EC rejects BJP charge about EVM malfunction

The Commission would,however,consider all the points raised and apprehensions expressed recently by various political leaders and individuals regarding EVMs and take all necessary measures to clear doubts about use of EVMs in elections.

The EC’s clarification came in the wake of BJP leader L K Advani demanding reintroduction of ballot papers in elections,beginning with the Maharashtra Assembly polls and three other states,observing that there was every possibility of malfunctioning of EVMs.

Noting that the Commission came across reports regarding technological vulnerability of the EVMs for possible manipulation,the EC referred to the Karnataka High Court hailing the EVMs as “a national pride”.

Referring to former Delhi Chief Secretary Omesh Sehgal’s claim that “rigging of EVMs was very much possible”,the Commission said said that Sehgal had handed over a letter when he met Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla on June 30.

However,no demonstration on the tamperability of the EVM has been given by Sehgal to the Commission or to its officials,nor has the Commission ordered any enquiry,as reported in a section of the Press,the EC clarified.

“The Commission receives complaints,petitions and letters from various quarters on electoral issues including the matters related to EVM. All these complaints are looked into for taking necessary action,if any is required,” it said.

Observing that an analogy was drawn to electronic voting systems adopted in various foreign countries and their experience with electronic voting,the EC said the Commission has in the past,provided opportunities to the complainants to prove their points on the alleged vulnerability of EVM. So far,no one has been able to demonstrate to the Commission that EVM can be manipulated.