Results for: Electoral Reforms

France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia following violent protests against electoral reforms that have resulted in four fatalities, including one police officer. The protests, which have been sparked by concerns that the reforms could marginalize the Indigenous Kanak population, have seen thousands of rioters clashing with gendarmes, resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries. The French government has deployed hundreds of police to the territory and expanded powers for local authorities to restore order. The violence highlights deep-seated tensions between the Kanak people, who seek independence, and descendants of European colonizers, who prefer to remain part of France.

The Supreme Court has sought answers from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during a hearing on petitions demanding complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The court queried the ECI on whether the microcontrollers installed in EVMs can be reprogrammed and sought clarification on other aspects of EVM operation. Despite the absence of plans to revert to ballot paper, the court indicated its willingness to consider directions for strengthening the EVM system. The court’s move follows concerns raised over the accuracy and reliability of EVMs. Currently, VVPAT slips of a limited number of EVMs are verified, but petitioners are seeking more extensive verification to ensure voter confidence in the electoral process.