Election Commission Denies Reports of EVM Discrepancies in Kerala's Kasaragod: Supreme Court Hearing

Election Commission Denies Reports of EVM Discrepancies in Kerala's Kasaragod: Supreme Court Hearing

Allegations Refuted by Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rebuffed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) discrepancies during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod district. In a hearing before the Supreme Court, ECI officials refuted claims made in a news report, asserting that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and found to be false. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas assured the court of submitting a detailed report on the matter.

Court Proceedings and Concerns Raised

During the court proceedings, multiple pleas seeking comprehensive cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) were being heard. Advocates raised concerns over extra votes being recorded for the BJP during mock polls in Kerala, based on a report cited by Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO 'Association for Democratic Reforms'.

Clarifications on EVM and VVPAT Systems

Responding to the court's query, an ECI official elucidated the functioning of EVMs and VVPAT systems, emphasizing the absence of any mismatches between EVMs and VVPAT slips. The official clarified that button allocation and machine assignment are not determined by the manufacturer.

Importance of VVPAT in Ensuring Electoral Integrity

VVPAT serves as an independent vote verification mechanism, allowing voters to verify the accuracy of their votes. It generates paper slips stored in sealed covers for each vote cast, accessible in case of disputes. Currently, VVPAT slips from five randomly selected EVMs in each Assembly segment are verified.

Upholding Electoral Process Sanctity

The Supreme Court emphasized the significance of maintaining the electoral process's sanctity, stressing transparency and accountability. Upholding voter confidence and ensuring the integrity of the democratic process remain paramount.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The ECI's denial, coupled with the assurance of a detailed report, underscores the commitment to address concerns regarding election accuracy and fairness. Upholding transparency and accountability principles is crucial in safeguarding democratic foundations.