The results of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections largely followed expected political lines. Despite widespread public discussion on civic issues in the capital, including infrastructure concerns and debates over the Smart City project, the verdict produced few surprises. However, the election process highlighted an important procedural issue: the problem of invalid votes under the traditional ballot system.
In Ward No. 17, during counting, votes had to be counted three times, and each count reportedly produced a different result due to invalid ballots. Recounting votes not only delays results but also creates controversies and suspicion among candidates. Invalid votes remain an inherent drawback of the ballot-based system.
In contests even a small number of invalid votes can trigger disputes and challenges. In contrast, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) remove this problem as the machine allows only one valid vote per voter. Hence the concept of an invalid vote does not arise and every vote cast is valid. Critics of EVMs raise concerns about transparency and trust in electronic systems. However EVMs are designed with multiple safeguards. It would be appropriate to use EVMs for local elections as well.
