EC rejects cyber expert''s EVM hacking claim, says machines ''foolproof''

NEW DELHI: Terming the latest allegations of tampering and hacking of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) levelled by an Indian seeking political asylum in the US, as "motivated", the Election Commission on Monday dismissed it saying, the machines are "foolproof".

Poll panel says it is examining as to what legal action can be taken in the matter.

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 21

Terming the latest allegations of tampering and hacking of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) levelled by an Indian seeking political asylum in the US, as "motivated", the Election Commission on Monday dismissed it saying, the machines are "foolproof".

In a statement the EC said it "firmly stands by the empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs deployed in elections in India".

Maintaining that it did not want to become party to "this motivated slugfest", the commission reiterated: "These EVMs are manufactured in Bharat Electronics Limited ((BEL) and Electronics Corporation of Indian Limited (ECIL) under very strict supervisory and security conditions and there are rigorous Standard Operating Procedures meticulously observed at all stages under the supervision of a Committee of eminent technical experts constituted way back in 2010."

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, is reported on Monday to have claimed that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the EVMs, which, he also said, could be hacked. He also said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

Hinting at possible future action in this case, the EC said, "It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter."

Soon after Shuja's press meet in London, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the opposition will take up with the EC the claims made by the cyber expert that EVMs can be hacked. In a Twitter post she said, "Our great democracy must be protected. Every vote of yours is precious. All Oppn parties discussed the #EVM issue after the #UnitedIndiaAtBrigade rally. We are working closely together and decided on Jan 19 itself to consistently take up the matter with EC. Yes, every vote counts."