Workers of the Samajwadi Party have been working round the clock to protect the electronic voting machines (EVMs) stored in strong rooms in different districts, even as exit polls predict a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) victory. In every Assembly segment, ten party workers are working in three shifts to keep a close eye on the EVMs. They are also providing training to the counting agents to spot any attempt of sabotage on the day of counting.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): A Deeper Dive
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been a contentious issue in Indian elections since their introduction in the early 2000s, with allegations of tampering and concerns about their reliability.
Background
EVMs were first used in India in the 1982 Kerala by-elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) gradually expanded their use, and by the 2009 Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) elections, EVMs were used in all polling stations.
EVMs work by recording the voter's choice electronically on a chip. The chip is then sealed inside the machine until the end of the voting process, when the votes are tallied and the results are displayed.
Allegations of Tampering
Despite the ECI's claims that EVMs are tamper-proof, there have been numerous allegations of tampering over the years. In particular, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw widespread protests from opposition parties alleging that the EVMs had been tampered with to favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The ECI has consistently denied these allegations and has maintained that EVMs are secure and reliable. However, in 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the ECI to review the security of EVMs and implement additional safeguards.
Current Situation
In the recent 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party workers have been deployed to protect the EVMs stored in strong rooms. This move is a response to exit polls predicting a BJP victory, raising concerns about potential attempts to manipulate the results.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Are EVMs reliable? According to the ECI, EVMs are highly secure and reliable. However, there have been allegations of tampering, and the Supreme Court has ordered a review of their security.
Can EVMs be tampered with? The ECI claims that EVMs are tamper-proof, but various experts have doubted these claims. In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the ECI to investigate allegations of tampering.
Why are political parties skeptical about EVMs? Some political parties believe that EVMs can be manipulated to favor certain candidates or parties. They have called for a return to paper ballots or for the introduction of verifiable paper audit trails (VPATs), which would allow voters to verify their selections.
What measures has the ECI taken to address concerns about EVMs? The ECI has introduced several measures to enhance the security of EVMs, including the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, which provide a physical record of votes cast.
What is the future of EVMs in India? The future of EVMs in India is uncertain. Some experts believe that they will continue to be used despite concerns about their reliability, while others believe that they will eventually be replaced by more advanced and secure voting systems.
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