The Indian Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea to cross-verify 100% of votes recorded with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) alongside Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) records. EVMs, which simplify the process of casting and counting votes electronically, work in tandem with the VVPAT system, introduced in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. VVPATs provide a paper trail for vote verification in lieu of traditional paper ballots.
The court acknowledged that a definitive judgment was needed owing to persistent objections to EVM usage in elections. The court stipulated, “We have conducted an in-depth examination of the EVM system’s administrative and technical safeguards. Our discussion is aimed at addressing doubts and assuring the integrity of the voting process. A voting system must adhere to security, accountability, and accuracy principles. An overly complicated voting system may engender doubt and facilitate manipulation. The EVMs, in our view, are simple, secure, and user-friendly.”
The court further argued that the VVPAT system enhances the overall accountability of the voting process. It added that the EVM system is well-understood by voters, candidates, and their representatives, and officials of the Election Commission of India, who ensure the system’s righteousness and integrity.
To enhance election process integrity, the court has directed that VVPAT Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) be sealed and stored alongside EVMs for 45 days post-results. SLUs ensure the correct symbol is displayed on the VVPAT slip for the selected candidate. Additionally, a five percent verification of EVM memory is to be done post-results, with costs borne by the candidates requesting the check. If tampering is detected, these expenses are refundable.
The Indian general election is currently ongoing, running from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. This election will determine the Members of Parliament for the lower house, Lok Sabha, and consequently, India’s Prime Minister and central government.[Jurist.org]