EVM machinations

As the general election results trickled in,they were accompanied by loud stage whispers about winning parties having hacked the vote. Those suspicions grew in volume and pitch as sore losers of every political stripe declared their disbelief in the sound functioning of electronic voting machines. So the Election Commission took the proactive decision to invite all parties to come and demonstrate their allegations,with randomly selected EVMs from various parts of the country,in the presence of technical experts and EVM manufacturers. None of these conscientious objectors showed up then,and the few individuals who did came away with their misgivings cleared.

Since the 80s,Indias EVMs have been manufactured by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited Department of Atomic Energy and Bharat Electronics Limited Ministry of Defence. In fact,this round of complaints is just an old whine in a new bottle: from V.P. Singh onwards,politicians have alleged that the machines were vulnerable,and subjected them to relentless tests. Finally,their transparency and ease of use won them over. Unlike Americas famously leaky Diebold machines,these are standalone devices,not connected to any network and not open to any inputs. The EVM chip is one-time programmable,burnt-in at the time of manufacture; it cannot be overwritten. The handling procedures are equally rigorous: they are installed and sealed in the presence of candidates,and randomised twice over. The machines are under 24215;7 video surveillance,and various party supporters guard the strongroom where theyre stored.

But these cold facts dont seem to stop disgruntled parties,from the BJP to CPM to PMK to LJP,from claiming tampering at least this time,when they lost. Raising questions about the integrity of elections is dead serious. It strikes at the very heart of our democratic success. The EC enjoys immense public credibility; take them on,then you better have backup. About time they either offer clinching proof that EVMs have been tampered with,or for ever hold their peace.