Brining back ballot paper in India
In India, there is a rising controversy about using electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections instead of traditional paper ballots. The issue of restoring vote paper in India has stirred debate among politicians, activists, and residents alike. “Public trust in EVMs has never been lower than it is today. This is because EVM voting does not comply with the essential principles of democracy that any electoral system should satisfy” [1]are the criticisms that the Election commission of constantly receive.
Historical context
Electronic voting machines (EVMs) were deployed in Indian elections in the 1990s to reduce fraud and improve voting efficiency. However, concerns have been expressed concerning the security, dependability, and openness of EVMs. Critics claim that EVMs can be tampered with, casting doubt on the integrity of election outcomes. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of EVM faults and tampering, escalating the dispute about the usage of EVMs.
Challenges due to EVM
One of the primary complaints about EVMs is the lack of a paper trail. Unlike traditional ballot paper voting, which retains physical evidence of each vote, electronic voting machines do not give a tangible record for verification or recount. This opacity casts doubt on the accuracy of election results and erodes public trust in the political process.
Furthermore, the centralized control and programming of EVMs has prompted concerns about manipulation by political parties or other entities. Despite promises from authorities about the security of EVMs, the lack of transparency and independent inspection gives cause for mistrust.
Recent developments in ballot paper voting
To address concerns about transparency and accountability, the Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented VVPAT machines. These devices issue voters a printed receipt certifying their vote, which is subsequently deposited in a sealed box. In addition to electronic voting, VVPATs provide a tangible paper trail, which improves the electoral process’s integrity.
Advances in printing technology have enhanced the quality and security of ballot sheets. Modern printing techniques enable the creation of tamper-evident ballots that include watermarks, serial numbers, and other security features to prevent fraud and manipulation.
Influential individuals
Several important persons have contributed to the cause of restoring vote paper in India. One such people is G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, a Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) member and spokesperson. Rao has defended the use of EVMs, claiming that they are a secure and trustworthy voting system. He has underlined the significance of modernizing the electoral process and advocated for increased use of technology in elections.
Another significant figure in this sector is Prashant Bhushan, a lawyer and activist. Bhushan has been a strong critic of EVMs, expressing concerns about their vulnerability to hacking and tampering. He has filed multiple petitions in the Supreme Court, opposing the use of EVMs.
Challenges with brining back ballot paper
One major concern is the possibility for logistical issues and inefficiencies with paper-based voting systems. Paper ballots demand significant resources for printing, distribution, storage, and hand counting, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, the use of paper ballots raises the possibility of human mistake, such as miscounting or mishandling ballots, which could compromise the accuracy and trust of election outcomes. Furthermore, paper-based voting may be impractical in remote or impoverished locations with little infrastructure. As a result, while acknowledging the advantages of paper ballot voting, it is critical to carefully balance these considerations against the potential negatives before pushing for its introduction.
Contemporary outlook
There are diverse views on the issue of reintroducing vote paper in India. Supporters of EVMs believe that they are a more efficient and trustworthy voting technique than paper ballots. They highlight the advantages of EVMs, such as lowering the possibility of human error and speeding up the counting process.
EVM sceptic’s, on the other hand, claim that they are prone to hacking and manipulation, casting doubt on the accuracy of election results. They say that paper ballots are a more secure and transparent voting method that can contribute to the integrity of the political process.
Future Development
The question of bringing poll papers back to India is likely to be difficult in the coming years. The controversy over the use of EVMs vs paper ballots is certain to flare up if additional charges of tampering and malfunctioning are revealed. Political parties and activists will continue to advocate for electoral reform and increased openness in the election process.
Conclusion
To summarize, the case of reintroducing ballot paper in India caused an intense discussion about the use of EVMs in elections. The impact of this case has emphasized the need for electoral changes and raised concerns about the integrity of the election system. As disagreement continues, officials must evaluate all perspectives and potential future developments on this topic. Lastly, the goal should be to ensure that the voting process is fair, transparent, and secure, reflecting the will of the people.
[1] https://thewire.in/rights/the-case-for-bringing-paper-ballots-back
