Day 64 – Q.2 Examine the role of technology in promoting transparency and accountability in election processes and suggest measures to improve it.

Examine the role of technology in promoting transparency and accountability in election processes and suggest measures to improve it.

चुनाव प्रक्रियाओं में पारदर्शिता और उत्तरदायित्व को बढ़ावा देने में प्रौद्योगिकी की भूमिका की जांच करें और इसे सुधारने के उपाय सुझाएं।

Approach

Candidates can start the answer with giving basic idea about election process and the involvement of the technology in it then highlight some measures to improve with use of technology.

Introduction

Free and fair elections are the bedrock of any healthy democracy. In India the robust electoral machinery and the processes have ably been aided and strengthened by technology.

Body

Transparency and accountability with use of technology:

• A major push to use of technology in the Indian elections came with the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs). It entirely disrupted the way the elections were conducted.
• Use of EVMs was not simply the replacement of sturdy ballot boxes and ballot papers. It was a paradigm shift for everyone including the transparency and accountability for the voters.
• The use of Election Photo Identity Cards for voters at the time of voting has again been a technological intervention to achieve the goal of fair elections.
• It is another matter that other proofs of identity are also allowed on the day of poll to absolutely ensure that no one is derived from exercising his franchise.
• Use of suitable software has also ensured cropping of the elector’s image on the electoral roll. This ensures prohibition of forged voting on the day of poll.
• Linking of electoral roll with Aadhar database would further buttress the integrity with transparency of the roll and thus purity of the election process.
• Now, with centralized monitoring system through a portal with GPS facility, the vehicle with EVM management has become far clear.
• With introduction of Sugam portal- another technological intervention- all the permission processes have been made absolutely transparent.
• Like Sugam portal, there is another Portal called Samadhan which is used to monitor the complaints received from different quarters. The action taken on every complaint is recorded and is visible to all the stakeholders it sets the accountability.
• The Election Commission has been using another technological marvel- video conferencing – very extensively for monitoring of the entire election process. The Commission has been taking innumerable meetings with the election machinery in the field through video conferencing for accountability.
• Commission has introduced ‘Cvigil’ app which can be used by the citizens for posting their complaints directly. The still photographs and videos can be uploaded. The app is in public domain.

Measures to improve:

• Voter Verification: Implementing secure and reliable methods of voter verification, such as biometric identification or online voter roll management, to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of election results.
• Secure Systems: Ensuring that voting systems and online platforms are secure and protected against hacking, tampering or any other form of interference.
• Accessibility: Providing accessible technology for all eligible voters, including those with disabilities, to enable them to participate in the election process.
• Cybersecurity Training: Providing training for election officials and staff to help them identify and prevent potential cyber threats, and implement best practices for security.
• Cybersecurity Training: Providing training for election officials and staff to help them identify and prevent potential cyber threats, and implement best practices for security.
• Independent Auditing: Conducting independent audits of the technology used in the election process to ensure the integrity of the results and identify any potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The massive technological intervention in conduct of election at every stage has certainly made it more credible. It has helped in creating level playing field for all the players in the game leading to free and fair elections- sine qua non for a true democracy.