Case Study on 'Technology and Elections in the World’s Largest Democracy'

Abstract

This case study examines the process of elections in India, and the process of introduction of stand-alone Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) into it, starting from 1970s into it. Other than comparing the technology, operating features and conditions, credibility issues of Indian EVMs in comparison to their global counter-parts; this case study uniquely presents important decision dilemma to local and global policy-makers in following few key areas:1. Keeping in mind the occasional credibility issues that Indian EVM faces in local media, despite certain judicial clearances to it so far; since 2009 - few ruling in Europe have gone against Electronic Voting Machines as democracy is too important to be trusted to black box technology alone. Though Indian EVMs operate fundamentally on different and simplified technology; the steadfast refusal of Election Commission of India to allow any to take away sample EBMs for few days and prove its vulnerability raises questions. However, ground level conditions in India are significantly different from Germany or Netherlands. Keeping these pros and cons in mind - the case asks ECIs choice and continuance of EVMs in India.2. The other part of the case dwells on the process of election - how it happened with ballot-papers prior to EVMs and now with EVMs. Any process - business or government process - must undergo required changes while introducing major technology. The case asks that other than questioning alone the reliability of the EVMs, it is also important to look at the electioneering process with EVMs. This is more so because of the huge number of personnel who have access to these stand-alone EVMs.