Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that EVMs are entirely “safe and robust”.
New Delhi: In a bold response to claims regarding the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar strongly defended the integrity of the voting system during a recent press conference. He labeled the machines as completely “safe and robust,” dismissing concerns raised by various parties, particularly the Congress about inconsistencies with EVM battery levels. Kumar compared the machines to a calculator’s battery rather than a smartphone’s, emphasizing that there is no need for daily recharging.
### Security Features Explained
CEC Kumar elaborated on the stringent security measures that are in place for EVMs. He stressed that there are three layers of security and that representatives from political parties are required to sign off at each level. This practice enhances transparency and builds trust among stakeholders in the electoral process. “When the EVMs are deployed, we ensure that they are double locked and monitored closely. This process is repeated on polling day and is recorded on video,” Kumar stated, underscoring the thoroughness of the system.
He further mentioned the specifics of the battery used in EVMs: “These are single-use batteries that can last up to five years. When we set up the machines, we install the battery several days before voting, and it comes with signatures from party representatives to ensure accountability.” Kumar’s insights were aimed at calming fears that charging discrepancies could influence electoral outcomes.
### The Pager Analogy
One of the more intriguing points raised by CEC Kumar was his analogy relating to pagers, referencing a past incident where Israel hacked into the communication devices of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. He addressed a common question: if pagers can be hacked, why can’t EVMs? The answer was clear; “Pagers have connectivity, whereas EVMs do not have any network connections that could be vulnerable to hacking.”
This explanation came amid complaints from the Congress party, who had raised concerns over battery levels allegedly affecting election results during the recent Haryana elections. CEC Kumar assured the public that each complaint would be evaluated individually and that the Election Commission would provide thorough responses, which would also be made accessible to everyone.
### Congress’s Allegations
The context of these discussions stemmed from the recent assembly elections, where the Congress party questioned the results based on the battery levels of EVMs used in various polling stations. On October 8, the BJP secured victory, winning 48 out of 90 seats, while the Congress managed to claim only 37. Notably, Congress asserted that EVMs that showed a 99% battery charge were linked to BJP victories, whereas machines reporting lower battery levels seemed to benefit Congress candidates.
Congress leader Pawan Khera highlighted this anomaly, stating, “It is quite strange that the machines with full charge were associated with our defeats, while the ones with lower levels registered our wins.” This claim has raised significant debate, with Congress requesting the Election Commission to investigate these incidents further.
### Responses from the Election Commission
CEC Kumar reaffirmed that the Election Commission takes allegations of this nature very seriously. He acknowledged the submission of 20 complaints regarding EVM performance and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted. He stated, “We will address each of these complaints individually and will document our responses for public knowledge.”
### Conclusion
As the political landscape continues to heat up, the reliability of EVMs remains under scrutiny, particularly following contentious elections where outcomes diverged from expectations. Kumar’s defense aims to restore faith in the electoral process as the region prepares for upcoming assemblies in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
In a time when every vote counts, assuring voters about the integrity of the voting system is more crucial than ever. As the Election Commission prepares for future elections, efforts to reinforce transparency and trust will be key to ensuring that the democratic process runs smoothly.
While the debates surrounding EVMs may not settle anytime soon, the stance of the Election Commission underlines a commitment to uphold the integrity of India’s electoral process. Voter confidence, after all, is vital for the health of democracy itself.
