CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has called for a reordering of the sequence of machines in the electronic voting machine (EVM) system, also known as the ECI-EVM system. The ECI-EVM system comprises the ballot unit (BU), control unit (CU), and the recently added voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT).
Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, the seasoned communist leader outlined the reasoning behind this proposal.
“The CPI(M) acknowledges the widespread discontent among the public regarding the functioning of EVMs, so we have proposed a change in the placement sequence of these machines in the polling booth," Yechury stated.
“Currently, the process involves voting at the unit, which then moves to the VVPAT for verification before being transferred to the control unit. While we can track the transmission from the voter's unit to the VVPAT, there is uncertainty about what is being transmitted from the VVPAT to the control unit. Therefore, we advocate a shift in the order: the voter unit, followed by the control unit, and then the VVPAT. This way, voters can verify that their vote has been accurately registered in the control unit,” he said.
Yechury emphasised the need for additional measures, suggesting that 50% of VVPATs should be cross-checked with the information displayed on the voting machine. “This approach aims to instil confidence among the public, ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent, fair, and provides an equal playing field for all political parties and candidates," added Yechury.
The communist leader also said that despite the Ram Temple inauguration as well as victory in the last round assembly elections, the BJP is still unsure of their electoral prospects in the general elections.
“The propaganda machine now keeps on saying that they'll win more than 400 seats and all this, but this insecurity about what will be the outcome of the 2024 election is leading the BJP and this Modi government to be more brazen in assaulting the opposition parties in various states,” he said while adding that the ED is grossly misused as the political arm of the BJP and Modi government.
He also explained the CPI(M)’s position that it is because of the insecurity of the Modi government that the BJP is now once again talking about implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Yechury met the media after the central committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram which discussed the party’s strategies for general elections.
