Q1. 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?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI) has come under scrutiny due to controversies surrounding the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). In the context of these challenges, the ECI faces significant hurdles in safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Body

Challenges:

• Allegations of EVM Tampering: Concerns have been raised over potential manipulation of EVMs, leading to mistrust among political parties and voters.
• Lack of Transparency: There is scepticism about the transparency of the EVM functioning process, particularly the software design and security protocols.
• Demands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): Political parties have demanded 100% VVPAT matching with EVMs, which can delay counting and challenge logistics.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: With rising cyber threats, ECI faces pressure to prevent hacking or interference with the election process.
• Public Perception and Trust: Misinformation campaigns have contributed to a decline in voter trust in EVM reliability.
• Legal Challenges: The ECI faces frequent legal challenges regarding EVMs’ fairness, burdening its institutional capacity.

Conclusion‍

While EVMs have increased efficiency, the Election Commission must address these concerns by enhancing transparency, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and using VVPATs more effectively. Ensuring trust in elections is key to the strength of India’s democracy.

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