The rapid digitization of electoral processes and political communication in India has transformed the architecture of democratic participation while simultaneously introducing unprecedented vulnerabilities. This study examines the intersection of electronic voting systems, cybersecurity policy, social media ecosystems, misinformation, and regulatory frameworks in shaping electoral integrity. Drawing upon interdisciplinary scholarship in political science, communication studies, cybersecurity, and law, the research synthesizes theoretical and empirical literature to analyze structural weaknesses in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), emerging cyber threats to electoral infrastructure, the proliferation of misinformation through digital platforms, and the adequacy of institutional responses. The study identifies three interrelated domains of vulnerability: technological infrastructure, informational ecosystems, and regulatory capacity. Through qualitative analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and journalistic investigations, the research demonstrates that while India’s electoral system remains administratively robust, it is increasingly exposed to digital manipulation, disinformation campaigns, algorithmic amplification biases, and data protection inadequacies. The findings suggest that electoral integrity in the digital era requires an integrated governance approach combining cybersecurity modernization, platform accountability, legal reform, civic education, and transparent fact-checking mechanisms. The study contributes to ongoing debates about democracy in networked societies by situating India as a critical case of scale, diversity, and technological ambition. Ultimately, the article argues that safeguarding elections in digital democracies demands not only technical solutions but also normative commitments to transparency, privacy, and participatory resilience.

Electoral integrity, cybersecurity, misinformation, social media, electronic voting

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