Machine Minds: Exploring Electoral Voting Machines And Their Impact On Future Political Power Dynamics

Jaisvica Bagga, Jenny Rose P G & Nivedha Kumaran, BA LLB, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore

ABSTRACT

The advent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the late 1990s as a remedy for electoral malpractice and booth capturing in the Indian democratic framework post-independence has been widely lauded. Nonetheless, apprehensions have arisen concerning the susceptibilities of EVMs, specifically with regard to plausible data manipulation facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI). Such vulnerabilities pose a grave menace to the foundational principles of a federal and democratic nation, potentially resulting in transgressions of essential and constitutional freedom and liberties. Such a significant aspect can even impact the minute intricacies within the electoral process of a country that prides itself on democratic principles and the conduct of free and fair elections. Therefore, this paper conducts a meticulous exploration and evaluation of potential threats linked to EVMs to identify and mitigate the possible harm and risks. A Qualitative research has been carried out through the scrutiny of reputable sources such as scholarly literature, periodicals, and authoritative writings which disclosed that the ramifications of EVM vulnerabilities transcend individual concerns to encompass violations of both fundamental rights and legal rights, as well as a wider jeopardy to the national security. This would guide the State to delve into the potential susceptibilities that could hamper the plinth of the nation. Therefore, it is imperative for the Government of India and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to adopt proactive measures, implement strategies to address and rectify such issues in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system and uphold the values of democracy.

Keywords: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Election, Fundamental Rights, National Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI)