In a recent development surrounding the integrity of the electoral process in Haryana, the Congress party has demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities related to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the recent Assembly elections.
This call for scrutiny comes amidst concerns raised by the party regarding the reliability and performance of these machines during the voting and counting processes. However, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has stepped forward to defend the integrity of EVMs, asserting that they are secure and cannot be manipulated.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Quraishi expressed his disbelief in the allegations made by Congress, emphasising the nature of EVMs as stand-alone machines. In an interview, he noted that the EVMs in question were designed and built in 2013, a period marked by a different political environment.
He stressed that these machines function independently, which makes it impossible for them to be hacked or tampered with. Quraishi pointed out that the claims regarding the battery levels of the machines influencing election outcomes were unfounded.
He explained that the battery compartments are separate from the machines themselves and that any change in battery during the election does not alter the votes already cast.
Addressing specific allegations, Quraishi mentioned that Congress's claims about the EVMs running on low battery levels and influencing election results are factually incorrect.
He explained that even if the battery were to be changed, it would not affect the data stored in the machine. Each vote cast is secure and remains unchanged, ensuring the integrity of the election process.
Quraishi further clarified the security measures surrounding EVMs. He described the presence of multiple seals on the machines, two of which are internal, while one is external.
These seals are produced at the Nashik printing press, the same facility that prints Indian currency, and each seal carries a unique identification number. This level of security ensures that any tampering can be easily detected. On the day of counting, polling agents check the integrity of these seals as part of the procedure before proceeding with the counting of votes.
In addition to addressing the concerns regarding EVM security, Quraishi commented on the Congress party's criticism regarding the slow online updating of poll results.
He noted that the Election Commission has rejected these allegations and has promised to investigate the matter thoroughly. The Commission's commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the system.
In response to the controversies surrounding the EVMs, the Congress party announced its intention to establish a technical team. This team aims to investigate the complaints and discrepancies raised by its candidates during the Haryana elections.
By taking this step, the Congress party seeks to address the concerns of its supporters and ensure that the electoral process remains fair and transparent.
As discussions about EVM integrity continue, it is essential to recognize the role of the Election Commission in safeguarding the democratic process. The Commission's efforts to investigate any allegations thoroughly demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of fair elections. As the political landscape evolves, the need for transparent and reliable electoral processes becomes increasingly vital.
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