Securing the Integrity of EVMs: Debunking Claims of Manipulation

Recent allegations about the tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by opposition parties have sparked intense debate. While no party can claim definitively whether the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has tampered with the EVMs, concerns over potential manipulation of the system, particularly with VVPAT (Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machines, are real and warrant careful consideration.

Concerns Over EVMs and VVPAT

The opposition's skepticism is not unfounded, as the black glass used in VVPAT machines has been reported to hide the previous voter's paper trail. Additionally, a recent video has highlighted how the internal programming can manipulate the VVPAT system, potentially stealing the next voter's vote. These concerns highlight the need for transparency and robust safeguards in the electoral process.

Challenges in Hacking EVMs

While it is not impossible to hack EVMs, the process is far from trivial. The extensive election procedures and protocols in place significantly complicate any attempts at manipulation. EVMs, like all machines, can be potentially hacked, but the complexity of the task is often underestimated by those who make such claims without detailed technical knowledge.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to hack all EVMs to alter the election results. Hacking just two or three machines in key competitive seats would suffice to change the outcome. This is because election results are often determined by a few close contests, not the entire set of seats.

VVPAT and Voter Trust

To address these concerns, the VVPAT system was introduced, allowing voters to verify their votes. In VVPAT machines, a printed slip containing the selected candidate's name drops into a box, providing an immediate paper trail for verification. This system can be used in case of any doubt or dispute, ensuring that the EVM count can be cross-verified with the paper trail. This process can easily restore voter trust in the electoral system.

Policy Considerations and Transparency

As of now, opposition parties are requesting to count the paper trails of 20-25 EVMs as a measure of verifying the accuracy and reliability of the EVMs. While this is a reasonable request, it is also the duty of the government and the Election Commission to maintain transparency in the electoral process. Simply dismissing such concerns as a sign of the opposition losing the election is not a responsible stance.

Just think about being in the shoes of the ruling party. If you believe the results are fair, it would be more prudent to agree to a more extensive audit. As the BJP or Modi Ji would advocate, why not count VVPAT 50 or 100 machines to reaffirm the integrity of the electoral process?

While it is true that hacking EVMs is not trivial, the way the ruling party handles the issue raises questions. It is the responsibility of the government to reassure the public that the electoral process is both fair and transparent. The right of the people to question, criticize, and demand from their government must be upheld.

Conclusion

Certainly, EVMs can be manipulated, but the system has safeguards in place. The VVPAT system serves as an important check to ensure the accuracy of the results. Both the government and opposition have a responsibility to maintain transparency and address voter concerns. Ultimately, the health of our democracy depends on a fair and openly verifiable electoral process.

Cheers and Good Night!