Concerns over the reliability and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) linger despite denials from the Election Commission of India.
India’s use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections has been a topic of intense debate, with concerns over their reliability and security casting a shadow over the country’s democratic process.
Allegations of Vote Tampering
- Opposition parties have repeatedly raised allegations of vote tampering and manipulation, citing irregularities and technical glitches during elections.
- A 2019 study by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) found that over 10% of polling stations in the 2019 general elections reported at least one incident of EVM malfunction.
Lack of Transparency and Verification
- Critics also point to the lack of transparency in the EVM system.
- EVMs do not produce physical receipts, making it impossible for voters to independently verify their votes.
- This lack of accountability has fueled suspicions that votes can be altered without detection.
Security Concerns
Concerns have also been raised about the security of EVMs against potential cyberattacks or physical tampering.
- In 2017, a group of researchers demonstrated how an EVM could be hacked and votes modified remotely.
- The Election Commission of India has dismissed these concerns, stating that the EVMs are designed with multiple layers of security and tamper-proof mechanisms.
Need for Independent Audits
Despite these assurances, many experts and civil society groups continue to call for independent audits of EVMs to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
- They argue that a transparent and credible auditing process is essential to restore trust in the electoral system.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over EVMs in India highlights the importance of electoral transparency and public trust in the voting process.
While the Election Commission of India maintains the reliability of EVMs, addressing concerns over tampering, security, and transparency would be crucial to ensure a fair and democratic electoral system.
Independent audits and the implementation of robust safeguards could help dispel疑虑 and strengthen public confidence in India’s electronic voting system.
Kind regards, E. Thompson
