Talking about solutions for the next billion, how about solving a real problem for the current billion? World's largest democracy will conduct the next set of general elections in May 2024 - that's exactly four years from now. Are we ready for a digital voting mechanism?
What is the issue with the current mechanism?
It's the overall experience! Standing in a queue under scorching conditions doesn't seem much like a 'right to vote' under the Citizenship Act. Nearly 5 million polling personnel and security forces were deployed during the 2014 general elections. A little less than 10.5 lakh polling stations had been operational, which generally represented government-run schools, colleges and community centres. With increasing criticism about the authenticity of EVMs, now we also have VVPAT tallying to add to the efforts. Having said that, hats off to the Election Commission of India for carrying out elections smoothly.
However, with all the infrastructure in place, a country with over 900 million eligible voters still has a voter turnout of about 67%, which means a third of the eligible voters do not even cast a vote. The reasons could be inaccessibility, fear of communal riots, being away from their place of birth or it could be just people who consider their votes irrelevant - NOTAs by default. A quick math - an M3 EVM costs anywhere between 15k-17k and 16 lakh such EVMs were used during 2019 general elections. A staggering outflow of 3,000 crores. And no, these were not re-used. Developed afresh with better technology, a NOTA button and seamless integration with VVPATs.
Imagine, an election year coupled with COVID-19. Phew!
What could be a probable solution?
An online voting platform with a specific schedule for each constituency that presents a window to vote within a given time frame from anywhere in the world. With 1.25 billion Indians representing almost 90% of the population having an Aadhar Card, authentication can be simple and duplication can be avoided. Access to internet or an electronic device is debatable, but with internet penetration reaching 50% and smartphones getting cheaper, the issue can be dealt with, considering we have another 4 years to prep. Questions about secrecy may arise, but think about the advantages:
Digital vote counter for real time updation, practically doing away with the physical counting exercise
One could check the background and profile of a candidate they are voting in vernacular languages
Records can be secured with high level encryption and blockchain technology for accessing records in the future
No chances of violence at polling stations and normal economic activity can continue
Votes from remote villages and rural areas, where even ECI officials find it difficult to access, can be brought in
Not only for general elections, the system can be extrapolated to state elections as well. This could potentially save 1000s of crores for the government and millions of man hours of efforts. It is during times of crisis, when opportunities emerge and 'Aarogya Setu' has proved that.
Can the world's largest democracy also become the world's most advanced and transparent democracy? Is a 'Jan Matdaan' App on the cards? No solution is void of hindrances but hurdles are meant to overcome.
Think India, think!
Comments