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Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): Understanding the Demand for Complete Count

  • Writer: Current Affair Writer
    Current Affair Writer
  • Apr 2, 2024
  • 2 min read

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems play a crucial role in modernizing and securing the electoral process in India. EVMs simplify the voting process, reduce the time taken to cast a vote, and minimize the possibilities of ballot box fraud and vote tampering. VVPATs, introduced to enhance transparency and trust, allow voters to verify their vote through a paper slip that shows the symbol of the party for whom the vote has been cast, which is then dropped into a sealed box.


EVM and VVPAT: Key Features

  • EVMs: Designed to be tamper-proof, EVMs electronically record votes, eliminating the need for paper ballots and making the counting process faster and more accurate.

  • VVPATs: Provide a physical verification tool for voters to ensure their vote is cast as intended. It adds an extra layer of scrutiny to the electronic voting process.


Demand for Complete Count of VVPAT Slips

  • Transparency and Trust: Critics and some political parties have raised concerns about the potential for EVM tampering, advocating for the complete count of VVPAT slips as a way to ensure the electronic vote matches the paper trail.

  • Accuracy Verification: The demand for a full VVPAT count is based on the belief that it would confirm the accuracy of the EVMs, addressing any discrepancies between electronic counts and voter intent as verified on paper.

  • Supreme Court Guidelines: The Supreme Court of India has intervened in this debate, ruling that a random sampling of VVPAT slips from a certain percentage of polling stations should be matched with the EVM results to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.


Challenges and Considerations

  • Time and Resources: A complete count of VVPAT slips would significantly increase the time and resources required for the electoral process, potentially delaying election results.

  • Balance Between Efficiency and Transparency: The electoral authorities need to balance the efficiency and practicality of electronic voting with the public's demand for transparency and trust in the electoral outcome.

  • Technological Solutions: Continuous improvements in EVM and VVPAT technology, along with rigorous security and accuracy checks, could address concerns without necessitating a full VVPAT count.


Key Points to Remember

  • The integration of EVMs and VVPAT systems represents a significant advancement in the conduct of elections, aiming to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.

  • The demand for a complete count of VVPAT slips reflects ongoing debates about ensuring electoral integrity and public trust in the democratic process.

  • Balancing technological advancements with demands for transparency remains a dynamic challenge for electoral authorities.


Examination Perspective

  • Understanding the functions and implications of EVMs and VVPATs is essential for analyzing modern electoral processes.

  • The debate over the complete count of VVPAT slips highlights the complexities of ensuring electoral integrity in the age of electronic voting.


Reason it's important : SC notice to EC on plea to check EVM, VVPAT counts

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 02 April 2024

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