Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, defended the credibility and transparency of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while announcing the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Kumar emphasized that EVMs have undergone extensive testing and have earned the trust of India’s judiciary, including endorsements from the highest courts on 42 separate occasions.
EVMs: Proven Reliability and Judicial Endorsements
Responding to long-standing allegations of EVM manipulation, Kumar dismissed such claims as baseless and reiterated the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) commitment to free and fair elections.
“EVMs are not hackable. Every claim of manipulation has been thoroughly investigated and debunked,” he said. “On 42 occasions, the judiciary has reaffirmed its trust in EVMs. These machines symbolize years of technological evolution and are a matter of national pride.” Kumar also pointed out that the ECI prioritizes accountability and transparency in all electoral processes.
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Kumar announced a significant milestone for India’s democracy, revealing that India’s voter base has surpassed 99 crores for the first time following the Special Summary Revision (SSR) conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Punjab. The results of the SSR were declared today.
Highlighting the increased representation of women in the electoral process, Kumar noted that the number of women voters is expected to reach approximately 48 crores.
A Global Perspective
The CEC also drew attention to the global significance of India’s elections, stating that in 2024, two-thirds of the world’s population will participate in various elections worldwide, showcasing the importance of India’s democratic exercise on a global scale.
Addressing Allegations
Rajiv Kumar reiterated that the ECI’s efforts have consistently maintained the highest standards of electoral integrity. “EVMs have repeatedly withstood judicial scrutiny and technical evaluations, ensuring free and fair elections across the nation,” he said.
This assertion comes amid allegations by various political parties questioning EVMs’ reliability. Kumar underscored that transparency and technological evolution remain at the forefront of the ECI’s mandate, ensuring public trust in the electoral process.
A Strong Message to Critics
“Random accusations won’t suffice,” Kumar said, urging critics to base their claims on facts rather than conjecture. This statement aligns with remarks made by TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee earlier, who criticized opposition parties for levying baseless accusations against the EVMs without presenting substantive evidence.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the ECI’s emphasis on technology and voter empowerment stands as a testament to its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
