The Opposition has been alleging of manipulation of EVMs. Are they susceptible to it?These are two different questions – whether EVMs have been manipulated and if they can be manipulated. Since these matters are in court, the EC will come up with its explanation and let the courts decide. There have been over 40 cases in the courts on this. The court has given neither an opinion nor judgment against the EVMs or suggestions that EVMs are manipulated.On the question of whether the EVMs can be manipulated in the future, I feel that the EC, along with the stakeholders, must continuously review the systems to plug any loopholes.The Opposition wants 100% verification of VVPAT slips.Let the EC talk to the stakeholders, and if they think this will create confidence, then they can go for 100% counting of slips in one or two random assembly constituencies. The courts have increased VVPAT verification to five random EVMs in each Assembly segment, and no discrepancy has been found so far. The electoral process is about building confidence.How can the trust deficit between the EC and the Opposition be bridged?It’s about engaging with the stakeholders, taking their concerns seriously, and respond. Transparency will create more confidence.CEC and ECs appointment under the new law is being contested by the OppositionA more broad-based selection panel will create greater confidence.Your view on ‘One Nation, One Election’It is essential to consider whether the administrative gains or the management efficiency through simultaneous elections is beneficial. I don’t see how an election in Kerala or Nagaland affects any other state.The provisions in the draft bill say that in the event of a government falling in the middle of its tenure, there will be a new election, but it will be for a curtailed period. If they are still not ruling out the possibility of elections taking place, it’s of no advantage.
Source link
