On Wednesday, the Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said that the Election Commission should relook into the usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM,) in the elections until trust is restored in its usage. Kejriwal also mentioned how most of the western countries have moved away from EVMs and are back to using the Ballot system. He also suggested that the EC should use VVPAT slips in the states that recently finished elections and cross check them with the EVM and verify the fairness of the electoral process.
Kejriwal also said, “Many have said that there is anger against Akali’s and AAP is sweeping polls, still AAP got 25% votes and SAD got 31%, how is it possible? Election Commission’s responsibility to keep people’s faith in EVM. They cannot shirk responsibility. Through the EVM is it possible that 20-25% vote share meant for AAP was transferred to SAD-BJP alliance.”
The CM cried foul about the electoral process and said, “We know it is too late to declare Punjab-Goa elections void but this is for future, faith has to be restored in the electoral process. EC should count slips of VVPAT and match it with figures of EVM results if it matches people’s trust will increase.”
Kejriwal also mentioned how the Supreme Court had said that EVMs are vulnerable and said, “SC se bada kya hai? Main janta hu mere bayan ke baad aap mera mazzak udaaoge (What is bigger than SC, I know that you will also make fun of my statement in the press).”
In the past, the Supreme Court has admitted that EVM machines are vulnerable and can be tampered with. It is this statement that Kejriwal is making a base for his cry against foul play in the Assembly Elections.
