The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Yesterday (June 17th) joined the political slugfest over the electronic voting machines (EVMs), saying the Supreme Court and the Election Commission need to take a drastic decision on the issue.
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NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday waded into the ongoing political debate over electronic voting machines (EVMs), urging the Supreme Court and the Election Commission to take decisive action on the matter.
AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh highlighted that his party has long been vocal about irregularities related to EVMs but was often ridiculed by the BJP.
Singh claimed that there were 80 Lok Sabha seats won by the BJP in the recent elections, asserting,
“If proper counting of votes on these seats happened, the current BJP government will collapse.”
He specified that these seats are located in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other states. Referring to the controversy surrounding the EVM in the North West Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, Singh stated,
“The Supreme Court and the Election Commission should now take a strict decision over the EVM issue.”
The debate over EVM tampering intensified recently, with Congress and other opposition leaders pointing to a media report that alleged a relative of the Shiv Sena candidate in Mumbai North West was found using a mobile phone “connected” to an EVM during vote counting on June 4.
Senior AAP leader and Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also weighed in on the issue. In a post on X, Bharadwaj claimed that EVMs can be tampered with even if they are not connected to any network. He recalled his 2017 live demonstration in a special session of the Delhi Assembly where he used a dummy EVM to show how the machines could be hacked.
In response to these allegations, the BJP criticized the opposition leaders, demanding that the Election Commission prosecute those who “amplified the lie” by sharing the news report. The BJP’s firm rebuttal underscores the ongoing tension and political maneuvering surrounding the integrity of the EVMs and the electoral process.
The debate over the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) is a significant and complex issue in the Indian electoral system. Here are some key points to consider:
Trust in Electoral Process
The credibility of any election hinges on the trust of the public in the electoral process. Allegations of EVM tampering, whether substantiated or not, can erode this trust. Therefore, it is crucial for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and other relevant authorities to address these concerns transparently and effectively.
Technical Scrutiny and Transparency
The ECI has repeatedly asserted that EVMs are tamper-proof and has invited technical experts to examine them. However, transparency in addressing doubts raised by political parties and independent observers is essential. Conducting regular audits, inviting third-party evaluations, and making the findings public can help build confidence in the system.
Legal and Institutional Response
The call for intervention by the Supreme Court and strict decisions from the Election Commission underscores the need for a robust legal and institutional framework to handle such disputes. The judiciary can play a pivotal role in ensuring that allegations are investigated thoroughly and impartially.
Political Implications
The political ramifications of EVM tampering allegations are significant. They not only affect the legitimacy of the current government but also influence future elections. Political parties need to focus on constructive engagement rather than merely leveraging these allegations for political gain.
Technological Advancements
Considering advancements in technology, continuous improvement of EVMs is necessary. Exploring options like voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) alongside EVMs could provide an additional layer of security and reassurance to voters.
Public Awareness and Education
Increasing public awareness about how EVMs function and the measures in place to safeguard them can alleviate some concerns. Educating voters on the electoral process and the technology used can help demystify EVMs and reduce suspicion.
While allegations of EVM tampering need to be taken seriously, it is equally important to base conclusions on thorough investigations and evidence.
The focus should be on strengthening the electoral process through transparency, technological improvements, and robust legal frameworks, ensuring that public trust in the democratic process is upheld.
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