India

Opposition rejects EC plan for remote EVMs | India News


NEW DELHI: Most opposition parties, while agreeing that improving voter turnout in elections was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, on Monday displayed reservations against the Election Commission’s proposal to introduce remote voting for domestic migrants. They insisted on more clarity regarding matters relating to legal and administrative processes as well logistical challenges in remote voting before moving to the technical aspect of watching functioning of the proposed remote voting machine (RVM).

Opposition 'unanimously' opposed EC's proposal of Remote Voting Machine, says Digvijay Singh

Opposition ‘unanimously’ opposed EC’s proposal of Remote Voting Machine, says Digvijay Singh

In the end, the purpose for which the meeting was called – demonstrating the functioning of the RVM, a modified EVM that can poll votes for 72 different constituencies from a remote polling station – remained unfulfilled, with most parties unwilling to watch a live demonstration until they had fully understood the remote voting concept and were convinced about its need and feasibility.

EC gives demonstration of Remote EVM to political parties’ representatives

EC gives demonstration of Remote EVM to political parties’ representatives

Opposition parties turned the meeting into a discussion on the widespread “trust deficit” in EVMs, arguing that the poll watchdog should focus on bolstering the faith in voting machines used for common voters.

EC officials told TOI that the meeting, which lasted almost five hours, was a milestone in carrying forward constructive discussions with the parties on electoral reforms. “More than 80 party representatives patiently listened to each other’s submissions. They appreciated EC’s initiative of calling an all-party discussion,” said an officer.


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