A recent study conducted by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA) indicates strong public confidence in the conduct of elections and the accuracy of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the southern Indian state.
Trust in Karnataka Elections
The KMEA report, titled “Lok Sabha Election 2024: Evaluation of Offline Survey of Knowledge, Aptitude and Practice (KAP) of Citizens”, evaluates the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme implemented by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. The evaluation, prepared in August 2025 and released recently, surveyed 5,100 voters across 102 assembly constituencies in 34 districts spanning the Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru divisions.
Overall, 91.31% of respondents expressed the view that elections in India are held independently and fairly. On trust in EVMs, the report records that 69.39% agreed and 14.22% fully agreed that EVMs deliver accurate results, while 6.76% remained neutral. The findings point to widespread acceptance of the electoral machinery among the sampled voters.
Trust levels varied by division. Kalaburagi registered the highest confidence, with 84.67% indicating agreement and 10.19% indicating full agreement that elections are fair. Belagavi and Mysuru followed, while Bengaluru displayed the highest share of neutral and dissenting responses. In Bengaluru, 12.50% gave neutral answers and disagreement levels were slightly higher than in other divisions.
The report also examined attitudes towards EVMs by region. Kalaburagi again showed the strongest faith, where 83.24% agreed that EVMs provide correct results and 11.24% fully agreed. Mysuru recorded 70.67% agreement and 17.92% full agreement. Belagavi respondents showed a similar pattern of trust, while Bengaluru had the lowest proportion of full agreement at 9.28% but still registered 63.67% agreement.
Beyond technical confidence, the survey explored broader electoral concerns. Nearly 45% of respondents felt that the role of money in elections is growing, and 16.33% said they had experienced inducements aimed at influencing their vote. Among those who reported inducements, benefits tied to government schemes were the most commonly cited tactic, accounting for 42.26% of cases, followed by promises of employment at 34.09%.
The timing of the report comes amid heightened political debate. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has levelled repeated accusations of “vote theft” against the Bharatiya Janata Party across several states and publicly presented evidence he says shows names removed from voter rolls. On 18 September he made a 31-minute presentation alleging systematic deletion of voters in parts of Karnataka.
The Election Commission responded on 19 September asserting that ordinary citizens cannot delete voters online and that removals from electoral rolls follow due legal process and hearings. BJP leaders in Karnataka have cited the KMEA findings in rebuttal, arguing the survey confirms public trust in the electoral process and EVMs.
KMEA’s evaluation offers a detailed snapshot of voter beliefs in Karnataka and provides an evidence base for the Chief Electoral Officer’s SVEEP efforts. While most respondents expressed confidence in the system, the study highlights continuing worries about money and inducements, suggesting areas where election authorities and civil society may focus future voter education and enforcement efforts.
Key Takeaways:
- Survey by KMEA finds 91.31% of respondents believe elections in India are free and fair, showing strong trust in the system.
- Voter confidence in EVMs remains high: 69.39% agreed and 14.22% fully agreed that EVMs deliver accurate results.
- The study covered 5,100 voters across 102 assembly constituencies in 34 districts and assessed the SVEEP programme.
- Political debate continues after Rahul Gandhi’s allegations; BJP leaders cite the survey to rebut claims of vote theft.
