The debate between ballot papers and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India has been long and controversial, spanning decades. It revolves around issues of transparency, reliability, and trust in the electoral process. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the history and controversies surrounding the two systems:
1. Pre-EVM Era (Before 1982): Ballot Papers
System: Voters cast their vote by marking their choice on a paper ballot, which was then placed in a sealed box.
Challenges:
Booth capturing: Armed groups or political workers often took over polling stations and stuffed ballot boxes.
Invalid votes: Many votes were invalidated due to improper marking.
Counting errors: Manual counting of votes was time-consuming and prone to human error.
Logistical issues: Transporting and storing ballot boxes was cumbersome.
2. Introduction of EVMs (1982 Onwards)
First Use: EVMs were introduced experimentally in the 1982 by-election in Parur, Kerala.
Objective: To reduce electoral fraud, ensure faster counting, and make the process more efficient.
Legal Challenges:
EVMs were challenged in court for not being authorized under electoral laws. The Supreme Court ruled against their use unless the Representation of the People Act, 1951, was amended.
In 1989, the law was amended, paving the way for EVMs’ formal introduction.
3. Nationwide Implementation (2000-2004)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) began a phased implementation of EVMs in the early 2000s.
2004 General Elections: The first nationwide use of EVMs, replacing ballot papers entirely.
4. Advantages of EVMs
Reduced Fraud: EVMs eliminated issues like invalid votes and ballot stuffing.
Faster Results: Counting became quicker and more efficient.
Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, EVMs proved cheaper as they eliminated the recurring costs of printing millions of ballot papers.
Eco-Friendly: Reduction in paper usage helped save trees.
5. Controversies Surrounding EVMs
Despite their advantages, EVMs have faced persistent criticism, especially from opposition parties.
a. Allegations of Hacking and Manipulation
Concerns: Critics argue that EVMs can be tampered with to manipulate election outcomes.
ECI's Defense: The Election Commission has consistently denied these allegations, emphasizing that EVMs are stand-alone devices not connected to the internet, making hacking impossible.
Demonstrations: In 2017, opposition leaders and activists claimed to demonstrate how EVMs could be tampered with, fueling skepticism.
b. Demand for Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Introduction: In response to transparency concerns, VVPATs were introduced, allowing voters to verify their choice on a paper slip.
Supreme Court Ruling: In 2019, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to increase VVPAT verification during counting to bolster confidence.
c. Technical Glitches
Reports of EVM malfunctions during elections have raised concerns about reliability.
d. Political Criticism
Opposition parties, especially after losing elections, have often blamed EVMs, questioning their fairness. For instance:
The 2009 Lok Sabha elections saw claims of EVM tampering by some political parties.
In 2014 and 2019, opposition leaders raised similar concerns when the BJP secured landslide victories.
6. Ballot Paper Advocates: Arguments for Returning
Transparency: Advocates argue that the physical nature of ballot papers makes the process more transparent and verifiable.
Trust: Some believe ballot papers inspire greater trust among voters, especially in rural and less technologically literate areas.
Global Trends: Critics often point out that several democracies, like Germany and the Netherlands, have reverted to paper ballots due to EVM concerns.
7. Global Perspective
While countries like India and Brazil have embraced EVMs, many advanced democracies, including the US and UK, still rely on paper-based systems. In some cases, nations have reverted to paper after controversies around electronic voting.
8. The Way Forward
Hybrid Models: A mix of EVMs and VVPATs is likely to continue in India, balancing speed with transparency.
Public Awareness: Enhancing voter education about EVMs and VVPATs is crucial to counter misinformation.
Technological Upgrades: Periodic updates to EVM technology and processes can address reliability concerns.
The debate over EVMs vs. ballot papers highlights the challenges of maintaining electoral integrity in a vast democracy like India. While EVMs have brought efficiency, trust in the system remains a work in progress, requiring constant vigilance and innovation.
































