EVMs are tamper proof, says Quraishi

Speaking at the release of a report on “Global Consultations on the EU’s Role in Democracy Building,” he also favoured addressing the issue of internal democracy in political parties of India. “There has been a controversy about EVMs. But while earlier we were 100 per cent sure that it cannot be manipulated, now, after the controversy, we are 1000 per cent sure that no one can manipulate them,” Quraishi said.

Remarking that some European countries had stopped the use of EVMs, he said those machines had a basic flaw. “They used an operating system that can be manipulated. But, ours run on a much simpler technique of a calculator and hence is foolproof,” he said. “The EU can try them too,” he said.

On the experience of democracy in India, he said the disillusionment about political parties that was witnessed among the people in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks prove that “democracy cannot be taken for granted.” He also said there was a need for addressing the issue of “internal democracy” in political parties and pitched for a forum to deliberate on the issue.

The report has been brought out by inter-governmental group International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance under its EU Presidency Project.
It presents a peer review of the EU’s role on democracy building around the world.