GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

Has the use of technology aided in ensuring free and fair elections in India? Elaborate.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022

Syllabus: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 160 words · 25% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A constitutional or legal provision3 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points3 of 4
  • Points and prose1 of 4

Close

  • A way forward3 of 4
  • A summary1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Tanmai KhannaAIR 61 · CSE 2022 · 155 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The use of EVMs has been a controversial decision in Indian elections, and the rise of digital connectivity has changed the face of campaigning: we face the following issues:

Body · points

↳ EVMs have been banned in Germany, Ireland, Netherlands for being unreliable.

↳ Social Media campaigning has made it impossible for the Election Commission to effectively regulate the Model Code of conduct.

↳ Cryptocurrencies have allowed unregulated election funding from unknown sources, above and beyond declared sources.

However, we have adequately ensured free and fair elections:

↳ EVMs are standalone machines. They are tested thoroughly, and have been verified through VVPATS. They save valuable time and ensure free and fair elections.

↳ Social media is regulated through the Digital Media ethics rules. EC's app cVIGIL allows citizens to report violations of MCC with A-V evidence.

Close · a summary

While technology comes with its challenges, with adequate safeguards, we have ensured free and fair elections in the world's biggest democracy.

More on Elections and Representation

The Representation of People's Act, electoral reform and political funding.

All GS2 questions on Elections and Representation