New Delhi: To tackle the dissemination of misinformation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) unveiled the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ today as part of the ongoing preparations for the General Elections 2024. The launch ceremony took place at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, and was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Accessible through the Election Commission’s official website (https://mythvsreality.eci.gov.in/), the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ serves as a dynamic repository of factual information aimed at debunking myths and false narratives surrounding the electoral process. The register’s factual matrix will be regularly updated to include the latest debunked misinformation and address fresh Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the significance of combating misinformation during the electoral process, identifying it as a critical challenge alongside issues like financial malpractice, coercion, and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations. With the proliferation of misinformation posing a growing threat to democratic processes worldwide, the launch of the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ underscores the ECI’s proactive approach to ensuring voters have access to accurate and verified information.
The register, designed in a user-friendly format, covers a wide range of topics including myths and misinformation related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), Electoral Rolls, Voter Services, and the Conduct of Elections. It offers a comprehensive resource for stakeholders, providing information on previously debunked election-related misinformation, addressing probable myths circulating on social media platforms, presenting FAQs on important topics, and offering reference material under different sections.
Stakeholders, including voters, political parties, media organizations, and civil society, are encouraged to utilize the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ to verify any dubious information they encounter and prevent the spread of misinformation. The platform not only facilitates fact-checking but also empowers users to stay informed about key issues during the General Elections 2024. Additionally, users have the option to share information from the register on various social media platforms, enhancing its reach and impact in countering misinformation.