This refers to the editorial "Protecting voting machines" (April 23). The best way to protect electronic voting machines (EVMs) is to replace the old and worn-out units at regular intervals. This aspect seems to have been overlooked in the zeal to introduce the voter-verified paper audit trail. Even the paper-trail system cannot be called a fool-proof method. There should be guidelines that ensure an individual EVM is used for only a specific period of time. After every election, all the EVMs should be checked. The risk factor during the period when EVMs are kept locked till the time of counting should also be taken into account since it may present an opportunity for hackers to rig the machines.
Deendayal M Lulla Mumbai
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