In a united front, the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc has voiced concerns over the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and recommended the handing over of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (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.
"INDIA parties reiterate that there are many doubts on the integrity of the functioning of the EVMs. These have been raised by many experts and professionals as well. Our suggestion is simple: Instead of the VVPAT slip falling in the box, it should be handed over to the voter who shall then place it in a separate ballot box after having verified his or her choice. 100% counting of VVPAT slips should then be done," stated the unanimously adopted resolution, shared by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
According to the opposition bloc, this proposed process will enhance public confidence in the fairness and transparency of elections. The leaders of various opposition parties convened to discuss concerns related to EVMs, particularly in the aftermath of the recent state assembly election victories by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They deemed it essential for the entire opposition coalition to jointly address the matter before the public.
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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.