“EVMs Can Be Easily Hacked”: U.S. Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard’s Statement Sparks Global Debate

New Delhi: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can be easily hacked to manipulate election outcomes, claimed Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of U.S. National Intelligence. Her statement, made in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, has now become a subject of international discussion.

In India, the opposition party Congress has seized upon Gabbard’s remarks to question the credibility of the Indian Election Commission. Meanwhile, officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) have categorically denied Gabbard’s claims.

What Exactly Did Tulsi Gabbard Say?

Tulsi Gabbard stated,

“EVMs can be easily hacked to manipulate election results. To ensure voter trust and electoral transparency, the United States must implement ballot papers.”

Her comments have reignited debates around electronic voting systems globally, including in India, where political parties have long raised concerns about EVM reliability.

Congress Leader Randeep Surjewala Reacts

Reacting swiftly, senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala cited Gabbard’s remarks to question the Indian Election Commission’s silence on the matter.

“Even the Director of U.S. National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has now raised concerns about the credibility of EVMs on behalf of the U.S. government. More than 24 hours have passed since her public statement, and yet the Election Commission of India and the Chief Election Commissioner remain silent. Why?” Surjewala questioned.

Election Commission of India Responds

In response, sources from the Election Commission of India refuted Gabbard’s claims, asserting the robust security features of Indian EVMs.

“The EVMs used in India are completely secure. They are not connected to the internet or any form of wireless communication like infrared. EVMs function like simple calculators. The Supreme Court of India validated their credibility in 2002, and in 2013, made VVPAT mandatory alongside EVMs. There has never been any concrete evidence of EVM hacking,” said ECI sources.

The debate over the security of EVMs continues to be a politically charged issue, especially in light of international scrutiny and domestic political contention.