Election Commission's 'Mark VIP' Feature Sparks Controversy

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a new feature in its Booth Level Officers (BLO) app called 'Mark VIP', allowing the categorisation of voters into 'general' and 'VIP' categories. This update has generated significant concern regarding its potential implications for electoral fairness and equitable treatment of citizens.

The app was updated to include the 'Mark VIP' feature on July 30, 2023, as reported by the Hindustan Times, and is being used during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise across 16 states and three union territories. The ECI’s initiative has been interpreted by citizens and political commentators as a mechanism that may provide undue advantages to a select group of individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and other influential figures.

According to sources within the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer’s office, the directive to implement the 'Mark VIP' feature was issued directly by the ECI, leaving local officials unable to make any alterations to the software. The update was noted on the Apple App Store on July 31; however, similar verification on the Android platform could not be confirmed. Reports indicate that officials were often directed informally, including via WhatsApp, to classify various individuals as 'VIPs' based on their status, including ministers, judges, and media personnel.

As part of the enumerative phase of the SIR, the process has already sent notices to over 33 lakh voters in Delhi. Many prominent figures, such as former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, have received such notices, although Gupta's was resolved within hours without a formal hearing. This raises questions about the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process when it comes to ordinary citizens compared to those with VIP status.

Critics argue that the 'Mark VIP' feature can lead to systemic inequalities within the electoral framework by providing select individuals an expedited path to resolving voter registration issues. Reports suggest that verification of prominent voters has now been largely completed, with names confirmed for inclusion in the final electoral roll set to be published on November 4, 2023. However, ordinary voters continue to contend with the lengthy processes typically associated with such revisions.

Legal experts highlight that while the Representation of Peoples Act, 1950, does not explicitly create a privileged class of voters, ECI's manual does allow for some special considerations for public officials and personalities. However, the law mandates that all voters, irrespective of their status, should go through the same verification processes.

The implications of the 'Mark VIP' feature on the integrity of India's electoral process are significant, as it raises broader questions about the fairness of how electoral privileges are distributed and its potential impact on voter rights.