Why the Ballot Paper Voting System Outshines the EVM System
While opinions on the effectiveness of electronic voting machines (EVMs) versus the traditional ballot paper system often divide, the advantages of ballot paper voting clearly demonstrate its superiority in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the true spirit of democracy. This article will delve into the intricacies and benefits of using ballot paper in elections, contrasting it with the more technologically advanced EVM system.
The Disadvantages of EVMs: Distrust and Security Concerns
One major factor in the argument for balloting paper lies in the trust and security concerns surrounding EVMs. Despite their many advantages, EVMs have raised pertinent questions about their reliability and susceptibility to tampering.
Among the most common allegations about EVMs is that they are easy targets for hacking, which could lead to fraudulent election results. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has repeatedly assured the public that the machines are standalone devices with no connectivity to external devices, doubts linger among civil societies and some political parties. These concerns highlight the profound importance of transparency in the electoral process and the need for ongoing scrutiny and verification.
Advantages of Ballot Paper Voting
The ballot paper system offers a myriad of advantages when it comes to ensuring a fair and transparent election. One of the primary benefits is the transparency it provides. Unlike EVMs, which leave no physical paper trail, ballot papers leave a clear and tangible record for recounts and post-election audits. This aspect of ballot paper voting is not only reassuring for the electorate but also vital for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Another significant advantage of ballot paper voting is its potential to reduce fraud and manipulation. During elections where ballot papers are used, it is far more difficult for irregularities to go unnoticed. Any form of manipulation can be easily challenged in the court of law, providing a robust mechanism for validating the results. EVMs, on the other hand, can pose challenges, as any issues in the software or hardware become less tangible and harder to pinpoint.
The environmental benefits of ballot paper voting also deserve mention. Replacing EVMs with ballot papers involves a more environmentally friendly approach, reducing the need for repeated manufacturing and disposing of electronic devices. This makes ballot paper voting a sustainable option that aligns well with modern environmental concerns.
EVMs: Speed, Efficiency, and Environmental Considerations
While ballot paper voting emphasizes transparency and accountability, EVMs offer undeniable advantages in terms of speed and efficiency. In a vast and diverse country like India, where over 98 crore registered voters are spread across geographically adverse areas, EVMs greatly facilitate the electoral process. They minimize the risk of booth capturing, a common issue during elections where the use of physical muscle power is prevalent.
Furthermore, the use of EVMs significantly reduces the logistical demands on the country, as the need for manual counting is eliminated. This not only accelerates the election results but also allows for a more organized and streamlined process. While replacing ballot papers is an environmentally friendly approach, the reduction of forest resources and pollution associated with the disposal of electronic waste is an additional environmental benefit of EVMs.
Despite their advantages, EVMs have faced skepticism over their fair functioning. Civil societies and political parties have raised questions about the integrity of the system, leading to debates on whether EVMs are truly immune to hacking. While the ECI has attempted to reassure the public, the lingering doubts highlight the need for continuous oversight and validation of the EVM system to maintain public trust.
The Role of Democracy and Human Oversight
Ultimately, the true spirit of democracy lies in empowering individuals to participate in the electoral process. Election systems must uphold the principles of the people, by the people, and for the people. Ballot paper voting, as a manual process, upholds the essence of democracy by ensuring that every vote is counted and verified directly by human oversight. This level of transparency and accountability ensures that the results reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
In contrast, while EVMs offer speed and efficiency, they carry a risk of mass-scale manipulation, which may be nearly impossible to prove in a court of law. This inherent illegitimacy undermines the legitimacy of the output, making it difficult to maintain a true and fair election.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ballot paper voting represents a more technically and practically free and fair election compared to the use of electronic voting machines. The tangible, recountable nature of ballot papers, their potential to reduce fraud and manipulation, and their environmental benefits make them a preferred choice for ensuring a more transparent and democratic electoral process. While EVMs offer speed and efficiency, the advantages of ballot paper voting in terms of transparency, accountability, and the true spirit of democracy cannot be overlooked.