As Tulsi Gabbard Backs Paper Ballots, Poll Body Sources Provide EVM Clarification

### Election Commission Affirms Security of Indian EVMs

#### Introduction

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has firmly dismissed concerns regarding the potential vulnerability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to hacking attempts. According to sources from the Commission, these machines are designed to function like basic calculators and are not linked to the internet or any wireless technologies, ensuring their security during elections.

#### International Concerns and Indian Assurance

The discussion around the security of electronic voting systems gained traction following comments by United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. She mentioned that her office had found evidence of vulnerabilities in electronic voting systems used in some countries, which could potentially manipulate votes. However, the sources from the Election Commission clarified that the systems referred to by Gabbard include a variety of networks and processes, some of which do involve internet connectivity.

In contrast, India’s EVMs are standalone devices, described as “simple, correct, and accurate calculators,” that are not connected to the internet, WiFi, or infrared, thereby significantly reducing the risk of external interference or hacking.

#### Legal and Procedural Safeguards

The reliability of EVMs in India has been tested and validated through legal scrutiny by the Supreme Court. Additionally, political parties are involved in rigorous checks at various stages of the election process. One of the critical procedures includes conducting “mock polls” before the actual voting begins, ensuring that the machines are functioning correctly.

Furthermore, the Commission highlighted that over five crore paper trail machine slips have been verified and matched during the counting process, all conducted in the presence of political party representatives to ensure transparency and accuracy.

#### Global Perspectives and Criticisms

Last year, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk voiced concerns over the use of EVMs, suggesting they could be vulnerable to hacking by humans or artificial intelligence (AI). Responding to such claims, the then Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, emphasized the differences between India’s EVMs and the electronic voting mechanisms used in other countries, particularly the US.

Kumar pointed out that while some experts question the integrity of EVMs, India is capable of completing its vote counting process within a single day, whereas other nations, like the US, may take over a month. He also noted that the narratives around EVMs often cater to specific agendas and perspectives.

#### Conclusion

The Election Commission’s reaffirmation underscores India’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of its electoral process. By ensuring that EVMs remain impervious to internet-based threats and involving multiple layers of scrutiny and verification, India aims to uphold the credibility of its elections amid global concerns about electronic voting security.