In a bid to combat the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a pioneering initiative titled the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ during the ongoing General Elections 2024.
The initiative was officially unveiled today by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar alongside Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi.
Accessible to the public through the Election Commission’s official website (https://mythvsreality.eci.gov.in/), the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ is a dynamic repository of factual information designed to debunk myths and dispel falsehoods circulating during the election period. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during a press conference on the announcement of the General Elections 2024 schedule, identified misinformation as a significant challenge alongside issues such as money, muscle power, and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations.
Recognizing the growing concern of misinformation globally, the ECI’s proactive initiative aims to ensure voters have access to accurate and verified information throughout the electoral process. The register covers a wide array of topics including myths and misinformation related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), Electoral Roll/Voter Services, Conduct of Elections, and others.
The ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ is designed in a user-friendly format, providing comprehensive information to empower voters to make informed decisions. It includes already debunked election-related fake information, potential myths circulating on social media platforms, frequently asked questions (FAQs) on critical topics, and reference materials under different sections for all stakeholders. The register will be updated regularly to include the latest debunked fakes and fresh FAQs.
All stakeholders, including voters, political parties, media organizations, and civil society groups, are encouraged to utilize the platform to verify any dubious information and prevent the spread of misinformation. Users can access the register to verify information, debunk myths, and stay informed about key issues during the General Elections 2024. Moreover, they can share verified information on various social media platforms directly from the register.
The introduction of the ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ marks a significant milestone in the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the electoral process from misinformation. By promoting transparency, accountability, and fact-based discourse, this initiative aims to uphold the democratic principles and ensure the integrity of the electoral process in India.
