Growing Concerns Over EVMs
Former MP Undavalli Arun Kumar has said that the government and the election authorities need to provide a comprehensive explanation amid growing public concerns over the possibility of irregularities in elections conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He said greater transparency is essential to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
Questions Over Technical Transparency
Undavalli pointed out that even ordinary election personnel may not have complete knowledge of what happens technically inside EVMs. He said that election staff generally verify whether the machines are functioning properly and sign the required documents, but this process alone may not be sufficient to address concerns about transparency and the integrity of the voting system.
VVPAT Verification Under Scrutiny
He also raised questions about the existing system of verifying votes through Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). According to Undavalli, counting only a limited number of VVPAT slips instead of conducting comprehensive verification could leave room for doubts among voters. He stressed the need for greater clarity on how VVPAT verification is carried out during elections.
Demand for CCTV Footage
Undavalli suggested that CCTV footage recorded at polling stations during elections should be made accessible to the public, subject to applicable rules and privacy safeguards. He said that making such footage available could help answer several questions surrounding the conduct of polling. The lack of adequate clarification from election authorities, he said, has contributed to further doubts.
Concerns Over Election Commission and Voter Rights
Undavalli also expressed concerns about the independence of the Election Commission, issues related to citizenship, and the rights of voters. He recalled that doubts about EVMs had been raised as far back as 2004 and said that then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had also discussed the issue.
Need for a Political-Neutral Examination
He said allegations and concerns surrounding EVMs should be examined objectively, without viewing them through the lens of party politics. According to him, the credibility of the electoral system is a matter that concerns every political party and every voter, and therefore requires a transparent and impartial examination.
Transparency Essential for Democracy
Undavalli emphasized the need to strengthen transparency in the electoral process so that public confidence in elections is not weakened. He said awareness should be created among election workers, political party representatives and ordinary voters about how EVMs, VVPATs and the overall election process function.
He warned that if doubts about the electoral process continue to increase without satisfactory explanations, it could pose a serious challenge to public trust in democratic institutions. He stressed that maintaining transparency and credibility in elections is essential for protecting the democratic system.
