ECI Streamlines Post-Poll Data System, Launches Automated Index Cards and Statistical Reports
NEW DELHI, JUNE 5: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out a streamlined, technology-driven system for generating post-election Index Cards and statistical reports, significantly accelerating the availability of electoral data, the Commission said in a press note on Wednesday.
Under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI has replaced its traditional manual data compilation method with an automated system aimed at enhancing speed and accuracy.
An official spokesperson said the Index Card, a non-statutory statistical reporting format, serves as a comprehensive tool for disseminating constituency-level electoral data. “Developed as a suo motu initiative, it aims to improve access to election-related information for researchers, academia, journalists, policymakers, and the general public”.
The Index Cards and the resulting statistical reports offer data across multiple dimensions including candidates, electors, vote share, gender-wise voting patterns, regional trends, party performance, and turnout.
The ECI said the new system can generate about 35 statistical reports for Lok Sabha elections and 14 reports for State Assembly elections.
“These reports cover detailed variables like polling station data, voter turnout by state and constituency, participation of women voters, and performance of national, state, and unrecognized political parties,” the statement said.
Until now, constituency-level data was compiled manually on Physical Index Cards, which were later digitized—a process that was both time-consuming and prone to delays. The new automated mechanism integrates data directly, improving turnaround time for public access to election information.
However, the ECI clarified that these statistical reports are meant solely for academic and research purposes, and are based on secondary data from Index Cards. The primary and final electoral data continues to be maintained in the statutory forms by the respective Returning Officers.
Spokesperson said the initiative is expected to enhance electoral transparency and support robust democratic discourse through better data accessibility.