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Politics
Mayawati Calls for Return to Paper Ballots, Questions EVM Use
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 06:33 PM
👁 14
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has raised concerns over electronic voting machines, urging a shift back to paper ballots as many voters express a preference for traditional voting methods.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has publicly questioned the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in Indian elections. In a recent statement, she urged election authorities to consider reverting to paper ballots, citing growing concerns among voters.
Mayawati highlighted that a significant portion of the electorate feels uncomfortable with the current electronic system and prefers the transparency of paper-based voting. She added that the shift could restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The call has sparked debate among political analysts, with some arguing that EVMs offer speed and accuracy, while others echo Mayawati’s concerns about potential tampering and lack of audit trails.
Election officials have not yet responded to the demand, but the issue may influence discussions ahead of upcoming state and national polls.
Mayawati highlighted that a significant portion of the electorate feels uncomfortable with the current electronic system and prefers the transparency of paper-based voting. She added that the shift could restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The call has sparked debate among political analysts, with some arguing that EVMs offer speed and accuracy, while others echo Mayawati’s concerns about potential tampering and lack of audit trails.
Election officials have not yet responded to the demand, but the issue may influence discussions ahead of upcoming state and national polls.