At a time when the Election Commission of India (ECI) and electronic voting machines (EVMs) are under constant scrutiny and criticism from various quarters, there is someone who has not only appreciated the poll body but has also vaguely suggested that the EVMs might be used instead of a paper ballot system to ensure ‘fair’ polls in her country.
Australian High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Bhutan Harinder Sidhu, on Sunday, was full of praise for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and its officials as she said that they are very well organized and competent professionals.
“It’s been a really inspiring experience. How can you get so many people to voting? Answer is a well organised Election Commission and its officials. It’s a good system and organised,” said Sidhu.
Harinder Sidhu was talking to news agency ANI.
She also praised the electronic voting machines (EVMs) that are being used to conduct the Lok Sabha elections across the country.
“I’m really impressed with the electronic voting machines (EVMs). We don’t have those in Australia. I think even with paper ballots which we have in Australia, it’s always a case where there’s a risk to integrity in any system. VVPAT is actually a good development,” said Sidhu.
Sidhu is in India to observe the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She was present at a polling booth in Delhi to observe the election proceedings as Delhi is voting for seven Lok Sabha seats in the sixth and penultimate round of the general elections.
In India, questions have been raised over the reliability and trustworthiness of the EVMs and lately, fingers have been raised over the poll body for being ‘soft’ on a few instances of the violation of the model code of conduct.