions raise suspicions."
In Kozhikode, the UDF has intensified its protest over the strongroom row. The collector is expected to submit an explanation regarding allegations that a strongroom was opened without proper authorization at the JDT Islam Convention Centre in Vellimadukunnu. While officials maintained that only a reserve room was opened, the UDF contends that due procedures were not followed.
This series of events and the CEO's unequivocal order highlight the heightened sensitivity and strict protocols surrounding the security of electoral materials in Kerala, ensuring public confidence in the democratic process remains intact.
