EVMs and Cyber Law
• Golden rule of Systems audit: Trust but verify. If
things can go wrong, they always will: Murphy’s law
of computing.
• This presentation will demonstrate that EVMs are
Computer Networks under Information Technology
Act, 2000 -- the Cyber Law of India
Dr. S. Kalyanaraman, Former Sr. Exec., Asian Development Bank, responsible for setting
up a computer network for the Bank controlling $60 billion loan portfolio and
disbursements in multiple currencies. Also pioneered the set up of the computer
systems on Indian Railways. Feb. 3, 2010
• Sources:
• 1. Election Commission website: http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/faq/evm.asp
• 2. Case studies and reports: http://sites.google.com/site/hindunew/electronic-
voting-machines
1
List of countries which have banned EVMs
Netherlands (cited lack of transparency and risk of eavesdropping and
securing cannot be guaranteed)
Ireland (after spending 51 million pounds for three years due to lack of
transperancy and trust)
Germany considered e-voting unconstitutional due to lack of transparency to
a common voter.
Italy (because EVMs are easy to falsify)
US (California and other states banned EVM’s without paper trail)
CIA security expert Mr. Stigall, monitoring use of Electronic Voting Systems
in developing nations such as Venezuela, Macedonia and Ukraine
reported abuse using Electronic Voting Machines.
When Chavez won in Venzuela, mathematicians challenged and found a
“very subtle algorithm” that appeared to adjust vote in Chavez’s favor.
Summarised at: http://saveindiandemocracy.wordpress.com/
Representation of People Act, 1951
(Amended, 1989)
2[61A. Voting machines at elections.—Notwithstanding anything
contained in this Act or the rules made thereunder, the giving and
recording of votes by voting machines in such manner as may be
prescribed, may be adopted in such constituency or constituencies as
the Election Commission may, having regard to the circumstances of
each case, specify.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, "voting machine" m