In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (UPSC 2018)

The controversy over EVMs has made the Election Commission of India face not only technical questions, but also a crisis of public confidence. Even when the system is broadly secure, elections must be seen as free, fair and verifiable by voters and candidates.

• Technical integrity: ensure secure randomisation, sealing, storage and transport of EVMs and VVPATs; follow court-mandated checks on Symbol Loading Units and microcontrollers without delay.
• Transparency: provide prompt turnout data, clear polling-station records and easier access to Form 17C details to reduce suspicion and rumours.
• Audit and verification: allow timely technical audits and mock polls so candidates can trust the process.
• Countering misinformation: respond quickly to fake claims, deepfakes and social media campaigns alleging hacking or manipulation.
• Institutional trust: maintain visible neutrality, strict MCC enforcement and efficient grievance redress.

Thus, the core challenge for the ECI is to combine technological security with procedural openness so that electoral outcomes are both secure and widely accepted.