NAGPUR: Amid growing skepticism about the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged the government to return to the traditional ballot paper voting system if doubts among the people persist. His statement highlights concerns over transparency and trust in the electoral process as the nation heads toward upcoming elections.
Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasized that the government should not ignore the apprehensions expressed by citizens regarding the use of EVMs. He stated that the primary goal should be ensuring that voters have complete faith in the democratic process.
“If people doubt the system, elections should be conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs,” Thackeray asserted. His remarks come at a time when debates surrounding the credibility of EVMs have intensified, with political parties and sections of the public questioning their reliability during critical elections.
Although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently defended the security and efficiency of EVMs, controversies have continued to emerge. Thackeray pointed out that doubts in the minds of voters regarding the electoral process could impact democracy and called for proactive measures to eliminate such concerns.
The demand for a return to the traditional ballot paper system is not new but has gathered momentum as political uncertainty and elections near. Several other parties and leaders have previously raised similar concerns, suggesting that technological systems like EVMs may have unintended consequences when trust erodes among the electorate.
Thackeray reiterated the need for the government to ensure transparency and voter confidence by addressing these issues promptly. His statement underscores the necessity for discussions about reforms and transparency ahead of state and national elections.
The political discourse surrounding the EVM debate reflects a critical moment for democratic institutions in India. It remains to be seen whether the government or the Election Commission will respond formally to these demands as elections approach.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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