Delhi Elections 2025: Why Did EC Choose Wednesday As Voting Day?

The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced that the single-phase assembly elections in Delhi will take place on February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8.

The date of voting falls on Wednesday and the EC has deliberately kept the said date for counting in order to ensure that people turn up for voting.

The decision to hold voting midweek on a Wednesday aims to prevent voter absenteeism often observed during long weekends when elections coincide with Mondays or Fridays.

Ruling AAP Eyes Fourth Term

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a fourth consecutive term. In the 2020 assembly elections, the party secured 62 out of 70 seats, slightly down from its 2015 tally of 67. AAP, which first formed the government in 2013 with Congress's support, has faced challenges in replicating its assembly success in Lok Sabha polls, where it is yet to win a seat from Delhi.
BJP Aims for Revival

For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the elections come at a time when the party is buoyed by victories in Haryana and Maharashtra. Despite its dominance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, winning all seven parliamentary seats in Delhi, the BJP has struggled to translate this success into assembly wins. The party won only eight seats in the 2020 assembly elections, up from three in 2015.
Key Details of the Election

• Total Assembly Constituencies: 70
• General: 58
• Scheduled Caste (SC): 12
• Current Assembly Term Ends: February 15, 2025

Election Commission Defends EVM Integrity

Amid persistent allegations of EVM tampering, Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reaffirmed the reliability of electronic voting machines. He emphasized their robustness and immunity to interference, citing endorsements by the High Courts and Supreme Court.

"There is no evidence of unreliability or drawbacks in EVMs. No virus, bug, or rigging is possible," Kumar stated during a press conference.

Voter Turnout and Transparency Measures

Kumar also addressed concerns over voter turnout discrepancies, explaining that variations often arise from timing differences in data updates rather than manipulation.

"Comparing final voter turnout data with 5 PM figures is misleading. Polling officials handle multiple responsibilities near the close of polls, including ensuring the accuracy of Form 17C, which is shared with polling agents," he clarified.

To further enhance transparency, the EC released a process chart detailing the counting procedure and safeguards in place. Kumar referred to India's elections as the "gold standard" of democracy, highlighting the nation's robust framework and accountability mechanisms.

"Our systems are foolproof, and individuals who err will be held accountable. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in elections," he assured.

With the countdown to polling day underway, the spotlight is on Delhi's political landscape as voters prepare to decide the fate of the 70-member assembly.