Voting Reforms: Ex-Andhra CM Pushes for Poll Paper Amid EVM Debate

In a pivotal twist inside India’s political realm, requires a return to conventional poll papers over Digital Voting Machines (EVMs) have intensified, citing apprehensions concerning transparency and the sanctity of electoral procedures.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, asserted on Tuesday that the utilization of poll papers is crucial for upholding the real essence of democracy. In a launched assertion, he underscored that the notion of democracy being equitable and clear holds as a lot weight as its sensible implementation.

Reddy highlighted that in quite a few superior democracies globally, together with the US and Japan, standard paper ballots stay the popular mode of voting. He implored India to comply with go well with, casting doubt on the reliability and transparency of EVMs.

In a social media submit on X, Reddy remarked, “In electoral practices throughout the globe, in practically each superior democracy, paper ballots are utilized, not EVMs. We must always likewise transition in the direction of the identical to uphold the true essence of our democracy.”

The credibility of EVMs has emerged as a contentious topic, with varied leaders questioning their transparency and susceptibility to manipulation. CPI Common Secretary D Raja voiced considerations over the dependability of EVMs, asserting that skepticism amongst voters might erode the integrity of democratic processes. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi additionally characterised EVMs as ‘black containers’ missing in accountability and transparency.

Criticism has additionally been directed in the direction of the Election Fee of India (ECI) for its administration of electoral procedures and the adoption of EVMs. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi burdened that it falls upon the EC to handle public apprehensions and make sure the electoral course of stays neutral and clear.

Regardless of escalating strain, the central authorities has but to point out any inclination in the direction of reverting to poll papers. The continued discourse underscores broader apprehensions in regards to the integrity of electoral practices in India and the function of expertise in safeguarding honest elections.