Online Voting in Indian Elections: could be the next change

Online Voting in Indian Elections: could be the next change

Now the country like the biggest democracy in the world should switch to online voting

Online voting is a concept that has gained attention worldwide as a means to streamline electoral processes, save money, and reduce the time required for voting and counting. In a country as vast and diverse as India, implementing online voting could offer significant benefits. However, it also presents a range of challenges that must be carefully considered.

Building trust in the online voting system is crucial. Voters need assurance that their votes are confidential and accurately counted.The online voting system must be transparent and auditable to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

But in India where the public has switched to online? Digital payment in the past 10 years and the system is working flawlessly , switching to online voting is not difficult.

“Modi Hae to Mumkin Hae……….this should not be forgotten “

Online voting could significantly lower the expenses associated with physical polling stations, including the costs of setting up booths, deploying security personnel, and printing ballot papers in special cases.The logistics of transporting election materials and managing polling booths in remote and difficult-to-reach areas could be minimized.

In Online voting, voters could cast their votes from anywhere, reducing the need for long queues and wait times at polling stations and Digital votes can be counted instantaneously, leading to faster declaration of results.

Online voting can make it easier for people to vote, especially those who are unable to visit polling stations due to distance, disability, or time constraints and the tech-savvy younger generations might find online voting more appealing and accessible.

 But to start with it the nation should work on the security angle also as the risk of hacking, data breaches, and cyber-attacks is a significant concern. Ensuring the integrity and security of the voting process would require robust

Secure and reliable voter identification mechanisms are essential to prevent fraud and ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes. Not all citizens have access to the internet or the necessary digital devices. A substantial portion of the population may lack the digital skills needed to participate in online voting, necessitating widespread digital literacy campaigns.

 This could disenfranchise voters in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, but their younger generation could guide them properly.

While online voting offers promising benefits in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and increased voter turnout, its implementation in India requires careful consideration of security, accessibility, trust, and regulatory issues. Addressing these challenges through robust cyber security measures, digital literacy programs, and transparent processes is essential to ensure the success of online voting in the world’s largest democracy.

Implementing online voting would require comprehensive changes to existing election laws and regulations. Effective oversight mechanisms would need to be established to monitor the online voting process and address any issues that arise.

Several countries like Estonia, Switzerland, Canada and more have experimented with or implemented online voting with varying degrees of success

As one could vote in this system any time from anywhere  there is no need for a Holiday to cast the vote, saving the national economy.

By………………….

Arvind Sharma, Senior Journalist