| Introduction: Describe EVM briefly Body: Highlight challenges before EVM and measures to improve its effectiveness Conclusion: Way forward |
Electronic voting machines, or EVMs, are used in state and general elections in India to allow voters to cast ballots without disclosing their identities. In India, it has taken the place of paper ballots in municipal, state, and national (parliamentary) elections. The Election Commission of India only purchases EVMs from these two central government undertakings, Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics Corporation of India Limited.
Challenges in establishing the correctness of EVMs and the implications for election security
- Absence of voter verifiability: Electronic voting machines do not provide a paper trail that enables voters to independently confirm their ballots. Election results can be difficult to audit or validate without a paper trail, which casts doubt on the validity and integrity of the voting process.
- Hacking susceptibility: EVMs are vulnerable to manipulation and hacking. The legitimacy of the results is compromised if malevolent individuals can tamper with the voting machines, undermining the electoral process as a whole.
- Limited Transparency: EVM source code is frequently confidential and not available for public inspection. It is challenging for individuals and independent specialists to evaluate the security and dependability of EVMs due to a lack of transparency in their design and operation.
- Inadequate Security Measures: EVMs may be susceptible to cyber and physical attacks if they lack strong security measures. The voting process may be compromised by unauthorized access, physical manipulation, or cyberattacks, which could produce unreliable results.
Measures that can be considered to balance technological advancements with electoral transparency
- Make VVPAT more reliable: The appropriate VVPAT protocol entails enabling voters to review and approve the VVPAT slip before their vote is officially cast. Additionally, it should offer an option for voters to cancel their vote if they observe any discrepancies.
- Open-Source Code Review: Promote openness by allowing the general public to see the source code of EVMs. This makes it possible for impartial specialists to evaluate the technology’s accuracy and security.
- Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA): These audits can be carried out for cross-checking the electronic tally with VVPAT counts. This proactive approach helps in maintaining the integrity of the voting process.
- Public Awareness and Education: Educate the public on EVM technology, security measures, and steps for a transparent electoral process to build crucial confidence in electronic voting systems.
Conclusion
The ECI is well known throughout the world for its flawless track record of holding large-scale, free, and fair elections. To make the election process in India error-free and foolproof, the ECI has spearheaded novel inventions such as voting IDs and EVMs. All political parties and citizens must be persuaded of the process’s integrity and transparency.
