Election Commission of India Reaffirms Trust in EVMs, Addresses VVPAT Concerns

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian politics, the role of technology in ensuring fair and transparent elections is paramount. Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been in the spotlight, addressing concerns regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. This article delves into the ECI’s responses and the ongoing debate surrounding EVMs in Indian elections.

The ECI’s Stance on EVMs and VVPATs

The ECI recently addressed concerns raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh about the reliability and integrity of EVMs and VVPATs. Ramesh’s skepticism about these technologies sparked a need for clarification from the Commission. In response, the ECI asserted its confidence in the EVMs, emphasizing that the rules governing their use were established during the Congress government’s tenure.

Furthermore, the ECI noted that the introduction of VVPAT-related rules, specifically under Rules 49A and 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, was initiated by the Indian National Congress (INC) on August 14, 2013. This historical context reinforces the bipartisan foundation of EVM and VVPAT usage in India’s electoral process.

Jairam Ramesh’s Concerns and Correspondence with the ECI

In a letter dated December 30, 2023, Jairam Ramesh expressed his reservations about the VVPAT system to the ECI. His request for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) delegation to present their views on VVPAT slips was a significant point of this correspondence.

The Opposition’s Viewpoint on EVMs

The opposition coalition raised doubts about the EVMs’ functioning and integrity in a meeting held on December 19. Representatives from various parties suggested that VVPAT slips be handed over to voters, who could then deposit them in a separate box. They also demanded a 100% match between the VVPAT slips and the EVM results, seeking to ensure the utmost transparency in the voting process.

ECI’s Comprehensive Response to EVM Queries

Addressing these concerns, Pramod Kumar Sharma, Principal Secretary of the ECI, clarified that the recent correspondence did not bring up any new issues regarding EVMs or VVPATs. The Commission had already provided answers to all queries related to these technologies. Sharma emphasized that the ECI’s trust in EVMs is grounded in the results of elections conducted using these machines, the legal framework, jurisprudence, technical security, and administrative safeguards.

The Involvement of Political Parties in EVM Management

The ECI highlighted that political parties and candidates are involved in every stage of EVM management, from First Level Checking (FLC) to storage, transportation, training, mock polls, the commencement and conclusion of voting, and the counting process. This involvement is crucial in maintaining transparency and trust in the electoral process.

ECI Affirms EVMs’ Compliance with Constitutional Framework

In its detailed response, the ECI reassured that all aspects of EVMs, such as non-tampering, non-hacking, microcontroller security, end-to-end verification, legal provisions, counting process, technical capabilities, manufacturing, and source code, have been thoroughly addressed and are in line with India’s constitutional framework.

International References to EVM Use

The Commission also dismissed references to other countries and their constitutional courts concerning EVM usage as irrelevant. The ECI’s stance is that the Indian context is unique, and comparisons with other nations do not hold ground in this debate.

ECI’s Unwavering Confidence in EVMs

In conclusion, the Election Commission of India has expressed unwavering confidence in the use of Electronic Voting Machines in elections. By addressing the concerns raised by various parties and reinforcing the legal and technical safeguards of EVMs, the ECI has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in the world’s largest democracy. As India continues to embrace technological advancements in its electoral process, the role of ECI in navigating these changes remains crucial for upholding the sanctity of Indian democracy.