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As Bihar gears up for its 2025 Legislative Assembly Election, all eyes are on one of India’s most politically significant battlegrounds. The state, known for its deep-rooted political legacy and influence on national politics, is set to hold elections for all 243 assembly seats this year. The outcome won’t just determine who leads Bihar; it could also reshape the political balance in Delhi.

Despite India’s rapid digital transformation, the Bihar 2025 election will still rely on traditional voting methods. The Election Commission has confirmed that online voting will not be allowed, and ballots will be cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. Yet, the growing discussion about eVoting and recent experiment with mobile voting, hints at a future where technology could play a much larger role in ensuring accessibility and transparency.

 

Political Landscape and Alliances

 

The upcoming election is expected to witness participation from nearly 69 political parties, making it one of the most crowded and competitive elections in the country. The main contest, however, remains between three prominent blocs: the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Mahagathbandhan (INDI Alliance), and Prashant Kishor’s emerging Jan Suraaj movement.

The NDA, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, will once again depend on its tested alliance formula. Seat-sharing arrangements have been finalised, with the BJP and JD(U) each contesting 101 seats and the remaining 41 going to their allies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key NDA face, seeks re-election amid a mix of appreciation for his governance model and criticism over his frequent alliance shifts that have raised questions about political credibility.

Challenging the NDA is the Mahagathbandhan or INDI Alliance, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in alliance with the Indian National Congress and left parties, including CPI, CPI(ML), and CPI(M). Tejashwi, the youthful opposition leader, is positioning himself as the voice of Bihar’s next generation. His campaign centres on employment, education and youth empowerment, appealing to the state’s large young population frustrated with migration and limited job opportunities.

Amidst these established political forces, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement offers a fresh narrative. Kishor, once a political strategist behind major national campaigns, has turned reformist, advocating a people-driven movement based on development, accountability and governance. While he isn’t contesting elections himself, his campaign is drawing attention from voters tired of traditional caste and religion-based politics.

 

The Big Issues Shaping the Bihar Election 2025

 

At the heart of this election lie issues that directly affect everyday life. Unemployment and migration remain Bihar’s most pressing concerns. Every year, lakhs of young people leave the state in search of better work opportunities in other parts of India. Despite improvements in literacy and education levels, job creation has lagged behind. This frustration is reflected in the youth-driven campaigns that emphasise skill development and industrial growth.

Infrastructure and development are also central themes. While urban areas have seen visible progress in roads, electricity, and connectivity, rural Bihar still struggles with inconsistent access to healthcare, clean water, and a reliable power supply. Many voters believe that inclusive growth must extend beyond cities if Bihar is to progress meaningfully.

Education, though improving in terms of enrollment and literacy, suffers from inadequate employment opportunities for graduates. The mismatch between skills and market demand continues to push educated youth toward migration. Voters are demanding not just more schools and colleges, but a system that translates education into employability.

Corruption and governance are other significant talking points. After years of alternating leadership, voters are questioning the effectiveness of policies and the accountability of leaders. Law and order issues, especially related to justice delivery and public safety, have also become major factors influencing voter sentiment.

 

The Shift from Caste to Performance-Based Voting

 

Bihar’s political history is closely tied to caste and religion-based voting, but the 2025 election could mark a slow yet visible shift. Traditionally, communities have voted along caste lines, shaping the state’s political structure. However, a growing number of young and urban voters are now thinking differently. They are prioritising development, employment and governance over caste loyalties.

This evolution in voting behaviour is gradually changing the political narrative. While identity politics still matters, the emphasis on work and performance shows Bihar’s maturing democracy. Many political observers believe that this trend could significantly influence election outcomes, particularly in urban and semi-urban constituencies where aspirations for growth and opportunity are highest.

 

Bihar’s Election and Its Impact on National Politics

 

Bihar’s political influence has always extended beyond its borders. The results of this election are expected to have a strong impact on the national stage, particularly on coalition dynamics at the Centre. The BJP’s strength in Parliament depends partly on allies like Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP. A major shift in Bihar could disrupt this balance, either strengthening or weakening the central coalition.

For the opposition, a strong performance in Bihar could inject new energy into the INDI Alliance, reshaping the political narrative ahead of the 2029 general elections. Political analysts agree that Bihar 2025 is not just about state governance; it’s a strategic battle that could redefine alliances and political equations in Delhi.

 

eVoting in Bihar

 

Even though eVoting is not permitted in this election, Bihar’s successful pilot programs during the 2025 municipal elections have sparked optimism about the future of online voting. With rising smartphone usage, widespread Aadhaar linkage and improved digital literacy, the state is now technically ready for secure digital elections.

Introducing eVoting in Bihar could revolutionise voter participation. It would allow millions of Biharis living outside the state, students, migrant workers and professionals to vote easily from wherever they are. This inclusivity would ensure that distance no longer prevents citizens from exercising their democratic rights.

Moreover, eVoting can significantly boost turnout by simplifying the process. Encryption-backed systems ensure transparency and prevent tampering, while digital audit trails make results verifiable and trustworthy. In a state like Bihar, where trust in governance and election management is crucial, digital voting could build stronger public confidence.

 

Why Right2Vote Is the Ideal Platform for Digital Elections

 

If Bihar were to adopt online voting in the near future, Right2Vote stands as the most credible and secure platform to make it possible. Right2Vote is officially approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and certified by STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification), ensuring full compliance with government standards for online elections in India.

With over a decade of experience, Right2Vote has successfully conducted more than 20,500 elections across 600+ election types, making it one of the pioneers in India’s eVoting ecosystem. Its ISO 27001 certification ensures adherence to global standards for data security and privacy, offering complete protection against unauthorised access or data breaches.

Right2Vote’s advanced security features include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, multi-layer authentication, OTP verification, geo-tagging, IP tracking, and multi-key result access, ensuring that every vote is confidential, verifiable and tamper-proof. Voters can access the platform easily through any device, mobile, laptop or tablet, making participation both convenient and secure.

For administrators, Right2Vote offers an intuitive dashboard for managing voter lists, setting timelines, and delivering instant results. The platform is designed for quick setup and can be customised for various election types from housing societies and associations to corporate boards, trade unions and even insolvency cases.

Beyond security and convenience, Right2Vote brings innovation and engagement into the voting process. Features like voter selfies, personalised invitations and reminders create a more interactive experience, encouraging higher voter turnout and making elections more participatory.

 

Summary

 

The Bihar Election 2025 will decide not just who governs the state but also how India envisions its democratic future. As political battles intensify and issues like employment, governance, and transparency take centre stage, voters are increasingly demanding better systems both in politics and in the process of voting itself. The rise of eVoting is not far away, and with trusted platforms like Right2Vote, the future of Indian democracy looks more inclusive, secure, and transparent than ever.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

Right2Vote Infotech Private Limited is in the business of providing an eVoting technology platform for managing online elections. We come across many clients who come out with a Tender / Request for Proposal / Bidding Document for the availing of eVoting services. This document is to help guide them in the process of tendering.

 

Be clear about the objective: Why do you want to go the tender route rather than direct selection?

Many organisations go through the process of tendering without giving it a thought. You must know what you want to achieve. It can be one or more of the following:

  1. To meet the rules and guidelines of your organisation
  2. Select technically the best platform
  3. To get the lowest price

 

To meet the rules and guidelines of your organisation

 

Many organisations, especially government organisations and public sector entities, have rules that all procurement must be done through a tender to ensure the best price discovery and avoid any financial fraud or favouritism. Tendering wastes a lot of time and costs for both the client and the eVoting agencies. Hence, the following should be explored:

  1. Low Contract Value: Generally, each organisation’s tendering guidelines also provide an exemption from the tendering process if the value of the contract is too low. Check the limit in your organisation. Generally speaking, no quality eVoting service provider would be interested in participating in a tender where the tender value is less than Rs. One Lakh. If you go ahead with a tender for a low-value contract, you will lose out on good service providers.
  2. Empanelment: It is generally better to empanel a few eVoting agencies which meet the technical criteria. Then you can have a simple price bid and decide on the vendor. It will save you a lot of time and money. Reverse eAuction is very efficient for this purpose.
  3. GeM and other similar portals: To expedite the process of procurement, the Government of India has set up the Government eMarketplace or the GeM portal. The client should use such price discovery portals for faster and cheaper procurement.

 

Shortlist the technically best platform first

 

eVoting is a very critical service as it enables the selection of the top management of the organisation. Top management determines the vision and direction of the organisation, and hence selecting cheap, uncertified and non-secure eVoting platforms would be penny-wise pound-foolish.

Most organisations do not know what to look for in an eVoting platform. People either keep it too open-ended or make it too detailed. Nothing can be worse than a badly drafted Request For Proposal (RFP). If you are drafting an eVoting RFP or any other RFP, you should keep it simple and short. But at the same time, have 3-4 critical parameters on which the technical proposal would be evaluated. The parameters should be specific and should not be open to interpretation. We recommend the following parameters:

 

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS FOR eVOTING VENDOR SELECTION

  1. Certification
    1. The eVoting platform should be certified for quality and security by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Here, it is important to note that STQC certification should include functional testing, GIGW parameters, MCA parameters, web application security, network security and cloud security. Only an OSWAP top 10 or such a 5-10 parameter test certificate from STQC is not a real eVoting quality and security certificate. STQC tests eVoting platforms on more than 500 parameters.
    2. ISO-27001 certification
    3. Approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India

This will ensure that a platform tested and certified by experts is only able to participate.

  1. Experience
    1. Should have experience of managing more than 1000 elections
    2. Should have experience of managing elections for more than 5 years
    3. Should have experience of handling elections of your size (number of voters – say 25,000 voters)

This will ensure that all fly-by-night operators are excluded.

  1. Features

Depending on your requirements, you should also stipulate the features required. Our recommended list is:

Mandatory

  1. Secret ballot – Individual voter’s vote details should not be accessible to anybody, including the eVoting agency.
  2. Audit trail – IP address and time of voting of each voter should be provided for audit purposes.
  3. Voter Receipt – A receipt should be sent to voters as soon as the voting is done for their confidence.
  4. End-to-end encryption
  5. OTP based authentication

Optional

  1. Voter Selfie
  2. Result Multi-key
  3. Unique IP address
  4. Two-factor authentication
  5. Geo-tagging
  6. Geo-fencing
  7. Face recognition

 

  1. Data hosting in India

As per the government of India guidelines, most organisations are required to store the data in India. Ensure the service provider confirms this in writing.

 

What to Avoid

 

You should avoid the following, as it does not add any value to you as a client but increases the cost for the vendor and hence increases the chances of their dropping out.

  1. Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): It is better to hold back payment of 10% of the service charge till the end of the election rather than asking for EMD. EMD does not add any value for the client. It also increases the processing cost, time and effort for both client and vendor. Vendors find the process of getting a refund of EMD very painful, and many times do not bid due to this reason. No business likes its working capital stuck in non-productive uses.

 

  1. Performance Guarantee (PG): Performance Guarantee (PG) is more relevant where the vendor is supposed to build a new product. PG does not add any value for the client. It only makes the banks richer. In elections, there is one winner and ten losers. There are high chances of losers non accepting the result gracefully. There are also chances of wasteful and endless litigation. The litigation is generally not due to the fault of the vendor but the ego of the losing party. In such cases, PG gets stuck. Hence, no eVoting agency would like to submit a PG.

 

  1. Bank statements and financial reports: Bank statements and financial reports are confidential data of any organisation. Asking for those documents is unfair. Would you share your bank statements and financial reports with the vendors? The vendor is more worried about whether you are capable of making payment and should ask for your financial statements.

 

  1. Contact details of the other customers: Any vendor should not share contact details of their clients with anybody else. Would you like it if vendors started sharing your mobile number and email ID with other potential clients? Imagine hundreds of people calling you to understand the eVoting process, technicalities, various features of the platform, your experience during the election, etc. Are you willing to entertain such calls? STQC certification is done by experts, which should be enough. No point calling other customers who are not experts.

 

  1. One-sided contracts: Nobody likes one-sided contracts. A good service provider would either build up the cost in the tender value or not participate. Neither scenario is in the interest of the client.

 

  1. Multiple meetings, demos, trials, etc.: STQC certification has already taken care of testing. There is no need for multiple meetings, trials and demos. When you are getting a new software made customised for yourself, then only you need multiple testing, trials and demos. In that case, you should hire an expert agency like STQC to do that for you and should not do it yourself. Generally, in organisations where the decision-making process is muddy, multiple people get involved in vendor selection and repeatedly ask the same questions. That frustrates good vendors. They then either build it up in the cost or drop out.

 

To get the lowest price

 

Tendering generally does not lead to the lowest price. The process of tender is a time-consuming and costly affair for the vendors. Hence, the vendor is forced to build in the cost of participating in the tender process in the tender value. And as the success rate is low in tenders, the vendor is forced to build in 5x-10x the cost of participating in a tender in the tender value. To recover the cost of unsuccessful tenders, also. It is a lose-lose deal for both parties.

An even bigger risk is that good vendors are too busy serving their customers and do not have time to waste on bid participation. Most RFPs are drafted by non-professionals, who have limited technical knowledge of eVoting, and hence, vendors find replying to such RFP a total waste of time and resources.

It is always better to review the websites of the top 3-4 vendors in the business of eVoting. First check for technical parameters like STQC certification. Once you are comfortable with the technical capabilities, then check the pricing page on the website. Any good vendor would be transparent and would mention the price on the website. If somebody does not mention the prices on the website, then be very careful. Most probably, the vendor has something to hide and is not trustworthy. Right2Vote is very transparent about the pricing of its services and contract terms. A detailed cost calculator is available here.

All good vendors will have all technical and commercial information readily available on the website. However, you can also call them or email them asking for these details. Vendors do not mind sending these details as they do not have to waste time reading a lengthy RFP and have all the information in a standard format ready with them.

 

Technical bid Vs Financial bid

 

Generally, governments and large organisations go for a tender for price discovery and for identifying the lowest bidder (L1). The L1 system of tender makes sense where quality is not a big issue. However, for a critical service like eVoting, the technical bid is the most important. A good client should eliminate all low-quality service providers in the technical bid round.

In many organisations, we have seen that clients are not technically aware and focus only on the financial bid. This is suicidal. It would lead to the selection of a low-quality service provider. Low-quality service provider means low voter turnout, selection of the wrong candidate, complaints against the system and possible litigation. The cost of any litigation would be at least 10 times the money saved by selecting a low-quality service provider.

 

Negotiation after price discovery via tender

 

Another common mistake organisations make is that even after identifying the L1 bidder through an extensive bidding process, they go on and open negotiations with other bidders. When a service provider knows that L1 will not be automatically selected and he will again get a chance to negotiate, he will never submit his best bid. This defeats the purpose of the tender. And mind you, the tendering process is a very costly process for the client, too. Making of RFP, answering queries, making changes, calling for bids, evaluating bids and finally awarding the bids is not only a very costly process, but it sucks up a lot of time and resources of the organisation. Time and resources which could have been used for a more productive purpose.

Another big issue with negotiation after tender is that it opens the doors for favouritism. There are always some vested interests in any organisation that would love to manipulate the elections. Vested interest can disclose the L1 price to its favourite bidder and ask him to revise their price lower than L1. The fairness and transparency that a tender process aims to achieve are lost by such renegotiation.

For better price discovery, an organisation can rather go for a reverse eAuction. Right2Vote also provides a reverse eAuction platform.

 

Summing up: Points to remember while selecting an eVoting service provider

 

  1. Direct discussion/negotiation is better than tendering. Tending leads to wastage of time, effort and increases cost for both parties.
  2. Tendering document should be simple and focus on 3-4 critical elements, including certifications, experience, and features
  3. Financial bids should be opened only for technically qualified bidders.
  4. Asking for EMD, PG, Financial Statements, and one-sided contracts does not add any value for the client, but leads to good service providers dropping out.
  5. Tender and negotiation are mutually exclusive. Either call for tender or negotiate. For the best price discovery along with saving in cost and effort, one can go for empanelment & reverse eAuction.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

 

Democracy is evolving beyond physical polling booths into secure, cloud-based voting systems. Cloud-based election technology has transformed how organisations, associations and even society conduct elections, making them faster, more accessible and highly reliable. Platforms like Right2Vote have pioneered this transformation by providing a cloud eVoting system that ensures seamless participation from any location. 

 

The need for such technology arises from the increasing demand for convenience, transparency and security in elections. Traditional paper-based or offline elections often face logistical challenges, low voter turnout and delayed results. Cloud-based online voting, on the other hand, empowers voters to cast their ballots anytime and anywhere using a mobile phone or computer. This eliminates geographical barriers and enhances participation, particularly in global organisations and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) elections. Moreover, with real-time result processing and cloud data storage, the entire process becomes faster, scalable and highly efficient, bringing digital transformation to the heart of democracy.

 

Understanding Cloud-Based Technology in Online Voting

 

Cloud-based technology allows data and applications to be hosted on remote servers instead of local systems, enabling users to access them through the internet. In the context of online voting or cloud-based elections, this means that all election data, voter lists, authentication details and voting results are stored securely in a cloud database. Such architecture eliminates dependency on physical servers and reduces maintenance complexity while ensuring high performance and reliability. When an election is conducted on the cloud, scalability becomes effortless: thousands or even millions of voters can participate simultaneously without performance drops. Cloud platforms are also equipped with automatic backups and disaster recovery, ensuring that no vote or voter record is ever lost. For platforms like Right2Vote, cloud eVoting technology ensures real-time synchronisation across devices, encrypted data transmission and instant report generation. This ensures not only efficiency but also transparency and accountability, three vital pillars of any electoral process in the digital era.

 

Why Cloud-Based eVoting Is the Future of Elections

 

The growing reliance on cloud-based elections is not just a technological shift but a necessity driven by modern expectations of speed, inclusivity and accuracy. In a globalised and mobile-first world, voters expect flexibility, whether they are working professionals, students or people who live abroad. With cloud eVoting, voters no longer need to be physically present at polling stations; they can cast their votes securely from anywhere in the world. Organisations conducting frequent elections, such as housing societies, associations or trade unions, also find immense value in this approach due to reduced costs and administrative efforts. Moreover, cloud-based online elections ensure instant tallying and verification of results, eliminating manual counting errors and disputes. The system’s ability to handle large-scale elections in real time while maintaining end-to-end encryption makes it ideal for large institutions and national-level voting. As governments and organisations increasingly adopt digital-first approaches, cloud eVoting stands as the cornerstone of future democratic participation, efficient, eco-friendly and secure.

 

Cybersecurity and Data Protection: The Core of Cloud eVoting

 

Security remains the top priority in any cloud-based election system. As election data, including voter identities and ballots, are stored in a cloud database, safeguarding it against unauthorised access, hacking, or manipulation is essential. Right2Vote addresses this concern through rigorous Vulnerability Assessment of Cloud Servers, certified by a CERT-IN Empanelled Information Security Auditing agency. This certification validates that Right2Vote’s infrastructure has been tested for the latest vulnerabilities and adheres to strict cybersecurity standards. The assessment ensures that the cloud servers are protected from misconfigurations, unauthorised access and potential breaches. It guarantees data confidentiality, data integrity and service availability. This means every vote cast on the Right2Vote platform remains private, tamper-proof and accurately recorded. As elections increasingly depend on real-time digital operations, such certifications become essential to ensuring the trust and confidence of voters, candidates and administrators alike.

Booth-based voting stores data at the voting site. This makes it vulnerable to booth capturing. A similar problem also exists in eVoting with local data storage. Cloud storage ensures that data is stored at a different, secure location out of reach of the voters. Cloud data is generally stored at two different geographical locations across the world, which makes any type of booth capturing or ballot box capturing impossible.

 

Benefits of Cloud-Based Elections for Institutions and Voters

 

The advantages of adopting cloud-based voting technology extend far beyond convenience. For organisations, it eliminates the logistical burden of setting up physical polling stations, printing ballot papers and manually counting votes. Cloud servers ensure scalability, supporting elections of any size, from a small committee to a national association. For voters, the process becomes simple, quick and user-friendly, accessible from mobile or desktop devices. The system also enhances transparency at every step, from voter authentication to result declaration. Data stored in the cloud database can be encrypted and backed up, preventing loss or corruption. Additionally, since the entire system runs online, the environmental impact of paper waste is significantly reduced. Right2Vote’s cloud eVoting also supports real-time dashboards for administrators to monitor voter turnout and progress. The integration of cloud technology and strong cybersecurity ensures that institutions not only conduct elections efficiently but also inspire confidence in their stakeholders.

 

Building Trust through Certification and Innovation

 

In today’s digital democracy, trust is as important as technology. Voters and organisations must believe that the system they use to elect their representatives is secure and transparent. Right2Vote builds this trust through continuous innovation, robust infrastructure and verified security certifications. With over 10 years of experience in providing eVoting services, Right2Vote has conducted more than 20,500 elections across housing societies, associations, homeowner associations, clubs, schools, colleges, unions, cooperatives, federations, NGOs and government agencies, and the number continues to grow.

In the last 7 years, the platform has been certified three times by STQC, the Government of India’s standardisation body and also holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for information security management. Additionally, the Vulnerability Assessment of Cloud Servers by a CERT-IN Empanelled Information Security Auditing Agency assures users that their votes are protected by the highest standards of cybersecurity. By leveraging cloud-based election technology, Right2Vote guarantees uninterrupted service even under heavy traffic, ensuring accessibility for all voters at all times. Its adherence to global best practices and Indian government security standards further reinforces its credibility. As we move toward a future where digital voting becomes the norm, platforms like Right2Vote demonstrate that technology can strengthen democracy rather than compromise it. Through cloud technology, cybersecurity and transparency, the next generation of online voting platforms is shaping a safer, smarter and more inclusive electoral future.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

 

Every few years, when India goes to vote, one question returns again and again: “Is our election process really fair?” This year, the question has returned louder than ever, with Rahul Gandhi raising the issue of “Vote Chori” (vote theft).

In press conferences and public meetings, Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the ruling party of manipulating elections. He has even gone as far as calling it a “hydrogen bomb” of evidence, claiming he has 100% proof that elections are being tampered with.

On the other side, the Election Commission has rejected these allegations outright, calling them “baseless and misleading.”

So, who should the people believe? And more importantly, how do we ensure that the faith of the voter in democracy remains intact?

 

Rahul Gandhi’s Claims: “Vote Chori” in Detail

Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about what he calls systematic vote theft. Here are the main points he has raised:

Vote Theft (Vote Chori)

He accused the ECI of working with the ruling party to tamper with electoral rolls. According to him, legitimate voters’ names are being deleted while bogus names are being added. He insists this is not a clerical error, but an organized system of theft.

Fake Entries in Voter Rolls

Rahul Gandhi presented examples where voter rolls contained:

He argued that these errors were not isolated incidents, but widespread problems, particularly in states like Karnataka.

Demand for Transparency

He criticized the ECI for being opaque and unaccountable. His specific demands included:

Link to Larger Issues

Rahul Gandhi connected “vote chori” to job theft, corruption and a larger theft of democracy itself. His point: if elections are stolen, governments are not legitimate, and the people’s voices are suppressed.

Promise of Evidence

He promised undeniable proof within six months, suggesting that once revealed, it would be politically explosive enough to shake the highest levels of power.

Exit Polls vs. Results

Rahul Gandhi highlighted that exit polls often predicted outcomes very different from the final results. He suggested that this mismatch hints at manipulation during counting or tabulation.

ECI’s Failure to Act

He accused the Election Commission of:

Specific Demand

His central demand is simple: digital, searchable, machine-readable electoral rolls that political parties and experts can independently audit.

 

The Election Commission’s Reply

The Election Commission has firmly denied all allegations. Their key responses include:

In short, the ECI is saying: the system is robust, the allegations are political and anyone with proof should present it formally.

 

The Real Problem: Trust in Elections

Whether one believes Rahul Gandhi or the Election Commission, one fact is undeniable: People are losing trust in elections.

Every few years, the same doubts return:

And the common voter wonders: “Is my vote even being counted?”

This trust gap is dangerous. Democracy runs on only one fuel: people’s faith in the system. If that faith is shaken, then even a perfectly fair election will be doubted.

So, the real question is not Rahul Gandhi vs. ECI.
The real question is: How do we design an election system where no one can even raise the question of ‘vote chori’?

 

The Solution: Right2Vote Online Voting Platform

This is where technology can provide the answer. And this is exactly what Right2Vote, India’s homegrown eVoting platform, is solving all the questions which arise in front of ECI.

Right2Vote is certified by STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate), approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and trusted by associations, unions, corporates and housing societies across India.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on paper or EVMs, Right2Vote offers a fully digital, transparent and auditable process.

Key Features That Made It Work

 

How Right2Vote Answers Rahul Gandhi’s Concerns on “Vote Chori”

Rahul Gandhi’s concerns about “Vote Chori” revolve around transparency, voter list integrity, impersonation and the need for a verifiable system. While he accuses the Election Commission of failing to ensure these safeguards, Right2Vote’s online voting technology already addresses every single one of these issues in practice.

In short, every allegation Rahul Gandhi raised, from missing names to lack of transparency and unverifiable results, is directly solved by Right2Vote’s system. If adopted at a national scale, it could eliminate doubts about “vote chori” and restore full trust in India’s democracy.

 

Why People Trusted Right2Vote

Right2Vote’s credibility rests on both certifications and a proven track record:

Major corporates like Tata Housing, Godrej, Mahindra, Prestige and Embassy regularly use Right2Vote for their projects.

This kind of credibility and transparency ensured that no one could question the legitimacy of the election.

 

Why India Needs to Think Beyond “Vote Chori”

The Rahul Gandhi vs. ECI debate is only one chapter in a larger story.

The real issue is that India’s election system, though massive and well-managed, still leaves room for doubt. The very fact that such allegations are possible shows the cracks in transparency.

If societies, corporates and unions are already adopting secure digital voting, why can’t India’s national elections do the same?

With features like voter receipts, audit trails, instant results, Voter-selfie and Two-factor Authentication and strong security, platforms like Right2Vote can bridge the trust gap.

 

Conclusion

Democracy depends not just on fair elections, but also on people’s belief that those elections are genuine and fair. Today, words like “vote chori” weaken that belief. Tomorrow, it could lead to a crisis of legitimacy.

The solution lies in embracing secure, transparent technology. Platforms like Right2Vote are already showing the way with higher participation, stronger security, lower costs and undeniable transparency.

If India truly wants to protect democracy, it must ensure that no one, not even a powerful leader, can raise the question “Was my vote stolen?”

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

When it comes to online voting, trust is everything. If voters don’t trust the platform, they won’t trust the results. At Right2Vote, we understand this better than anyone, which is why we made sure our platform is certified by STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate).

But here’s the truth: not every company that claims to have STQC certification actually has the full and genuine certification for eVoting and Certified Quality Website (CQW Level 2). Some companies only get a small part of the testing done, like security testing of a web application, and then showcase it as if they are fully STQC certified for eVoting. That’s like owning a BMW bicycle and pretending it’s the same as a BMW car. Yes, both are BMW products, but there’s a huge difference between the two.

In this blog, I’ll explain:

 

What Exactly is STQC Certification and Why is it Important?

STQC stands for Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification, which is a wing of the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). STQC provides quality assurance services in IT and electronics. In simple words, it is the official body that checks whether a digital system, website, or platform meets the highest standards of security, performance, and compliance.

For websites, STQC gives something called the Certified Quality Website (CQW) certificate. This is not just a sticker or logo it is proof that a website has gone through multiple rounds of testing. STQC CQW Level 2 certificate for eVoting entails many tests, including:

  1. Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) checklist
  2. Audit of MCA Checklist
  3. Function testing
  4. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) of Network
  5. Web Application Security Compliance (OWASP Top 10)
  6. Vulnerability Assessment (VA) of cloud servers

In all there are more than 500 parameters on which an eVoting platform is tested by STQC before CQW certification. In comparison Web Application Security Compliance (OWASP Top 10) is just 10 parameters. Which means only 2%!

 

When a platform like Right2Vote is certified by STQC, it means:

 

The Big Confusion: Full STQC Certification vs. Partial Testing

Here’s where things get tricky. Some companies showcase themselves as “STQC Certified,” but in reality, they are not certified for eVoting or for Certified Quality Website. What they have is only a partial certificate for one small type of testing, such as web application security.

The BMW Car vs. Bicycle: Understanding the Difference

To understand the difference, let’s go back to the example.

BMW makes both cars and bicycles. Owning a BMW bicycle is fine, but you cannot say you own a BMW car. Similarly, Right2Vote has the BMW car equivalent a full STQC certification for Certified Quality Website in eVoting while others only have the bicycle equivalent a small certificate for just one type of testing.

Remember:

Both are “BMW,” but one is miles ahead in value, reliability, functionality and performance. Same with STQC certification.

The main problem is that most customers don’t know the difference. If a company shows them a partial certificate, they assume it means full STQC certification. This creates confusion and, unfortunately, allows fraudulent companies to mislead customers.

 

Fake Claims Alert: How Some Companies Mislead Customers

There are also some companies that falsely claim to be STQC certified when they are not certified at all. This is a serious issue because it misguides customers into trusting platforms that may not be secure or reliable for something as important as voting.

How to Verify if a Company is Truly STQC Certified

The safest way to check is to look at the official STQC list of certified websites and companies, which is updated regularly. You can see the list here:
Official STQC Certified Website List

Right2Vote is proudly listed here with genuine certification.

 

Types of Testing in STQC Certification

The Certified Quality Website (CQW) certification is not about just one type of test. It’s a group of tests that together confirm that the website is safe, user-friendly, and compliant.

Here are the major types of testing involved:

  1. Accessibility Testing 
    • Ensures the website can be used by people with disabilities. 
    • Follows international guidelines like WCAG. 
  2. Usability Testing 
    • Checks how easy it is for people to use the site. 
    • Evaluates navigation, content clarity, and user experience. 
  3. Security Testing 
    • Identifies vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS attacks. 
    • Includes penetration testing to simulate hacker attacks. 
  4. Compliance Testing 
    • Ensures the website meets laws, regulations, and government guidelines. 
    • Checks for privacy policies and proper domain use. 
  5. Functionality Testing 
    • Verifies that all features of the website work properly. 

In addition, STQC also performs:

Together, these tests make the certification much bigger than just security testing. That’s why partial testing cannot be equated with full certification.

 

Why eVoting Needs Full STQC Certification, Not Just Security Testing

eVoting is not like browsing a shopping website or reading the news. In eVoting, every single vote matters. A small loophole in security or functionality can lead to massive consequences.

For voters and organizations, the stakes are high:

That’s why only a full STQC Certified Quality Website certification is meaningful in the context of eVoting.

Right2Vote has gone through the entire process, passed all tests, and earned the certificate. Not once, but three times in 7 years. That’s why we proudly say: we are genuinely certified by STQC for eVoting.

 

Why Customers Often Get Misled by Fake or Partial Certificates

Customers often don’t know the difference between:

This confusion benefits companies that have only partial testing or fake claims. They showcase their limited certificate and market themselves as “STQC Certified.”

That’s why customers must always check the official STQC-certified list before trusting any platform.

 

Right2Vote’s Edge: Real STQC Certified Quality Website for eVoting

Right2Vote is one of the very few companies in India to hold a genuine STQC Certified Quality Website certification for eVoting.

This makes Right2Vote’s certification authentic, valid and trustworthy.

 

Don’t Fall for Shortcuts, Trust Only Genuine STQC Certification

In the digital world, especially in something as sensitive as voting, certification is not just a badge, it is proof of trust. Many companies try to mislead customers by showcasing partial testing or fake certificates. But when it comes to eVoting, only a genuine STQC Certified Quality Website certificate matters.

At Right2Vote, we are proud to be one of the very few platforms in India with this certification. Our customers can rest assured that when they use Right2Vote, they are using a platform that has been tested, validated and certified at the highest level by the Government of India’s own STQC body.

So next time someone tells you they are “STQC Certified,” ask them:

If the answer is no, then you know the truth.

Because when it comes to elections, shortcuts are dangerous. At Right2Vote, we don’t take shortcuts; we take the full road to trust.

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

 

The world of elections is changing. In recent years, public conversation has been dominated by debates over traditional voting methods, sparking a global search for more secure and efficient solutions. This shift is not just about technology; it’s about restoring public trust in the democratic process.

 

Why the Need for Change?

The call for new voting methods has become louder in the wake of public statements by political leaders. For instance, in a meeting with President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly said, “Your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting.” Trump also quoted Putin as saying, “No country has mail-in voting. It’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.”

It is not the first time that leaders have blamed the voting system for their loss. When Donald Trump lost in 2020, he blamed the mail-in ballots; in India, whenever the candidate loses, they point fingers at EVMs; and in countries where paper ballots are used, the same blame shifts to ballot manipulation. This shows a common tendency among politicians across the world: they rarely accept defeat gracefully and instead choose to question the system itself.

These bold claims, which were widely fact-checked and found to be misleading, brought the reliability of traditional ballot methods into sharp focus. While the United States is not the only country to use mail-in voting, many nations, including India, Australia, Canada, and Germany, have successfully used some form of postal voting for years. The controversy highlighted a fundamental need: a voting system that is not only secure but also seen as transparent and trustworthy by everyone. This is where online voting comes in as a potential solution.

 

The Global Rise of Online Voting

While remote voting systems have faced scrutiny, many countries around the globe have already turned to digital solutions, demonstrating that online voting is not a futuristic concept but a present-day reality.

These examples show that online voting has a proven track record, especially in increasing accessibility and making it easier for people to participate in elections. The need for this method arises from a desire to overcome the limitations of traditional systems, such as the time it takes to count paper ballots, the risk of human error, and the challenges faced by voters who cannot easily get to a polling place.

The_Push_for_Digital_Elections-Right2Vote

Right2Vote: A Look at a Modern Solution

One of the most prominent examples of a secure online election platform is Right2Vote. This company has been a leader in the field for over a decade, providing a robust, simple and transparent way to conduct elections. The platform’s success is a testament to the power of online voting to meet modern electoral needs.

With a history of completing more than 20,000 elections and conducting over 3,000 elections every year, Right2Vote has proven its reliability and capacity to handle large-scale events.

The platform’s success stems from its impressive set of features, designed to make the entire process smooth and secure for everyone involved. Some of these features include:

Personalised Invite and Reminder Notifications: Right2Vote sends invite notifications to all voters about election schedules to their registered email or mobile. Right2Vote also sends reminder emails to voters who have not voted yet. This ensures that all members are well-informed and engaged.

Secure Login and Voter Authentication: To prevent fraud and ensure that only authorised members can vote, Right2Vote employs secure login methods, such as OTP-based authentication. This verifies the identity of each voter, adding an extra layer of security to the election.

Secret Ballot Functionality: Right2Vote provides the secret ballot system by ensuring that each vote is cast anonymously and securely. A vote is cast in secret, when no one except the voter knows their individual choice. The purpose of a secret ballot is to ensure that a person can vote according to their free will, without facing any kind of pressure, be it physical or mental, during the voting process.

Audit Trail and Transparency: A crucial feature of Right2Vote is the audit trail, which provides a secure and verifiable record of IP address, Time of voting and voter identity (Not Voter’s Choice) of voters. This enhances transparency and accountability, allowing for scrutiny of the election process if necessary.

Voter Receipt and Confirmation: After casting their vote, residents receive a digital receipt or confirmation on their registered email or mobile, verifying that their vote has been successfully recorded. This feature assures the voters and builds trust in the system. The Voter Receipt feature is similar to VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail); however, in the Right2Vote platform, we provide voters with a digital receipt and not a paper trail.

SMS & Email Reminders: The platform can send automated reminders to voters, helping to increase participation and ensure no one forgets to vote.

These features, combined with the convenience of voting from a personal device, have proved to significantly boost voter turnout and engagement. For instance, many associations have reported two to three times higher participation rates after switching from traditional paper ballots to an online system.

 

Why Online Voting is the Future

Online voting is a logical and necessary step forward in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. The old methods of postal or paper ballots, while historically significant, are often criticised for being slow, expensive, and prone to errors. Online platforms offer a superior alternative by providing:

While debates over the past continue, the future of elections is clear. The need for a reliable, secure, and accessible voting system is more urgent than ever, and online voting is proving to be the most promising solution. With proven platforms like Right2Vote leading the way, the path is being paved for a more efficient and inclusive democratic process for everyone.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

Why the Sudden Need for a Vice President Has Arisen

We are all set to witness an early Vice Presidential election on 9 September 2025, and the timing has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Normally, the Vice President serves a five-year term as per Article 67 of the Constitution of India, but this time the post fell vacant before the scheduled end. The reason? The resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health concerns. His sudden exit has created a sense of urgency in political circles because the Vice President’s chair cannot remain empty for long. According to Article 68 of the Constitution, any vacancy arising due to resignation, removal or death must be filled “as soon as possible.” This provision is not just a technicality. It ensures stability at the highest constitutional level. After all, the Vice President is not only the second-highest dignitary of India but also the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. With Parliament already witnessing heated debates and walkouts, the urgency to fill this role cannot be ignored.

 

The Candidates: NDA vs INDI Alliance

The stage is set for a politically charged battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition-led INDI Alliance. The NDA has fielded Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned leader known for his firm grip on legislative affairs and loyalty to the coalition’s vision. On the other side, the INDI Alliance has nominated Shri B. Sudarshan Reddy, who served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India from 2007 to 2011. While the numbers in the electoral college seem to favour the NDA because of its Lok Sabha majority, the Rajya Sabha equation and cross-party voting could make things more interesting than they appear. Both candidates bring distinct strengths to the table. Radhakrishnan is expected to be the safe bet for the government to ensure smooth functioning of the Upper House, while Reddy is seen as a figure who could energise the Opposition’s narrative of checks and balances. So, the big question is, will it be continuity or surprise?

 

Roles and Powers of the Vice President of India

Many people dismiss the Vice President’s post as “decorative,” but that’s a big misconception. Constitutionally, the Vice President plays two major roles. First, as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President decides how debates are conducted, which bills are discussed, and whether the House runs smoothly or descends into chaos. In a country where Parliament sessions often see adjournments, protests and walkouts, this role is absolutely critical. Secondly, the Vice President acts as a backup to the President. If the President resigns, dies or is otherwise unable to function, the Vice President steps in as Acting President until a new one is elected. This makes the position a pillar of constitutional stability. Beyond the bookish definition, however, the Vice President’s style of leadership sets the tone for parliamentary culture. A neutral Vice President can build bridges between ruling and opposition parties, while a partisan one can deepen divisions. That is why this election matters more than ever.

 

The Voting Process: Indirect Election and the STV System

Unlike Lok Sabha or state elections, where ordinary citizens cast votes directly, the Vice President is elected indirectly. Members of both Houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, form the electoral college. The voting method used is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which is quite different from the “first-past-the-post” method we’re used to. Here’s how it works: each MP ranks the candidates in order of preference, first preference, second preference and so on. If no candidate secures the required quota in the first count, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their ballots are transferred to the remaining candidates based on the second preference marked. This process continues until one candidate crosses the quota. The beauty of STV is that it promotes consensus. Even if a candidate doesn’t have the outright majority in the first round, the system ensures that the eventual winner enjoys broader acceptability among MPs. In short, it’s not just about brute numbers; it’s also about being the second and third choice of many.

The election of the President and the Vice President of India differs mainly in terms of electorate size, vote value, and the role of state legislatures. In the Presidential election, both Members of Parliament and elected Members of Legislative Assemblies form the Electoral College, while in the Vice-Presidential election only Members of Parliament, including nominated members, participate. The value of votes in the Presidential election is weighted, with MPs and MLAs assigned different vote values to balance representation between states and the Union, whereas in the Vice-Presidential election every MP’s vote carries equal value. Additionally, state legislatures play a role in electing the President but have no part in electing the Vice President.

 

What Is the Term of the Vice President of India?

As per the Constitution, the Vice President of India serves a five-year term, beginning from the day he or she takes the oath. However, if a vacancy arises before completing the term, as in the current case, the successor elected does not just “fill in the gap” but begins a full new five-year term. Interestingly, the Constitution places no limit on the number of terms a Vice President can serve, meaning re-election is always a possibility. This flexibility makes the office politically dynamic. While the tenure itself is fixed, the weight of the position is shaped by day-to-day performance in the Rajya Sabha. For the next Vice President, every session of Parliament will be a test of patience, impartiality, and political skill. With India entering a phase of intense political competition ahead of the 2029 general elections, the new Vice President will need to walk the tightrope between neutrality and political realities more than ever before.

 

Why This Election Matters More Than Usual

Here’s where I think this election becomes more than just a formality. The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has suddenly opened a new chapter in Indian politics. The choice of Vice President will not only decide who manages the Rajya Sabha but also signal the mood of Indian politics heading into the future. If the NDA’s C. P. Radhakrishnan wins, it will further consolidate the government’s grip over Parliament and ensure smoother passage of bills. But if the Opposition’s B. Sudarshan Reddy pulls off an upset, it will inject fresh energy into the INDI Alliance and give the Opposition a symbolic victory. Personally, I believe India deserves a Vice President who rises above party politics and ensures that the Rajya Sabha remains a temple of debate, not disruption. This election might not capture the frenzy of a Lok Sabha poll, but make no mistake, it will shape the political climate of India in the years to come. And that’s why all eyes are on 9 September 2025.

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

In any election, the most critical item is the voter list. If you get the voter list wrong, you can never have a fair and transparent election. It is the responsibility of the election officer to ensure that the voter list is accurate. It is also the responsibility of the voters to ensure they register themselves in time for voting and provide correct and updated information to the election officer.

 

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

In Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is doing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list with the objective of updating the voter list. This includes deleting voters who have migrated or have expired. The opposition parties are not only doubting the revision of the voter list but also the intention of the ECI. Now the opposition parties are trying the extend the doubt on the voter list to other state elections and the national election too. Who is right and who is wrong?

Both are wrong!

 

Aadhaar – Digital and biometric database of citizens and residents

Indian has a population of around 150 crore people, and around 100 crore people are above 18 and eligible to vote. Preparing, maintaining and updating a voter list of 100 crore people is not a small task. There are bound to be some errors, and we cannot expect 100% accuracy. But an accuracy of 99.99% is very much feasible due to Aadhaar.

Over the last 15 years, India has invested in and created an amazing digital database of its citizens with their biometric data, including fingerprint and IRIS scan. The Aadhaar database is one of the most modern databases of citizens across the world, and many developed countries, including the USA, do not have such an extensive digital database with biometric data of citizens.

 

Multiple Voter Lists – Duplication of effort and wastage of taxpayers’ money

Currently, in India, the Election Commission of India is responsible for National and state elections. The State Election Commissions (SECs) are responsible for only local body elections in the state and not the state election. Hence, ECI maintains one voter list, which is used in national elections. ECI also maintains state-wise voter lists, which must be a subset of the national voter list. SECs of all 28 states maintain their own voter list that is used for local body elections.

SEC’s voter list is not a subset of the ECI voter list. This is crazy. This leads to duplication of efforts at the cost of taxpayers’ money, but also leads to a lot of inconvenience for the voters, too. They have to separately update their data in both the voter list, and most Indians are not aware that ECI and SECs maintain separate voter lists.

What the Election Commission of India (ECI) should do is maintain a single voter list for the nation, a digital database with voter ID linked with Aadhaar ID. As the Aadhaar ID is used for multiple purposes, including mobile connections, bank account opening, passport, UPI, etc, the Aadhaar ID is regularly updated by the citizens. If there is a change of address, demise of the citizen, etc, the data is updated in the database as citizens need to update the same to be able to take various government and other services. This with help automatically update the voter list too.

 

Advantage of Aadhaar

Aadhaar also has the enormous advantage of being a biometric database of citizens. It makes offline and online authentication of voters accurate and foolproof. Sooner or later, India will have to move to online voting, and at that time biometric database would help in smooth and accurate authentication of voters online. Even at voting booths, Aadhaar is a better database for authentication, as it can help weed out false voting and impersonation with the help of biometrics.

A biometric database also ensures that duplicate entries in the database are not possible. Each biometric data point is checked for uniqueness before registration in the database. As Indians migrate from one state to another for jobs, education, marriage, etc, it is possible that a citizen is registered in more than one state for voting. Most government processes, including voter registration, are so bureaucratic that very few voters take the pain to deregister from the voter list of the previous state. Citizens generally focus only on registering in the new state. Aadhaar’s biometric data can ensure that automatic deregistration happens when a citizen registers in a new state.

SEC’s voter list should be a subset of ECI’s voter list. Automatically, based on the address of the voter in the Aadhaar, the voter list should be updated. The voter list of each local body election, each municipality election, and each panchayat election would automatically flow from the ECI’s digital database linked with Aadhaar. SECs would not be required to maintain and update the database. Citizens would also not need to separately update their voter ID as it will automatically get updated with Aadhaar. This will save a lot of taxpayers’ money and a lot of effort for both election officials and citizens.

 

 If Aadhaar linking has so many advantages, then why is ECI not linking the Voter ID with Aadhaar?

When Aadhaar was introduced, many political parties opposed Aadhaar on grounds of privacy. The Government of India went on the back foot and agreed in front of the court that Aadhaar would be for the targeted delivery of subsidies and benefits, not for purposes like linking with voter IDs or general surveillance.

During 2013–2015, Supreme Court hearings in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, the government’s lawyers explicitly told the Court that Aadhaar would be “voluntary” and used only for welfare schemes, subsidies, and financial transactions like LPG subsidies, MNREGA payments, pensions, etc. Multiple interim Supreme Court orders (e.g., dated 23 September 2013 and 11 August 2015) restricted Aadhaar’s use to certain subsidy schemes and said it could not be made mandatory for other purposes. The Court also directed that Aadhaar should not be linked with voter databases, PAN cards, or used for unrelated services until the constitutional validity was decided.

In 2015, the ECI started the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) to link Aadhaar with voter IDs to eliminate duplicates. The Supreme Court’s 11 August 2015 interim order stopped this linking, citing privacy concerns and the limits on Aadhaar usage set earlier. At that stage, the Government accepted the Court’s restriction.

In 2016, the Aadhaar Act was passed. The official statement of objects described Aadhaar as a tool for the targeted delivery of subsidies and services funded from the Consolidated Fund of India. No mention was made of voter ID linkage as a permitted purpose.

Post-2018, there has been a shift in the stance of the government. After the Puttaswamy privacy judgment (2017) and Aadhaar’s partial upholding by the Supreme Court (2018), the government began pushing for wider linking. In December 2021, Parliament amended the Representation of the People Act to allow voluntary Aadhaar–voter ID linking, officially reversing the earlier limitation.

Still, Aadhaar linking is voluntary and not compulsory as per the law. The government needs to change that to allow ECI to link Voter ID with Aadhaar. The current controversy is the right opportunity to do that. The opposition, which was against the Aadhaar Voter ID linking, is now demanding a digital copy of the voter list. If privacy is the issue, then opposition should not be given access to the voter list. Opposition cannot eat the cake and have it too. If they want accuracy and transparency, then they need to allow Voter ID and Aadhaar linking.

 

But Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, how can it be linked with Voter ID?

Yes, Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship. Aadhaar is a proof of identity and proof of residence in India. It is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to anyone who has resided in India for at least 182 days in the previous 12 months, regardless of nationality. Foreign nationals legally residing in India (e.g., OCI cardholders, work visa holders) can also get Aadhaar. As per Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016: “The Aadhaar number or the authentication thereof shall not, by itself, confer any right of, or be proof of, citizenship or domicile.”

Aadhaar doesn’t prove citizenship, but voter rolls already require a citizenship check separately at the time of registration (via other documents like birth certificate, passport, etc.). When a voter is registering for the first time for voter ID, they will have to prove their citizenship with the help of other documents, like a birth certificate, passport, etc. The government can also mandate the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to keep a record of Aadhaar IDs issued to non-citizens. Aadhaar ID issued to non-citizens can be of a different number series and a different colour.

Aadhaar and Voter ID linking can also help the government with the problem of illegal migrants. It can help the government identify and record illegal migrants in India. This can prove very useful with problems like terrorism. If an illegal immigrant or a terrorist registers for Aadhaar, the government with get their biometric data in the form of fingerprint, iris scan and photograph. During terrorist activities, the biometric data would help in identifying the perpetrators.

 

Technology platform for voter registration from Right2Vote

Similar to national elections, even in smaller elections, the voter list is a crucial and controversial matter. To ensure fair and transparent elections, the election officers of these elections should ensure accuracy and transparency in the creation of the voter list.

Apart from eVoting services, Right2Vote also offers voter registration services. In the Right2Vote’s online voter registration platform, Right2Vote provide features like OTP based verification of mobile number and email ID to ensure accuracy of email ID and mobile number data, which is critical for online elections. Google Forms and other modes of data collection generally lead to clerical errors. OTP based verification at the time of registration eliminates these errors.

For the Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions, Right2Vote has also built a feature of online Aadhaar number updating and linking with Voter ID. Technology is not the limitation. Even the intention of ECI is not the limitation. The only limitation is senseless opposition to Aadhaar.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

Whenever elections take place in India, whether for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, or even at the local panchayat level, one topic dominates all discussions: the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). From news anchors and journalists to politicians and common citizens, everyone talks about EVMs. Are they secure? Are they functioning properly? Were they tampered with? The moment a political party loses an election, the first question they often raise is, “Was the EVM hacked?”

This recurring debate has led people to look at alternatives. In this blog, we’ll explore what EVMs are, how they function, EVM rentals, why people often doubt them, and why online voting, especially through trusted platforms like Right2Vote, is fast emerging as the smarter choice not just for government elections, but also for housing societies, clubs, associations, colleges, and many more elections.

 

What is an EVM and How Does It Work?

An Electronic Voting Machine is a device designed to help voters cast their votes in a quick, easy, and electronic manner. It consists of two parts: the Control Unit, which is operated by polling officers, and the Balloting Unit, where voters press the button against the name or symbol of their chosen candidate.

Once a vote is cast, the machine emits a beep sound, confirming that the vote has been recorded. In recent years, to boost voter confidence, the Election Commission also introduced the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). It shows the voter a printed slip for a few seconds with the name and symbol of the candidate they just voted for. This slip is then automatically dropped into a sealed box.

All of this is designed to create trust in the system, but somehow, the controversies and conspiracy theories fail to die down.

 

Concerns Around EVMs

Despite their ease of use and efficiency, EVMs often find themselves at the centre of political blame games. Whenever an election result goes against a party, the losing side almost always questions the EVMs.

Questions like “Can they be hacked?”, “Were they tampered with during transportation?” or “Was there a software bug?” keep making headlines. Even though the Election Commission has repeatedly stated that EVMs are tamper-proof and operate offline (not connected to the internet), public doubt continues to rise.

Moreover, the entire EVM-based election process involves several logistical challenges:

While these challenges are still manageable for national or state-level elections where huge government machinery is involved, what happens when you want to conduct a smaller election?

 

Can You Rent EVMs for Society or Club Elections?

One of the most common questions people ask is: “Can we use EVMs for our housing society elections?” or “Can we rent EVMs from the government?”

The answer is No. EVMs are the property of the Election Commission of India and are strictly meant for official government elections such as Lok Sabha, state assemblies, or panchayat elections. They are not available for public rent or commercial use. The government does not provide EVMs to private groups, associations, or residential societies under any circumstances.

Even if someone somehow managed to procure EVMs (which would be illegal), the usage would come with many complications:

So if EVMs can’t be rented, what’s the alternative? Most people fall back on the old-school method of paper ballot voting. But that’s a whole different set of headaches.

 

The Limitations of Paper Ballot Voting

Paper-based elections might sound simple, but in reality, they’re quite resource-heavy. Organizers need to design and print ballots in large numbers, maintain their secrecy and security, and ensure that they don’t get spoiled or torn. Even a minor mistake on the paper—like a smudge or double tick—can invalidate a vote.

On voting day, voters queue up and mark their choice on the paper, which is then dropped into a sealed box. After voting ends, counting begins manually. This is a time-consuming, tiring, and error-prone process. You need neutral volunteers, counting agents, and a secure venue for hours, sometimes even days. The chance of disputes, human errors, or allegations of vote manipulation remains high.

That brings us to a modern, safe, and effective solution for online voting.

 

Why Online Voting Is a Game Changer

EVM-vs-Online-Voting-ByRight2Vote

Online voting, especially through a trusted and certified platform like Right2Vote, is transforming the way elections are conducted, making them fast, secure, transparent, and effortless.

Here’s how Right2Vote is redefining elections:

OTP-Based Authentication

Each voter is authenticated using a secure One-Time Password (OTP) sent to their respective mobile or email. This ensures that only eligible voters can access the ballot.

Secret Ballot with Voter Receipt

Just like traditional elections, voter anonymity is preserved. Voters get a digital receipt confirming that their vote has been cast, but without revealing their choice to anyone else.

Highly Secure & Tested Platform

The Right2Vote system has undergone rigorous testing and audits. It uses bank-grade encryption, secure servers and maintains the highest levels of security.

Instant Counting & Quick Results

No more manual tallying. Once the election ends, the results are available within seconds. This removes delays, human errors, and post-election disputes.

Vote from Anywhere, Anytime

Whether you’re traveling, at home, or even abroad, you can vote from any device: mobile, tablet, or computer. No need to visit polling stations or wait in long queues.

Full Support and Guidance

The Right2Vote team handholds the organizers at every step from setting up the election to voter onboarding, explaining features, and providing technical assistance. Even first-time organizers find the process smooth and stress-free.

 

Trusted by Thousands, Proven by Results

Right2Vote is not new. It has been a pioneer in digital elections for more than 10 years, conducting over 20,000 elections across India for a wide variety of clients. These include:

And the feedback? Overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate the ease of use, cost savings, fast results, and reduction in disputes.

 

Conclusion

EVMs served their purpose when India needed to move away from inefficient paper ballot elections. However, now it’s time to move on. But for many organizations today, be it a society of 500 residents, a club of 1,000 members, or a college with 3,000 students, EVMs are not even an option.

Paper ballots are outdated and inefficient. And renting EVMs is simply not possible.

eVoting is the solution. It is tried, tested, and trusted. It’s fast, secure, and transparent. And most importantly, it brings democracy to your fingertips.

So the next time you’re planning an election in your housing society, club, college, or any other organization, don’t get stuck in the past. Embrace the future. Embrace Right2Vote.

Because in today’s digital world, voting from anywhere is not just a dream, it’s a reality. And we’re proud to have made it possible for thousands of organizations and crores of Indians.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:

The right to vote is the pillar of democracy, empowering citizens to shape their governance. While most of us are familiar with basic voting concepts, there are actually several different voting methods used in different scenarios. For example: Direct Voting and Indirect Voting. Let’s explore these systems in detail to better understand how democratic decisions are made.

 

Direct Voting: The People’s Direct Choice

Direct voting is the purest form of democracy, where citizens directly elect their representatives without any intermediaries. In this system, every eligible voter casts their ballot, and the candidate receiving the most votes wins the election. This method is wonderfully straightforward – “one person, one vote”.

Direct Voting means voters directly choose the person who will hold the position.

In India, we see direct voting in several important elections. Our Lok Sabha (Parliament) and Vidhan Sabha (State Assembly) elections all operate on this direct voting method, where voters directly choose their MPs and MLAs, respectively. Even at the local level, municipal corporation elections and panchayat elections use direct voting to ensure grassroots democracy.

In a Resident welfare association(RWA) election or society election, when society members directly vote for their President or Secretary, they participate in direct election at the community level. Each member gets an equal vote, and the candidate with majority support wins the position. This method is particularly valued for its transparency and the direct connection it creates between voters and their representatives.

In India, Direct Voting is used for:

 

Indirect Voting: Elected representatives elect the key post holders

Indirect voting introduces an additional layer to the democratic process. Here, citizens first elect representatives who then make further electoral decisions on their behalf. It’s a two-stage process that combines public participation with representative decision-making.

India’s presidential election provides the clearest example of indirect voting. While we might think of the President as the head of state, citizens don’t directly elect this position. Instead, our elected MPs and MLAs cast votes to choose the President. Similarly, Rajya Sabha members are elected by state legislators rather than the general public.

This system also appears in organizational settings. Many housing societies first elect a managing committee through direct voting and, subsequenty  the committee selects office bearers like the Chairman or Treasurer. While this removes the direct public vote for these positions, it can lead to more efficient decision-making in larger groups.

In India, Indirect Voting is used for:

Pop Quiz

Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of various states in India are elected by direct voting or Indirect Voting?

Citizens of India vote to elect their Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). They do not get to vote directly to elect the Prime Minister or Chief Minister. After elections of MPs, the MPs among themselves elect the Prime Minister. Similarly, after elections of MLAs, MLAs among themselves elect the Chief Minister. Hence both PM and CM are elected by indirect voting.

 

Single Transferable Vote (STV): Precision in Representation

The Single Transferable Vote (STV) system is a more advanced and complex method of conducting elections. This is a form of direct voting but unlike simple direct or indirect voting, STV allows voters to rank candidates by preference, leading to a more balanced and representative outcome. While the process is more complex.

In STV elections, voters don’t just choose a single candidate – they rank all candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives enough first-preference votes to win, the system begins transferring votes from the least popular candidates to others based on voters’ subsequent preferences. This continues until all positions are filled by candidates who have achieved the required vote threshold.

What makes STV particularly valuable:

However, the complexity of STV traditionally made vote counting extremely time-consuming, often requiring thousands of man-hours for a single election. This is where modern solutions like Right2Vote’s platform have revolutionized the process by automating these complex calculations.

 

Voting in Housing Societies: Practical Applications

Housing society elections often employ different voting methods depending on the positions being filled and the society’s specific needs. Understanding these options can help communities make informed decisions about their governance structures.

For key leadership positions like Society President, Vice-President or Secretary, direct voting remains the most popular choice. This gives every member an equal voice in selecting these important roles, fostering transparency and community engagement. Members appreciate knowing their vote directly influences the outcome.

Many societies use indirect voting for committee formations. They might first elect a managing committee through direct vote, then have this committee appoint specific office bearers including president, vice president, treasurer from among the elected management committee. This approach can streamline decision-making while still maintaining democratic principles.

Some progressive societies are even exploring STV systems for certain elections, particularly when they want to ensure diverse representation across different groups or interests within the community. While more complex to implement, STV can help balance competing interests in larger or more diverse societies.

 

The Digital Voting Revolution

Traditional voting methods, while effective, often come with logistical challenges – paper ballots, long queues, manual counting and human error. Digital platforms like Right2Vote are transforming this landscape by bringing elections into the digital age.

For elections, the platform provides:

Even complex STV elections become manageable with:

The platform’s ISO 27001 and STQC certification is testimony of enterprise-grade security, while its user-friendly design makes it accessible to organizations of all sizes. From small housing societies to large professional institutes, digital voting is making elections more efficient, transparent and accessible than ever before.

 

Why Modernize Your Voting Process?

Direct-and-Indirect-Voting-By-Right2Vote-Advantage

Transitioning to digital voting solutions offers numerous advantages:

Time Savings: What used to take days or weeks of manual counting now happens in minutes. Society members and election officials alike appreciate the dramatic reduction in administrative burden.

Enhanced Security: Digital systems eliminate risks like duplicate voting or ballot tampering while maintaining voter anonymity. Advanced encryption protects the integrity of every vote cast.

Greater Accessibility: Members can vote from anywhere at any time, increasing participation rates. This is especially valuable in today’s mobile world where people may not always be physically present.

Cost Efficiency: Organizations save significantly on printing, distribution and manual counting costs. The environmental benefit of paperless elections is an added bonus.

Audit Capabilities: Complete digital records allow for easy verification and auditing of election results, building trust in the process.

As democratic organizations of all types look to modernize their operations, digital voting platforms like Right2Vote are becoming an increasingly attractive option.

 

Certifications and Trust – Why Right2Vote is Reliable

Right2Vote isn’t just any online tool – it’s:

Thousands of organizations have successfully conducted elections using Right2Vote.

 

The Future of Democracy

Understanding different voting systems helps us appreciate the nuances of democratic decision-making. From the straightforward direct vote to the sophisticated STV method, each approach serves specific needs in different contexts.

What’s particularly exciting is how technology is removing traditional barriers to fair and efficient elections. Platforms like Right2Vote are making even the most complex voting systems accessible to organizations of all sizes, ensuring that good governance is within everyone’s reach.

As we move forward, we can expect to see more communities and institutions embracing these digital solutions. So, next time your association or club plans elections, choose the smarter way. Choose Right2Vote – and make voting simple for everyone.

 

To know more about Right2Vote’s election technology, please refer:
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Last Updated On: 29-01-2024