In a significant development that could impact electoral transparency, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has confirmed that Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines will not be used in the upcoming local body elections across the state.
The revelation came during a hearing before the Bombay High Court, where State Election Commissioner UPS Madan clarified that the current legal framework governing municipal corporation elections doesn't include provisions for VVPAT implementation.
Legal Framework Limitations
The commission emphasized that while Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be deployed as usual, the addition of VVPAT systems isn't mandated under existing election laws for local bodies. This position contrasts sharply with national and state-level elections where VVPATs have become standard practice.
Court Petition and Response
The issue came to light when petitioner Rajkumar Phadkar challenged the commission's decision to exclude VVPATs from local polls. The petition argued that VVPATs are essential for ensuring election integrity and verifying votes cast through EVMs.
However, the commission's affidavit stated clearly: "There is no provision for use of VVPAT in the elections of municipal corporations." This legal stance highlights the gap between election procedures at different levels of governance.
Broader Implications
This decision affects numerous upcoming municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including major urban centers. The absence of VVPATs could become a point of contention among political parties and voter rights activists who have increasingly demanded greater transparency in the electoral process.
The commission's position also raises questions about whether local body election protocols need updating to align with technological advancements and voter expectations for verifiable voting systems.
What's Next?
The Bombay High Court continues to examine the matter, with potential implications for how local elections are conducted not just in Maharashtra but potentially across India. The outcome could prompt legislative changes to standardize voting technology across all election types.
