Trump’s Executive Order on Election Reform Highlights India’s Voter ID System

U.S. President Donald Trump cited India’s biometric voter ID system in an executive order aimed at reforming U.S. elections, emphasizing the need for election integrity. The Congress party recognized Manmohan Singh’s contribution with the Aadhaar card, contrasting it with criticisms from PM Modi. Trump’s order proposes stronger collaboration between states and federal agencies to identify non-citizens on voter rolls.

In a recent executive order, U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention to India’s voter ID system, particularly its linkage to biometric databases, as part of his initiative to reform the U.S. election process. He emphasized that free and fair elections are crucial to preserving the constitutional Republic and ensuring that every American vote is accurately counted without fraudulent interference.

Trump noted that while countries like India and Brazil utilize biometric systems for voter identification, the United States predominantly depends on self-attestation regarding citizenship. The statement highlights a perceived gap in election security that Trump aims to address.

In response to Trump’s comments, the Indian Congress party acknowledged former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s role in implementing the Aadhaar card system, which incorporates biometric data. Congress MP Manickam Tagore remarked that Modi’s prior criticism of Aadhaar contrasts with Trump’s recent commendation, which he interprets as a recognition of Singh’s visionary governance.

Trump’s executive order further critiques the current election protections in the United States, asserting they are insufficiently enforced. He urged states to collaborate with federal agencies to share voter lists and enforce legal action against electoral misconduct, warning against potential federal funding reductions for non-compliance.

Moreover, the directive mandates various federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, to share relevant data with election officials, aimed at identifying non-citizens on voter rolls. This order follows Trump’s ongoing assertions about election rigging, particularly concerning mail-in voting, which he claims lacks security and invites fraud.

In summary, President Trump’s executive order highlights the adoption of biometric voter ID systems in other countries, notably India, as a means to bolster U.S. election integrity. The acknowledgment of Manmohan Singh’s Aadhaar initiative by Congress illustrates the political implications of Trump’s remarks. His order seeks to enhance election protections, facilitate state-federal cooperation, and address concerns regarding non-citizen voting, reinforcing his long-standing claims about electoral fraud.

Original Source: www.livemint.com