Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Description
Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Description: In the vast and diverse democratic landscape of India, the introduction of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system marks a significant advancement in the electoral process. This technology aims to enhance the transparency, accuracy, and reliability of elections, thereby boosting voter confidence in the electoral outcomes. Let's break down what VVPAT is, its importance, and its impact on the Indian electoral system, all in simple terms.
Why in News?
In March 2023, the Association for Democratic Reforms had filed a petition before the apex court saying that to ensure free and fair elections, the tally from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) should be cross-verified with the VVPATs. To make sure that this process is carried out as fast as possible, ADR suggested the use of barcodes on VVPAT slips.
VVPAT stands for Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail. It's a mechanism that allows voters to verify if their vote has been cast correctly.
When you vote using an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the VVPAT system generates a paper slip. This slip shows the symbol of the party you voted for, allowing you to see for yourself that your vote has been accurately recorded. After you've seen the slip, it automatically drops into a sealed box, ensuring that it can't be tampered with.
Why VVPAT Matters?
- Transparency and Trust
The primary purpose of VVPAT is to make the voting process as transparent as possible. By allowing voters to verify their own votes, it builds trust in the electoral system. Voters can leave the polling booth with confidence that their vote has been correctly recorded and counted.
- Error Checking
Errors and malfunctions can occur in any system, including EVMs. VVPAT provides a way to cross-check the electronic tally with the paper slips, ensuring that the final count is accurate. If there's a discrepancy between the EVM count and the paper slip count, the paper slips can be used for a recount.
- Deterrent to Tampering
Knowing that every vote is backed up by a paper slip that can be manually counted makes it much harder for anyone looking to tamper with the election results. The existence of VVPAT acts as a strong deterrent to fraud and manipulation.
How VVPAT Works?
1. Voting: When you press the button on the EVM for your chosen candidate, the VVPAT machine, which is connected to the EVM, gets activated.
2. Paper Slip Generation: The VVPAT then prints a paper slip containing the name, symbol, and serial number of the candidate you voted for.
3. Verification: This slip is visible to you through a transparent window on the VVPAT machine for about 7 seconds, giving you time to verify if it accurately reflects your choice.
4. Collection: After you've seen the slip, it automatically falls into a sealed drop box attached to the VVPAT machine, ensuring it cannot be tampered with.
Why are VVPAT slips of only five polling booths randomly counted?
To determine what percentage of VVPAT machines’ slips need to be counted to verify the accuracy of an election, the EC, in 2018, asked the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to come up with a “mathematically sound, statistically robust and practically cogent sample size for the internal audit of the VVPAT slips with electronic result of EVMs”, the EC mentioned in an affidavit it has filed in the Supreme Court.
In February 2018, the EC mandated the counting of VVPAT slips of one randomly selected polling station per Assembly constituency. This was increased to five polling stations per Assembly seat, following a Supreme Court judgment in April 2019 on a petition filed by TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu. The five polling stations are selected by a draw of lots by the Returning Officer concerned, in the presence of candidates/ their agents.
Why does the EC not want to count 50% of VVPAT slips?
As per a previous submission in the SC, the EC claims that it takes about an hour for election officers to match VVPAT slips with the EVM count in one polling station. Moreover, since the counting of VVPAT slips can begin only after EVM votes for the concerned polling station have been tabulated, for five polling stations, it would mean a delay of five hours in all.
The EC has also highlighted infrastructure challenges, including the availability of manpower, as obstacles to increasing the number of polling booths where VVPAT slips are counted.
The Impact on Indian Elections
Since its implementation, VVPAT has had a considerable impact on the way elections are conducted in India. It has been rolled out across the country, covering every polling station to ensure that every vote is verifiable. This widespread adoption underscores India's commitment to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of its electoral process.
Challenges and Solutions
While VVPAT significantly enhances electoral transparency and security, it's not without challenges. The cost of deploying VVPAT systems nationwide is substantial. Additionally, the need for frequent maintenance and training for polling staff on handling these machines efficiently cannot be overlooked. To address these challenges, continuous efforts are being made to improve the technology, reduce costs, and ensure robust training programs for election officials.
Conclusion
The Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail system represents a monumental step forward in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in India. By allowing voters to verify their votes and providing a reliable method to audit election results, VVPAT strengthens democracy and promotes greater trust in the electoral process. As technology evolves and India continues to refine its electoral systems, the commitment to transparency and accuracy remains a guiding principle, ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard.
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