THE demand for free, fair and transparent elections has become pronounced. The issue is reflected in a decision of the interim government to form the election commission reforms committee. Tasked with revamping the election commission to enhance its independence, transparency and public trust, the committee work represents a critical step towards restoring confidence in the electoral process.
One of the most significant reform opportunities involves the potential expansion of electronic voting machines throughout the country, along with the integration of the voter verifiable paper audit trail technology. By enabling voters to verify that the ballots are recorded accurately, the paper trail adds a layer of transparency and accountability, which could help to mitigate electoral fraud and restore voter confidence.
Additionally, the government has taken proactive measures to ensure the reform process is inclusive and transparent. A six-member search committee has been instituted to form a new election commission that would reflect the values of impartiality, accountability and independence. The search committee is expected to recommend individuals with a proven commitment to democratic principles, integrity and the ability to resist political pressure.
For Bangladesh, such electoral reforms and technological advancements hold the promise of not only a more transparent election process but also a reinforced democratic system that can withstand internal and external challenges. A successful implementation of the reforms would set a standard for the region, emphasising the importance of credible institutions in upholding democracy and the rule of law. With these efforts, the government demonstrates its resolve to steer Bangladesh towards a future where elections would truly reflect the will of the people.
听
Voting machines and paper trail
THE 2010 incident involving Hari Prasad, an Indian citizen, who stole an electronic voting machine from the Election Commission of India and demonstrated its vulnerabilities with the assistance of teachers from the University of Michigan underscores the reality that no electoral system is completely secure from threats. Their experiments showed significant risks, including the potential for tampering with the electronic voting machine鈥檚 motherboard before inspection.
In response to such vulnerabilities, the introduction of the voter verifiable paper audit trail provides a critical safeguard, allowing votes to be independently verified through a physical paper trail. This feature ensures that any tampering with the electronic system can be detected and addressed during audits or recounts, thereby enhancing the overall security and integrity of the electoral process.
Bangladesh鈥檚 electoral framework already incorporates various safeguards, such as pre-election checks of electronic voting machines conducted in the presence of political party representatives, who seal and sign the machines, complicating any attempts at post-check tampering. The integration of paper audit trail further strengthens this security by enabling a manual verification of votes. When a voter casts the vote using the voting machine, the machine prints out a paper, which is then displayed to the voter for verification before being securely stored in a sealed box. This paper trail allows voters to confirm their choice, thus adding an essential layer of accountability and transparency crucial for audits and recounts in the event of disputes.
For example, during an election, voters might select their preferred candidates on the machine. After making the selection, the paper audit trail component produces a paper slip that shows the voter鈥檚 choice. The voters can visually confirm that the printout reflects their intended selection before the slip is dropped into a secure ballot box. This process allows for manual verification if any issues arise, such as claims of the machine malfunction or allegations of hacking. The paper audit trail serves as an irrefutable means of resolution, allowing election officials to cross-check electronic votes against the physical records.
Countries such as the United States have effectively integrated paper audit trail into the electronic voting system, demonstrating its role in enhancing transparency and ensuring the accuracy of election results. Even Hari Prasad, who initially brought attention to the machine鈥檚 vulnerabilities, now advocates the integration of paper audit trial as a means to bolster electoral integrity.
听
Legal and constitutional backing
BANGLADESH鈥橲 legal framework provides for robust support for the use of electronic voting machines. Article 118 of the constitution grants the Election Commission the autonomy to conduct elections while the Representation of the People Order 1972 empowers the commission to adopt technologies such as electronic voting machines to minimise electoral frauds. This legal foundation enables the government and the commission to effectively implement voting machines and paper audit trail to ensure that the elections are conducted transparently and securely.
听
Are voting machines non-hackable?
While voting machines in Bangladesh operate offline, significantly reducing external hacking risks, concerns about internal tampering or technical malfunctions remain. As with any technology, it is important to acknowledge that no system is entirely immune to threats. Labelling voting machines as 鈥榥on-hackable鈥� would be misleading. However, the measures put in place such as the first-level checks and security seals make it nearly impossible to rig elections. Furthermore, voter verified paper audit trail offers a reliable safeguard, providing for a physical backup that can be manually verified in the event of any dispute.
听
Phased rollout and public education
A PHASED rollout is the most practical approach to ensure a successful implementation of voting machines and paper audit trail across Bangladesh. Starting in urban constituencies, where voters are more familiar with technology, will help to identify and address technical issues before extending the use of electronic voting machines to rural areas. Equally important is the need for comprehensive voter education initiatives and training of election officials. By making voters with voting machines and paper audit trail, the Election Commission can minimise confusion about the election day and reduce the likelihood of technical failures to ensure a smooth voting process.
听
Call for constructive dialogue
THE introduction of voting machines and paper audit trail represents a forward-thinking step towards strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. While no system is entirely free of risks, integrating the technologies supported by legal safeguards, voter education and transparent oversight can significantly enhance electoral integrity.
As Bangladesh approaches its next general elections, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, the commission and the public, to engage in constructive dialogues about the future of voting in the country. By working together, Bangladesh can ensure that its elections remain credible, transparent and reflective of the will of the people. With right reforms and the implementation of modern technologies, Bangladesh has the opportunity to build a strong, more inclusive democracy for future.
听
Kollol Kibria is an advocate, rights activist and political analyst.
