Electronic Voting Machines (EVM’s)

We have used EVM’s for the last two general elections – 2004 and yet again in 2009. The idea of going to EVM’s from a paper ballot is obvious – moving from low-tech to hi-tech to enable faster counting and better organization of election process. However, the bigger question is – Are they right for India?

EVM’s are suppose to deliver accuracy, transparency and more than all – tamper-proof by anyone or any entity. The very idea of going to Identification based Electronic voting was to provide more transparancy. The current EVM’s are obviously tamper-able by anyone who knows a bit of technology as demonstrated recently to Election Commission. Whether or not EVM’s have been tampered is not the question, but giving a tamper proof voting mechanism is the basic right of every voting citizen.

Now, we need to either go back to paper voting or make tamper-proof voting machines. The software that runs behind the machines should be an open source code and should be determined that nobody can tamper the results of voting. With such a huge talent of software programmers in India, it should n’t be difficult.

However, I wonder what the process is to challenge the exisiting system and bring about corrections in the flaws of the current system. Where should we go for putting a stop to the current EVM’s or bring about a change in EVM’s?

GHMC elections

Today is the day for GHMC elections... went and voted.. It is inspiring to see people qued up and exercising their votes. This is the part that makes me excited about Indian democracy and politics... Elections is a festival in India..Grander than any religious festival.. People sincerely go for voting although our % of voters are lower compared to what we would like it to be.. In general, we Indians are believers in this country and our system although we are frustrated every single day with things that don't work, aspiring for better things, irritated with leaders who constantly make meaningless comments...etc.

I am excited about launching the political school... a dream and an aspiration for so many years... that did not die after 18 years of corporate life and love for business and money... I get frustrated, angry when leaders don't focus on what they need to... improving lives of our citizens..both short term and long term...I want to change their mind set, change their thinking, corrupt them with issues that actually matter..increase the mind share of politicians from their personal agendas to people's issues... Dreaming about the day when political system discusses about issues and not about themselves... who cares what the CM thinks who is going to win the GHMC elections... We only care for what matters....no matter who wins..people should win!! they should get better facilities and live in a better city!!!