SC rejects return to ballot paper, poses questions on EVM’s, counting process.

Syllabus: GS-II; Subject: Polity Topic: Elections and RPA, Issue: Ballot Paper vs EVM’s.

Context: Supreme Court hearing petitions on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Concerns Raised by the Supreme Court and Petitioners:

  • Doubts about the trustworthiness of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
  • Lack of complete verification of EVM votes with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.
  • Reluctance of the Election Commission to share EVM source code.
  • Potential manipulation of EVMs due to programmable chips.
  • Need for transparency in the electoral process to ensure public confidence.

Prelims Connect (Terminology in news)

EVMs:

  • Consist of Control Unit and Balloting Unit for electronic voting.
  • Polling officer activates Ballot Button for voters to cast their votes.
  • Voters select candidates by pressing buttons next to their names and symbols.
  • Designed to replace traditional paper ballots for faster and more efficient voting.

VVPATs:

  • Independent verification system attached to EVMs.
  • Prints paper slip with candidate’s poll symbol and name upon vote selection.
  • Allows voters to verify their votes for accuracy and serves as an audit trail.
  • Enhances transparency and confidence in the electoral process.Top of Form
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