President Donald Trump signed an executive order proposing reforms to the U.S. electoral system, emphasizing voter ID linked to biometric databases, as seen in India and Brazil. This recognition has led to Congress commending former PM Manmohan Singh’s role in establishing Aadhaar, amidst ongoing discussions about electoral integrity and challenges in the U.S. voting process.
On Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reforming the electoral system, wherein he emphasized the importance of a robust voter ID system, referencing India and Brazil’s biometric databases. The President stated, “Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic,” underscoring the necessity for accurate vote counting and protections against illegal dilution of votes.
In his executive order, Trump highlighted that while countries like India and Brazil connect voter identification to biometric databases, the United States primarily relies on self-attestation for citizenship verification. Following Trump’s comments on India’s Aadhaar system, the Congress party acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in establishing this system.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore responded to Trump’s recognition, recalling how PM Modi had previously criticized the Aadhaar initiative enacted under Singh’s leadership. He remarked, “US President Donald Trump’s praise for Aadhaar is the praise for the visionary leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh…” This indicates a political shift regarding the perception of Aadhaar in India.
Moreover, Trump’s order expresses concerns over the U.S. electoral integrity, claiming a failure to implement necessary election safeguards. It mandates states to collaborate with federal agencies in sharing voter lists and taking action against electoral crimes. The order warns of a potential withdrawal of federal funding for non-compliant states.
Additionally, federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration are instructed to provide data to election authorities to aid in the identification of non-citizens on voter rolls. This order follows Trump’s repeated allegations of election rigging, notably prior to results announcements, and his critiques of mail-in voting as an insecure practice prone to fraud.
President Donald Trump’s executive order advocating for enhanced voter ID systems draws attention to international practices involving biometric databases, particularly in India and Brazil. This initiative aims to fortify the integrity of U.S. elections amid ongoing concerns regarding electoral fraud. The acknowledgment of Aadhaar has prompted reflections on past leadership in India, showcasing the evolving narrative surrounding this identification system. Overall, the order signals a significant governmental effort towards election reform and integrity enhancement.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
