Instead of remote voting in form of RVMs, powerful communication and a smooth, secured poll process can be helpful.
Three states in the Northeast of the country have been allotted two different days for holding Assembly elections next month. The Election Commission of India (ECI) deemed it impossible to hold simultaneous elections for these three states which have a combined population of less than one crore—around the same as the New Delhi district (2011 census).
Just before announcing the upcoming polls, the ECI inexplicably digressed and brought another issue into the political discourse: Multi-Constituency Remote Voting Machines or RVMs which would help migrants vote from remote locations.
One important issue needs the ECI’s immediate attention—when those in high Constitutional office deliberately bypass the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by making speeches in one area which are telecast live in places where the ‘silent period’ is in force. Instead, the ECI in its wisdom, chose to circulate a letter on the institutionalisation of RVMs to solicit the views of political parties in the first two months of 2023.
There is no doubt that the responsibility of enabling every citizen above 18 to exercise their right to vote lies with the ECI. However, any decision to jump into this uncharted territory will cause more harm than good.
Is Remote Voting System a Viable Alternative?
Normally, enrollment on the voters’ list takes place from one's address, which is usually the regular place of residence of the voter. RVM is expected to enable migrant voters to vote for elections in their home constituency from their current place of residence. This would enable citizens away from their home constituencies due to work, education or marriage—to cast their vote on voting day.
Chances of misuse
RVMs can be misused in the same way that EVMs have seen security lapses. Then there is the possibility of using coercive measures by the ruling parties of other states where elections have not been declared. Also, who would be responsible for the security of RVMs? The state government where elections are not taking place? Or the ECI? Fuzzy logic.
We all know stories of EVM machines being discovered from homes and cars of political leaders.
Low voter turnout
There are many reasons for low voter turnout, and it is impossible for RVMs to solve all these issues. There is no evidence to back the claim that RVMs can effectively increase turnout. The ECI needs to study the reasons for low voter turnout and then come up with a well-rounded approach to resolve this.
Some suggestions: create powerful communication to change the indifferent attitudes of sections of the voting population, provide improved facilities for smooth voting, ensure requisite infrastructure for specially-abled persons, and, above all, be seen to be neutral.