Why Indian Presidents And Vice-Presidents Are Elected Via Ballots, Not EVMs | Explained

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 15:29 IST

The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act of 1952 requires paper ballots. Changing this would need a parliamentary amendment, which has not been done

New, specially designed, clean ballot boxes and delivered to polling stations with secure seals to ensure no tampering. (PTI/File)

Voting is underway in Parliament for the election of India’s next Vice President, with MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participating. The election, on Tuesday, uses ballot papers rather than Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

After the voting concludes, the ballot papers are counted manually. This method is rooted in constitutional provisions, maintaining confidentiality, transparency and the gravity of the election process.

Constitutional Provisions And Secrecy

The Constitution of India and the rules established by the Election Commission mandate secret voting for the President and Vice President elections. According to Article 54 of the Constitution and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, voters mark their choice on separate ballot papers in a confidential manner.

This legal framework ensures the election process’s sensitivity and confidentiality, with Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies participating in the voting. The use of ballot papers guarantees the secrecy of the voting process, a level of confidentiality not universally assured with EVMs.

The presidential election employs a priority voting system, requiring voters to rank multiple candidates. This ranking process is not feasible with EVMs, which is why paper ballots are used. This method allows for clear marking of preferences on paper, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Is Tradition The Reason?

Using paper ballots ensures transparency throughout the election process. In case of any dispute, the ballots can be recounted and verified. This method has long been practiced in India and continues today, as it is considered safe, fair and reliable.

Calls To Use EVMs

Although there have been periodic demands to use EVMs in India’s presidential and vice-presidential elections, these have not been implemented. Supporters argue that EVMs would speed up voting, reduce counting time, and minimize human error. Various organizations, along with MLAs, MPs, and experts, have suggested adopting modern technology to make the election process faster and more transparent.

Reasons EVMs Were Not Adopted

The current law, the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act of 1952, necessitates the use of paper ballots. Changing this would require a parliamentary amendment, which has not been pursued. Using EVMs for elections to such a high constitutional post is considered risky. The ballot paper system is deemed safe and transparent, resulting in hesitancy to shift to EVMs for these crucial elections.

Are Old Ballot Boxes Still Being Used?

Contrary to any assumptions, new ballot boxes are used for each presidential and vice presidential election in India. These are specially designed, clean, and delivered to polling stations with secure seals to ensure no tampering.

How Are Old Ballot Boxes Handled?

After the election, the used ballot boxes are stored safely for potential future verification or scrutiny.

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