Blog: Analysis Needed : Paralysis Avoided

Sunday 13 September 2020

Analysis Needed : Paralysis Avoided

Context :

EC examines Remote Voting Option, sets up Tech Group

Extract :

Ø The group is expected to submit a ‘conceptual framework’ on ‘remote voting’ within the next two months

Ø “First, the ECI itself has to be convinced , all pros and cons examined and once we freeze a template then political parties will have to be consulted on it before a pilot can be run,” Moona said.

Ø “Should blockchain technology be considered given its complexity and the fact that it has not been implemented anywhere in the world for this purpose or should a new server architecture be looked at? What is the level of cryptography to be brought in to maintain vote-voter secrecy. Also there is the question of whether existing EVMs can be used for remote voting. All issues are under consideration,” Moona said.

Ø Other logistics related issues under study include how a remote polling centre would operate. Unlike the usual polling booths which cater to a specific constituency, a remote booth will have to be designed to cater to multiple constituencies. Consequently, the ‘ballot paper’ will also have to be ‘configured’ for multiple constituencies also VVPAT linkages at a remote polling centre.

Ø Another logistical issue would be permitting polling agents of candidates to be present at the time of voting. In case of a remote voting centre with multiple constituencies and candidates, the number of such representatives could become unmanageable

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Dear Prof Rajat Moona

(director@iitbhilai.ac.in / moona@iitk.ac.in )

I urge your panel to debate my following suggestions before framing its final recommendations :

2012

# VotesApp [ 18 Dec 2012 ]

2020

# First Step to VotesApp ? [24 Jan 2020 ]