Should we use EVMs?

Bangladesh's polity is divided on whether to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the forthcoming elections. While EVMs are convenient, experts say that they are susceptible to cyber attacks and manipulation.

The machines are simple and use a minimal software-trusted computing base. Contrary to claims by election commission authorities, these machines suffer from significant vulnerabilities.

The technology used in conventional EVMs is highly controversial around the globe. EVM was abandoned by many countries after finding them to be flawed, susceptible to manipulation and very unreliable.

The best way to prevent manipulation is to cast and count votes using paper ballots that voters can see. The election commission should exercise extreme caution in introducing EVMs.

Zubair Khaled Huq, By email