SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS
1. Context
Even as the Law Commission is now close to finalising its report on the conduct of simultaneous polls, the Election Commission (EC), in its meeting with members of the law panel earlier this year, is learnt to have underlined the need for a “definite lead time” of up to a year before implementation, citing “steep” logistical challenges in manufacturing voting machines.
2. About Simultaneous elections
Simultaneous elections(One Nation One Election) in India refer to the idea of holding the Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and state legislative assembly elections across the country at the same time, rather than the current system of staggered elections where polls are held at different times for different states and union territories. This concept has been a topic of discussion and debate in Indian politics for several years.
Key characteristics related to simultaneous elections in India:
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Current Election System: India follows a federal system of government, which means that elections are held separately for the Lok Sabha (federal parliament) and state legislative assemblies. Furthermore, the terms of different state assemblies can vary, leading to elections happening at different times across the country.
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Arguments in Favor:
- Cost and Resource Efficiency: Conducting elections at different times is expensive and requires significant resources. Simultaneous elections could save time and money.
- Stability and Governance: Proponents argue that simultaneous elections can provide more political stability and allow governments to focus on governance instead of frequent election campaigning.
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Challenges and Concerns:
- Constitutional Hurdles: Implementing simultaneous elections would require constitutional amendments, as the terms of state assemblies cannot be easily synchronized with the Lok Sabha.
- Logistical Challenges: Organizing simultaneous elections for a country as vast and diverse as India is a complex logistical challenge.
- Impact on Regional Parties: Smaller regional parties are concerned that simultaneous elections might undermine their ability to campaign effectively.
2. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are electronic devices used for voting in elections, primarily in India. EVMs have become an integral part of the electoral process in many countries, offering several advantages over traditional paper ballot systems
EVMs were introduced in India in the 1980s as a replacement for the traditional paper ballot system. The aim was to make the voting process more efficient, transparent, and less prone to electoral fraud
Key characteristics of EVMs:
Components of an EVM:
- Control Unit: This is the main unit of the EVM. It is operated by a polling officer and manages the authentication of voters.
- Balloting Unit: This unit is where voters cast their votes. It is connected to the control unit and displays the list of candidates and their respective symbols
Working of EVMs
- When a voter casts their vote by pressing the button next to their chosen candidate's name, the EVM records the vote electronically.
- EVMs are designed to ensure secrecy and prevent double voting.
- After the election, the data stored in the EVMs is used to tally the votes
Challenges
- EVMs are designed with multiple layers of security to prevent tampering or hacking.
- They use a one-time programmable (OTP) chip to store voting data securely.
- Before and after elections, EVMs are subject to rigorous testing and sealing to ensure their integrity
3.Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (or VVPAT)
- Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines are used during election process to verify that the vote polled by a voter goes to the correct candidate.
- VVPATs are a second line of verification and are particularly useful in the time when allegations around Electronic Voting Machines’ tampering crop up.
- Parties have been making regular demands for VVPATs to be used during elections after alleging EVMs may not be completely secure and tamper proof.
VVPAT system gives instant feedback to the voter showing that the vote polled has in fact been allotted against the candidate chosen. - After a voter presses the button on the EVM against the chosen candidate, the VVPAT prints a slip containing name of the candidate and the election symbol and drops it automatically into a sealed box. The machines give the chance for the voter to verify their vote.
- The machine is placed in a glass case in a way that only the voter can see it. The slip is displayed to the voter for seven seconds after which the VVPAT machine cuts it and drops in into the storage box with a beep. The machines can be accessed, though, by the polling officials and not by the voter.
4. Way forward
If elections were to be held simultaneously in 2029, the EC would require a total of 53.76 lakh ballot units, 38.67 lakh control units, and 41.65 lakh VVPATs. The anticipated shortfall is 26.55 lakh ballot units, 17.78 lakh control units and 17.79 lakh VVPATs, for which the government would need to allocate close to Rs 8,000 crore. The increased demand for voting machines and VVPATs in 2029 is due to the growing number of voters and polling stations. The latter is expected to increase from 11.8 lakh in 2024 to 13.57 lakh in 2029
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance
For Mains: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
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Previous Year Questions
1. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system was used for the first time by the Election Commission of India in (UPSC CSE 2019)
A. North Paravur Assembly Constituency
B. Kerala Noksen Assembly Constituency
C. Nagaland Mapusa Assembly Constituency, Goa
D. Nambol Assembly Constituency, Manipur
Answer (B)
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Source: indianexpress
