Constitutional Courts Affirm Credibility 40 Times: What Poll Panel Chief Said About EVMs

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections on March 16, emphasizing the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs). He stated that constitutional courts had upheld the safety and reliability of EVMs 40 times. In response to concerns about EVMs, Mr. Kumar highlighted that all relevant cases had been rejected by the courts. Furthermore, Mr. Kumar pointed out that there is a chart showing the number of times ruling parties have lost after voting on EVMs, suggesting that political parties recognize the fairness of the electoral process.

He stressed that EVMs are 100% safe and sure, indicating that political parties operate based on the fairness facilitated by EVMs. In a poetic defense of the electronic voting process, Mr. Kumar expressed that if the EVM could speak, it would maintain the modesty of those who criticized it. He added that blaming the EVM for unfulfilled desires is unjust and that criticism should be meaningful and constructive. The current method allows for cross-verification of five randomly selected EVMs in each Assembly constituency, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.

Justice Datta emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony and trust among all pillars of democracy while acknowledging the need for constructive criticism. In conclusion, the strong endorsement of EVMs by the Chief Election Commissioner and the affirmation of their credibility by the constitutional courts emphasize the safety and reliability of the electronic voting process.