Trump’s Executive Order Indicates Voting Reforms Inspired by India’s Aadhaar System

President Trump’s executive order highlights the importance of voter identification linked to biometric data, inspired by systems in India and Brazil. The order aims to enforce election integrity and calls for collaboration between states and federal agencies. Congress credited Dr. Manmohan Singh for the Aadhaar card’s introduction, contrasting it with earlier criticisms by PM Modi.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the importance of voter identification linked to biometric databases, referencing India and Brazil. This order aims to reform the American election system by ensuring that elections are free from fraud and errors, which he asserts are essential for maintaining a constitutional republic.

In his executive order, President Trump articulated, “Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic. The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.”

The document noted that, unlike India and Brazil, which utilize biometric databases for voter identification, the United States primarily depends on self-attestation of citizenship. In response to Trump’s acknowledgment of India’s system, Congress expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for implementing the Aadhaar card initiative.

Congress Member Manickam Tagore remarked, “We all know that when the Aadhaar card was introduced by Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government, PM Modi criticised it. He raised many questions about Aadhaar. In 2013 also, when he was speaking in public meetings, he criticised the Aadhaar…US President Donald Trump’s praise for Aadhaar is the praise for the visionary leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh…”

President Trump’s directive also highlights failures in enforcing essential election protections, urging states to collaborate with federal entities to share voter lists and administer penalties for election-related offenses. The order warns of potential federal funding cuts to non-compliant states.

Moreover, the executive order mandates federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, to aid election officials in identifying non-citizens on voter rolls. This order follows Trump’s allegations of election rigging and concerns over mail-in voting, which he claims could lead to fraud.

In summary, President Trump’s executive order advocates for enhanced voter identification processes in the U.S., drawing on the systems used in India and Brazil. His comments led Congress to recognize Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to voter identification through the Aadhaar card. The order not only seeks to bolster election integrity but also poses repercussions for states that fail to comply with its stipulations.

Original Source: www.livemint.com