‘No Khatra To Democracy’ – Decoding EVM And Debunking Myths  

Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court dismiss claims of petitioners alleging EVM inadequacy. This dealt a sharp blow to the Left Wing Extremists who continue to demand Ballot Paper Voting. Dismissing their calls for a return to the archaic system, the Court noted Bharat’s confidence in its homegrown EVM system. Moreover, the court rejected assertions of systemic distrust. Hailing the burgeoning voter turnout every year, the Court noted it as a testament to citizens’ unwavering faith in the electoral mechanism. Indirectly, the SC implied  – ‘No Khatra To Democracy’!

ECI Clarifies the EVM Mechanism

As the cornerstone of Bharat’s electoral process, EVM are pivotal to fair and transparent elections.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Vyas told the SC, that EVMs have 3 major units: the Ballot Unit (BU), Control Unit (CU), and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) unit. Thereafter, Vyas clarifies that the BU registers votes. It triggers the CU to send the designated print signal to the VVPAT unit to generate the appropriate slip with essential details of the vote that was cast.

Debunking Myths spread by Left Wing Extremists on EVM:-

1. The BU or CU do not store the vote permanently and once the vote is cast these units cannot be tamper with it at will.
2. The CU does not have any candidate or party information loaded in it. It only stores the program that sends the corresponding print signal to the VVPAT.
3. The BU or CU does not have a Bluetooth unit or an Internet connection that can change the vote cast by a voter.
4. The manufacturer remains unaware of buttons allocated to competing parties. Thus, they cannot tamper with the voting process with malicious software.

Furthermore, dispelling concerns of tampering, Vyas underscores the pre-election stringent security measures governing EVMs.

Following are the Meticulous Protocols that maintain the integrity of Bharat’s Democracy and its Electoral System: – 

1. The machines are rigorously tested, sealed, and stored in the presence of political party representatives. These tests start 4-6 months before the actual elections.
2. The storage room is only opened after the candidates are announced. These candidates or their representatives are present when the seal to the storage room is broken.
3. Before the elections, all candidates are granted an opportunity to randomly check 5% of the machines.
4. One week before the polls, the VVPATs are commissioned in the presence of candidates or their chosen representatives. The serial number, candidate name, and party symbol are uploaded with complete transparency.
5. Mock polling is held to further ensure functionality of the machines on election day.
6. The VVPAT allows the voter to verify that his vote was cast for the candidate of choice. Thereby, increasing voter confidence in the electoral process.

ECI Counters Allegations On EVM

In response to allegations by nay-sayers and petitioners, the ECI refutes that 373 EVM machines were malfunctioning during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. They clarify that discrepancies in voter turnout data do not implicate EVMs’ accuracy. The website was showing an approximation of votes cast.

No mismatch was found between the data of votes polled as per EVM, recorded in Form 17C, and the data of the results declared through Form 20.

There were many other ridiculous allegations as to why a mirror was used to show the VVPAT, why the VVPAT is not transparent, why there was no light in the VVPAT, etc. The SC took a strong stance to state that ‘EVERYTHING CANNOT BE SUSPECTED.’ The bench thought that such allegations push confusion and panic among voters. Moreover, reports of EVMs favoring a particular party in mock polls are swiftly debunked.

Thus, the SC noted the increased voter turnout highlights the rising participation and voters’ faith in the EVMs.

The ECI also made the SC aware that fake news was used to malign the EVM machine. Close to 100% votes were matched in the mock polls held in Kerala. The 1 vote that did not match was due to the voter error and not EVM error. However, Left Wing Extremists (CPIM-led LDF) and spread misinformation before Bharat goes to vote. We wonder what the true agenda is behind this propaganda. Do they want to scare honest voters? Or do they want to prepare an excuse to use when they lose?

Upholding Electoral Integrity Through Technology

Consequently, the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of EVM functionality highlighted the ECI’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The EVMs, coupled with VVPATs, ensure voter confidence and electoral integrity. Democracy is safe in Bharat with the rising number of votes cast each year.

Despite international skepticism, the robustness of India’s electoral machinery remains steadfast, safeguarding the democratic ethos of the nation.

However, the SC asked the ECI to increase awareness among voters to mitigate the fear caused by rumors. Thus, the ECI is working tirelessly to increase faith in the democratic process among Bharatvasi. Bharat does not need to copy any other nation. Its indigenous system is proving to be the safest and most honest way to conduct elections. The first-time voters, brainwashed by propaganda, need to understand the reality of EVM and VVPAT. The veteran voters need to rejuvenate faith in the election system by ridding their minds of misinformation and propaganda! Go vote Bharat, make the wisest choice for the nation’s future!