Bharat distances itself from EVM hackathon

EVM demonstration in Gaborone on Thursday morning. PIC. MORERI SEJAKGOMO
EVM demonstration in Gaborone on Thursday morning. PIC. MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has distanced itself from an invitation to an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) hacking exercise organised by the Independent Elections Commission (IEC). The Indian electronics giant on Tuesday issued a statement denying any involvement in the hacking exercise, but rather demonstrating only.

BEL states that the reports are completely baseless and false. “No Hackathon event involving any EVM of BEL has been planned or scheduled by it. Therefore press note issued by Botswana Election Commission is without our approval or consent and facts stated therein are completely false and incorrect,” read a statement from the chairperson and managing director of BEL, one M V Gowtama, who categorically stated that the company has not sold any EVMs or VVPATs to the IEC.

“Botswana Election Commission has invited a team of BEL (experts) to show only the functionality of the EVM with the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) designed to meet the specific requirements of Botswana Government. These EVMs and VVPATs are different from the ones which are used by Election Commission of India,” Gowtama said.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up