Elections Via Ballot Papers - Credible?

Electronic Voting Machine ( EVM) is under many consequences. Many opposition parties are demanding Ballot Papers again in order to maintain fair judgements of elections. In India, since 2004 Loksabha Elections are completely being conducted via EVM only. By the way, trials were already started since 1998 during Rajya Sabha Elections.

One of the officers of Election Commission of India informally discussed that "It been quite shocking that the oppositions who were blaming Booth Capturing and unfair results during the era of Ballot Papers are now again want to indulge in same practices."The need for reintroduction ofballot paper arises due to sever complaints made by oppositions that, " Whether you press any button on EVM vote will go to BJP only." Oppositions might be right at their place but there is no doubt in claiming that the end of Ballot paper league has resulted at the end of violence during Elections. The era of EVM has also guaranteed a peaceful environment for Elections which has led to a significant increase in the number of voters especially females and young voters.

Reasons why elections through ballot have banned?

• 'Muscle Power' was encouraging. The more voters used to be present, it would be easy for Booth Capturing and thus making false votes were quite easy. Due to the arrival of EVM, only one machine is available on one booth. Whatever may be the crowd for Booth Capturing, making false votes can't be easy.

Folding of Ballot paper may result in spreading of Stamp's ink which marked questions on the validity of votes.

• Because of EVM not only counting the votes become easy but also it almost put an end to the fake votes. In case of controversy, all votes can be seen through EVM.

• It was very common by the weaker candidate to put water on the ballot box. As stamps on ballot papers were marked through ink, that's why no other option was available other than to cancel the Election.

• Violence was increasing election by election. A number of people who were dying during the election due to violence were kept on increasing. Also, it resulted in an increase in the expenditure of Government.

• Counting the votes through ballot usually took a lot of time. To declare the result of an individual seat of Loksabha's Election usually took 48 to 72 hours. If Election Commission ordered recounting of votes in case of controversy, it usually took the same time.