News

50% Quota for Women in Panchayats Cleared, Hindustan Times (2009)

This article provides information on the newly accepted constitutional amendment that reserves 50% of seats in the 252, 000 panchayats or village councils for women.

Key India state elections begin, BBC News (2009)

Polls have opened in three Indian states, testing the strength of the Congress party-led federal government.

India: Eunuchs can vote, contest as 'others', The Times of India (2009)

In order to free sexual identity from stereotypes, the Election Commission gave transsexuals and eunuchs a distinct identity, enabling them to identify themselves as 'others' on the electoral rolls.

India troops die in Maoist blasts, BBC News (2009)

As the second phase of voting for a new assembly begins in the Jharkhand state, Maoist rebels have already killed at least 3 Indian soldiers, and injured several people. This is despite the fact that nearly 40, 000 security forces have been deployed to maintain peace during the elections as 60% of the 4, 300 polling stations have been designated as being in high risk areas.

India: 54.3% polling recorded in phase II of Jharkhand elections, The Hindu (2009)

54.3% of the 3 096 854 voters used their right to vote in the second phase of the Jharkhand elections, despite the Maoist violence that led to the death of one of the security personnel.

India: Voting in two Jharkhand booths monitored live, ThaiIndian News (2009)

As the fourth phase of Jharkhand elections took place in the Maoist strongholds, the Election Commission monitored polling in two booths through web cameras. This was done for the first time on an experimental basis and more booths should be monitored during the last, fifth phase, of the election.

India: Deepen the reach of democracy: President, The Hindu (2010)

As the Election Commission celebrates its 60th anniversary, India's leaders call for the removal of malpractices in the electoral process, so that the Indian democracy is "cleaner, healthier and stronger". As the work of the Election Commission was evaluated, several challenges and goals such as striving for the real empowerment and participatory governance at the third tier, dealing with unaccounted election expenses and enforcing procedural inner party democracy were identified.

India: Chawla says compulsory voting idea not feasible, India Today (2010)

As the Gujarat state election commission made voting in their panchayat elections compulsory, the Chief Election Commissioner, Navin Chawla, rejected this idea on the national scale. The Election Commission has proposed some other electoral reforms though, most of which require amendments to the Representation of the People's Act. One of the most significant proposals relates to debarring people with criminal history from contesting elections. All of the proposed changes are now examined by the Parliament's standing committee.

India: Wearing burqa not an integral part of Islam: Election Commission, The Hindu (2010)

The Supreme Court in India is informed by the Election Commission that wearing a burqa by a Muslim woman was considered as a mere religious custom, and not an integral part of Islam.

India: Pakistan has twice as many women MPs, The Times of India (2010)

Reservation to ensure fair representation of women in national legislative bodies seems more the norm than the exception globally, with almost 100 countries having some kind of quota system or the other in place. India happens to be in a minority group of over 20 countries that have no system at all to ensure a more gender-balanced national legislature.

India set to join 40 nations in reserving Parl seats for women, Indian Express (2010)

More than 50 countries have voluntarily set out quota provisions in their own statutes (according to IDEA), as India is all set to join a league of around 40 countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have quota for women in Parliaments either by means of constitutional amendment or by changing the electoral laws.

India: Chawla seeks protection for election commissioners from sacking, The Times of India (2010)

The Chief Election Commissioner, Navin Chawla, is urging the government to pass a constitutional amendment that would protect the election commissioners from arbitrary sacking. Even though there is a measure currently in place that protects the Chief Election Commissioners, Chawla argues that it should be extended to other election commissioners as well and thus strengthen the integrity and independence of the Commission.

India: 45 per cent turnout in BBMP polls, The Hindu (2010)

Polling in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections was largely peaceful on 28 March, and the voter turnout was estimated at 45 per cent.

India: And now, Bangalore too in BJP's kitty, The Hindu (2010)

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka reaffirmed its supremacy over Bangalore city by winning the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections with a clear majority. It won 112 of the 198 wards while the Opposition Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) could manage only 64 and 15 wards respectively. The winners include seven independents.

India: Notification issued for Bengal municipal polls, Business Standard (2010)

A formal notification was today 27 April issued for the May 30 elections to the 81 municipal bodies across West Bengal.

India's Electronic Voting Machines Are Insecure, Study Finds, PC World (2010)

Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are vulnerable to fraud, researchers said this week, and advocated that a paper trail should be maintained to verify the results of balloting.

India: Congress forced to oppose Trinamool, says Buddhadeb, The Hindu (2010)

Chief Minister said on Sunday 15May that the Congress was forced to oppose the Trinamool Congress at many places in the coming municipal elections in West Bengal as the latter was a violent political party without any agenda or sense of purpose.

US scientists 'hack' India electronic voting machines, BBC (2010)

Scientists at a US university say they have developed a technique to hack into Indian electronic voting machines.

Indian voting machine 'hacked', Times of India (2010)

Researchers at the University of Michigan easily 'hacked' an Indian electronic voting machine. The scientists were able to changed the results just by sending text messages from a mobile.

India: Online civil polls: State election commission sets ball rolling, The Times of India (2010)

This article announces the decision by the State Election Commission to conduct the first on-line voting in the country. The on-line voting will be used in the Ahmedabad municipal elections.

India: Election commission launches drive for electoral roll photos in Gujarat, Daily News and Analysis (2010)

This article describes the new operation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Gujarat. The ECI officials are going to visit each house in order to complete the ECI photo rolls: a database of pictures from every single voter. 13.6% of the electorate is not on the electoral system yet.

India: Move to get prisoners their voting rights, Times of India (2010)

This article discusses the state government's initiative to allow convicted prisoners and people who are under trial to vote. The state election commission is considering the proposal.

India: Chief Electoral Officers told to check 'paid news', The Hindu (2010)

This article discusses the Election Commission's warning against 'paid news' during the elections. Parties and candidates use 'paid news' to elude the norms in the Representation of the People Act by making anonymous political advertising. This Act forbids each candidate to exceed the prescribed limit of election expenses.

India: Election commission not mandated to hold simulaneous elections: CEC, The Indian Journal (2010)

This article presents the Indian Chief Election Commission's latest statements. First of all, the CEC does not believe that the Election Commission is mandated to hold simultaneous elections (in the lower House of the Parliament and in State Assemblies). Furthermore, CEC Navin Chawla expressed his satisfaction for the success of the Photo Identity Card scheme than now covers 82% of the voters. The Electronic Voting Machines will function properly, he assured.

India: Sonia set to be Congress president again, Hindustan Times (2010)

This article discusses Sonia Gandhi's decision to become the Indian National Congress President again. Her elections as leader of the party will only be finalized by the end of the year when the AICC (All India Congress Commitee) will meet in a plenary session. By the same time, the party will mark 125 years of existence and Sonia Gandhi will be the longest-serving party president.

India: 'Paid news': Chavan challenges Election Commission, The Hindu (2010)

This article comments the response of the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan, to the hearings of the Election Commission on the 'paid news' controversy. Mr. Chavan - who is involved in the controversy - stated that the EC has no right to continue the hearings and that the High Cort or the Supreme Court should instead. The Commission officials replied that according to the 1951 Representation of the People Act, they have the the authority to inquire into such matters.

Five-time Cong MP from Kerala disqualified for caste fraud, The Times of India (2010)

This article discusses the decision of the Kerala High Court to disqualified MP Kodukunnil Suresh. The five-time MP was sentenced for running in the Mavelikara constituency, which is reserved for members of Schedule Caste. Mr. Suresh originally presented contradictory caste certificates.

India: Polling begins on dull note in Telangana by-elections, The Hindustan Times (2010)

This article reports on election day in Indian Pradesh's Telangana region. The Chief Electoral Officer announced that everything is running smoothly. Electronic Voting Machines have been deployed in some parts of the region, causing delays in some polling centres.

India: 'No voting should be an embarrassment', Times of India (2010)

This article presents the CEC-designate SY Quraishi in India. Mr Quraishi worked four intense years in the Election Commission. He presented his plans and reforms for the future: introduction and regulation of the Electronic Voting Machines, voter education and participation measures (especially in urban areas).

India: Conduct mock e-voting exercise before actual poll: HC directs gov't, The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on the Gujarat High Cort's decision to set up a trial mock election before the actual civic body election to ensure that the process of online voting is safe. The main concerns were raised regarding the voting through internet or mobile phone.

India: Researcher arrested for alleged voting machine theft, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of a security researcher who was investigating on the electronic voting machines used in Indian elections. The researcher, Hari Prasad, was arrested in Mumbai for supposedly stealing one of the machines. In April, Mr Prasad demonstrated that it was possible to attack the machines and fraud the elections.

India: 'Pay up for challenging MPs' election', The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on the Bombay high court's decision to dismiss the petitions challenging the elections of found Mumbai MPs, and charge all costs to the petitioners. The petitions claimed that the MPs were elected "using religion'' and appease a minority community. The Representation of People Act prohibits seeking votes in the name of caste or religion. However, none of the four MPs belonged to the minority community.

India: EVM theft: Court extends Prasad's police custody, The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Electronic Voting Machine's theft in India. Hari Prasad, technical coordinator of VeTA Citizens for Verifiability, Transparency and Accountability in Elections) was arrested for stealing an EVM in Mumbai early this week. The Metropolitan Court decided to extend his custody until further investigations will clarify the event.

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India: Police seek two more in stolen EVM case, The Hindustan Times (2010)

This article reports on the police investigation on the theft of Electronic Voting Machines in India. The main suspect, Mr Prasad, reportedly stole an EVM and then appeared on TB to demonstrate how the machine could be tampered with. Mr Prasad denies the theft, stating that the machine had been given to him to prove that it could be manipulated.

Symposium, conference on election issues in Goa, The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on a symposium held in Goa in the next two days. Many election-related issues will be discussed by election officials, such as monitoring expenditure and how to guarantee participation in the elections. Best practices from all the states in India will be documented and shared by election officials and police superintendents. This symposium is part of the Election Commission of India's Diamond Jubilee (60 years) celebrations.

India: Sonia to be Congress president for record fourth time, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the election of Sonia Gandhi as president of the ruling Congress, the biggest political party in India. Ms Gandhi will become the longest-serving president in the 125 years old Congress.

India: The problem with EVMs, The Hindu (2010)

This article discusses the challenges of using Electronic Voting Machines in India. According to some experts, the EVMs introduced by the Election Commission of India do not fulfill the legal requirements of the Information Technology Act. The article explains that one way to guarantee free and fair elections in India would be to have a "paper trail", an option that the Commission strongly rejected.

India: High Court allows CPM to challenge Alagiri, The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on the High Court ruling on election petitions. The High Court established that such petitions do not cease to be relevant with the death of the petitioner who challenged the election of a representative, as another person can come forward and become the petitioner. Justice V Dhanapalan stated that the petition must continue for the benefit of the whole constituency, and cannot end for neither a withdrawal nor for the death of the petitioner.

Congress to prefer youth, women candidates for Bihar assembly polls, The Economic Times (2010)

This article reports on a new trend in the Congress party in India. The Congress' Central Election Commission will meet this week to discuss and finalize the list of candidates for the Bihar assembly election. The Congress has recently invested on the youth and Muslim electorate, actively involving them in also in the party's organization.

India: Steps to avoid violence during Bihar assembly elections, Daily News and Analysis (2010)

This article discusses the special measures implemented to prevent election-related violence in the assembly elections in Bihar, India. In this state, Maoists threatened to disrupt the upcoming assembly elections. The Election Commission decided to deploy central para-military forces and armed police from other states, and to hold the polling in a very restricted period of time (from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm). Levels of election-related violence in the country are gradually decreasing: in 2001, 191 people lost their lives in the local elections, but in 2004 only 19 people died.

India: Election Commission calls all-party meeting, Indian Express (2010)

An all-party meeting was called by the Indian Election Commission. The meeting, which is scheduled for October 4, will discuss issues related to use of money and muscle power in elections, criminalization of politics and paid news.

India: EVMs should provide acknowledgement of choice to voter: BJP, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines. The BJ Party stated that the Election Commission should develop a voter education campaign to inform citizens about the new EVMs. On Monday, the Election Commission held meetings with national and regional political parties to discuss new reforms to the electoral law: regulations for paid news, a ban for candidates convicted of a crime, and EVMs among other issues.

Thank God, UN does not hold Indian polls, The Telegraph India (2010)

This article draws a comparison between the elections in India and the elections for the Security Council members. It is amusing to notice that in the General Assembly the voting system is quite outdated: the ballots resemble the ones from the 1952 general elections in India, and the Indian Election Commission has to deal with approximately the same amount of rules and paperworks.

Africa keen to learn from Indian elections: Zambian poll chief, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the increased interest towards the Indian model of democracy. This week, for example, Zambia's poll panel chief is visiting India to observe and study its electoral system. Justice Florence N.M. Mumba is particularly interested in observing the Electronic Voting Machines.

India: Young, new faces to find voice in local polls, The Times of India (2010)

This article reports on the local elections in India. The political parties, and in particular the BJP, will present new and young faces. The party, however, was not able to break the 'glass ceiling': there is only one woman, for example, as Zilla Panchayat member from the BJP in Kepu district.

India: ECI, CEC of Russian Federation to sign MoU in field of elections tomorrow, Sify (2010)

This article reports on the Memorandum of Understanding on mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of elections signed by the Election Commission of India and the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. This MoU follows a long tradition of bilateral exchanges and cooperation between the two Electoral Commissions. In particular, the Russian Commission expressed great interest in the various electoral management systems followed by Election Commission of India, especially the Electronic Voting Machines.

Lalu to meet election panel over irregularities in EVMs, Sify (2010)

Former Bihar chief minister, Lalu Prasad, will meet the Election Commission officials to formally complain about alleged irregularities in electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the recent assembly polls. Mr Lalu, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal party, petitioned a complaint arguing that there was a "mystery" behind the ruling party landslide victory.

India: 50,000 paramilitary troops to be deployed for poll duty, Sify (2011)

This article reports on the decision to deploy paramilitary forces to guarantee peaceful elections in various states in India for the upcoming assembly elections. The Home Ministry is currently holding talks with the Election Commission to discuss the possibility to deploy paramilitary troops in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.

India: Assocham for national fund for elections, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on a proposal to created a national body for funding elections in India and to enforce ceilings for election expenses. Assocham, an industry body, presented this proposal to make political funding more transparent. According to this proposed law, political parties would be forced to make public corporate and individual donations, and on the other hand the companies will have to notify the Income Tax Department.

India: EC for ban on undertrials as candidates, India Today (2011)

This article reports on the decision of the Indian Election Commission to revisit its proposal yo ban candidates facing serious criminal charges from running in the elections. The Chief of the EC, S.Y. Quraishi, believes that this amendment to the People's Representation Act would restore people's faith in the electoral system.

India: Ban opinion polls after model code imposed: Quraishi, Sify (2011)

This article reports on a series of possible reforms presented by the Chief of the Indian Election Commission, Mr S.Y. Quraishi. During the Second Regional Consultation on Electoral Reforms, the CEC outlined his ideas for possible reforms: to introduce an electoral code of conduct, to ban state funding on elections and to grant the EC the power to de-register fake political parties are just a few of his proposals.

India: Elections in due course, says EC, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the possibility to hold early elections in India. After the killings in Bengal, opposition parties have addressed the need to hold early polls, but the Election Commission dismissed this possibility and its Chief stated clearly that elections will take place in due time.

India: EC concerned over law and order situation in West Bengal, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the political situation in India. The Chief of the Election Commission stated that the EC is worried about the situation in West Bengal, and added that the date of the next assembly elections will be announced at an "appropriate time".

India: EC asks for controversial cops' transfer, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the decision of the Election Commission of India and the state government to remove police officers against whom cases have been filed, or against whom the EC has objections. An officer in the Raina police station has already been transferred following this decision.

India: Election Commission may reduce minimum voting age to 16, The Indian Express (2011)

This article reports on the Election Commission's statement regarding the voting age in India. The EC stated that it is examining a proposal to reduce the minimum age for voting to 16. The Chief of the Election Commission, Y S Quraishi, met with representatives from the Youth United for Voter Awareness and pointed at the importance of allowing more young people to participate in the elections. Currently, he explained, the youth represent 35% of the Indian electorate but they participation is still very low.

India: Technology to stop EVM manipulation, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the Election Commission's statements regarding the Electronic Voting Machines in India. The EC said that it is working on improving the EVMs by introducing a technology through which a printout can be generated after every vote cast. The Chief Election Commissioner stated that political parties have already been consulted on this matter, and that an expert is working on it.

India: Special functions to enrol new voters: Poll panel, Sify (2011)

This article reports on the Election Commission's presentation of the new measures to involve young voters in India. On January 25 (National Voters Day), the EC will launch a new initiative across the country with the goal of enrolling 20 million young voters and issuing their voter identity cards.

India: EC worried about coercion, The Times of India (2011)

The article reports on the work of the Election Commission team in south Bengal. Among other things, the team is investigating about voter intimidation in the state. The team asked the senior administrative officials to identify the people responsible of creating fear psychosis among the electorate and free the election machinery of such elements.

India: EC team meets West Bengal officials, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on the six-member special team sent by the Election Commission to assess the law and order situation in Bengal. So far, the Team has discussed the main issues with the District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of 11 districts, focusing mostly on the situation in south Bengal.

India: EC team takes inputs from district officials, The Telegraph India (2011)

This article reports on the work of the Election Commission observer team in Bengal. The team held meeting with the administrators of 10 south Bengal districts to assess the law and order situation in the area. In the meetings, the EC officials discusses thoroughly about the violence witnessed in the past two years.

India: EC teams visit trouble-torn areas in West Bengal, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on the ongoing mission of the six-member special Election Commission team in West Bengal. The team visited some of the districts recently affected by election-related and political violence, holding meetings with district officials and citizens.

India: EC teams reach flashpoint areas, The Indian Express (2011)

This article reports on the Election Commission team visiting the Bengal region. The team is assessing the law and order situation ahead of the state Assembly elections, and as a consequence of episodes of election-related violence.

India: CBDT examining reports on political parties provided by EC Read more: CBDT examining reports on political parties provided by EC, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the Central Board of Direct Taxes' examination of the reports on political parties provided by the Election Commission to investigate on alleged violation of tax laws and allegations. If the CBDT will certify the violations, the responsible parties will be de-recognized.

India: Poll panel ready for elections in five states, says member, The Times of India (2011)

This article reports on the statements of Election Commissioner Sampath. Mr Sampath stated that the Election Commission of India is now ready to conduct the upcoming assembly elections in five state. Elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puduchery are scheduled to be held in May.

India: EC team report on West Bengal this weekend, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on the team of experts that was sent by the Election Commission of India to visit West Bengal and assess the law and order situation in the state, as a consequence of episodes of election-related violence. The team is will submit its reports shortly.

EC team to visit Bengal again, will probe Left, The Indian Express (2011)

This article reports on the decision of the Indian Election Commission to send once again a six-member expert team to West Bengal. The EC decided to send the team after receiving complaints from Left MPs. An expert team recently visited the state to to study law and order situation, but the Left party argued that this team investigated only on complaints raised by Trinamool Congress.

India: Spend and tell, The Indian Express (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over a new legislation to regulate election spending of political parties. The author argues that India needs a more transparent process of party financing, and that the current rules are contradictory and unclear. Under the 2003 Election and Other Related Laws Act, election spending caps are unrealistically low, the author suggests, and they apply only to candidates (exempting parties and supporters).

Dates announced for India state polls, BBC News (2011)

This article reports on the announcement of the dates for the state elections in India. Elections in four states and one union territory will be held from April 4 to May 10. The Election Commission states that West Bengal will be the most troubled elections, and that political violence will be a major problem there.

India: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry go to the polls on April 13, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on the elections in India. Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, announced the schedule for the Assembly elections on Tuesday. Counting will probably be taken up on May 13. The new model code of conduct has come into effect and it will be applicable during the polls.

India: 14 crore eligible to vote in coming polls, The Hindu (2011)

This article reports on the elections in India: the Election Commission just announced elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. This will be the biggest electoral event after the 2009 Lok Sabha poll: the EC is setting up 1,51,357 polling stations, as 14,39,34,039 people are registered as eligible voters.

India: 150 million can vote in April-May, Sify (2011)

This article discusses the scale of the upcoming State elections in India. About 150 million people will be eligible to vote in the elections scheduled for April-May. According to the statistics provided by the Election Commission, West Bengal will account for the maximum of 56 million voters followed by Tamil Nadu (45.9 million), Kerala (22.9 million), Assam (18.1 million) and Puducherry (8 million).

India: Now, call centre, website in all states for poll complaints, Indian Express (2011)

The article discusses coming assembly elections. The Election Commission of India has ordered call centres for complaints to be established in all territories that will hold elections in April-May.

India: Diaspora gets rights to vote, fight polls, The Times of India (2011)

The article discusses voting from abroad in Indian elections. For the first time, elibigle voters living outside Indian borders can vote in assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and West Bengal.

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India: Central forces to stay 10 days after voting, Hindustan Times (2011)

The article discusses West Bengal Assembly Polls in India. Due to voters' concerns over security after polling is over, the Election Commission has ordered paramilitary forces to stay in place 10 days after voting.

India: High post poll security by EC in West Bengal, IBN (2011)

The article reports that, under the cover of an unprecedented amount of security personnel, India's West Bengal region has witnessed a record voter turnout. These security forces will be remaining in "sensitive areas" of the state for ten more days to prevent any post poll violence.

India: Election Commission gears up for counting of votes on Friday, The Hindu (2011)

Votes for the Indian election are being counted in 839 counting halls under the guard of an "elaborate three tier security arrangement." Different types of modern technology, including video recording and a computerized counting system, are being used to ensure efficiency and the prevention of malpractice. The article also touches briefly on voter participation demographics as well as some of the challenges to election fairness and overall voter turnout.

India: Election Commission norms for political party's TV channels soons, The Economic Times (2011)

The Indian Election Commission is formulating guidelines to regulate campaigning on television channels. This comes about as a concern that television networks owned and operated by the partners of political parties could be used as a form of unlimited advertising for their favored electoral candidate.

India: Tamil Nadu electon: Will the best freebie win?, BBC (2011)

The article touches on the controversy created by the practice of some parties to reward favorable vote with free gifts. It explains the history of this practice, which originated in Tamil Nadu, while noting the conflict of interests it creates, as voter attention focuses on gaining prizes instead of pertinent socio-political issues. There is a fear of the possibility that this practice will spread to other parts of India in the future.

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India: Mamata Banerjee beats communists in Bengal vote, BBC (2011)

The article reports that: "The world's longest-serving democratically-elected communist government has lost elections in the Indian state of West Bengal." Communist defeat has been a trend in the recent Indian state elections.

India: Poll Reforms Bill will be tabled in Parliament before December, The Hindu (2011)

The article reports on the possible inclusion of a new electoral bill in India. The proposed bill deals with the participation of convicted criminals in the electoral system.

India: EC to test EVMs with paper trail next month, Times of India (2011)

The article reports that: "the [Indian] Election Commission unveiled Electronic Voting Machines with voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) that would be put to test in simulated elections across 35 polling booths in five locations across the country on July 24." The article follows by highlighting the features and some of the potential benefits of these machines.

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India: CEC pats officials for free-and-fair elections, The Times of India (2011)

The chief election commissioner of India (CEC), S Y Quraishi, congratulated seven appointed officials for their services during the last Madurai state assembly elections. According to the CEC, the elections were free and fair.

India: Corruption row sees Indian ministers' wealth listed online, The National (2011)

The article reports that the Indian prime minister’s office made public the financial assets of the country’s ministers. The recent protests over state corruption scandals lead to a debate inside the parliament in which the Indian parliamentarians agreed on principles for a new anti-corruption legislation.

India: Anna Hazare to seek electoral reforms, The Hindu (2011)

The article discusses Anna Hazare’s electoral reforms propositions to the government of India. Hazare advocates for the right of citizens to recall their elected leaders and the introduction of a ‘’none of the above’’ option on electronic voting machines.

India: Election results: Gains for SP, BJP in UP; Akalis surge ahead, Times of India (2012)

This news article is about the Assembly Elections 2012 and says the counting of votes in the assembly elections to the five states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa -- considered some sort of a semi-final before the next general elections -- began this morning at 8 am amidst tight security.

Criminals flourish in Indian elections, Washington Post (2012)

This news article says that in the past month, voters in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, home to 200 million people, have been lining up in huge numbers to cast votes in state elections. But of the 2,000 candidates from the main parties contesting here, more than a third are facing criminal charges, including murder, rape, kidnapping and extortion, according to figures compiled by the advocacy group Association for Democratic Reforms.

India: Booth-level monitoring for by-elections, The Hindu (2012)

In this news; the independent election monitoring group – Ennikala Nigha Vedika – plans to form booth-level groups to monitor the forthcoming by-elections to 18 Assembly and one Lok Sabha seat.