Akhilesh Yadav Advocates for Ballot Voting, Challenges EVM Trustworthiness

Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, advocates for ballot paper elections over electronic voting machines (EVMs) due to concerns over their trustworthiness. He emphasizes the value of electoral integrity, aligning his views with practices in Germany. Concurrently, MP Rahul Kumar Kamboj highlights international collaboration for youth opportunities in education and employment.

Akhilesh Yadav, the president of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has advocated for conducting elections via traditional ballot papers, expressing concerns regarding the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs). During a press conference held at the SP headquarters in Lucknow, alongside German Member of Parliament Rahul Kumar Kamboj, Yadav emphasized the need for a voting system that citizens can trust, stating, “No one trusts EVMs. Even the faces of those who win elections seem dejected as they too do not have faith in the system.”

In contrast, Kamboj underscored the advantages of Germany’s ballot-paper voting system, noting that its potential for recounting disputes ensures electoral integrity. His remarks highlighted, “In Germany, voting is still conducted using ballot papers. It is an important system because any discrepancies can be addressed with a recount.” Yadav also solicited greater collaboration between Indian and German communities, particularly in enhancing education and job opportunities for future generations. He described his positive experiences during a governmental trip to Germany, reflecting on the quality of their infrastructure, particularly roads, and how this has inspired improvements in Uttar Pradesh.

The ongoing debate regarding the use of electronic voting machines versus traditional ballot papers has gained traction in Indian politics, especially among opposition leaders. Akhilesh Yadav’s position reflects concerns about electoral integrity, paralleling practices in other democracies like Germany, which maintain the use of ballot papers to ensure transparency. This shift highlights a growing demand for systems that foster public confidence in the electoral process, amid skepticism towards technological solutions for voting.

In conclusion, Akhilesh Yadav’s call for reinstating ballot paper voting reflects a significant concern regarding the trustworthiness of electronic voting systems in India. His collaboration with MP Rahul Kumar Kamboj aims to not only enhance electoral integrity but also strengthen ties between Indian and German communities to create new opportunities for the youth. By addressing the importance of reliable voting methods and educational advancements, Yadav aspires to secure a more promising future for the next generation.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com