Malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

Context- Many states had flagged the malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the 2019 Lok Sabha ballots as per the documents obtained through the Right to Information.

About Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

• Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a simple electronic device used to document votes in place of ballot papers and boxes which have been used earlier in conventional voting systems.
• The use of EVM commenced back in 1982 Kerala Assembly elections. Prior to this only ballot papers and ballot boxes were allowed.

How does the machine work?

• EVM has two components, it consists of a ‘control unit’ and a balloting unit’, connected by a five-meter cable.
• The control unit is with the Election Commission-appointed voting officer and it works as the brain of the EVM.
• The balloting unit is in the voting compartment into which the voter enters to cast the vote in secret by pressing the button against the name and symbol of the candidate of her choice.
  • The balloting unit is turned on only after the voting officer presses the ‘Ballot’ button on it.
• The EVM runs on a 6 volt single alkaline battery geared up inside the control unit, and might also be used in areas that have no electricity.

Production and design

• There are only two Indian PSUs that manufacture EVM machines;
  • Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) and
  • Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).
• The secret source code is only accessible to a few engineers.

How long can EVM be used?

• EVMs have a life of 15 years. Chips that have the code need to be crushed in the presence of an officer of EC.
• Even CU, BU show gadgets are eliminated from the plastic holding and are crushed.

What is malfunctioning of EVMs?

• Malfunction or breakdown of EVMs doesn’t imply they’re open to rigging or tampering.
• Like any system, EVMs too can malfunction. However, common instances of breakdown can result in interruptions in voting, slowing down the technique and doubtlessly affecting voter turnout.
• To ensure the functionality of EVMs, First-level check (FLC) is executed.

First-stage test (FLC)

• FLC is the initial technical examination of the EVM’s Ballot Unit (BU) and Control Unit (CU) as well as the Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
• This technique is conducted by using engineers inside the six months leading up to the Lok Sabha polls at the district level under the supervision of a District Election Officer (DEO).
• If any EVM component malfunctions at some stage in the FLC, it is returned to the manufacturers.

Source: Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question:

Q.What are the benefits of using EVM over paper ballots? What are the concerns in this regard? (250 words)

UPSC Prelims Practice Question:

Q.Consider the following statements: (2020)

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Ans: “d”

 

 

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