← All questionsGS2 · 2018 · Polity ·EVM Controversy and Election Trust
QUESTION 1
GS2
10 marks

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 in India?

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain the challenges before the Election Commission in keeping elections trustworthy amid EVM doubts.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Allegations: tampering, hacking claims, malfunction, VVPAT mismatch fears≈30 words
  2. 2Safeguards: standalone machines, first-level checks, randomisation, VVPAT in all booths, mock polls, EVM hackathon (2017)≈30 words
  3. 3Challenges: perception and misinformation, transparency of source code, VVPAT counting sample size, parties' trust≈30 words
  4. 4Measures: more VVPAT verification, open audits, voter education≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

ContextSafeguardsChallengesMeasuresConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Only defending EVMs
  • No VVPAT details

Draw this

  • Flow: EVM → VVPAT slip → counting with sample verification

Value addition

  • CaseN. Chandrababu Naidu v Union (2019): VVPAT verification raised to 5 random booths per Assembly segment.Supreme Court, 2019
  • CaseAssociation for Democratic Reforms v ECI (April 2024): plea for 100% VVPAT counting rejected; candidates can seek checks of burnt memory.Supreme Court, 2024

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