Election Security Measures Detailed in Joint Statement by Ex-Civil Servants

A joint open letter signed by former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, retired diplomats and ex‑IAS officers was released to explain the many layers of security that protect India’s elections. The authors, who have managed voter‑list compilation, trained poll officials, sealed strong rooms and supervised counting, asserted that their careers have been devoted to upholding electoral integrity and that they hold no ties to any political party. Their statement references historic malpractices—armed groups at booths, heavyweight supporters influencing voters, illegal ballot placement, ballot theft and voter suppression—that prompted Parliament to criminalise booth‑capturing in 1989. The letter points out that the 2025 Bihar assembly vote concluded without a single re‑poll, marking a historic first, with record voter participation, especially among women. They outline procedural safeguards: every candidate may station an agent at the polling centre, agents sign and seal electronic voting machines, and machines are stored in strong rooms under continuous observation. The Supreme Court’s 2024 affirmation of paper‑trail verification further bolsters confidence. The authors argue that a large‑scale fraud would require a coordinated effort among thousands of officials from multiple parties—something never proven. They also note the Election Commission’s multi‑member design, upheld by the Supreme Court in 1995, which prevents unilateral decision‑making. The letter urges citizens to check the draft electoral roll, use the two‑stage appeal process if needed, and stop attributing dishonest motives to poll workers.