With the Election Commission (EC) convening an all-party meeting on May 12 over allegations of tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Congress on Thursday said the onus lies on the EC to remove these doubts in order to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
"The role of the EC is to uphold the majesty of the democratic process. The role of Election Commission is not adversarial. Election Commission is not hostile to a political party or group. The sole responsibility and onus on the EC is to uphold the majesty, transparency and accountability of the democratic process," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.
Stressing that the Congress party has faith in the neutrality of the EC, Surjewala said: "Election Commission cannot and does not side with one or the other political party or dispensation."
"Many experts and specialists have come forward to point out deficiencies and defects in the existing mechanism of the EVMs, I am certain that EC will give them full opportunity. If there are any defects found, we expect the EC to correct the EVMs," he added.
Surjewala further said: "If no defects are found, at least doubts will be removed."
"Even if one person in our democracy raises a doubt or a finger or questions the independence of the electoral process, the onus lies on the EC to remove those doubts for the sanctity of the electoral process. We are certain that that onerous responsibility will be fulfilled by the EC," he added.
--IANS
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