‘Duplicate EPIC number does not mean fake voting’, Election Commission said on opposition’s claims

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed allegations of manipulation in the voter list and said that duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers do not indicate ‘fake or duplicate voters’. The Commission’s clarification 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 the centralized system was adopted.

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 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 of many states having the same EPIC number. In this regard, it is clarified that EPIC numbers of some voters may be same but other details including Assembly Constituency and Polling Station are different for voters having same EPIC number.”

The Commission emphasised that EPIC number alone does not determine the eligibility of a voter to vote. Irrespective of the EPIC number, a voter can vote only at his designated polling station in his respective constituency in his State/Union Territory where his name is recorded in the voter list and nowhere else.