EVM, short for Electronic Voting Machine, is a tool to register electronically and tally votes during elections. Here is all you need to know.
On March 16, the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections, along with the Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. The Lok Sabha 2024 elections are scheduled from April 19 to June 1, spanning seven phases.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) revolutionise the voting process by streamlining the casting of votes, resulting in faster and more efficient procedures. Additionally, they facilitate rapid vote counting and result announcement. Despite previous concerns regarding their vulnerability to tampering and security breaches, modern EVMs now feature enhanced security measures.
The inclusion of a securely sealed chip within the EVM program prevents unauthorised modifications, thereby safeguarding against potential fraud. With the capacity to register only the initial button pressed, EVMs ensure that each individual can cast only one vote, maintaining a limit of five votes per minute. Moreover, EVMs can accommodate up to 64 candidates in a single constituency, with the recorded votes stored for a duration of 10 years.
What Is An EVM?
EVM, short for Electronic Voting Machine, serves as a tool to electronically register and tally votes during elections. In India, the Electronic Voting Machine system is known as ECI-EVM, meaning an EVM specifically designed, manufactured and used for Elections as per election procedure and rules framed by the Election Commission of India and documented in manual on EVM, to differentiate it from EVMs used in other countries.
Where Are The EVMs Manufactured? Are They Imported?
EVMs/VVPATs are not imported but are instead developed and produced domestically by two Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Ministry of Defence and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy. This process occurs under the supervision of the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) established by the Election Commission of India.
How Are EVMs Better Than Ballot Papers?
EVMs play a pivotal role in environmental conservation by minimising the use of paper. These machines operate on batteries, ensuring uninterrupted voting without dependence on electricity.
Are EVMs Safe?
The Election Commission of India has put in place an elaborate administrative system of security measures and procedural checks-and-balances aimed at the prevention of any possible misuse or procedural lapses in the use of EVMs and VVPATs in elections to the State Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies.
