Bihar Becomes First State to Launch Mobile E-Voting for Urban Polls

Relevance: GS II Polity and Governance 

Why in News

For the state’s next municipal and urban body elections later this month, the Bihar State Election Commission has made the decision to implement an electronic voting system utilizing an Android-based smartphone.

Introduction

Voters can use electronic devices such as computers, voting machines (DREs), and smartcards to cast their ballots through electronic voting (e-voting) systems.

Key Security Features of Bihar’s E-Voting

• Smartphone Applications: Two Android-based smartphone apps (called “e-Voting SECBHR”), one from the Bihar State Election Commission and one from C-DAC, will be used for the e-voting procedure.
• Security: To guarantee safe and genuine voting, the system incorporates liveness detection, blockchain, and facial verification (face match, live scan, and comparison).
• Audit Trail: To provide transparency and tamper-proof records, an audit trail is added to track and validate each vote, just like VVPAT with EVMs.

Benefits of E-Voting in Bihar’s Urban Polls

Allows participation for groups like migrant workers and those with impairments, who frequently encounter obstacles when voting in traditional ways.

• For young people who are tech-savvy, online voting is perfect. It facilitates first-time voters’ voting and fosters enduring voting habits.
• Online voting can contribute to a higher total turnout by reducing the time and effort needed to cast a ballot, particularly among underrepresented or migratory populations.

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Issues with e-voting include

Being susceptible to fraud, manipulation, and hacking; voting from home makes it difficult to guarantee privacy and a free environment from compulsion; potentially excluding voters who lack digital literacy or internet access, etc.

Conclusion

With the promise of increased accessibility and convenience, the adoption of electronic voting represents a major step towards electoral modernization. However, in order to guarantee inclusivity and faith in the democratic process, its success depends on resolving issues with voter coercion, digital exclusion, and cybersecurity.

Mains:

Question: The adoption of e-voting in Bihar’s urban polls marks a significant step in electoral modernization. Critically examine the potential of electronic voting systems in enhancing democratic participation, while addressing concerns related to cybersecurity and digital inclusion.

Mains PYQs

Question: 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? (2018)

Note: To take practice tests on Daily current Affairs MCQs, click the link that is attached.

MCQs 

Question: Consider the following statements: (2017)

1.The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.

2.The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.

3.Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a.1 and 2 only

b.2 only 

c.2 and 3 only

d.3 only

Answer. d

Source: Bihar becomes 1st state to adopt e-voting system for urban polls 

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