Retrograde demands

Paper ballots instead of EVMs make no sense

As part of its regular interaction with political parties to make the electoral process more transparent, inclusive and credible, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday met seven national and 34 regional political parties. With India expected to hold several state Assembly elections later this year and the general election in May next year, the latest meeting had added significance. However, the arguments put forward by a majority of opposition parties were unwarranted. There were essentially three major demands: One, India should give up on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and move back to paper ballots. Two, voter identification cards should be