Cong hails SC notice to EC on VVPAT count.
VVPAT is a standalone system allowing voters to verify if their vote was recorded accurately in the election process.
New Delhi: The Congress party has welcomed the Supreme Court’s notice to the Election Commission and the Central Government, regarding a plea for a comprehensive count of VVPAT slips. The party considers this notice to be an “important first step” in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
In a statement issued, the Congress emphasized the significance of the matter, asserting that it should be resolved before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections commence. The party has long advocated for increased transparency and accountability in elections, particularly through the verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.
VVPAT serves as an independent verification system, allowing voters to ensure that their vote has been accurately recorded. The Congress believes that a complete count of VVPAT slips is crucial for maintaining the trust of the electorate in the democratic process.
The plea before the Supreme Court highlights the importance of a thorough examination of VVPAT slips to uphold the sanctity of elections. The Congress party has reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring fair and transparent elections.
The Supreme Court’s intervention in this matter has been lauded by the Congress, as it underscores the importance of addressing concerns related to electoral integrity promptly and effectively. The party remains hopeful that the Court’s scrutiny will lead to concrete measures that enhance the credibility and reliability of the electoral process in India.
In a recent post on social media platform X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the Supreme Court’s notice to the Election Commission regarding the issue of VVPATs. Ramesh emphasized that the Election Commission had repeatedly declined to meet with a delegation of leaders from the INDIA (bloc) party, who have been advocating for 100 percent VVPATs.
According to Ramesh, the demand for complete VVPAT verification is aimed at bolstering public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. He reiterated the party’s stance that ensuring the transparency and credibility of elections is crucial for a healthy democracy.
The Congress leader’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts by the party to promote electoral reforms and enhance the accountability of the Election Commission. The plea for comprehensive VVPAT usage has been a consistent demand from the INDIA (bloc) party leaders, who seek to address concerns about the accuracy and reliability of EVMs.
Ramesh’s statement reflects the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to promoting electoral transparency and fairness. The Supreme Court’s notice to the Election Commission is seen as a significant development in the quest for ensuring greater scrutiny and accountability in the electoral process. The party hopes that the Court’s intervention will lead to positive steps towards enhancing public trust in the electoral system of the country.
The Supreme Court, on Monday, has requested responses from both the Election Commission and the Central Government regarding a plea advocating for a comprehensive count of VVPAT slips during polls. This plea stands in contrast to the current practice, where only five randomly selected Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are verified using VVPAT paper slips.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh hailed the court’s notice as an “important first step” towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. However, he emphasized that for this notice to hold significance, the matter should be resolved before the elections commence.
The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) serves as an autonomous system for voters to verify the accuracy of their cast votes. It allows an elector to visually confirm whether their vote was recorded correctly. Upon casting a vote, the VVPAT generates a paper slip displaying the chosen candidate’s name and symbol. Afterward, it is automatically cut and falls into a sealed container within the VVPAT machine.
In the event of a dispute or challenge to the election results, these sealed VVPAT paper slips can be opened and tallied to verify the electronic results. This serves as an additional layer of transparency and verification in the electoral process, ensuring that voter intent is accurately captured.
The demand for a complete count of VVPAT slips reflects a growing call for enhanced transparency and trust-building measures in the electoral system. By advocating for a comprehensive verification process, political leaders like Ramesh aim to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and uphold the democratic principles of free and fair elections. The Supreme Court’s attention to this matter is seen as a positive step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring the credibility of India’s electoral framework.
On April 8, 2019, the Supreme Court issued a significant order directing the Election Commission to enhance the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) subjected to Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) physical verification from one to five per assembly segment within a parliamentary constituency. This decision was part of ongoing efforts to bolster transparency and accountability in India’s electoral process.
In a recent development, a bench consisting of justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta acknowledged the arguments presented by lawyers representing activist Arun Kumar Agrawal.
This new plea has prompted the Supreme Court to issue notices to both the Election Commission (EC) and the central government. The case is expected to be listed for hearing on May 17, highlighting the urgency and significance of the matter.
The introduction of VVPATs in India’s electoral process marked a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity and transparency of elections. VVPATs provide voters with a tangible and verifiable paper trail of their cast votes, allowing them to confirm whether their vote was recorded accurately.
By increasing the number of EVMs subjected to VVPAT physical verification per assembly segment, the Supreme Court aimed to enhance the credibility of election results and strengthen public trust in the electoral system. This move was seen as a response to growing demands for greater scrutiny and verification mechanisms in the wake of concerns about the reliability of EVMs.
Arun Kumar Agrawal’s plea for a complete count of VVPAT slips aligns with the broader goal of ensuring the accuracy and transparency of election outcomes. The demand for a comprehensive verification process reflects a shared commitment among activists and concerned citizens to safeguard the democratic principles of free and fair elections.
As the case progresses, it is anticipated to shed light on the evolving landscape of electoral reforms in India. The Supreme Court’s attention to this matter underscores the importance of addressing concerns related to electoral integrity and the need for robust mechanisms to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.