The EVM Distraction (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context:
- The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) controversy in India has sparked intense debate and skepticism.
- This discussion often diverts attention from broader issues of electoral reform and transparency.
- Despite the advancements in technology with the introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, concerns about EVMs persist, overshadowing more pressing electoral issues.
The Polarizing Debate on EVMs
- The EVM debate has become a major topic of discussion in Indian public discourse.
- Originally designed to enhance the ease and reliability of voting, EVMs have been the subject of criticism from various quarters.
- Critics, often lacking technical expertise, question the integrity of EVM software, fueling a blend of democratic idealism, helplessness, and speculative conjecture.
- Despite the addition of VVPAT machines to verify votes, doubts and debates about EVMs continue to dominate, diverting attention from other electoral malpractices.
Historical Context: EVMs and Electoral Integrity
Early Debates on Democracy:
- In post-independence India, discussions centered around decentralizing political power and considering proportional representation.
- By the 1990s, the focus shifted to ensuring free and fair elections, led by an independent Election Commission.
- This period marked a transition from broad electoral reforms to specific concerns about electoral integrity.
EVM Controversy:
- The controversy around EVMs represents a narrower aspect of this debate, reflecting a shift from systemic reform to concerns over mechanical reliability.
- This issue has overshadowed other significant areas of electoral reform.
The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: An EVM Test
Election Results:
- The 2024 Lok Sabha elections brought a twist to the EVM debate.
- Despite previous claims of large-scale manipulation, the results showed unexpected losses for the ruling party in major states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- This outcome suggested that, at least in this instance, the EVMs functioned with a reasonable degree of fairness, reflecting the true voting intentions of the electorate.
Election Commission’s Role:
- The Election Commission's handling of the final turnout figures and reports of an artificial spike in votes has fueled ongoing suspicion.
- Delays in declaring results and perceived discrepancies have contributed to conspiracy theories, despite a lack of concrete evidence supporting these claims.
Discrepancies in Vote Counts
ADR’s Findings:
- The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) flagged significant discrepancies between votes polled and counted in the 2024 elections, echoing concerns from the 2019 elections.
- These discrepancies, noted in numerous constituencies, have yet to be satisfactorily explained by the Election Commission.
Need for Transparency:
- These unresolved issues underscore the need for greater transparency and accuracy in electoral processes, moving beyond the EVM debate.
Refocusing on Broader Electoral Reforms
Structural Issues:
- The ongoing fixation on EVMs detracts from addressing more substantial issues of electoral and democratic reform.
- A report by an Independent Panel for Monitoring of Indian Elections highlighted irregularities in the 2024 elections, including imbalances in access to state power, media, and financial resources.
- These structural challenges pose a greater threat to electoral fairness than the technical aspects of voting machines.
Proposals for Reform:
National Consensus on EVMs:
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- Moving past the EVM debate requires a national consensus on critical issues.
- While reverting to paper ballots is not a practical solution, it is essential to ensure mechanisms are in place for voters to verify their votes without risking vote-buying or intimidation.
VVPAT as Official Record:
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- Paper slips from VVPAT machines should be counted as the official election record, enhancing the integrity of the voting process.
Proposals for Enhanced Transparency:
- Implementing recommendations from reports like those by ADR, and ensuring full reconciliation and transparency of election data, can address some of the concerns about electoral fairness.
Conclusion
- The focus on EVMs has often overshadowed more significant issues of electoral integrity and democratic reform.
- While technical concerns about EVMs are valid, they should not distract from addressing broader issues such as money, media access, and state power imbalances.
- By refocusing on these structural issues and implementing necessary reforms, India can strengthen its electoral system and uphold its democratic values.
- As a global leader in IT and democracy, India should prioritize the design of its democratic institutions over the design of voting machines.
