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? (10) (150 words)

Free and fair elections require not only accurate voting technology but also public confidence in its neutrality, security and verifiability.

• Trust deficit: Allegations of tampering, even when unsubstantiated, can delegitimise results.
• Technical assurance: Secure firmware, supply chains, seals, storage and randomisation against hacking or insider access.
• VVPAT verification: Efficient counting and a statistically credible audit sample must balance confidence with timely results.

• ECI should publish clear protocols, permit authorised party scrutiny, strengthen mock polls and preserve audit trails.
• Independent technical audits, transparent complaint handling and voter education should accompany strict enforcement of the Model Code.
• The objective is demonstrable verifiability, not merely repeated assurances.

ECI; EVM; VVPAT; electoral integrity; free and fair elections