The Supreme Court of India Tuesday (Nov. 26) rejected a petition seeking to prefer the use of ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale noted that the allegations of tampering were selective and were only made by people when they lose polls.

"What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs are not tampered. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with)," the bench noted.

The top court was hearing the petition filed by KA Paul, who argued that the use of ballot papers was necessary "to save democracy." The petition also cited claims made by US billionaire Elon Musk that no EVM in the world was tamper-proof.&nbsp;

He also quoted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to make a strong case for his argument.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiT8dT-h_qJAxVJf_UHHVYCLmcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/severe-pollution-chokes-delhi-as-supreme-court-criticizes-government-for-slow-response-777176" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/severe-pollution-chokes-delhi-as-supreme-court-criticizes-government-for-slow-response-777176&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT8dT-h_qJAxVJf_UHHVYCLmcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Severe Pollution Chokes Delhi as Supreme Court Criticizes Government for Slow Response</a>

However, the apex court refused to consider those, saying the Supreme Court was not the place to make such arguments.

"When Chandrababu Naidu or Mr Reddy lost, they say that EVMs are tampered with. When they win, they don't say anything. How can we see this? We are dismissing this," Justice Nath said, stressing, "This is not the place where you argue all of this."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi57Zf9h_qJAxWIh68BHTLuMDI4ChDF9AEoAHoECA4QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-caqm-to-consider-reopening-schools-amid-delhi-ncr-pollution-crisis-779113" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-caqm-to-consider-reopening-schools-amid-delhi-ncr-pollution-crisis-779113&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi57Zf9h_qJAxWIh68BHTLuMDI4ChDF9AEoAHoECA4QAQ">Supreme Court directs CAQM to consider reopening schools amid Delhi-NCR pollution crisis</a>

The petitioner had also sought a directive to the Election Commission of India to disqualify candidates found guilty of distributing money, liquor, or other material inducement to the voters during polls for a minimum period&nbsp;of five years.

"You have interesting PILs. How do you get these brilliant ideas?," the top court asked the petitioner, who is president of an organisation that has rescued over three lakh orphans and 40 lakh widows.

"Why are you getting into this political arena? Your area of work is very different," the bench said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India Tuesday (Nov. 26) rejected a petition seeking to prefer the use of ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale noted that the allegations of tampering were selective and were only made by people when they lose polls.

The Supreme Court of India Tuesday (Nov. 26) rejected a petition seeking to prefer the use of ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale noted that the allegations of tampering were selective and were only made by people when they lose polls. "What happens is, when you win the election, EVMs are not tampered. When you lose the election, EVMs are tampered (with)," the bench noted. The top court was hearing the petition filed by KA Paul, who argued that the use of ballot papers was necessary "to save democracy." The petition also cited claims made by US billionaire Elon Musk that no EVM in the world was tamper-proof. He also quoted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to make a strong case for his argument. Also read: Severe Pollution Chokes Delhi as Supreme Court Criticizes Government for Slow Response However, the apex court refused to consider those, saying the Supreme Court was not the place to make such arguments. "When Chandrababu Naidu or Mr Reddy lost, they say that EVMs are tampered with. When they win, they don't say anything. How can we see this? We are dismissing this," Justice Nath said, stressing, "This is not the place where you argue all of this." Also read: Supreme Court directs CAQM to consider reopening schools amid Delhi-NCR pollution crisis The petitioner had also sought a directive to the Election Commission of India to disqualify candidates found guilty of distributing money, liquor, or other material inducement to the voters during polls for a minimum period of five years. "You have interesting PILs. How do you get these brilliant ideas?," the top court asked the petitioner, who is president of an organisation that has rescued over three lakh orphans and 40 lakh widows. "Why are you getting into this political arena? Your area of work is very different," the bench said. (With inputs from agencies)

'EVMs not tampered when you win?' Supreme Court rejects plea seeking use of ballot papers

In India, the election for the 15th President of India has started. The presidential college, which consists of the elected Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members as well as the Assembly members, will cast its votes in accordance with the party whips. Results will be declared on 21st July. Did you know that Presidential elections don't use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Instead, the election for the first citizen of India makes use of ballot boxes. Do you know why?

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-president-elections-2022-polling-starts-on-july-19-498324">Live | India President elections 2022: Polling starts</a></h2>

What are Electronic Voting Machines?

An electronic voting machine (EVM) is a portable device used to conduct elections for the legislative, national and local governments, as well as for local authorities like panchayats and municipalities.

It&nbsp;is a microcontroller-based device used to modernise the voting process. It eliminates the possibility of incorrect votes, maintains complete voting data privacy, and allows for efficient and precise vote counting. The voting information stored in EVMs can be removed if necessary and is preserved for years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-insights/indian-presidential-election-2022-heres-how-india-elects-its-president-486646">Indian Presidential Election 2022: Here's how India elects its President</a>

Why are they not used in Presidential elections?

EVMs have been used in 127 assembly elections and four Lok Sabha elections since 2004, however, they are not used&nbsp;in elections for the President and Vice President of India, members of the Rajya Sabha, or representatives to state legislative councils.

This is because the EVMs are built using a technique that allows them to aggregate votes in direct elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;Voters press the button next to the name of their preferred candidate, and the candidate with the most votes is declared the winner.

However, when it comes to the election of a President&nbsp;a single transferable vote is used to elect the president in accordance with the proportional representation system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-president-election-2022-ruling-bjp-allies-pick-bengal-governor-jagdeep-dhankhar-498133" hreflang="en">Vice President election 2022: Ruling BJP, allies pick Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar</a>

How does the ballot work?

The electors mark the ballot card with their order of preference. If there are five candidates, for instance, the elector will write the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 according to the candidate their preference.

The EVMs, officials explained, is not designed to register this system of voting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In India, the election for the 15th President of India has started. The presidential college, which consists of the elected Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members as well as the Assembly members, will cast its votes in accordance with the party whips.

In India, the election for the 15th President of India has started. The presidential college, which consists of the elected Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members as well as the Assembly members, will cast its votes in accordance with the party whips. Results will be declared on 21st July. Did you know that Presidential elections don't use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Instead, the election for the first citizen of India makes use of ballot boxes. Do you know why? Live | India President elections 2022: Polling starts What are Electronic Voting Machines? An electronic voting machine (EVM) is a portable device used to conduct elections for the legislative, national and local governments, as well as for local authorities like panchayats and municipalities. It is a microcontroller-based device used to modernise the voting process. It eliminates the possibility of incorrect votes, maintains complete voting data privacy, and allows for efficient and precise vote counting. The voting information stored in EVMs can be removed if necessary and is preserved for years. Also read | Indian Presidential Election 2022: Here's how India elects its President Why are they not used in Presidential elections? EVMs have been used in 127 assembly elections and four Lok Sabha elections since 2004, however, they are not used in elections for the President and Vice President of India, members of the Rajya Sabha, or representatives to state legislative councils. This is because the EVMs are built using a technique that allows them to aggregate votes in direct elections. Voters press the button next to the name of their preferred candidate, and the candidate with the most votes is declared the winner. However, when it comes to the election of a President a single transferable vote is used to elect the president in accordance with the proportional representation system. Also read | Vice President election 2022: Ruling BJP, allies pick Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar How does the ballot work? The electors mark the ballot card with their order of preference. If there are five candidates, for instance, the elector will write the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 according to the candidate their preference. The EVMs, officials explained, is not designed to register this system of voting. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India President elections 2022: Electoral fate of Murmu, Sinha to be stored in ballot boxes, not EVMs

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed seeking 100% verification of the Voter Verified Paper Audited Trails(VVPAT) with the Electronic Voting Machines(EVM).

SC Dismisses New Plea For 100% VVPAT Verification

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.&nbsp;

There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues.&nbsp; 
 
In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same.&nbsp;

This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. &nbsp;

&nbsp;A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs.&nbsp;

In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. &nbsp;

The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as &nbsp;23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.”&nbsp;

The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The &nbsp;EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. &nbsp; 
 
I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. &nbsp;

Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system.&nbsp;

EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak. There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues. In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy. Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same. This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs. In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as 23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.” The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined. Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system. EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

VVPAT-equipped EVMs are most dependable arrangement

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning.&nbsp;

An EVM machine in Surat&#39;s Varaccha was replaced earlier today.&nbsp;

Master trainee of the election commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced.&nbsp; &quot;These were electronic items, it could have had issues,&nbsp;&quot; he said.

&quot;&#39;We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic&nbsp;items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat&#39;s Varaccha has been replaced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/X6Tzu7aNCs">pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939356762192277504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay &amp; voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/RVF86aW4Wh">pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939364978573709312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with&nbsp;EVM malfunctioning immediately.

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Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/CPkE8hM6cq">pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939367044058722304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. &nbsp;

The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray.

The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14.

Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Amidst the ongoing first phase assembly elections in Gujarat, reports of several faulty Electronic Voting Machines have surfaced

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning. An EVM machine in Surat's Varaccha was replaced earlier today. Master trainee of the election commission in Surat's Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced. "These were electronic items, it could have had issues, " he said. "'We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started," he added. Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat's Varaccha has been replaced #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay & voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat's Varaccha #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with EVM malfunctioning immediately. Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray. The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14. Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Gujarat elections: Faulty EVMs hinder smooth polling

There has been a growing concern around the use and reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in India. 
The debate has become so fiercely polarised that it has left a group of political parties and the Election Commission divided into two.

Political parties have been alleging that EVMs continue to be tampered with in elections, and therefore, they are urging the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections. The Election Commission, on the other hand, is confident of the purported hack-proof technology behind these machines. So much that the ECI has thrown an &quot;open challenge&quot; daring experts, technocrats, scientists and citizens to hack into their voting machines.

While unverified videos on the Internet, rumour mongers and other speculations have fuelled that EVMs can be tampered with, there is no concrete evidence to validate such claims. Instead, the ECI aims to explain how these machines are hack-proof and why EVMs used in India cannot be compared with the ones used abroad.

As explained by the ECI, we bring you the technology behind EVMs in India. It will help you in getting a better understanding of vulnerabilities of these machines and their hacking possibilities, if any.

An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in India consists of two units - a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit, which is joined by a five-metre cable. The Control Unit is with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is kept inside the voting compartment. The Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit presses the Ballot Button, and this, in turn, enables the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his choice.

As ECI explains, the EVM in India is a fully standalone machine and is not connected to any network. And therefore, there is no provision for any input. In other words, these electronic voting machines cannot be remotely accessed by hackers - which generally happens in other hacking incidents where machines are connected to the Internet.

In addition to that, the software in the ECI-EVM chip is one time programmable and is burnt into the chip at the time of manufacture. Nothing can be written on the chip after it is manufactured. The microchip used in EVMs is sealed at the time of import. There is, therefore, no chance of programming the EVMs in a particular way to select any particular candidate or political party, claims the Election Commission of India.

Unlike in India, most of the systems used in other countries are PC-based and run on operating systems. Hence, those machines could be vulnerable to hacking. ECI, therefore, believes that no comparison can be made between EVMs used in India and the ones used in foreign countries.

Also, the EVMs in India are programmed in such a way that the machines can record only five votes in a minute. So even if these machines are forcibly taken away by miscreants, they can record only a maximum of 150 votes in half-an-hour. And chances are that by that time, appropriate measures would have been taken and police reinforcement would have arrived.

(WION)

EVMs in India are standalone machines and are not connected to any network

There has been a growing concern around the use and reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in India. The debate has become so fiercely polarised that it has left a group of political parties and the Election Commission divided into two. Political parties have been alleging that EVMs continue to be tampered with in elections, and therefore, they are urging the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections. The Election Commission, on the other hand, is confident of the purported hack-proof technology behind these machines. So much that the ECI has thrown an "open challenge" daring experts, technocrats, scientists and citizens to hack into their voting machines. While unverified videos on the Internet, rumour mongers and other speculations have fuelled that EVMs can be tampered with, there is no concrete evidence to validate such claims. Instead, the ECI aims to explain how these machines are hack-proof and why EVMs used in India cannot be compared with the ones used abroad. As explained by the ECI, we bring you the technology behind EVMs in India. It will help you in getting a better understanding of vulnerabilities of these machines and their hacking possibilities, if any. An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in India consists of two units - a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit, which is joined by a five-metre cable. The Control Unit is with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is kept inside the voting compartment. The Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit presses the Ballot Button, and this, in turn, enables the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his choice. As ECI explains, the EVM in India is a fully standalone machine and is not connected to any network. And therefore, there is no provision for any input. In other words, these electronic voting machines cannot be remotely accessed by hackers - which generally happens in other hacking incidents where machines are connected to the Internet. In addition to that, the software in the ECI-EVM chip is one time programmable and is burnt into the chip at the time of manufacture. Nothing can be written on the chip after it is manufactured. The microchip used in EVMs is sealed at the time of import. There is, therefore, no chance of programming the EVMs in a particular way to select any particular candidate or political party, claims the Election Commission of India. Unlike in India, most of the systems used in other countries are PC-based and run on operating systems. Hence, those machines could be vulnerable to hacking. ECI, therefore, believes that no comparison can be made between EVMs used in India and the ones used in foreign countries. Also, the EVMs in India are programmed in such a way that the machines can record only five votes in a minute. So even if these machines are forcibly taken away by miscreants, they can record only a maximum of 150 votes in half-an-hour. And chances are that by that time, appropriate measures would have been taken and police reinforcement would have arrived. (WION)

Explained: Why Election Commission believes EVMs in India are hack-proof

India&#39;s Election Commission -- the agency responsible for poll processes in the country -- is set to acquire new electronic voting machines that can become &quot;inoperable&quot; if they are tampered with.

This comes amid doubts over the credibility of existing EVMs.

The agency will need around Rs 1,940 crore (about $299 million) to procure the next-generation machines called &quot;M3&quot;-type machines.

Such EVMs will only recognise genuine voting machines in the field, and thereby eliminate claims of discrepancies.

The commission plans to purchase them as the 9,30,430 existing EVMs in the country near its 15-year life cycle, Asian Age reported.

Last year, India&#39;s federal government released a tranche of Rs 1,009 crore (roughly $155 million) for the commission to replenish the existing voting machines before the country&#39;s next general elections in 2019.

The exisiting machines have come under severe scrutiny in recent days following the regional elections in India.&nbsp;

Several political parties in India have asked the Election Commission to replace the machines as fresh doubts surfaced in during local elections in central India last week.

In Bhind, a town in central India&#39;s Madhya Pradesh state, there were reports of an EVM dispensing slips of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party only, much to the consternation of a host of opposition parties.

Electronic voting machines have been used by India for the last 15 years, but there remain doubts about ist credibility.

Several countries like Ireland, Germany and The Netherlands have done away with such machines over worries about them being prone to hacking.

(WION)

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The agency will need about $299 million to procure the next-generation machines that will eliminate tampering of votes

India's Election Commission -- the agency responsible for poll processes in the country -- is set to acquire new electronic voting machines that can become "inoperable" if they are tampered with. This comes amid doubts over the credibility of existing EVMs. The agency will need around Rs 1,940 crore (about $299 million) to procure the next-generation machines called "M3"-type machines. Such EVMs will only recognise genuine voting machines in the field, and thereby eliminate claims of discrepancies. The commission plans to purchase them as the 9,30,430 existing EVMs in the country near its 15-year life cycle, Asian Age reported. Last year, India's federal government released a tranche of Rs 1,009 crore (roughly $155 million) for the commission to replenish the existing voting machines before the country's next general elections in 2019. The exisiting machines have come under severe scrutiny in recent days following the regional elections in India. Several political parties in India have asked the Election Commission to replace the machines as fresh doubts surfaced in during local elections in central India last week. In Bhind, a town in central India's Madhya Pradesh state, there were reports of an EVM dispensing slips of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party only, much to the consternation of a host of opposition parties. Electronic voting machines have been used by India for the last 15 years, but there remain doubts about ist credibility. Several countries like Ireland, Germany and The Netherlands have done away with such machines over worries about them being prone to hacking. (WION)

India's Election Commission to buy new voting machines amid fresh doubts