Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act, Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountabilit
Context
The discourse surrounding electronic voting machines has resurged in the context of reported allegations of electoral malpractices
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 01 Decmber 2023
What Is Electronic Voting Machine?
- Electronic Voting Machine (EVM): A basic electronic apparatus designed for recording votes, replacing the conventional use of ballot papers and boxes in traditional voting systems.
- EVM Components: Comprising two units – a control unit and a balloting unit.
- Candidate Information Display: EVM showcases the names and symbols of candidates in a given constituency.
- Manufacturers in India: EVMs are produced by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Corporation of India Limited (BEL).
- Voting Mechanism: Voters can cast their vote by pressing the button adjacent to their chosen candidate’s name, with the EVM accommodating up to a maximum of 2,000 votes.
- EVM Failure Protocol: In the event of EVM malfunction, it is substituted with a new one, and all votes cast until that point are securely stored in the control unit’s memory.
- Result Storage: The outcome can be retained in the control unit’s memory until it is either deleted or cleared.
History of EVM
- M. B. Haneefa created the inaugural Indian voting machine, officially known as the “Electronically Operated Vote Counting Machine.”
- EVMs were first employed in 1982 during a by-election for the North Paravur Assembly Constituency in Kerala at specific polling stations.
- The Election Commission of India, in collaboration with the Electronics Corporation of India Limited, officially introduced EVMs in 1989.
- EVMs underwent experimental usage in 16 Assembly Constituencies In 1998 across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the NCT of Delhi.
- The entire nation adopted EVMs for voting during the 2004 Lok Sabha election.
- Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT):
- Independent verification printer machine linked to electronic voting machines for enhanced transparency.
- Enables voters to confirm the accuracy of their chosen candidate.
- Verification Process:
- When a voter selects a candidate on the EVM, the VVPAT produces a paper slip displaying the candidate’s name and poll symbol.
- This printed slip allows voters to visually verify their choice.
- Visibility Period:
- The ballot slip is visible to the voter through a glass case in the VVPAT for seven seconds.
- Subsequently, the slip is cut and deposited into the drop-box within the VVPAT machine, accompanied by an audible beep.
- Restricted Access:
- Access to VVPAT machines is limited to polling officers, ensuring the integrity of the verification process.
Legality of EVM’s
- March 1989: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 underwent a parliamentary amendment.
- Introduction of Section 61(A): This amendment allowed for the recording of votes on voting machines, as prescribed and specified by the Election Commission in designated constituencies.
- Provisions Implementation: In line with the above, the Central Government amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
- New Chapter II: The amendment involved the insertion of a new Chapter II, encompassing Rules 49(a) to 49(x), aimed at simplifying the utilization of Electronic Voting Machines.
Concerns Regarding EVM
- EVMs lack transparency and verifiability, as voters cannot witness their vote being recorded or verify if it was recorded accurately.
- VVPATs were introduced as a solution, providing a printed slip for voters to verify their choices before it falls into a sealed dropbox.
- EVMs count votes by individual booths, potentially exposing voting patterns and making marginalized communities susceptible to pressure.
- Totaliser machines, proposed for anonymity, remain unadopted at the national level by the Election Commission.
- Recent EVM malfunctions raise doubts about reliability in national elections.
- Unsubstantiated claims by a US-based individual alleging EVM rigging in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections were rejected by the Election Commission due to lack of evidence.
Are EVM’s Safe?
- EVMs operate independently without any network connectivity, minimizing hacking risks
- EVMs and VVPATs function on battery packs, eliminating external power cables and ensuring autonomy.
- EVMs and VVPATs lack radio frequency transmission features, preventing reprogramming through external signals.
- EVM manufacturing facilities employ four levels of physical security.
- Access to programming areas is granted only after passing through a series of rigorous security measures.
Significance of EVM Introduction
- EVM voting streamlines the process by removing the need for marking and depositing a physical ballot paper.
- Audio and visual indicators confirm the correct recording of a vote when the blue button is pressed.
- Eradicates the likelihood of invalid votes, a common source of election disputes and petitions.
- A significant decrease in paper consumption contributes to environmental preservation.
- Economic advantages through reduced printing costs, with each Polling Station necessitating just a single sheet of ballot paper.
What must be the way forward?
- Conduct rigorous functional Check
- Conduct mock polls on 5% of EVMs.
- Poll 1,000 votes; share results with political party representatives.
- Randomly allocate EVMs to constituencies.
- Randomize and allocate to polling booths in the second round.
- Transport EVM’s under armed escort to reception centers; store in a strong room.
- Restore faith in elections by ensuring fairness and perceived fairness.
References
The Indian express
Election Commission of India