Simultaneous Elections in India: Challenges and Requirements
The debate on the cost-effectiveness of conducting simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies continues. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has provided an internal assessment of the requirements for a nationwide simultaneous election in 2029.
Key Requirements and Expenditure
- Approximately 48 lakh Balloting Units (BUs), 35 lakh Control Units (CUs), and 34 lakh Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) will be needed.
- The expenditure for these requirements is estimated at over ₹5,300 crore.
Current Inventory and Shortfall
- The ECI currently holds over 30 lakh BUs, 22 lakh CUs, and nearly 24 lakh VVPATs.
- By 2029, a shortfall of nearly 20 lakh BUs, 13.6 lakh CUs, and 10 lakh plus VVPATs is anticipated due to machine retirements.
Factors Influencing EVM-VVPAT Needs
- Polling Station Increase: A 15% increase in polling stations from the 2024 elections, raising the number to over 12.1 lakh by 2029.
- Reserve Machines: 70% of BUs, 25% of CUs, and 35% of VVPATs are reserved for defects or failures during initial checks.
Challenges
- Supply Side Concerns: Past semiconductor supply issues have impacted manufacturing, prompting the ECI to order machines well in advance.
- Logistical Challenges: Includes the need for secure warehouses and trained personnel for poll conduct and machine checks.
Logistics and Training
- States like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim lack sufficient warehouse infrastructure for EVM storage.
- Training personnel and engineers for the First Level Check is pivotal, involving extensive manpower management.
