In response to concerns raised about discrepancies in voter turnout and vote counting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He assured the public that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible. Kumar also explained the mock poll process done in the presence of election agents to further ensure transparency.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Debunking Myths and Ensuring Transparency
Background
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been used in India since 2000 to enhance the accuracy and transparency of the electoral process. Despite their widespread adoption, allegations of EVM tampering have persisted, raising concerns among the public.
EVM Commissioning and Security Measures
In response to these concerns, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He emphasized that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible.
Kumar explained that EVMs are commissioned in the presence of representatives from all political parties and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their proper functioning. The machines are then sealed and transported to polling stations under strict security.
Mock Poll Process
Prior to the actual polling day, a mock poll is conducted in the presence of election agents. This mock poll allows agents to familiarize themselves with the EVM's operation and to verify that votes are being cast and counted correctly.
FAQs
1. Can EVMs be tampered with?
No, EVMs are designed to be tamper-proof. They have multiple layers of security measures, including encryption and tamper-evident seals, making it virtually impossible to manipulate the results.
2. Are EVMs connected to the internet?
No, EVMs are not connected to the internet or any external network, eliminating the possibility of hacking or remote manipulation.
3. Have there been any cases of EVM tampering?
There have been no proven cases of successful EVM tampering in India. Allegations of tampering have been investigated by independent agencies and courts, which have consistently found no evidence to support such claims.
4. How can voters ensure the transparency of the EVM process?
Voters can participate in the mock poll process to verify the proper functioning of EVMs. They can also observe the sealing of EVMs before they are transported to polling stations and demand a re-poll if they have any doubts about the authenticity of the machines.
5. What if a voter suspects an EVM malfunction?
In the event of a suspected EVM malfunction, voters can contact the presiding officer at the polling station. The officer will investigate the issue and, if necessary, replace the EVM with a fresh one.
Conclusion
EVMs have been instrumental in improving the accuracy and transparency of the Indian electoral process. The rigorous security measures and the mock poll process ensure the integrity of the voting system. Despite unfounded allegations of tampering, EVMs continue to be a reliable and secure means of casting votes in India.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced its plans to launch a month-and-a-half-long campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the restoration of statehood and to further the “Save the Constitution” movement. With the recent appointment of Syed Naseer Hussain as the new J&K in-charge, the party hopes to regain its lost support in the Union Territory. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as former supporters of the Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad have recently dissolved their party, raising questions about their political future. The Congress hopes to use this opportunity to highlight the BJP's failures in empowering elected governments and its betrayal over statehood.
Thousands of citizens in Pune are rallying together through an online petition to demand the protection of their city's hills and hill slopes from any construction. The petition is addressed to the former Pune Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the state-appointed Committee on Bio-Diversity Park and Hill Top Hill Slopes. The citizens are concerned that the committee's review may result in allowing construction on the hills, while strict measures have already been mandated by the government to prevent it. The citizens stress the importance of preserving these natural areas for the city's ecological balance and urge the government to uphold its promise to future generations.
After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions on potential actions being taken against Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, Indian leaders have condemned Pakistan for their involvement in the attack and have vowed to take strong measures in response.
The Indian Army made its first major move since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as they killed top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. The security forces are on the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of 26 civilians and have launched a massive anti-terror operation. In other developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for a security review meeting and the authorities demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
In a hearing at the Supreme Court, the bench rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "irresponsible" comments about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The judges highlighted the need to show respect for India's freedom fighters and questioned whether Gandhi was aware of his grandmother and Mahatma Gandhi praising Savarkar. The court also stayed an Allahabad High Court order that refused to dismiss a lower court's summons against Gandhi over his alleged remarks about Savarkar.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to warn Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments about India's independence activist Veer Savarkar, staying a trial court's summons to the politician. The top court emphasized that Savarkar is a highly respected figure in Maharashtra and stated that no one would be allowed to make derogatory remarks about freedom fighters. The court also pointed out that Gandhi's family has had a history of praising Savarkar and Gandhi himself has been warned that the court will take suo motu cognizance of any such remarks. Additionally, the article also mentions an attack in Jammu and Kashmir that has led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
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The US Government has publicly criticized The New York Times for its reporting on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, calling attention to the difference between the newspaper's use of "militant" instead of "terrorist." This choice of words is not only misleading but also minimizes the severity of the attack, which was claimed by a Pakistan-based group with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The US House Foreign Affairs Committee took to social media to point out the error and highlight the real nature of the attack, noting that it has significant implications for regional security.