Strengthening India’s Democratic Process through the incorporation of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the election process. Read further below.
The strength of a democracy lies in its ability to conduct free and fair elections, where every vote cast is accurately recorded and accounted for.
In India, the introduction of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system has been a significant step towards enhancing transparency and restoring public trust in the electoral process.
What is VVPAT?
The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is a device that is connected to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). It allows voters to see a printed slip of paper that shows the candidate they voted for.
- The printed slip is briefly displayed for about 7 seconds behind a glass window so the voter can check it.
- After that, the slip drops into a compartment below. The voters are not allowed to take it home as it is later used to verify votes cast in five randomly selected polling booths.
- This system is designed to build trust in the voting process by giving voters the ability to physically verify their electronic votes, reassuring both voters and political parties about the integrity of the election.
Why did the Election Commission introduce VVPATs?
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The concept of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail machine was initially proposed in 2010 during a meeting between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and political parties. The aim was to enhance transparency in the EVM-based polling process.
- Following prototype preparation, field trials of the VVPAT system were conducted in Ladakh, Thiruvananthapuram, Cherrapunjee, East Delhi, and Jaisalmer in July 2011.
- These field trials led to the approval of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail by an expert committee of the ECI in February 2013.
The Legal Framework
In 2013, the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 were amended to allow for a printer with a drop box to be attached to the EVM.
- The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machine was first used in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013.
- This led to its phased introduction decided by the ECI, with 100% adoption by June 2017 and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs.
Supreme Court Interventions Related to VVPATs
The use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails in Indian elections has been the subject of several legal cases:
- Subramanian Swamy vs Election Commission of India: In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that a paper trail for votes was essential for free and fair elections. The court ordered the government to provide funding to roll out VVPATs across the country.
- Chandrababu Naidu vs Election Commission of India: In 2019, a political leader named Chandrababu Naidu filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to order the counting of VVPAT slips from at least 50% of polling stations.
However, the Election Commission argued that counting VVPAT slips from such a large sample would delay the election results by 5-6 days.
- The EC also pointed to a study by the Indian Statistical Institute which found that counting VVPAT slips from just 479 randomly selected polling stations nationwide would ensure over 99% accuracy.
- Ultimately, the Supreme Court sided with the EC but ordered them to increase the sample size from 1 VVPAT station per constituency to 5 stations per constituency.
Advantages of the VVPAT System
The incorporation of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail in elections has several advantages:
- Enhancing Transparency: The paper slips generated by the VVPAT machines can be accessed by polling officials, providing a physical record that can be cross-checked against the EVM tallies in case of any disputes or allegations of fraud. This level of verification is essential in ensuring the fairness and accuracy of election results.
- Strengthening Public Trust: The VVPAT system offers voters a visual confirmation of their choice, which can help to allay concerns about the reliability of EVMs and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
- Verifying Election Results: In the event of any discrepancies or allegations of tampering, the VVPAT slips can be used to verify the accuracy of the EVM results, providing a physical record that can be used to resolve disputes.
Challenges
Despite the advantages, it has also faced its share of challenges and concerns:
- Technical Malfunctions: One of the primary concerns with VVPAT machines is the possibility of technical malfunctions, such as inaccurate printing or no printing at all. These technical issues can undermine the reliability of the system and raise doubts about the accuracy of the electoral process.
- Verification of Paper Trails: The process of verifying the paper trails generated by the VVPAT system has been a subject of debate, with questions arising about the practical feasibility and scalability of this process.
- Voter Confidence: The recent revelations about the identification of over 6.5 lakh defective VVPAT machines, more than a third of the number used in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, have further eroded the public’s confidence in the electoral process. The lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the ECI has led to questions about the fairness and accuracy of past elections.
The Way Forward
To address these challenges and strengthen the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail system, the ECI and the government must take the following steps:
Regular Maintenance and Testing:
- Establish a robust system of routine maintenance and testing to identify and address any defects in the VVPAT machines promptly.
- Ensure that the maintenance and testing procedures are transparent and accountable, with clear protocols and procedures in place.
Increased Transparency:
- Provide more information to political parties and the public about the functioning of the VVPAT system and the process of verification.
- Improve communication and coordination with all stakeholders, including political parties, to address concerns and build trust in the electoral process.
Ensuring Accountability:
- Establish clear guidelines and procedures for addressing issues related to VVPAT machine malfunctions, and ensure that they are followed consistently.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Encourage ongoing research and development in the field of electronic voting, to explore new technologies and innovations that can further enhance the accuracy, security, and transparency of the electoral process.
- Collaborate with leading research institutions and technology experts to stay abreast of the latest advancements and incorporate them into the VVPAT system.
Conclusion
The Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system is an important component of India’s electoral landscape, serving as a testament to the ECI’s commitment to transparency and the safeguarding of the fundamental right to a free and fair election.
The VVPAT system represents a significant milestone in India’s democratic journey, offering a tangible way to verify the accuracy of votes and enhance public trust in the electoral process.
By addressing the challenges and continuously improving the VVPAT system, the ECI can play a vital role in solidifying India’s position as a global leader in democratic practices and inspiring other nations to follow suit.
Article Written By: Priti Raj
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