The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday reaffirmed the integrity of India’s Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), describing them as “simple, correct, and accurate calculators,” in response to US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks about the susceptibility of electronic voting systems (EVS) in the United States to hacking.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting convened by US President Donald Trump on April 10, Gabbard claimed that US intelligence agencies have “evidence” suggesting EVS in the US could be exploited to manipulate election outcomes. She advocated for the return to paper ballot-based voting. Notably, her comments referred to US voting machines and did not specifically address India’s EVMs.
The ECI emphasized that Indian EVMs have withstood legal scrutiny and are fundamentally different from the EVS used in the US. “EVS comprise a combination of systems, machines, and private networks, often involving the Internet. In contrast, Indian EVMs are standalone devices that are not connected to the Internet, Wi-Fi, or infrared,” said an unnamed ECI official.
He added that the machines are thoroughly vetted by political parties at several stages, including mock polls before voting begins. Over 50 million voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips have been successfully matched with votes counted in front of party representatives.
The Commission further stated that the EVMs undergo rigorous testing at the design, prototype, and pilot stages, using statistical benchmarks and worst-case scenarios to ensure performance reliability.
Indian EVMs consist of two components — a control unit and a ballot unit — linked via a cable. The control unit remains with the presiding or polling officer, while the ballot unit is placed inside a voting compartment for voters.
“Indian EVMs are robust and built using distinct technologies and processes that are not comparable with those used elsewhere. Both the Supreme Court and various High Courts have consistently reviewed and upheld their credibility, expressing full confidence in the ECI’s systems,” the Commission reiterated.
