Election Commission launches e-sign feature, Aadhaar-linked mobile number required for voter registration

The Election Commission has launched an e-sign feature requiring Aadhaar-linked mobile verification for voter registration, corrections, and deletions—aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring greater electoral transparency.

New Delhi: The Election Commission has launched a new 'e-sign' feature on its ECINet portal and app. Under this new feature, applicants applying for new voter registration, name deletion, or information correction will now be required to verify their identity through their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Previously, applications were being processed without verification

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Until now, anyone could apply on the ECINet portal and app simply by adding their mobile number and EPIC number (voter ID number). However, this process did not ensure that the details provided actually belonged to the individual.

Consequently, there was no robust identity verification process, leaving the possibility of misinformation or fraud. A major step forward following Rahul Gandhi's allegations.

This change comes following serious allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the online voter deletion form was misused in Karnataka's Aland constituency. He termed it "electoral fraud." Consequently, the Election Commission has decided to tighten the identification process.

How will the e-sign feature work?

Now, when someone fills out Form 6 (for new voters), Form 7 (for objections to deletion or inclusion of names), or Form 8 (for information correction), they will be required to complete the e-sign process.

This means that:

• The applicant's name must match the voter card and Aadhaar card.
• The mobile number used must be linked to Aadhaar.
• An OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked number, verifying identity.

Identity security is now even stronger

This new e-sign feature will ensure that no one can make fraudulent changes to the voter list. This will strengthen the transparency and credibility of elections.

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This initiative of the Election Commission is being considered an important step towards maintaining digital security and purity of the electoral process.