EVM Integrity in Question: Arvind Deshpande's Revelations on Voting Machine Vulnerabilities
Former Obama Administration Tech Expert Exposes Potential for Vote Tampering in Indian Elections
- Arvind Deshpande, a technical expert from the Obama Administration, has raised concerns over the security of India's Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Deshpande claims that both the Ballot Unit and VVPAT systems can be preprogrammed, potentially altering vote counts.
- The revelation has sparked a debate on the reliability of EVMs in ensuring fair elections in India.
In a development that could potentially shake the foundations of electoral trust in India, Arvind Deshpande, a technical expert who once served in the Obama Administration, has come forward with alarming claims regarding the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in Indian elections. His insights, shared across various platforms including X, have ignited a firestorm of debate on the security and reliability of these machines.
Deshpande's primary contention revolves around the susceptibility of EVMs to preprogramming, which he suggests could manipulate vote counts without detection. He specifically pointed out that the Ballot Unit, Control Unit (CU), and even the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems are not foolproof. "The microprocessors in VVPAT are not fullproof & can be tampered," he stated, highlighting a vulnerability that could undermine the very essence of democratic elections.
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— Priyamwada (@PriaINC) November 27, 2024
Mr.Arvind Deshpande technical expert who served in Obama Administration exposes EVM.
◾️The Ballot Unit/CU/VVPAT can be preprogrammed and votes can be altered.
◾️The microprocessors in VVPAT are not fullproof & can be tampered.#BanEVM pic.twitter.com/72gGPdapcK
This revelation comes at a time when the discussion around EVMs has already been heated, with various political parties and election observers questioning the transparency and auditability of these machines. Deshpande's background adds weight to these concerns, given his expertise and experience in high-level technical roles during his tenure in the U.S.
The implications of Deshpande's claims are profound. If EVMs can indeed be tampered with as suggested, it raises serious questions about the legitimacy of past and future elections in India. Critics argue that while the Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted demonstrations and hackathons to prove the robustness of EVMs, these might not fully simulate real-world conditions where insiders could manipulate the machines.
Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with reactions. Some users have pointed out historical instances where even BJP, now in power, had raised concerns about EVM tampering when they were in opposition. This bipartisan skepticism underscores a growing consensus that perhaps the time has come for a comprehensive review of India's voting technology.
The debate isn't just about the technology but also about the process. Deshpande's insights suggest that even with VVPATs, which were introduced to add a layer of transparency by providing a paper trail, there could be vulnerabilities. This has led to calls for either enhancing the security features of EVMs or reverting to traditional ballot papers for at least some elections as a cross-check.
As India grapples with these revelations, the focus now shifts to how the ECI and political parties will respond. Will there be a call for an independent audit of the EVMs? Or could this lead to a broader discussion on electoral reform, possibly revisiting the use of EVMs altogether?
Deshpande's exposure of EVM vulnerabilities has undoubtedly opened a Pandora's box, challenging India to reassess its commitment to free and fair elections. The coming days will likely see more scrutiny, debate, and possibly, action towards fortifying the electoral process against any form of manipulation.