In the heart of Nagpur, India, government staff are making a pre-poll push to raise awareness about electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verified audit trail (VVPAT) machines. This effort comes amidst the Congress party’s criticism of the Election Commission for not allowing for 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines in the election process.

The Pre-Poll Drive: Bridging the Gap Between Citizens and Technology

As the date for the upcoming elections inches closer, the city of Nagpur has become a hub of activity. Government staff members have set up 12 sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines across the city, inviting passers-by to try their hand at voting. This initiative, aimed at familiarizing citizens with the technology behind the voting process, is part of a larger campaign to increase transparency and accountability in the voting system.

The Demand for Increased Transparency: VVPAT and the Supreme Court’s Request

The Congress party has been vocal in its criticism of the Election Commission’s decision not to allow for 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines in the election process. In response to this criticism, the Supreme Court has requested the EC to increase the number of election booths with VVPAT slip matching. This move has been welcomed by many as a step towards increased transparency and accountability in the voting system.

The Citizens’ Voice: Suggestions and Concerns

As part of the pre-poll drive, a register is being maintained to note down the name, phone number, and suggestions of those who participate. Many of the suggestions received so far have focused on counting votes based on VVPAT slips in addition to EVMs, and bringing back ballot papers. These suggestions reflect a growing concern among citizens about the transparency and reliability of the voting process.

The pre-poll drive, which began on February 1st, will continue until February 29th. As the date for the upcoming elections draws closer, the demand for increased transparency and accountability in the voting system is likely to grow louder. With the Supreme Court’s involvement and the Congress party’s criticism, the Election Commission is under pressure to respond to these concerns. The use of VVPAT machines and the counting of votes based on VVPAT slips could be a significant step towards increasing transparency and restoring public trust in the voting process.

Key Points:

• Government staff in Nagpur are conducting a pre-poll drive to raise awareness about EVMs and VVPAT machines.
• The drive involves setting up 12 sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines across the city for passers-by to try.
• The Congress party has criticized the Election Commission for not allowing for 100% VVPAT machines in the election process.
• The Supreme Court has requested the EC to increase the number of election booths with VVPAT slip matching.
• Many suggestions received during the pre-poll drive have focused on counting votes based on VVPAT slips in addition to EVMs and bringing back ballot papers.

As the date for the upcoming elections draws closer, the demand for increased transparency and accountability in the voting system is likely to grow louder. With the Supreme Court’s involvement and the Congress party’s criticism, the Election Commission is under pressure to respond to these concerns. The use of VVPAT machines and the counting of votes based on VVPAT slips could be a significant step towards increasing transparency and restoring public trust in the voting process.