Former president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Nana Patole, has urged for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the state to be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Patole highlighted flaws in the electoral system following the recent municipal elections in the state, emphasizing the need for transparency and public trust in the voting process. He questioned the insistence on EVMs in Maharashtra and called for a return to ballot papers to address voter concerns.
Several states in India have already adopted ballot papers for local body elections to ensure transparency and avoid controversies, according to Patole. He raised concerns over issues such as voter list discrepancies, logistic hurdles, and the absence of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems during the recent municipal elections. Patole stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, especially in Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, which he described as crucial components of the democratic framework.
Patole expressed worries about the erosion of public trust in the election process and warned of potential consequences on democracy’s health. He called on the authorities to prioritize transparency over technology to rebuild confidence in the electoral system and uphold the democratic mandate. The demand for a shift to ballot papers stems from concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the need to address issues that have arisen in recent elections, as highlighted by Patole.
