New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected allegations of manipulation in the voter list and said that duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers do not point to ‘fake or duplicate voters’. This clarification from the commission comes amid concerns raised on social media and by opposition leaders about the same EPIC numbers given to voters in different states.
In a statement on Sunday, the election body clarified that the duplication of EPIC numbers may be a result of the use of the same alphanumeric series by several states before adopting a centralized system.
Permanent number is being considered
The Election Commission will ensure the allocation of EPIC numbers to registered voters. According to sources, the Election Commission is seriously considering making the voter identity card a permanent number like the Permanent Account Number i.e. PAN card and Aadhaar card.
The Election Commission said, “The Election Commission has taken cognizance of some social media posts and media reports raising the issue of voters from several states having the same EPIC number. In this regard, it is clarified that some voters may have the same EPIC number, but other details including the assembly constituency and polling station are different for voters with the same EPIC number.” The Commission emphasized that the EPIC number alone does not determine the eligibility of a voter to vote. Irrespective of the EPIC number, any voter can vote only at his designated polling station in his respective constituency in his state / union territory, where his name is registered in the voter list, and nowhere else.
