Will the BJP Agree to the Use of Ballot Papers in the 2024 Elections?
There has been a recent debate about the potential use of ballot papers in the 2024 elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may face pressure from certain quarters to revert to the use of paper-based ballots. However, this suggestion is fraught with challenges and does not align with the current digital and security advancements in the electoral process.
Why Should BJP Agree to a Retrograde Step?
The BJP and other political parties face significant pressure to revert to using ballot papers. However, such a move would be a step backward that could complicate the elections. Ballot papers involve the use of a large amount of paper, which raises environmental concerns. Moreover, the process of using ballot papers would make elections more cumbersome and expensive, as it would require additional manpower and resources.
Environmental and Cost Concerns
The environmental impact of using ballot papers is substantial. The production and disposal of paper consume significant resources and contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the transition to ballot papers would also increase the cost of elections due to the higher administrative and logistical requirements.
Reliability Over Ballot Papers
Proponents of using ballot papers argue that it would provide voters with a more tangible sense of their choice, reducing the scope for vote manipulation. However, modern electronic voting machines (EVMs) have significantly improved their security and reliability. Before and after each voting session, EVMs are rigorously checked and sealed by candidates' representatives. This ensures that the machines are free from tampering and that the results are accurate.
Security and Transparency of EVMs
The Election Commission (EC) is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. They are unlikely to consider a move back to paper-based ballots unless there is a compelling reason. The use of EVMs has significantly reduced voter manipulation, as each vote is recorded digitally and can be verified. In the event of any issue, the EVMs have built-in mechanisms to ensure transparency and security. This ensures that the results are as accurate and accessible as possible.
Logistical and Security Challenges
A move to ballot papers would require significant logistical and security changes. The creation, storage, and distribution of ballot papers would involve the development of new systems and infrastructure. This would be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, returning to paper-based ballots could revive old issues such as booth capturing, electoral violence, and the possibility of losing ballot papers. Losing ballot papers would create even more challenges, further eroding public trust in the electoral process.
Conclusion
Considering the current security measures in place, the environmental impact, and the logistical challenges, it is highly unlikely that the BJP or any other political party will agree to revert to the use of ballot papers. The Election Commission will continue to prioritize the use of modern EVMs, as they are more secure, transparent, and reliable. The voters and the public are better served by the current digital election mechanisms, which minimize the risks of errors and fraud.