Why is it in the news?
- In late 2022, the ECI proposed a Remote EVM (R-EVM) to address issues related to domestic migrant voting.
- The goal was to improve the 67.4% voter turnout in the 2019 general elections.
About Remote Voting
- Refers to voting from locations other than the registered polling station, including both electronic and non-electronic methods.
Need for Remote Voting
- Enable migrants to vote, as they often move away from their registered constituencies.
- Address the decrease in voting turnout, which can be substantial.
- Accommodate the increasing registrations of unorganized workers.
- Ensure access to the vote, especially for those registered in other constituencies.
Issues with Remote Voting
Security and Integrity
- Vulnerability to hacking, fraud, and manipulation.
- Threat to the accuracy and reliability of election results.
Accessibility
- Unequal access to technology and internet.
- Challenges in delivering mail-in ballots to remote areas.
Veracity and Verification
- Voter verification systems may produce false positives or negatives.
- Risk of facilitating fraud or disenfranchising citizens.
Internet Connection & Malware Security
- Dependence on reliable internet connections.
- Vulnerability to software errors or malware.
Impact on Elections
- Potential to favour larger parties and wealthier candidates.
Way Forward
- Ensure the system maintains election integrity and prevents manipulation.
- Gain the trust and acceptance of voters, political parties, and election machinery.
- Build confidence in the security, integrity, and accuracy of the system.
- Implement secure and tamper-proof technology with encryption and authentication measures.
- Develop robust voter verification mechanisms.
- Establish clear rules for verifying vote accuracy and transparency.
- Conduct voter education and awareness campaigns.
- Create a strong legal framework outlining rules, procedures, and responsibilities for remote voting.