KARANDEEP : In the world’s largest democracy, the integrity of elections is the cornerstone of political legitimacy. Yet, in recent years, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have become a major point of contention, particularly for India’s opposition parties. While the Election Commission (EC) continues to vouch for the credibility of EVMs, a growing chorus of opposition leaders is raising alarms about their reliability. With repeated instances of alleged failures, technical malfunctions, and the absence of a paper trail for verification, the opposition's demand for a return to traditional ballot paper voting is not just political rhetoric but a call to restore faith in the electoral process.
The Opposition’s Growing Concerns: A Crisis of Trust
Opposition Leader, Rahul Gandhi has been one of the most vocal critics of EVMs, calling them a "threat to democracy." His concerns are echoed by other opposition leaders, including Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress, who has repeatedly accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating election results using EVMs. In 2019, Banerjee called for manual counting alongside EVMs, arguing that it would increase transparency and ensure the credibility of the process. These concerns are backed by significant instances of irregularities and technical failures. For example, the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections saw numerous reports of EVMs malfunctioning, with machines either failing to register votes correctly or showing discrepancies in results. Additionally, a 2010 demonstration by independent experts revealed how EVMs could be tampered with under certain conditions, although the Election Commission dismissed these claims. These incidents, along with the lack of a paper trail for verification, have fueled the opposition’s fears that the machines could be vulnerable to manipulation.
The Global Debate: Lessons from Other Democracies : India’s concerns about EVMs are not isolated. Around the world, many countries have abandoned electronic voting systems due to security and transparency issues. In 2009, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that the use of EVMs violated the principles of transparency and secrecy in elections. Similarly, the Netherlands withdrew EVMs after raising concerns about their reliability. These global precedents highlight the growing skepticism about the safety of electronic voting systems and emphasize the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Given India’s vast and diverse electorate, with varying levels of literacy, technology access, and digital literacy, it is essential that the voting system be simple, transparent, and accessible to all. In rural areas, where access to technology is limited, paper ballots offer a more understandable and universally accepted method of voting.
Why Ballot Paper Voting is the Answer : In contrast to EVMs, paper ballot voting offers a much higher level of transparency and accountability. Every paper ballot is visible, verifiable, and auditable. This means that votes can be cross-checked, recounted, and examined in the event of a dispute—something that is not possible with EVMs. The simplicity of paper ballots, free from complex technology, makes them less vulnerable to technical failures or tampering.
Moreover, paper ballots are not dependent on external factors like power failures or software glitches, making them a more reliable and secure option for elections. Elections in India have been successfully conducted using paper ballots for decades, and transitioning back to this system would not be as difficult as it is often portrayed. Countries around the world continue to rely on paper ballots, proving that it remains a viable and effective system for free and fair elections.
The BJP’s Reluctance: A Political Calculation?
Despite the growing calls for a return to paper ballots, the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have steadfastly defended the use of EVMs. The BJP's position raises the question: Is the party’s resistance to paper ballots based on a genuine belief in the security and effectiveness of EVMs, or does it stem from political calculations? The BJP has secured resounding victories in recent elections, including in 2014 and 2019, and many believe that the widespread use of EVMs may have played a role in these outcomes.
The refusal to even consider a return to paper ballots suggests that the BJP sees EVMs as an advantage they are unwilling to relinquish. If the ruling party truly believes in the integrity of the electoral process, why are they so opposed to exploring reforms that could address the opposition’s concerns? The lack of transparency and unwillingness to engage in a constructive discussion on the issue suggests that the BJP might fear losing its electoral edge if a more transparent system is adopted.
Restoring Faith in Democracy : The opposition’s call for paper ballots is not merely a political tactic—it is a genuine plea to restore trust in the democratic process. As Rahul Gandhi and others have repeatedly pointed out, without trust in the election system, the very foundation of democracy is at risk. If voters believe that their votes are not being counted accurately or fairly, it undermines the legitimacy of the entire political system.
In the words of Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, “We must restore faith in the system. If we cannot trust our elections, we cannot trust our democracy.” The time has come for India to take these concerns seriously. By returning to paper ballots, India can restore transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the trust of its citizens in the electoral process. This is not just a matter of political rivalry; it is about preserving the very integrity of India’s democracy.
The growing demand from opposition parties for a return to paper ballots highlights the urgent need for electoral reform in India. While the BJP continues to defend EVMs, the questions surrounding their reliability and transparency cannot be ignored. The opposition’s concerns are not baseless; they are backed by evidence, instances of technical failures, and a widespread loss of faith in the system.
If India is to remain a functioning democracy, the government must prioritize transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The move back to paper ballots would not only restore public trust but also ensure that elections are truly free and fair. The time for reform is now—before the damage to India’s democracy becomes irreversible.