In India’s diverse democracy, elections are more than a constitutional duty—they celebrate unity and plurality. Central to this process is the commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. A key innovation in this effort was the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to combat fraud, inefficiency, and logistical issues of paper ballots. Despite their proven reliability, EVMs remain controversial, with recurring claims of hacking and manipulation. These often baseless allegations fuel a false narrative that undermines the credibility of India’s electoral process.
Scepticism around EVMs often arises after unexpected electoral results, with losing parties questioning their integrity to deflect from defeat. This tactic isn’t unique to India; even in advanced democracies like the U.S., doubts about electronic voting systems have surfaced. However, India’s EVMs are offline, insulating them from external interference. Despite this, allegations persist, fuelled by misinformation and amplified by social media. Viral videos claiming EVM tampering often feature crude replicas, not genuine machines, yet their visual impact plants doubt. The lack of immediate clarification allows these myths to spread. Globally, scepticism about electronic voting adds perceived credibility to these local claims, despite differences in technology.
A common misconception about EVMs is that they are vulnerable to remote hacking because they are connected to the internet. This narrative is entirely false. Indian EVMs are standalone devices, designed to operate offline without any connectivity to external networks. This offline design is one of the primary safeguards against tampering, ensuring that no external party can remotely access or alter the machines.
Additionally, the devices are secured through tamper-evident seals, strict storage protocols, and constant surveillance, making unauthorised access highly improbable. Another persistent myth is that EVMs can be manipulated during their storage or transport. Critics often point to the logistical complexity of elections as a potential weak point. However, the Election Commission of India has implemented stringent measures to address these concerns. EVMs are stored under the watchful eyes of election officials, political party representatives, and security personnel. They are equipped with seals that show visible signs of tampering, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.
Genuine Indian EVMs are manufactured under stringent conditions by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), and their software is embedded in one-time programmable chips that cannot be altered or rewritten. The claims of hacking are thus not only misleading but also an affront to the rigorous processes that ensure the integrity of these machines. The introduction of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system has added another layer of transparency to the electoral process. With VVPAT, voters receive a printed slip confirming their choice, which is stored securely for potential audits. This system provides tangible proof of the vote cast, addressing doubts and reinforcing trust in the process. Yet, even this innovation has not been spared from criticism, as detractors seek to cast aspersions on its efficacy without offering substantive evidence.
The Election Commission of India has organised open challenges and invited sceptics to prove their claims. These challenges, held under controlled conditions, have yet to yield any credible evidence of tampering. Furthermore, the judiciary has repeatedly upheld the reliability of EVMs.
The Supreme Court of India, in particular, has recognised the vital role of these machines in ensuring the integrity of elections and dismissed allegations of hacking as baseless. India’s EVMs have also earned international recognition for their robust design and efficiency. Several countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, have adopted similar systems inspired by India’s model. This global validation underscores the effectiveness of Indian EVMs in delivering credible elections, even in challenging conditions.
The real threat from the fake EVM narrative is democratic, not technological. By eroding trust, it risks alienating voters and undermining confidence in democratic institutions. Political actors exploit this distrust to divert attention from real issues. The danger lies in the misinformation, not the machines. Combating this requires public awareness campaigns on EVM security and safeguards. The Election Commission must engage stakeholders, counter misinformation, and explore technologies to boost transparency. Citizens, too, must question claims and rely on verified information.
As India continues to uphold its democratic ideals, it is crucial to ensure that truth prevails over propaganda, safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process for generations to come.
(The author is a Senior Research Associate,Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Mumbai. Views personal.)
コメント