The Election Commission of India has recently addressed concerns raised by the Congress party regarding the functionality of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the electoral process. This clarification follows claims made by Congress that discrepancies in battery levels at various polling stations in Haryana could have influenced the election results. The Election Commission has firmly rejected these assertions, explaining that the battery in EVMs is similar to that found in calculators.
On Tuesday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasised the reliability and security of EVMs. He stated that the batteries used in these machines are designed for single use, much like those in basic calculators, rather than resembling the batteries in mobile phones. This distinction is important, as it highlights the EVMs’ capability to function effectively throughout the voting process without issues related to battery life.
Kumar defended the integrity of EVMs while announcing the election schedule for the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections. He labelled the machines as “absolutely safe and robust,” countering claims of possible tampering.
His comments come in a context where EVMs have faced criticism and scepticism from various political factions over the years. However, he pointed out that the differing results observed in the last 15 to 20 elections do not indicate faults with the EVMs but instead reflect the choices made by voters.
The recent accusations by the Congress party stemmed from observations during the elections, where they noted variations in battery levels across different polling stations. The party expressed concerns that these inconsistencies could lead to operational problems, potentially skewing the results.
In response, the Election Commission clarified that the functionality of the EVMs is not compromised by battery variations, emphasising the technology's reliability.
The Commission has implemented various measures to ensure the security and integrity of the EVMs. These include robust protocols for handling the machines, regular maintenance checks, and stringent oversight during the electoral process.
By providing clarity on the technology and its operation, the Election Commission aims to address the concerns of political parties and reassure voters about the reliability of the electoral system.
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