Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X, recently praised India’s electoral system for its efficiency in counting votes. He highlighted India's ability to count 640 million votes in a single day, contrasting it with the prolonged vote-counting process in the United States, particularly in California.
Musk took to X to share his views, responding to a post that mentioned India's rapid vote-counting capabilities and indirectly criticised the US system.
Musk’s post on X read, “India counted 640 million votes in 1 day. California is still counting votes.” He was referencing ongoing delays in California, where over 300,000 ballots from the November 5 elections remain uncounted weeks later.
California, with its population of nearly 39 million, saw approximately 16 million voters participate. However, the state’s reliance on mail-in voting has been cited as a major reason for the delays, as this method requires extensive validation and processing, unlike the quicker in-person voting systems.
The delays in California's vote counting have drawn attention not only from Musk but also from others who have compared it unfavourably to India's efficient system.
Musk's remarks align with previous criticisms of the US electoral process, particularly its reliance on mail-in ballots and the extended time required for finalising results. This inefficiency has been a point of contention, especially during high-stakes elections like the 2020 presidential race.
Musk’s admiration for India's electoral system also comes amidst his growing interest in the country’s technological and infrastructural advancements.
Earlier in October, he lauded the Indian government’s decision to allocate spectrum for satellite broadband through an administrative route rather than auctions.
This move was seen as a win for Musk’s satellite internet initiative, Starlink. The administrative allocation policy aligns with global practices and avoids competition with telecom giants like Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal, who had advocated for spectrum auctions.
India’s electoral efficiency and its progressive approach to technology appear to have left a positive impression on Musk. His comments reflect a growing recognition of India’s capabilities in managing large-scale logistical challenges, such as elections, while also adopting policies that foster innovation and technological growth.
California's challenges in vote counting, on the other hand, highlight the complexities of a predominantly mail-in voting system. Each ballot undergoes meticulous scrutiny to ensure accuracy, but this approach significantly extends the timeline for declaring results.
This delay has fueled debates on the efficiency of the US electoral system, especially when compared to countries like India, which handle larger populations with greater speed.
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