Election Commission of India Introduces New EVM Verification Process
The Election Commission of India has released a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for verifying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This new procedure includes several expanded choices for candidates:
- Selection of EVMs from any polling station in an assembly constituency.
- Mixing and matching of EVM units (BU-CU-VVPAT) from any polling station.
- Connecting BU-CU-VVPAT in any sequence.
- Casting up to 1400 votes in a mock poll in any sequence.
The Commission stated that this process eliminates any fear of hidden functionality or bias through the ‘randomness’ and ‘enormity’ of test vectors. The vast and varied choices, solely decided by the candidates, ensure a thorough verification process.
The new approach enhances transparency and ensures the active participation of candidates. Candidates can choose EVMs from any polling station within an assembly constituency or segment and can mix and match BU-CU-VVPAT units from any polling station. They can also decide the sequencing of connection of EVM units and the number and sequencing of votes cast in the mock poll. Mock VVPAT slips will be counted as per the established procedure by the Commission.
The Election Commission also informed that a total of 8 applications for the General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024 and 3 applications for the General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies had been received for checking/verification of burnt memory/microcontroller of EVMs post the announcement of results.
