In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (150 words)
The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) has been a controversial issue in India, with some questioning their trustworthiness and accuracy. The Election Commission of India (ECI) faces several challenges in ensuring the trustworthiness of elections in India:
- Maintaining transparency: The ECI needs to ensure transparency in the election process, including the use of EVMs. It should make sure that the entire process, from the storage to the deployment of the EVMs, is transparent.
- Ensuring security: The ECI must ensure the security of the EVMs to prevent tampering or hacking. The EVMs should be protected against physical and electronic threats.
- Regular updates and maintenance: The ECI should ensure that the EVMs are regularly updated and maintained. This includes updating the software, firmware, and hardware of the EVMs to ensure their accuracy.
- Conducting mock polls: The ECI should conduct mock polls to check the accuracy and functionality of the EVMs before the actual election. This will help identify any issues with the EVMs before the election and address them in a timely manner.
- Voter education: The ECI should educate voters about the use of EVMs and how to vote using them. This will help build trust in the election process and reduce the chances of confusion or errors while voting.
- Independent scrutiny: The ECI should allow independent scrutiny of the EVMs by experts and political parties. This will help build trust in the election process and reduce the chances of allegations of tampering.
In conclusion, the Election Commission of India must ensure the trustworthiness of elections by maintaining transparency, ensuring security, regular updates and maintenance, conducting mock polls, voter education, and independent scrutiny of the EVMs. These measures will help build trust in the election process and ensure the integrity of India’s democratic system.
