EVMS, POLITICAL LEGITIMACY, AND ELECTORAL REFORMS: CHALLENGES FOR INDIAN DEMOCRACY

Abstract

The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India marked a significant milestone in the country’s electoral history, designed to address the inefficiencies, delays, and malpractices associated with paper ballots. By ensuring faster counting, reducing the scope for invalid votes, and minimizing logistical challenges, EVMs have undoubtedly modernized the electoral process. However, their adoption has also given rise to intense debates regarding electoral transparency, political legitimacy, and democratic accountability. The core concern revolves around whether EVMs, while technologically efficient, can be perceived as fully trustworthy instruments for safeguarding the mandate of the people. This paper critically examines the debates surrounding the use of EVMs in India, with particular attention to issues of political legitimacy, trust deficits between electoral institutions and citizens, and the ongoing discourse on electoral reforms. The paper begins by tracing the historical trajectory of EVMs, from their first experimental use in the 1980s to their widespread adoption in the 21st century. It highlights the arguments in favor of EVMs, including efficiency, reduced costs, eco-friendliness, and resilience against ballot stuffing. At the same time, it underscores persistent allegations of tampering, lack of transparency in the machine’s design, and the absence of a verifiable voter trail in the early stages of their use. The incorporation of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) has mitigated some concerns, yet scepticism continues among political actors, civil society, and segments of the electorate. The research also explores the broader implications of technological mediation in democracy. The reliance on machines, controlled and maintained by state agencies, raises critical questions about accountability and institutional trust. If citizens lose confidence in the neutrality of electoral tools, the very foundation of political legitimacy weakens. The study further discusses global practices of electronic voting and compares India’s experience with other democracies, emphasizing the necessity of independent audits, transparency in procurement, and inclusive stakeholder consultations.