Can EVMs Really Be Tampered With?
The notion that any electronic device is immune to tampering is a myth. In the realm of technology, new innovations often come with unforeseen challenges and vulnerabilities. As the world advances, older and more tried-and-tested systems continue to be relied upon in critical sectors. This is equally true for electronic voting machines (EVMs), which have been a subject of intense debate regarding their security and integrity.
The Vulnerability of EVMs
EVMs, like any other electronic device, can indeed be tampered with. However, the extent and accessibility of such tampering remain limited. While some systems are still running on tried-and-tested older operating systems like Unix or Mainframes, the proportional risk in EVMs is a concern. According to former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), N Gopalswami, the simplicity of EVMs might be considered their strength. He stated, 'Our EVMs are tamper-proof. An EVM is a glorified calculator. It uses a one-time programmable chip and therefore once it is programmed, nothing can be changed.'
Historical Misconduct in Voting
The history of voting fraud is extensive and multifaceted. In the 1980s, it was not uncommon to witness incidents where temporary booth capturing occurred. In these instances, registered voters would leave the polling station, and corrupt agents would cast multiple votes under their identities. This type of corruption was so prevalent that it was almost routine, particularly in the last 30 minutes of voting.
Another sinister practice involved government employees with polling duties who were often forced to remain silent witnesses to corrupt activities due to the fear of retaliation. These factors highlight the need for robust security measures and transparency in the electoral process.
Legal and Judicial Stances
The controversy around EVMs is further complicated by legal and judicial perspectives. In a previous hearing, the Election Commission (EC) of India strongly argued that EVMs are standalone machines and cannot be tampered with. Additionally, the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) system was deemed tamper-proof. In response to various petitions seeking cross-verification of votes with VVPAT, the Supreme Court (SC) rejected all such petitions on April 25. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in the democratic process, stating, 'Democracy is all about harmony and trust among its different pillars.'
In a recent order, a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta decided to grant candidates the option to have the microcontroller program of EVMs checked by a team of engineers post the declaration of results. This decision reflects an effort to ensure public trust and transparency in the electoral process. The apex court also acknowledged the potential for tampering issues and the necessity of continuous auditing and security measures.
Conclusion
No system is foolproof. It is essential for governments to publish detailed white papers about the security measures implemented in EVMs and to conduct independent third-party audits. Transparency is key in upholding the integrity of elections and restoring public trust in the electoral process. While the current systems may be secure, the ongoing debate emphasizes the need for continuous oversight and improvement.