Lok Sabha Elections: What Is VVPAT, What Are Its Advantages And Challenges

VVPAT is an independent system attached to the EVMs that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.

VVPAT is an independent system attached to the EVMs that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.

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Lok Sabha Elections: VVPAT, an acronym for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, is an essential component of the modern voting system. VVPAT is an independent system attached to the Electronic Voting Machines that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.

When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name, and symbol of the candidate and remains exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds. Thereafter, this printed slip automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT. It provides tangible feedback to voters by generating a paper trail of their vote, ensuring that their selections align with their intentions.

One of the primary purposes of VVPAT is to detect and deter election fraud or technical malfunctions. The printed VVPAT slip contains the name of the candidate chosen by the voter, along with their respective party symbol. This tangible representation of the vote serves as a reliable reference point for both voters and electoral authorities.

During elections, VVPAT machines are deployed alongside EVMs to verify the accuracy of the voting process. This additional layer of verification becomes particularly crucial in instances where concerns regarding EVM tampering arise.

As per the Election Commission, a mandatory verification of printed VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling stations in each assembly constituency or segment is conducted before declaring results for elections to the House of the People.

Advantages Of VVPAT

• With the use of VVPAT, a voter can check that his vote is cast as per his wishes. 
• VVPAT provides tangible feedback to voters by generating a paper trail of their vote
• Voters can verify their votes before casting ballots which helps to eliminate chances of electoral fraud and rigging. 

Challenges With VVPAT

A big challenge if there is any with VVPAT is that, the printed slip containing the serial number, name, and symbol of the candidate remains exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds only. Last year in December, the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc voiced concerns over the integrity of EVMs and recommended the handing over of VVPAT slips to voters for 100% counting later.

The proposal was part of a resolution adopted during the alliance's fourth meeting in which leaders of 28 opposition parties participated.

The resolution highlighted that despite submitting a detailed memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI) with specific questions about EVM design and operation, the poll body has not responded to their concerns. The I.N.D.I.A. parties emphasised the need to address doubts raised by experts and professionals regarding the functioning of EVMs.