Amidst the impending Lok Sabha elections in India, a glaring inadequacy in the electoral process concerning transparency and accountability has come to the forefront. The crux of the matter lies in the government’s persistent reluctance to heed the call for the comprehensive counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. This crucial measure is aimed at fortifying public trust in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and safeguarding the very essence of democracy.
The current protocol for VVPAT verification stipulates the examination of VVPAT slips from only a limited number of randomly selected EVMs in each assembly segment of a Lok Sabha constituency. This selective approach has drawn vehement criticism from opposing parties within the INDIA bloc, as well as civil society activists. They argue fervently that this method falls short of ensuring thorough scrutiny and fails to alleviate concerns regarding potential disparities between EVM and VVPAT counts.
Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the government’s response to the call for full VVPAT counting has been characterized by inertia and evasion. This lack of proactive engagement not only undermines the foundational principles of democracy but also casts doubts on the government’s commitment to facilitating free and fair elections.
The recent plea presented before the Supreme Court, spearheaded by Karnataka-based lawyer-activist Arun Kumar Agrawal, underscores the urgent imperative to rectify these deficiencies within the electoral framework. The petition passionately advocates for the holistic counting of VVPAT slips, emphasizing the significant investment made in procuring VVPAT machines and the non-negotiable necessity to uphold transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The issuance of a notice by the Supreme Court to the Election Commission of India serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary’s recognition of the gravity of the situation and its readiness to intervene to safeguard democratic principles.
The government’s reluctance to institute full VVPAT counting not only erodes public confidence in the electoral process but also fuels suspicions regarding the integrity of the government itself. By turning a blind eye to calls for transparency, the government risks further alienating the electorate and undermining the bedrock of democratic governance.
Public discontent over the government’s complacency has reached a fever pitch, with citizens and experts alike clamoring for urgent reforms to restore faith in the electoral process. The demand for comprehensive VVPAT counting has emerged as a rallying cry for democratic values and electoral integrity, transcending partisan divides and uniting citizens in their quest for a fair and transparent electoral mechanism.
As the Supreme Court deliberates on this critical matter, it holds the key to holding the government accountable and reaffirming the citizens’ inalienable right to free and fair elections. Only through an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability can India safeguard the sanctity of its democracy and uphold the principles of electoral integrity.
In summation, the call for complete VVPAT counting represents a watershed moment in India’s electoral landscape, where the government’s reluctance to ensure transparency threatens to undermine the very fabric of democracy. As citizens persist in advocating for electoral reform, it is incumbent upon the government to prioritize the interests of democracy over partisan considerations and take decisive action to fortify the integrity of the electoral process.
