India is the largest democracy in the world and every year millions of its citizens participate in elections. To keep the procession of electoral exercise hassle free, safe and more transparent, Election Commission of India (ECI) regularly makes reforms in its system, technology and rules. Recently, ECI introduced the modificXnsi following voter verification, EVM protocol and new polling rules.
These changes are intended to make voting more secure, to avoid voting errors and fraud and to enhance the overall experience of voters at the polling place.The press release has stirred up a firestorm across the nation because it provides significant changes to voters and election officials. This announcement comes as the country is preparing for a string of state elections and possibly a general election in the near future.
Evolving with the times and with increasing voter awareness and evolving technology, ECI identified that its highest priority would be to ensure transparency, safety and trust in the voting process. The newly unveiled plans including advanced encryption technology to protect voter data, new rules of handling EVMs and making polling stations more youth-friendly particularly for senior citizens and first-time voters.
Voter authentication process revised for greater integrity
A few of the more notable changes in this press release have to do with voter verification. ECI has also said that every voter needs to verify his identity and his voter record well before the day of polling. This will also help in curbing multiple entries, stale voter information and fake voter ids. Instead of relying on voter ID cards alone, the new system will allow for Aadhaar authentication, mobile number linking, and address verification.
The ECI has also announced a special national voter verification campaign to be launched after the final publication of the electoral rolls, during which booth-level officers (BLOs) will visit homes to help people update their voter information. Individuals can also proceed with verification online through the ECI’s services, including the Voter Helpline App, the NVSP portal as well as the Voter Seva Kendra.
The intent of this update is to weed out the bogus names from the electoral rolls so that all the rightful electors get themselves registered to vote, and no ineligible name remains in the list.
Newly married women, migrant workers, students living in hostels and unmarried women gets special focus as these sections of people find it difficult to get their particulars updated. ECI expects its enhanced system to deliver the most accurate voter lists ever.
EVM protocol bolstered to curb tampering
The Indian election would not be what it is today without Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). They are considered highly reliable and tamper-proof, but some myths and allegations get viral on social media occasionally. To this end, the press release describes a series of new stretches the new protocols to ensure further EVM security.
The ECI has said that every EVM will be subjected to multi-level checks before and after polling. New guidelines take effect from July 1:
● Enhanced physical sealing and barcoding on the EVM units
● EVM transportation vehicle to be equipped with GPS tracking
● EVM storage and transportation to be filmed by mandatory video recording
● Randomization scheme for Machineto be assigned to processors at the eleventh hour to prevent prior machin manipulation
It also observed that VVPAT (voter verified paper audit trail) slips were crucial. But they have to be cut from the printed roll after the polling so that they can be counted and matched with the paper trail of votes. In view of stronger transparency and public confidence, the number of the required verifications of the VVPAT slips post-poll has been increased.
The ECI guaranteed that “EVMs are completely safe and cannot be hacked because they are stand-alone units they are not connected to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the internet in any shape or form.” The revised protocol is intended to dispel myths about EVM safety and restore voter confidence.
New rules at the polls to improve the voting experience
The latest press release also unveils a slew of new rules that will significantly streamline the voting process and make it more user-friendly. Voters have long complained of long lines and confusion at polling places. DNEW Delhi the ECI has been planning the polling day instructions in detail to avoid this.
Polling booths will now have better signages to direct voters more easily. There will be more than one help desks to help citizens check their polling booth number and their place in the queue. Furthermore, the ECI has stressed the significance of a barrier free voting for the visually impaired.
Highlights of the new guidelines are:
- Separate lines for elderly, pregnant and disabled persons
- Priority voting for something like-abled voters and octogenarians(80 years and above)
- Wheelchair and volunteers are available at booths if necessary
- Drinking water, restrooms and resting areas for voters lined up
Another significant regulation is the introduction of digital queue system in some urban polling stations. Voters can view their projected time in line online before arriving at the station. This is a pilot scheme and if it proves to be successful, it will be extended across the country.
ECI Concentrates on Voter Awareness and Education
Commission The commission also acknowledged that there is still considerable confusion among people about the process of voting, the qualifications for voting, and what services can be accessed under its digital umbrella. To address this, the press release announces new plans for voter-awareness drives at schools, colleges and in public spaces.
Volunteers and ECI ambassadors will also disseminate information about registration, postal ballots, voter rights and the need to exercise the franchise. The Commission will also organize a nation-wide anti-misinformation drive on TV, radio, newspapers and on social media to encourage responsible civic engagement.
Special programs will be conducted for:
- Newly turned 18 first-time voters
- Women voters in remote areasThe ECI has a number of special programmes running)
- Older people who find it difficult to travel
- Registered Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters who are desirous of voting from foreign countries in future
ECI “When voters are informed, when voters are aware and when voters are responsible, elections get stronger,” said the ECI.
Postal Ballots and Home Voting Services Further Expanded
Another major change announced in the press release is the expansion of postal ballots and home voting services. Previously, postal ballots were available only to government employees and armed forces personnel. Now a greater number of eligible voters will have the chance to cast their ballots at home.
This includes:
- Senior citizens over 85 years of age
- People with disabilities
- Patients suffering from certified long-term illness
- Poll day-essential services workers like metro staff, nurses and emergency services personnel
The voters allowed to so can apply for home voting in advance. They will then go to the voter’s home with a special box and make sure the vote is taken in secret. It is seen as a major step towards boosting the participation of senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
Training of Polling Staff shall be so designed as to ensure that there is no scope for errors.
ECI has also announced that there would be high-level training for the polling staff to enable a smooth conduct of all these changes. Every official on election duty would undergo refresher training on verification of voters, handling of EVMs, emergency procedures and security of voters.
The ECI said it was human error “should never come in the way of democratic rights” so officials on polling day must be empowered to “deal with all manner of situations with equanimity and confidence”.10.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based surveillance will also be deployed to spot irregular crowding, violence-prone locations and illegal campaigning within the vicinity of polling stations.
ECI Reassures the Nation
Toward the end of its press release, the Election Commission offered a comfort to voters: Its only goal is to conduct a free, fair, safe and transparent election. Be it through enhanced voter identity verification, more stringent EVM protocols or new rules for polling, each reform has been crafted with public safety and confidence in mind.
The ECI assured voters that they should have full confidence in the conduct of the elections and should not rely on any rumors or misleading social media posts etc. With these major upgrades, the elections are expected to be more secure, more organized, and more voter-friendly than ever before.
Conclusion
The announcement by the Election Commission of India is a historic step for the modernisation of the Indian electoral system. ECI has shown its commitment to ensure sacrosanct democracy by enhancing voter verification, upgrading EVM security protocol and bringing in new polling rules.
These changes will empower every eligible voter to vote comfortably, confidently and without the fear of being manipulated. The true strength of democracy is in an active public participation and with these changes India is headed for a stronger, more transparent and digitally enabled election experience.