Chhattisgarh Gears Up for Assembly Polls
Raipur: In a bid to enhance transparency and credibility in the electoral process, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be accompanied by (VVPAT) systems at all polling centers. The state has ensured an ample supply of ballot units, control units, and VVPATs, with 55,071 ballot units, 35,424 control units, and 41,613 VVPATs available.
Prior to their use in the election, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs undergo a dual randomization process, facilitated by the Electronic Management System (EMS) software. Randomization is executed first when allocating these machines to specific constituencies and then once more during their deployment to polling centers. Recognized political parties and candidates contesting the elections are invited to witness and engage in the randomization and commissioning procedures.
After the finalization of the candidate list, a commissioning process is undertaken for the EVMs and VVPATs, carried out in the presence of the candidates or their representatives. The candidates and their representatives can closely monitor the loading of election symbols into the VVPAT through TV monitors in the commissioning hall.
Subsequent to the commissioning, each EVM and VVPAT undergo a mock poll, where one vote is cast for every candidate, including the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option. Additionally, a mock poll is conducted on randomly selected 5% of the EVMs and VVPATs, entailing the casting of 1000 votes. The electronic results are then cross-referenced with the paper slips generated by the VVPAT.
On the actual voting day, a mock poll is conducted 90 minutes before the official polling commences, in the presence of polling agents. During this process, a minimum of 50 votes is cast, including one vote for each candidate, as well as NOTA, repeated at least three times. The mock poll results are documented on a slip from the VVPAT and signed by the presiding officer in the presence of representatives from recognized political parties and contesting candidates.
Furthermore, for the convenience of voters, candidates’ photographs will be displayed on the ballot paper attached to the EVM. Candidates are required to submit recent stamp-sized photographs to the Returning Officer for this purpose. The option of NOTA (None of the Above) will also be available in this election, in line with previous electoral processes.