Political parties in India have the habit to oppose the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) when the result is not on their favor.Political leaders expressed reservations over the use of EVMs.Controversial researchers from time to time observed that the EVMs are not tamper-proof.
An Electronic Voting Machine consists of two Units ( Control Unit and Balloting Unit) joined by a five-meter long cable. The Control Unit is with the Presiding Officer (in charge of a polling station) and the Balloting Unit is placed inside the makeshift voting compartment.The Polling Officer who in charge of the Control Unit will press the Ballot Button instead of issuing a ballot paper. This will enable the voter to cast his or her vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his or her choice.
EVMs manufactured in 1989-90 were used on experimental basis for the first time in 16 Assembly Constituencies in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) at the Legislative Assembly Elections held in 1998.
According to Election Commission of India estimate,1.7 million EVMs were used during the last parliamentary election held in 2014. EVMs can record a maximum of 3840 votes. EVMs have the capacity to incorporate 64 candidates.In a Balloting Unit names of 16 candidates can be Incorporated.But if the number exceeds,a second Balloting Unit can be attached.But both capturing could not prevented totally by the use of EVMs.Miscreants of different political parties damage EVMs and EVMs are not tamper proof.Malfunctioning of electronic voting machines also delay the voting process.But,according to Chief Election Commission,EVMs used in India are fully tamper proof and stand no chance of being hacked from any external sources.
