TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 3, 2025: In a major step towards improving transparency and efficiency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to roll out an upgraded, technology-enabled system for sharing real-time Voting Percentage Trends (VTR). The move aims to eliminate delays caused by manual reporting and enhance timely public communication on polling days.
This initiative, emphasized by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, will be implemented through a revamped ECINET app, ensuring that projected polling data is updated every two hours on voting day.
Under the revised system, the Presiding Officer (PRO) at each polling station will directly input polling percentages into the ECINET app every two hours. This data will be automatically compiled at the constituency level, streamlining the process and reducing manual intervention.
Post-poll entries to improve data speed
Importantly, once polling concludes, PROs will be required to enter final polling data into the ECINET app before leaving the polling station—provided mobile network connectivity is available. In low-connectivity areas, offline data entry will be allowed and synced once the connection is restored. This will significantly reduce the delay in providing accurate constituency-wise polling trends.
The updated VTR mechanism will be officially integrated with ECINET before the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a new era in real-time electoral data transparency.
Old manual process being phased out
Previously, voting percentage data was collected manually by sector officers and sent to Returning Officers (ROs) via phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps. These figures were then compiled and uploaded to the VTR app every two hours—often resulting in updates being published late at night or even the following day. This caused widespread confusion and reduced the system’s effectiveness.
While legal provisions under Rule 49S of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961—requiring PROs to share Form 17C details with polling agents—remain unchanged, the digital VTR system is being modernized to serve as a faster, more reliable supplement to statutory procedures.
The Election Commission believes this technology-driven upgrade will enhance transparency, public trust, and the overall conduct of elections across India.
