The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in&nbsp;sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

"Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified.&nbsp;

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Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. <a href="https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg">https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130776864119635973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released.&nbsp;

The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible.&nbsp;

"The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible".

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Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130777136841682944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/onus-of-ensuring-institutional-integrity-lies-with-election-commission-pranab-mukherjee-220406">expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering</a> and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported.

In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done.

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In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. <a href="https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v">https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130782089794772993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-nonsense-says-supreme-court-dismissing-pil-seeking-100-vvpat-verification-220408">The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL</a> seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls". "Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified. Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × "The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released. The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible. "The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible". Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest. Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

Reports of alleged EVM tampering are 'absolutely false': Election Commission

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-happens-if-the-vvpat-count-doesnt-match-the-evm-count-218276">matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines</a> (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech 4 All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

The apex court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent.

The top court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate.

The plea filed by the Chennai-based organisation said that the model of EVMs employed for the 2019 Lok Shaba Elections are being used for the first time and there have been reports about malfunctioning of EVMs throughout the country.&nbsp;

"It is reported that till the third phase of Lok Shaba Election 2019, 49 out of 303 constituencies, that is 1/6th of constituencies suffered due to EVM malfunctioning," the plea said.

It gave examples of the states of Odisha and Goa where malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPATs were detected.

The plea said that in Odisha, the VVPAT machine meant for Parliamentary constituency was mistakenly attached to the Control unit and Ballot unit meant for Assembly constituency and the mistake was detected after 22 votes were casted in the newly replaced VVPAT.&nbsp;

"This is because the pairing was done wrongly. This clearly proves that the M3 controlling unit is technologically incapable of identifying its pair accepting and feeding any pair connected to it," the plea said.

It also said that during mocks polls in Goa, the entire set of EVM was replaced after complaints from one of the booth agents.

The plea said that as a "short term solution" to achieve total satisfaction among the electorate the number of machines subject to verification of VVPAT should be "increased to 100 per cent".

"As technocrats, we submit, in the long term the EVM should be replaced by Optical Ballot Scan machine which upholds the Tangible secret ballot system, verifiable even by a common man coupled with cost-effectiveness," the plea said.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech 4 All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said. The apex court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent. The top court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate. The plea filed by the Chennai-based organisation said that the model of EVMs employed for the 2019 Lok Shaba Elections are being used for the first time and there have been reports about malfunctioning of EVMs throughout the country. "It is reported that till the third phase of Lok Shaba Election 2019, 49 out of 303 constituencies, that is 1/6th of constituencies suffered due to EVM malfunctioning," the plea said. It gave examples of the states of Odisha and Goa where malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPATs were detected. The plea said that in Odisha, the VVPAT machine meant for Parliamentary constituency was mistakenly attached to the Control unit and Ballot unit meant for Assembly constituency and the mistake was detected after 22 votes were casted in the newly replaced VVPAT. "This is because the pairing was done wrongly. This clearly proves that the M3 controlling unit is technologically incapable of identifying its pair accepting and feeding any pair connected to it," the plea said. It also said that during mocks polls in Goa, the entire set of EVM was replaced after complaints from one of the booth agents. The plea said that as a "short term solution" to achieve total satisfaction among the electorate the number of machines subject to verification of VVPAT should be "increased to 100 per cent". "As technocrats, we submit, in the long term the EVM should be replaced by Optical Ballot Scan machine which upholds the Tangible secret ballot system, verifiable even by a common man coupled with cost-effectiveness," the plea said.

'This is nonsense,' says Supreme Court dismissing PIL seeking 100% VVPAT verification

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here.

"The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday.

The Election Commission of India has been informed in this regard.

Polling for Guna Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to be held on Sunday during the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Congress heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia is contesting from Guna. He is also the incumbent MP from this seat.BJP has fielded KP Yadav from Guna.

The ongoing Lok Sabha polls were scheduled to be held in seven phases.

The first five phases were held on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6.

The sixth and seventh phases of polling are scheduled to be held on May 12 and May 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here. "The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday.

Sector assistant engineer, AK Shrivastav was suspended for allegedly carrying the reserve EVM to his residence here. "The EVM has been seized and the officer has been suspended, further action will be taken on instructions of the higher-ups," SDM, Shivani Rakwar Garg told media on Saturday. The Election Commission of India has been informed in this regard. Polling for Guna Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to be held on Sunday during the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Congress heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia is contesting from Guna. He is also the incumbent MP from this seat.BJP has fielded KP Yadav from Guna. The ongoing Lok Sabha polls were scheduled to be held in seven phases. The first five phases were held on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6. The sixth and seventh phases of polling are scheduled to be held on May 12 and May 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Madhya Pradesh: Officer suspended for carrying reserve EVM to his residence

Aus Envoy Harinder Sidhu impressed with EVMs, VVPATs. Watch this video to know more.

Aus Envoy Harinder Sidhu impressed with EVMs, VVPATs

Nearly 20 days after elections were held in Tamil Nadu (polling day was April 18), the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo announced on Wednesday that re-polling would be held in 13 booths that are spread across districts.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, the officer explained the reasons behind the Election Commission's decision of conducting re-polls in the state.

He said that it was recommended to the ECI on April 20 that re-polling be conducted in ten booths spread across Dharmapuri, Cuddalore and Tiruvallur owing to data clearing errors in the EVMs, VVPAT machines and dysfunctional EVMs.&nbsp;

Besides the initially recommended 10 booths, re-polling has also been announced for two booths falling under Theni and one seat under Erode constituency.

Subsequently, information regarding errors in 46 booths was also sent across to the ECI, outlining the specific issues faced in each booth. The Officer said that of the 65,000 booths in the state there were errors in around 46 booths, as this time there was additional equipment in the form of the VVPAT machine.

Elaborating on the nature of the errors, the CEO said that while conducting mock polling in the booths, between 6 and 7 am, about 50 votes were cast, but the booth officers had committed errors in clearing the data in either the EVM or the VVPAT or in certain cases both machines. In some cases, the VVPAT slips were not cleared after the mock poll was conducted.

Regarding the arrangements being made for conducting re-polling in the 13 booths, he said, the respective District Election Officers would ensure that adequate awareness is created and measures are undertaken to arrange the EVMs and VVPATs. Awareness campaigns would include the beating of drums and making announcements, in addition to press releases.

Allaying fears of EVMs being moved from Erode, he said that the EVMs and VVPATs cannot be moved without the permission and knowledge of ECI and that the district officers would inform the parties before doing so.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Regarding when parliamentary elections would be held in Vellore, where it was earlier rescinded because of malpractices and huge cash seizures, he said that currently there is no information on the same.

In addition to by-polls to four vacant state assembly constituencies, Tamil Nadu will also have re-polling in 13 booths on May 19. While booths in Cuddalore and Erode would have re-polling for the parliamentary elections, booths in Theni, Dharmapuri and Tiruvallur would have re-polling for both assembly by-elections and parliamentary elections.

Nearly 20 days after elections were held in Tamil Nadu (polling day was April 18), the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo announced on Wednesday that re-polling would be held in 13 booths that are spread across districts.

Nearly 20 days after elections were held in Tamil Nadu (polling day was April 18), the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo announced on Wednesday that re-polling would be held in 13 booths that are spread across districts. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, the officer explained the reasons behind the Election Commission's decision of conducting re-polls in the state. He said that it was recommended to the ECI on April 20 that re-polling be conducted in ten booths spread across Dharmapuri, Cuddalore and Tiruvallur owing to data clearing errors in the EVMs, VVPAT machines and dysfunctional EVMs. Besides the initially recommended 10 booths, re-polling has also been announced for two booths falling under Theni and one seat under Erode constituency. Subsequently, information regarding errors in 46 booths was also sent across to the ECI, outlining the specific issues faced in each booth. The Officer said that of the 65,000 booths in the state there were errors in around 46 booths, as this time there was additional equipment in the form of the VVPAT machine. Elaborating on the nature of the errors, the CEO said that while conducting mock polling in the booths, between 6 and 7 am, about 50 votes were cast, but the booth officers had committed errors in clearing the data in either the EVM or the VVPAT or in certain cases both machines. In some cases, the VVPAT slips were not cleared after the mock poll was conducted. Regarding the arrangements being made for conducting re-polling in the 13 booths, he said, the respective District Election Officers would ensure that adequate awareness is created and measures are undertaken to arrange the EVMs and VVPATs. Awareness campaigns would include the beating of drums and making announcements, in addition to press releases. Allaying fears of EVMs being moved from Erode, he said that the EVMs and VVPATs cannot be moved without the permission and knowledge of ECI and that the district officers would inform the parties before doing so. Regarding when parliamentary elections would be held in Vellore, where it was earlier rescinded because of malpractices and huge cash seizures, he said that currently there is no information on the same. In addition to by-polls to four vacant state assembly constituencies, Tamil Nadu will also have re-polling in 13 booths on May 19. While booths in Cuddalore and Erode would have re-polling for the parliamentary elections, booths in Theni, Dharmapuri and Tiruvallur would have re-polling for both assembly by-elections and parliamentary elections.

Tamil Nadu CEO clarifies on reasons behind re-polling in 13 booths 

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-meet-ec-over-evm-issue-demand-matching-of-50-of-results-with-vvpats-195137">Opposition parties seeking direction</a> to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due&nbsp;to take place on May 23rd after&nbsp;the end of the seventh phase of&nbsp;general elections.

Several Opposition parties, numbering 21&nbsp;in all had filed the petition.

"We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/industry/no-material-information-on-number-of-evms-vvpat-needed-for-simultaneous-polls-ec-171754">random matching of VVPAT slips</a>.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-rejects-opposition-review-plea-on-50-vvpat-verification-216609/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth.

&nbsp;

Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court".

However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests.

The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.&nbsp;

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections.

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections. Several Opposition parties, numbering 21 in all had filed the petition. "We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the random matching of VVPAT slips. The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth. Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court". However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests. The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.

No increase in VVPAT-EVM verification, rules Supreme Court after rejecting Opposition's plea

Cyclonic storm Fani is just 80 kms away from Odisha.Here's a list of do's and don'ts to keep you safe. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani: Here is how you can stay safe

About ten thousand villages and 52 towns are likely to be affected by cyclonic storm Fani, which is just 80 kms away from Odisha. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani just 80 kms aways from Odisha

The State Election Commission in Odisha has recommended re-polling in 12 booths including booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency.

In a letter written to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Odisha Surendra Kumar said, "We admit that an EVM control unit of Booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency was misplaced because of the lapses on the part of the polling officials who received the EVM at strong room."

"We have apprised the Election Commission about the incident and recommended repolling in 12 booths including booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly segments, because of the errors during the voting in the third phase" he added.

The voter turnout in the third phase of elections for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Odisha stood at an impressive 71.61 per cent.

The fourth and final phase of polling in Odisha will be held on April 29.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

The State Election Commission in Odisha has recommended re-polling in 12 booths including booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency. In a letter written to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Odisha Surendra Kumar said, "We admit that an EVM control unit of Booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency was misplaced because of the lapses on the part of the polling officials who received the EVM at strong room.

The State Election Commission in Odisha has recommended re-polling in 12 booths including booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency. In a letter written to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Odisha Surendra Kumar said, "We admit that an EVM control unit of Booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly constituency was misplaced because of the lapses on the part of the polling officials who received the EVM at strong room." "We have apprised the Election Commission about the incident and recommended repolling in 12 booths including booth number 62 of Brahmagiri assembly segments, because of the errors during the voting in the third phase" he added. The voter turnout in the third phase of elections for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Odisha stood at an impressive 71.61 per cent. The fourth and final phase of polling in Odisha will be held on April 29. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

Odisha CEO recommends re-polling in 12 booths

Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-a-couple-of-days-after-polls-chandrababu-naidu-raises-questions-over-evms-asks-election-commission-to-revert-to-ballot-system-210068"> EVM malfunctioning</a>.

The parties said they would approach&nbsp;the Supreme Court&nbsp;over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand&nbsp;at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs.

Addressing the media in the national capital, leaders from the political parties accused the Election Commission of not taking the issues seriously and said that the EC "failed" the country and its people.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who Saturday met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora to raise the issue of EVM malfunctioning, said 21 political parties have demanded verification of VVPAT paper trails of 50 per cent of the EVMs.

"EC is acting under BJP, they are not correct, they have to act impartially which they are not doing. Also, we doubt even EVMs are under manipulation and that's why we are demanding 50% counting of VVPATs. They are not agreeing", Naidu said.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said opposition parties will approach the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the EC for counting of at least 50 per cent of the VVPAT slips with the EVMs in every assembly segment.

He said the opposition parties will carry out a nationwide campaign on the issue of discrepancies in EVMs.

"We do not think the EC is doing enough to address the issue of EVM malfunctioning," Singhvi alleged.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday directed the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per assembly segment, from one at present, in the Lok Sabha polls, saying it will provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but the entire electorate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile taking a dig at the Centre, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, &nbsp;there's no in-built fault in EVMs, BJP tampering with them: Arvind Kejriwal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of EVM malfunctioning. The parties said they would approach the Supreme Court over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs.

Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of EVM malfunctioning. The parties said they would approach the Supreme Court over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs. Addressing the media in the national capital, leaders from the political parties accused the Election Commission of not taking the issues seriously and said that the EC "failed" the country and its people. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who Saturday met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora to raise the issue of EVM malfunctioning, said 21 political parties have demanded verification of VVPAT paper trails of 50 per cent of the EVMs. "EC is acting under BJP, they are not correct, they have to act impartially which they are not doing. Also, we doubt even EVMs are under manipulation and that's why we are demanding 50% counting of VVPATs. They are not agreeing", Naidu said. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said opposition parties will approach the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the EC for counting of at least 50 per cent of the VVPAT slips with the EVMs in every assembly segment. He said the opposition parties will carry out a nationwide campaign on the issue of discrepancies in EVMs. "We do not think the EC is doing enough to address the issue of EVM malfunctioning," Singhvi alleged. The Supreme Court Monday directed the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per assembly segment, from one at present, in the Lok Sabha polls, saying it will provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but the entire electorate. Meanwhile taking a dig at the Centre, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, there's no in-built fault in EVMs, BJP tampering with them: Arvind Kejriwal. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition parties to approach Supreme Court again to demand verification of 50% votes by paper trails

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Gupta reached the polling station at Girls'&nbsp;Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported</a>

He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber.

Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it.

He was later taken into police custody.

Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state&nbsp;recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am.

Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases</a>

Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state.&nbsp;

TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll&nbsp;in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag.

Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&amp;K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber.

Lok Sabha candidate of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Madhusudan Gupta, on Wednesday broke an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling booth in Gooty town in Andhra Pradesh alleging that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the voting chamber. Gupta reached the polling station at Girls' Higher School in Gooty which falls under Guntakal Assembly constituency, this morning. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Naxals trigger IED blast at polling booth in Maharashtra; no injuries reported He alleged that the names of Assembly and Lok Sabha seats had not been properly displayed in the polling chamber. Election officials tried to pacify him but an angry Gupta threw an EVM on the floor and broke it. He was later taken into police custody. Polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The state recorded 18 per cent polling till 11 am. Telangana recorded 22.84 per cent polling. Also read: India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases Meanwhile, TDP MP Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar met the Election Commission (EC) in Delhi and complained about EVM malfunctioning in the state. TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner demanded repoll in booths where polling did not commence till 9:30 am due to EVM snag. Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Jan Sena candidate Madhusudan Gupta smashes EVM in polling booth in Andhra Pradesh

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.&nbsp;

There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues.&nbsp; 
 
In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same.&nbsp;

This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. &nbsp;

&nbsp;A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs.&nbsp;

In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. &nbsp;

The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as &nbsp;23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.”&nbsp;

The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The &nbsp;EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. &nbsp; 
 
I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. &nbsp;

Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system.&nbsp;

EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak.

The general elections 2019 are in full swing. It is hardly surprising that the controversy over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) is also at its peak. There is a well-documented history of EVM controversy. After all, every political party has raised doubts about the machines when in opposition. But when they come to power through the same machines, doubts are not put to rest. Only we have new accusers and the controversy continues. In 2011, the Election Commission (EC) got a rare opportunity to test the relative strength of EVMs and ballot papers. It was to conduct bypolls in 12 seats of Andhra Pradesh assembly. These seats had fallen vacant in the wake of mass resignations in the heat of the Telangana agitation.  Polls were conducted in half the constituencies using ballot papers because of a clever ploy. Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the number of candidates in a number of constituencies was more than 64 – which is the maximum limit the EVMs could handle. And what was the conclusion? While the results from the machines came out in four hours, the paper ballots took over forty hours. Adding to that, in the seats where polls were conducted with ballot papers, thousands of invalid votes were found. The results from both the systems were exactly the same. This debate should have ended way back in 2010 when the Commission called an all-party meeting to understand concerns of the political parties on the matter. It was unanimously recommended that VVPATs be adopted as the final remedy, and we promptly accepted it. The two factories which manufacture EVMs were asked to develop VVPATs. An independent committee of professors of five different IITs was requested to monitor every aspect of the process. A series of trials were held, followed by two full-day election simulations in five cities with varying climatic conditions – namely Cherrapunji, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Leh, Thiruvananthapuram, in July 2011 and again in 2012 in the same month. Only after the VVPATs passed all the rigorous tests of technology and climatic endurance, were they deployed successfully in 20,000 polling booths. As manufacturing progressed, all constituencies were equipped with VVPATs. In 2013, the Supreme Court lauded the Commission’s decision and directed the government to release adequate funds so that VVPATs can be procured for use in all the booths in the 2019 elections. As the machines kept coming in, these were randomly deployed. Since 2017, all assembly elections are held with EVMs which are attached with VVPATs. As per the present norms, slips generated by one VVPAT in each assembly constituency are counted. Of the 1,500 machines thus counted, not a single mismatch has been found. The Opposition parties have demanded that half of the total slips should be cross-checked. As many as 23 Opposition parties have also moved the Apex Court demanding the same. A group of 73 retired bureaucrats and diplomats have written to the EC on the matter, demanding an appropriate audit of votes cast in the 2019 election. To quote the central premise of the letter, “The real issue today is not about EVMs vs paper ballots, rather it is about EVMs with perfunctory VVPAT audits vs. EVMs with proper VVPAT audit.” The letter highlighted the urgent need for a statistically sound sample size “With 99.9 per cent reliability, in a suitably defined population.” The EC sought the advice of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on an appropriate sample size that would ensure 99.99 per cent public satisfaction. The much-awaited report has finally been submitted to the EC according to the latest reports and is being examined. Meanwhile, when the case came up before SC, the Chief Justice asked the Election Commission why the sample size should not be increased. EC has apparently submitted that the experts of ISI have endorsed the current sample of one VVPAT per assembly constituency. On the other hand, the sample size proposed by the political parties would delay the results by six days. All eyes are now on the SC where the case would come up next week. I would also like to venture a more out of the box alternative. Let the top two runners up in the constituency choose any two VVPAT machines that they would like to be counted as they have the highest stake in the results. An appropriate analogy is that of the game of cricket in which two referrals are allowed for each team. This is called the Decision Review System, and ever since its introduction, the violent disputes about the controversial decisions taken by the umpire have disappeared. This could serve to do away with a large random sample being demanded at present, as only four machines per assembly would have to be counted to ensure public faith in the system. EVMs, equipped with VVPATs, are the most dependable arrangement. With only a few weeks to go for the counting, the Commission or the Supreme Court must clinch the debate without any further delay. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

VVPAT-equipped EVMs are most dependable arrangement

Leaders of several <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-tampering-issue-tmc-21-other-opposition-parties-to-move-election-commission-195074">opposition parties approached the Election Commission</a> on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

The opposition leaders demanded the poll panel ensure that 50 per cent of EVM results are matched and cross-checked with voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) before the declaration of results in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The leaders told the Election Commission the people of the country doubted the efficacy of EVMs and this issue needs to be redressed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Election Commission: The Commission assured the political parties that issues raised by them would be deliberated and examined. <a href="https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI">https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092431819985899521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The opposition delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of the panel.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu after opposition leaders meet EC: To bring transparency to election process we should go back to paper ballot but due to time constraint, we are demanding that 50% of VVPATs should be counted at random &amp; be tallied with EVMs. <a href="https://t.co/tbP2AoEoNS">pic.twitter.com/tbP2AoEoNS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092422876882337794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The opposition parties had earlier sought moving back to the ballot paper system, but after the Election Commission made it clear that there was no possibility of going back to the old system, they changed their strategy and are now demanding to match of 50 per cent EVMs with VVPATs.

The leaders of various opposition parties earlier met in Parliament and discussed their strategy on the issue.

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress after opposition leaders meet EC: We all have come here to discuss EVM and VVPAT. If it is not possible to introduce ballot papers then at least 50% of VVPAT should be counted for cross verification with EVM. <a href="https://t.co/vlMWJ4tqRQ">pic.twitter.com/vlMWJ4tqRQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1092424882531520512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The delegation included Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Anand Sharma of the Congress, Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Majid Menon (NCP), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mohd Salim and T K Rangarajan (CPI-M), Manoj Jha (RJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), D Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (JD-S), N K Premchandran (RSP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and KG Kenye (NPF).

The leaders of various parties had earlier met in Constitution Club on Friday and discussed their future strategy on the issue.&nbsp;

Leaders of several opposition parties approached the Election Commission on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Leaders of several opposition parties approached the Election Commission on Monday and sought redressal of the issue of alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The opposition leaders demanded the poll panel ensure that 50 per cent of EVM results are matched and cross-checked with voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs) before the declaration of results in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The leaders told the Election Commission the people of the country doubted the efficacy of EVMs and this issue needs to be redressed. Election Commission: The Commission assured the political parties that issues raised by them would be deliberated and examined. https://t.co/DLmiZHR0sI — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The opposition delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of the panel. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu after opposition leaders meet EC: To bring transparency to election process we should go back to paper ballot but due to time constraint, we are demanding that 50% of VVPATs should be counted at random & be tallied with EVMs. pic.twitter.com/tbP2AoEoNS — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The opposition parties had earlier sought moving back to the ballot paper system, but after the Election Commission made it clear that there was no possibility of going back to the old system, they changed their strategy and are now demanding to match of 50 per cent EVMs with VVPATs. The leaders of various opposition parties earlier met in Parliament and discussed their strategy on the issue. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress after opposition leaders meet EC: We all have come here to discuss EVM and VVPAT. If it is not possible to introduce ballot papers then at least 50% of VVPAT should be counted for cross verification with EVM. pic.twitter.com/vlMWJ4tqRQ — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019 × The delegation included Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel and Anand Sharma of the Congress, Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Majid Menon (NCP), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mohd Salim and T K Rangarajan (CPI-M), Manoj Jha (RJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), D Raja (CPI), Danish Ali (JD-S), N K Premchandran (RSP), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and KG Kenye (NPF). The leaders of various parties had earlier met in Constitution Club on Friday and discussed their future strategy on the issue.

Opposition parties meet EC over EVM issue, demand matching of 50% of results with VVPATs

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

“We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.”

He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.”

Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal.

During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State.

On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes.

Amid the opposition parties demand for a return to the ballot boxes in the electoral process ahead of the Lok Sabha elections alleging EVM tampering, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora clearly stated that they are not going back to the ballot boxes. “We have been using EVMs for more than two decades now. No way are we going back to the ballot boxes. Some political parties demanded that VVPATs be used in all polling booths. Some parties demanded that results from all EVMs be matched with VVPAT slips. Commission has informed the political parties that VVPATs will be used in all polling booths countrywide in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Arora, adding, “The commission has firm belief and convinced that EVM and VVPAT machines are secure and have proved effective on all the parameters. As per extant practice, VVPAT slips will be matched with EVM vote count in one randomly selected polling station of each assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency.” He further added that for the first time, the state will have VVPATs across all the polling booths. “For the first time in the entire state, VVPATs will also be used at all polling booths along with the EVM machines. Thus the officers need to ensure due awareness to all stakeholders about proper usage of the machines. The officers were also asked to strictly adhere to the laid down procedures and Standard Operating Procedures about use, storage and transportation of the machines in all the constituencies.” Arora, along with the Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa led the full bench of Election Commission of India to conduct a two-day review of poll preparedness in the state of West Bengal. During the visit, the Commission met with representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns. The Commission took note of their concerns for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. The Commission reviewed the work of District Election Officers, Commissioner of Police/SPs, and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Secretary and other senior Officials of the State. On the second day of the visit, the ECI officials met the Nodal officers of Income Tax, Excise, Commercial Tax departments and with State Level Bankers Committee convener to review in detail the strategy to curb misuse of money/drugs/liquor and gifts distribution during the election.

Not going back to the ballot boxes: Chief Election Commissioner

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened. A promised earthquake turned out to be a damp squib.

The supposed “expert” introduced himself as one Syed Shuja, an ex-employee of ECIL, Hyderabad, who claimed to be a member of the team which designed the EVMs. His sensational claim was that he discovered a way which made hacking possible. He went on to say that the 2014 general elections was entirely rigged.

Even the recent state assembly elections would have been rigged but for the counteraction by Shuja and his team. He claimed that a senior BJP leader and a Karnataka journalist who knew about the rigging were killed, besides his own teammates whose murders were covered up as incidents in a communal riot. He said he survived and escaped to the US where he sought political asylum.

These sound like bizarre claims but can be independently verified. One hopes that the agencies concerned would be doing their job. The fact is that “live demonstration” of EVM hacking never happened. But the controversy was revived yet again.&nbsp;

This is by no means a standalone incident. There is a long history of claims and counter-claims. Every political party at some time or the other has raised doubts without any evidence whatsoever. The usual call is to return to ballot papers.&nbsp;

To force the hands of the Election Commission to return to ballot papers, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in 2010, put up more than 64 candidates in 12 by-elections on the Telangana issue as the EVMs cannot take more than 64 candidates. After scrutiny, six constituencies were left with over 64 candidates, where perforce elections had to be conducted with paper ballots. An equal number used EVMs. In a way, this was a great opportunity to test the relative merits and demerits of the two systems of voting.&nbsp;

While EVM results were out in four hours, ballot papers took 40 hours, with a lot of invalid votes coming in. The results from both the systems were exactly the same.

Interestingly, on that occasion, the BJP was opposing the EVM and the Congress defending it! Since the 2014 elections, all parties have been accusing the BJP of misusing EVMs to win elections without producing any evidence. Hence the song remains the same, only the singers change every couple of years.

The ECI, on the other hand, has confidently challenged all conspiracy theorists to try their hands on its EVMs to show that these can be hacked. Till date no political party has accepted the challenge.&nbsp;

The previous occasion when the demand for ballot papers had reached such a high pitch was in 2010, in the wake of BJP’s hype about hackability of the machines. The ECI had called an all-party meeting where consensus was reached that voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) was the ultimate solution. We accepted the demand and asked the two EVM manufacturing companies to design VVPAT machines.

The independent committee of five IIT professors was asked to oversee the entire technology and process. After a series of trials, the VVPAT was initially tried in Nagaland in 2012 and later in several other states. Since 2017, every state election has been held with these printer-attached machines. Voter chits generated by these machines have been crosschecked in 1,500 booths. All of them tallied. That should have ended the controversy.&nbsp;

Recurrent controversy creates doubts in public minds about the electoral system that has stood the test of time. Lack of public trust in the system is dangerous for democracy. It must be addressed effectively and quickly. Many parties are demanding that a reasonable percentage of VVPAT machines should be counted for public confidence. Let EC examine this demand and arrive at a scientific sample size in consultation with statistical experts so that the controversy is put to rest once for all.&nbsp;

Instead of appearing rigid, the Commission may convene an all-party meeting, yet again, as the basic concern is serious and the stakes are very high. My experience in dealing with political parties is that if we have an open dialogue with them to explain our stand, they always see reason and a consensus does evolve. Giving it another shot, urgently, would be worth its while.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened.

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened. A promised earthquake turned out to be a damp squib. The supposed “expert” introduced himself as one Syed Shuja, an ex-employee of ECIL, Hyderabad, who claimed to be a member of the team which designed the EVMs. His sensational claim was that he discovered a way which made hacking possible. He went on to say that the 2014 general elections was entirely rigged. Even the recent state assembly elections would have been rigged but for the counteraction by Shuja and his team. He claimed that a senior BJP leader and a Karnataka journalist who knew about the rigging were killed, besides his own teammates whose murders were covered up as incidents in a communal riot. He said he survived and escaped to the US where he sought political asylum. These sound like bizarre claims but can be independently verified. One hopes that the agencies concerned would be doing their job. The fact is that “live demonstration” of EVM hacking never happened. But the controversy was revived yet again. This is by no means a standalone incident. There is a long history of claims and counter-claims. Every political party at some time or the other has raised doubts without any evidence whatsoever. The usual call is to return to ballot papers. To force the hands of the Election Commission to return to ballot papers, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in 2010, put up more than 64 candidates in 12 by-elections on the Telangana issue as the EVMs cannot take more than 64 candidates. After scrutiny, six constituencies were left with over 64 candidates, where perforce elections had to be conducted with paper ballots. An equal number used EVMs. In a way, this was a great opportunity to test the relative merits and demerits of the two systems of voting. While EVM results were out in four hours, ballot papers took 40 hours, with a lot of invalid votes coming in. The results from both the systems were exactly the same. Interestingly, on that occasion, the BJP was opposing the EVM and the Congress defending it! Since the 2014 elections, all parties have been accusing the BJP of misusing EVMs to win elections without producing any evidence. Hence the song remains the same, only the singers change every couple of years. The ECI, on the other hand, has confidently challenged all conspiracy theorists to try their hands on its EVMs to show that these can be hacked. Till date no political party has accepted the challenge. The previous occasion when the demand for ballot papers had reached such a high pitch was in 2010, in the wake of BJP’s hype about hackability of the machines. The ECI had called an all-party meeting where consensus was reached that voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) was the ultimate solution. We accepted the demand and asked the two EVM manufacturing companies to design VVPAT machines. The independent committee of five IIT professors was asked to oversee the entire technology and process. After a series of trials, the VVPAT was initially tried in Nagaland in 2012 and later in several other states. Since 2017, every state election has been held with these printer-attached machines. Voter chits generated by these machines have been crosschecked in 1,500 booths. All of them tallied. That should have ended the controversy. Recurrent controversy creates doubts in public minds about the electoral system that has stood the test of time. Lack of public trust in the system is dangerous for democracy. It must be addressed effectively and quickly. Many parties are demanding that a reasonable percentage of VVPAT machines should be counted for public confidence. Let EC examine this demand and arrive at a scientific sample size in consultation with statistical experts so that the controversy is put to rest once for all. Instead of appearing rigid, the Commission may convene an all-party meeting, yet again, as the basic concern is serious and the stakes are very high. My experience in dealing with political parties is that if we have an open dialogue with them to explain our stand, they always see reason and a consensus does evolve. Giving it another shot, urgently, would be worth its while. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Recurring EVM controversy

Citing “doubts and controversy” surrounding EVM machines, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has requested the Election Commission to conduct the next polls through ballot papers. 
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“The SP has asked the EC to conduct next elections through ballot papers. There are doubts and controversy related to EVMs that have raised question mark on the entire democratic exercise of polls,” Akhilesh said in a statement issued here Wednesday.

“Technology is being misused for political purposes and there is no doubt regarding this. Technological literate society should also raise their voice against misuses of EVMs. Use of ballot papers in elections strengthens relations between the state and common man. The trust is the basis of democracy and it is necessary for the country”, he said.

He said in past elections too, a number of complaints related to faulty EVMs had come. People used to stand in queues for a long time for their turn to vote due to this. “Is it technical or failure of election management or conspiracy to devoid people from their voting rights?” he questioned.

On the claims of a self-styled cyber expert from London that EVMs could be tampered with, Akhilesh said, “There should be an unbiased probe into it. This is a serious matter and an attempt to grab power with money.”

During a press conference in London on Monday, Syed Shuja had claimed that the EVMs can be hacked, and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections were rigged.

The Delhi Police has registered a case based on a complaint filed by the Election Commission regarding Shuza’s allegations. In its complaint, the poll panel had asked police to investigate the matter “promptly” for violation of certain IPC sections dealing with spreading rumour to “create fear” in the minds of people.

Citing “doubts and controversy” surrounding EVM machines, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has requested the Election Commission to conduct the next polls through ballot papers.

Citing “doubts and controversy” surrounding EVM machines, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has requested the Election Commission to conduct the next polls through ballot papers. Advertising “The SP has asked the EC to conduct next elections through ballot papers. There are doubts and controversy related to EVMs that have raised question mark on the entire democratic exercise of polls,” Akhilesh said in a statement issued here Wednesday. “Technology is being misused for political purposes and there is no doubt regarding this. Technological literate society should also raise their voice against misuses of EVMs. Use of ballot papers in elections strengthens relations between the state and common man. The trust is the basis of democracy and it is necessary for the country”, he said. He said in past elections too, a number of complaints related to faulty EVMs had come. People used to stand in queues for a long time for their turn to vote due to this. “Is it technical or failure of election management or conspiracy to devoid people from their voting rights?” he questioned. On the claims of a self-styled cyber expert from London that EVMs could be tampered with, Akhilesh said, “There should be an unbiased probe into it. This is a serious matter and an attempt to grab power with money.” During a press conference in London on Monday, Syed Shuja had claimed that the EVMs can be hacked, and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections were rigged. The Delhi Police has registered a case based on a complaint filed by the Election Commission regarding Shuza’s allegations. In its complaint, the poll panel had asked police to investigate the matter “promptly” for violation of certain IPC sections dealing with spreading rumour to “create fear” in the minds of people.

EVM hacking row: SP asks EC to use ballot papers for 2019 polls

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-centre-alleges-congress-organised-hackathon-in-london-opposition-calls-for-switch-to-ballot-box-191969">a very good and fine machine</a>” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

“I endorse that EVM is a very good and fine machine. We should never go back to ballot papers,” Chawla told ANI here while commenting on the current furore over the EVM Hackathon held in London on Monday.

“My position is very clear about EVM. Election Commission’s EVMs are manufactured by two public sector companies under highly-secret conditions. These machines were made in 2000 and have been used continuously since 2006,” he said.

“It is just that those who win the elections don`t say anything about EVM, whereas those who lose challenge EVMs,” he said while hailing India’s electoral process.

“I have visited many countries as an election observer. Our system is of 100 per cent accountability.”

Talking about ‘cyber-security researcher’ Syed Shuja’s claim regarding EVM hacking, he said, “This is very unfortunate. Raising such an issue is very distasteful.”

“I was at the helm of affairs during 2009 General Elections. We got 100 machines and installed cameras. It was an open invitation to hack EVMs and people were called to demonstrate hacking if it is possible and no one could do it,” added Chawla.

Responding to the chorus of using ballot papers for elections, former CEC said, “I have argued this in my book that long ago there was a major problem of booth capturing.”

“Also very often the stamp is not clearly marked, which lead to a large number of invalid votes. EVMs have made the process neat and clean,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Tuesday said to investigate the claim made by Shuja that EVMs can be tampered with, as a political row erupted over the issue.

Amid the claims by the so-called hacker, there were renewed calls by some Opposition parties for finding an alternative to the EVMs, including the return to the use of ballot papers, in the coming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls. “I endorse that EVM is a very good and fine machine. We should never go back to ballot papers,” Chawla told ANI here while commenting on the current furore over the EVM Hackathon held in London on Monday. “My position is very clear about EVM. Election Commission’s EVMs are manufactured by two public sector companies under highly-secret conditions. These machines were made in 2000 and have been used continuously since 2006,” he said. “It is just that those who win the elections don`t say anything about EVM, whereas those who lose challenge EVMs,” he said while hailing India’s electoral process. “I have visited many countries as an election observer. Our system is of 100 per cent accountability.” Talking about ‘cyber-security researcher’ Syed Shuja’s claim regarding EVM hacking, he said, “This is very unfortunate. Raising such an issue is very distasteful.” “I was at the helm of affairs during 2009 General Elections. We got 100 machines and installed cameras. It was an open invitation to hack EVMs and people were called to demonstrate hacking if it is possible and no one could do it,” added Chawla. Responding to the chorus of using ballot papers for elections, former CEC said, “I have argued this in my book that long ago there was a major problem of booth capturing.” “Also very often the stamp is not clearly marked, which lead to a large number of invalid votes. EVMs have made the process neat and clean,” he said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Tuesday said to investigate the claim made by Shuja that EVMs can be tampered with, as a political row erupted over the issue. Amid the claims by the so-called hacker, there were renewed calls by some Opposition parties for finding an alternative to the EVMs, including the return to the use of ballot papers, in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system.

Taking to Twitter, Naidu said, "EVM is turning out to be a big threat to democracy. It is worrying to know the claims made on the possibility of tampering EVMs. EC must seek an opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system immediately."

However, earlier on Monday, the ECI clarified that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-election-commission-asserts-foolproof-nature-of-its-machines-mulls-legal-action-191855">EVMs can’t be tampered</a> with, asserting that the machines are manufactured following “rigorous standard operating procedures.”

The ECI’s statement came after it was claimed at an event in London, which was reportedly attended by Congress leader Kapil Sibal, that EVMs could be tampered with.

The apex poll body also confirmed that they were examining the legal action that can be taken in the matter against the organisers of EVM Hackathon.

Reacting to this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for casting doubt over the efficacy of EMVs, asking whether the ECI and its huge team were in collusion with the BJP for the elections held during the UPA government.&nbsp;

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system.

Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system. Taking to Twitter, Naidu said, "EVM is turning out to be a big threat to democracy. It is worrying to know the claims made on the possibility of tampering EVMs. EC must seek an opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system immediately." However, earlier on Monday, the ECI clarified that the EVMs can’t be tampered with, asserting that the machines are manufactured following “rigorous standard operating procedures.” The ECI’s statement came after it was claimed at an event in London, which was reportedly attended by Congress leader Kapil Sibal, that EVMs could be tampered with. The apex poll body also confirmed that they were examining the legal action that can be taken in the matter against the organisers of EVM Hackathon. Reacting to this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for casting doubt over the efficacy of EMVs, asking whether the ECI and its huge team were in collusion with the BJP for the elections held during the UPA government.

EVM hacking claim: Andhra CM demands Election Commission revert to paper ballot system

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-claim-election-commission-asserts-foolproof-nature-of-its-machines-mulls-legal-action-191855">Election Commission of India on Monday</a> stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hackathon-andhra-cm-demands-election-commission-to-revert-to-paper-ballot-system-191876">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;

BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. &nbsp;

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Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. <a href="https://t.co/iNSxO9CSnc">pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087623820939276289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC &amp; govt should make a decision. <a href="https://t.co/r5zvjDDInK">pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1087618932687757312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday reacted to the row. The Union Minister alleged that the Congress had organised the EVM hackathon in London in which the cyber expert claimed that the 2014 general elections were rigged. The event was sponsored by the Congress, the minister of Electronics and IT said at a press conference in New Delhi today. Prasad stated that the cyber expert's claim will be exposed, adding that the Congress insulted the 2014 mandate. The Election Commission of India on Monday stated that it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter, news agency PTI reported. Meanwhile, political leaders from across the country have reacted to the report. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated the Commission must go back to using ballot box system for the upcoming general elections. BSP president and SP chief, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav, also spoke in favour of a strict probe into the matter. Mayawati: Keeping democracy's larger interest in view,essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper,taking this into cognizance. pic.twitter.com/iNSxO9CSnc — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × "Keeping democracy's larger interest in view, essential to look into EVM matter so that it gets resolved soon. It's possible to validate ballot paper but it's not the case with EVM. We demand EC to hold 2019 general election using ballot paper, taking this into cognizance," Mayawati told reporters on Tuesday. "If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision," Akhilesh Yadav noted. Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief: If someone has raised a question then it must be thought that what is the reason that a developed country like Japan is not using EVMs. It is not a question of a political party, it's a question of trust in democracy. EC & govt should make a decision. pic.twitter.com/r5zvjDDInK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 22, 2019 × An Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, Monday claimed the 2014 general election was "rigged" through the electronic voting machines, which, he said can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Shuja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members, news agency PTI reported.

EVM hacking claim: Centre alleges Congress organised hackathon in London, opposition says switch back to ballot box

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India.

"It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event.

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MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections <a href="https://t.co/MEEugGryXA">pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087351942165147648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions.

It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter. The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members. In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India. "It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event. MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions. It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

EVM hacking claim: Election Commission asserts 'foolproof nature' of its machines; mulls legal action

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/change-the-government-at-centre-mamatas-war-cry-at-opposition-rally-191472">Mamata Banerjee</a> said on Saturday.

In addition to evaluating the functioning of EVMs and finding ways to stop any malpractice, the committee will suggest electoral reforms to the Election Commission before the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee added.

The announcement was made after the West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo hosted a tea party here for the top leaders of 14 opposition parties who participated in her united opposition rally.

The committee, comprising Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Mishra (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party) will submit its recommendations to the EC for implementation and will press for wider use of VVPAT, she said.

National Conference (NC) chairman Farooq Abdullah had called the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) "chor machine" while speaking at the rally and demanded that the ballot paper system be reinstated for the sake of transparency.

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used," he said.

"The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he added.

Speaking after the meeting with Banerjee over tea, Abdullah said, "Time is short and hence we want election panel to carry out reforms expeditiously for the sake of democracy in the country. Our Constitution is under threat.

"We want free and fair elections. We will never accept if election is held in fraudulent manner," he added.

Stressing that very little time was left for the Lok Sabha polls, Singhvi said: "We are not asking for returning to the physical ballot system immediately".

The VVPAT system should be enforced for proper verification of the ballots, he said, adding already four European countries have gone back to the use of physical ballot from EVMs.

Mishra said there were reports of EVM tampering in the recent state assembly elections in the country.

"Hence, we believe it is necessary to go for electoral reforms".

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday.

A four-member committee of opposition party leaders has been formed after reports of EVM manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday. In addition to evaluating the functioning of EVMs and finding ways to stop any malpractice, the committee will suggest electoral reforms to the Election Commission before the Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee added. The announcement was made after the West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo hosted a tea party here for the top leaders of 14 opposition parties who participated in her united opposition rally. The committee, comprising Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Satish Mishra (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party) will submit its recommendations to the EC for implementation and will press for wider use of VVPAT, she said. National Conference (NC) chairman Farooq Abdullah had called the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) "chor machine" while speaking at the rally and demanded that the ballot paper system be reinstated for the sake of transparency. "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used," he said. "The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he added. Speaking after the meeting with Banerjee over tea, Abdullah said, "Time is short and hence we want election panel to carry out reforms expeditiously for the sake of democracy in the country. Our Constitution is under threat. "We want free and fair elections. We will never accept if election is held in fraudulent manner," he added. Stressing that very little time was left for the Lok Sabha polls, Singhvi said: "We are not asking for returning to the physical ballot system immediately". The VVPAT system should be enforced for proper verification of the ballots, he said, adding already four European countries have gone back to the use of physical ballot from EVMs. Mishra said there were reports of EVM tampering in the recent state assembly elections in the country. "Hence, we believe it is necessary to go for electoral reforms".

Opposition leaders form four-member committee to look into EVM manipulation

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-my-request-to-all-please-do-not-make-evms-a-football-says-cec-sunil-arora-191353">EVM the "chor machine"</a> and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency.

Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom."

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-defers-west-bengal-campaign-amit-shah-to-address-rally-on-january-22-191322">He blamed the BJP</a> for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India.

"I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill.

Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results.

"We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.&nbsp;

Farooq Abdullah blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the EVM the "chor machine" and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency. Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom." "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said. He blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India. "I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said. Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill. Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results. "We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.

EVM is 'chor' machine: Farooq Abdullah at opposition rally in West Bengal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunil-arora-takes-charge-as-new-chief-election-commissioner-of-india-180847">Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora</a> Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned.

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

"It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said.

"But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed.

Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won.&nbsp;

"It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said.

He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs.&nbsp;

"The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said.

Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi.

He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31.

Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process.

While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth.

The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths.

The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora Friday lamented that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were being treated like a "football" by parties suffering electoral losses, and said the voting equipment was foolproof as far as fears of manipulation were concerned. Talking to reporters here upon the conclusion of his two-day tour of Bihar, the CEC, heading a team of the poll panel, said though EVMs could suffer occasional technical snags, they were promptly fixed. "It is not possible to manipulate the EVMs. It is definitely foolproof as far as apprehensions of conspiracy and manipulation are concerned. But technical snags are possible as in case of any other device," he said. "But the incidence of snags has been very low. In the recent assembly polls in five states, 1.76 lakh EVMs were installed out of which only six reported the malfunction. The complaints were promptly taken care of," Arora claimed. Asked about apprehensions expressed about EVMs by several parties, he said they had noticed that whenever a party lost an election it started having complaints about EVMs which vanished the moment it won. "It is my request to all, please do not make EVMs a football," Arora said. He said VVPATs were introduced to address the misgivings that people might have about EVMs. "The Lok Sabha polls would see the use of these on a still larger scale. The Election Commission is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner," he said. Replying to a query regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he said once all preparations are complete and the election schedule drawn, the EC would announce it at a press conference in New Delhi. He also said during the EC team's tour of Bihar, instructions were issued for completing the revision of electoral rolls by January 31. Earlier, on Thursday upon its arrival in the city, the EC team had interacted with representatives of various political parties which had come up with suggestions to improve the poll process. While the RJD had come out strongly against the EVMs and advocated reverting to the use of ballot papers, the JD(U) had stressed on making VVPATs available at every polling booth. The CPI came up with an elaborate list of suggestions which included limiting the number of voters in a booth to 800 and setting up mobile polling stations which could be of help to those having difficulty in travelling to their respective booths. The BJP requested that complaints of anomalies in electoral rolls be seriously looked into and resolved.

EVMs being treated like football by parties suffering electoral losses: Chief Election Commissioner

A two-day conference of the Chief Electoral Officers of all the States and Union Territories was organised by the Election commission on January 11 and 12 which focused on the integrity of the electoral roll, meticulous planning for elections, EVM and VVPAT assessment and training and extensive voter outreach.

A comprehensive review of poll preparedness of the states prior to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/2019-lok-sabha-elections-the-challenge-of-job-creation-188922">the General elections 2019</a> was conducted through these two days.

 
Addressing the CEOs, the Chief Election Commissioner of India Sunil Arora emphasised on the fact that the electoral roll that is currently under the process of revision and finalisation will be used in the forthcoming General elections. He also said that every effort must be made so that all voters are registered well in time. He reaffirmed the significance of the 1950 Helpline for the voters and its role as the First point of Care for the voter in finding her name in the Role, EPIC status and in connecting to the Election machinery and exercising her democratic right. He directed all the state CEOs to set in place support systems for the 1950 Helpline as early as possible.

Arora reiterated the commitment of the Election commission of India to provide assured minimum facilities in all polling stations. He also directed the CEOs to have their Booth level, District level, and State level Plans ready and conduct a meticulous assessment of all resources required for the conduct of elections. The States and the UTs must assess their EVM/ VVPAT requirements and also ensure adherence to the timelines specified for completion of their First Level checking. He laid stress upon extensive Hands on experience of the EVM and VVPAT among the voters as well as during the training of polling officials as it helps to minimize the glitches and also boosts confidence among the stakeholders.

Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, in his address to the CEOs, reiterated the immense significance of the integrity of the electoral roll at this crucial juncture. He said that the entire election machinery must now be geared up in order to deliver yet another flawless election to the country. In order to accomplish this herculean task, a detailed planning process and a leadership role have to be assumed by the CEO at the state and the DEOs in the districts. He suggested to each state to reach out to each and every voter and develop innovative mechanisms to facilitate voting for People with a disability. He also emphasised upon coordination with bordering states as well as with other agencies in order to give more teeth to the expenditure Monitoring mechanisms operative in the states.

Through the two-day conference, each and every aspect of the conduct of election including the availability of sufficient budget, manpower, resources, SVEEP, planning, polling station arrangements and IT applications including Suvidha, Sugam, and C-Vigil were discussed in detail and the preparedness of States/UTs on each of these parameters was assessed.

The five states which had recently undergone Assembly elections - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, and Rajasthan gave a presentation on the takeaways and the learnings from their experiences. Chhattisgarh had developed an app to track their polling personnel which streamlined the process. Madhya Pradesh developed an app to ensure queue less voting experience for people with disabilities, pregnant women and women with infants. These five states demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to enhance voter experience and also provide crucial data in an instant to the election officers.

Mizoram highlighted its successful conduct of elections despite initial problems. The Mizoram experience was on building bridges with the civil society organizations, opening dialogue and also the setting up of polling stations for the Bru community in coordination with the state of Tripura was a notable achievement.

Both Rajasthan and Telangana cited several instances of innovative campaigns incorporating local cultural practices which led to a good turn out in these states.

All the other CEOs of States and UTs made comprehensive presentations to the Commission on the key areas of their preparations for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

A comprehensive review of poll preparedness of the states prior to the General elections 2019 was conducted in the last two days.

A two-day conference of the Chief Electoral Officers of all the States and Union Territories was organised by the Election commission on January 11 and 12 which focused on the integrity of the electoral roll, meticulous planning for elections, EVM and VVPAT assessment and training and extensive voter outreach. A comprehensive review of poll preparedness of the states prior to the General elections 2019 was conducted through these two days. Addressing the CEOs, the Chief Election Commissioner of India Sunil Arora emphasised on the fact that the electoral roll that is currently under the process of revision and finalisation will be used in the forthcoming General elections. He also said that every effort must be made so that all voters are registered well in time. He reaffirmed the significance of the 1950 Helpline for the voters and its role as the First point of Care for the voter in finding her name in the Role, EPIC status and in connecting to the Election machinery and exercising her democratic right. He directed all the state CEOs to set in place support systems for the 1950 Helpline as early as possible. Arora reiterated the commitment of the Election commission of India to provide assured minimum facilities in all polling stations. He also directed the CEOs to have their Booth level, District level, and State level Plans ready and conduct a meticulous assessment of all resources required for the conduct of elections. The States and the UTs must assess their EVM/ VVPAT requirements and also ensure adherence to the timelines specified for completion of their First Level checking. He laid stress upon extensive Hands on experience of the EVM and VVPAT among the voters as well as during the training of polling officials as it helps to minimize the glitches and also boosts confidence among the stakeholders. Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, in his address to the CEOs, reiterated the immense significance of the integrity of the electoral roll at this crucial juncture. He said that the entire election machinery must now be geared up in order to deliver yet another flawless election to the country. In order to accomplish this herculean task, a detailed planning process and a leadership role have to be assumed by the CEO at the state and the DEOs in the districts. He suggested to each state to reach out to each and every voter and develop innovative mechanisms to facilitate voting for People with a disability. He also emphasised upon coordination with bordering states as well as with other agencies in order to give more teeth to the expenditure Monitoring mechanisms operative in the states. Through the two-day conference, each and every aspect of the conduct of election including the availability of sufficient budget, manpower, resources, SVEEP, planning, polling station arrangements and IT applications including Suvidha, Sugam, and C-Vigil were discussed in detail and the preparedness of States/UTs on each of these parameters was assessed. The five states which had recently undergone Assembly elections - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Telangana, and Rajasthan gave a presentation on the takeaways and the learnings from their experiences. Chhattisgarh had developed an app to track their polling personnel which streamlined the process. Madhya Pradesh developed an app to ensure queue less voting experience for people with disabilities, pregnant women and women with infants. These five states demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to enhance voter experience and also provide crucial data in an instant to the election officers. Mizoram highlighted its successful conduct of elections despite initial problems. The Mizoram experience was on building bridges with the civil society organizations, opening dialogue and also the setting up of polling stations for the Bru community in coordination with the state of Tripura was a notable achievement. Both Rajasthan and Telangana cited several instances of innovative campaigns incorporating local cultural practices which led to a good turn out in these states. All the other CEOs of States and UTs made comprehensive presentations to the Commission on the key areas of their preparations for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

Election Commission India reviews Poll Preparedness with all State CEOs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-probes-vote-rigging-allegations-in-election-hit-by-violence-187362">Bangladesh Sunday deployed </a>electronic voting machines for the first time in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polls-close-in-bangladesh-election-marred-by-violence-12-dead-187346">a general election</a>, though only on a limited scale, a move which received mixed responses from the voters amid reports of glitches in some booths.

Out of the 299 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls, six saw the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), a regular feature in neighbouring India since decades ago.

Voting for the 11th national election began with the machines being used in the six seats selected through a lottery. These are Dhaka-6, Dhaka-13, Chattogram-9, Rangpur-3, Khulna-2 and Satkhira-2. The six seats comprise over 2.1 million voters. The results from these six seats could be announced within hours after the voting ends, Bangladeshi media&nbsp;reported.

Electronic voting machines created problems across different voting centres in Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-6, slowing down voting process and leading to long queues, the Daily Star newspaper reported.

Voters in some areas have reported facing trouble when the machines could not recognise their fingerprints, BDnews24.Com reported.

Dhaka-13 voter Jagat Dashi Mondol, a septuagenarian, was smiling as she came out of the polling centre at Mohammadpur's Borabo Government Primary School.

When asked about how she felt using an EVM, said, "easy, very easy."

The polling centre's Presiding Officer Jayanta Chandra Deb said he replaced three EVMs when they stopped working.

Nazrul Islam, a retired engineer, said his fingerprint was not matching when he went to vote at the polling centre in Lalmatia Mohila College.

"But I got to vote using my voter ID. It didn't take much time."

Gazi Hossain, a former librarian of Lalmatia Mohila College, was unhappy with the EVM because of the time wasted in trying to match his fingerprint in the machine. "It wasn't matching, so it took more time, that's a problem," he said.

Bimal Chandra, a retired teacher, voted using EVM at the Mohammadpur Chand Community Centre.

"I just pressed two buttons on the EVM. One on the poll symbol, then another on a green button. It takes roughly ten seconds. It takes more time to be marked on the thumb with ink.

"It takes just 20 minutes to count the votes from EVM centres. This is good," said Chandra.

On December 27, the Election Commission organised mock voting at selected polling centres to educate voters on how to use EVMs.

The EVM technology is being used for the first time at the national election level, eight years after being introduced in local government elections in the country.

The machines were first used in the Chittagong City Corporation election of June 2010. However, the Election Commission stopped using the technology in 2015 due to some errors. The machines were later reintroduced in the Rangpur City Corporation election in 2016.

During this year's city corporation polls, EVMs were used in three polling centres in Khulna City Corporation with 10,000 voters; two centres in Sylhet City Corporation with 5,413 voters; 11 centres in Barishal City Corporation with 25,000 voters; and two centres in Rajshahi City Corporation with 3,383 voters, the Daily Star reported.

During the Election Commission's electoral dialogues, most of the 40 registered parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of former premier Khalida Zia and its allies, opposed the idea of using EVMs in the election.

However, five political parties, including the ruling Awami League of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, its allies Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal faction led by Hasanul Haq Inu and Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (M-L) and Zaker Party supported the use of EVMs.

The BNP has all along been opposing the EC move, alleging that this might facilitate "the government's plan for election engineering".

The Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) imported parts of the EVMs and assembled them in Bangladesh ahead of the general election, media reports said.

"The EVM fingerprint scanner will be imported from America while Apple will supply the monitors. Other parts of the EVM machine will be imported from different countries," the Dhaka Tribune quoted Brig Gen Mohammad Saidul Islam, director general of the Election Commission's National Identity Registration Wing, as saying in September.&nbsp;

Out of the 299 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls, six saw the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), a regular feature in neighbouring India since decades ago.

Bangladesh Sunday deployed electronic voting machines for the first time in a general election, though only on a limited scale, a move which received mixed responses from the voters amid reports of glitches in some booths. Out of the 299 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls, six saw the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), a regular feature in neighbouring India since decades ago. Voting for the 11th national election began with the machines being used in the six seats selected through a lottery. These are Dhaka-6, Dhaka-13, Chattogram-9, Rangpur-3, Khulna-2 and Satkhira-2. The six seats comprise over 2.1 million voters. The results from these six seats could be announced within hours after the voting ends, Bangladeshi media reported. Electronic voting machines created problems across different voting centres in Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-6, slowing down voting process and leading to long queues, the Daily Star newspaper reported. Voters in some areas have reported facing trouble when the machines could not recognise their fingerprints, BDnews24.Com reported. Dhaka-13 voter Jagat Dashi Mondol, a septuagenarian, was smiling as she came out of the polling centre at Mohammadpur's Borabo Government Primary School. When asked about how she felt using an EVM, said, "easy, very easy." The polling centre's Presiding Officer Jayanta Chandra Deb said he replaced three EVMs when they stopped working. Nazrul Islam, a retired engineer, said his fingerprint was not matching when he went to vote at the polling centre in Lalmatia Mohila College. "But I got to vote using my voter ID. It didn't take much time." Gazi Hossain, a former librarian of Lalmatia Mohila College, was unhappy with the EVM because of the time wasted in trying to match his fingerprint in the machine. "It wasn't matching, so it took more time, that's a problem," he said. Bimal Chandra, a retired teacher, voted using EVM at the Mohammadpur Chand Community Centre. "I just pressed two buttons on the EVM. One on the poll symbol, then another on a green button. It takes roughly ten seconds. It takes more time to be marked on the thumb with ink. "It takes just 20 minutes to count the votes from EVM centres. This is good," said Chandra. On December 27, the Election Commission organised mock voting at selected polling centres to educate voters on how to use EVMs. The EVM technology is being used for the first time at the national election level, eight years after being introduced in local government elections in the country. The machines were first used in the Chittagong City Corporation election of June 2010. However, the Election Commission stopped using the technology in 2015 due to some errors. The machines were later reintroduced in the Rangpur City Corporation election in 2016. During this year's city corporation polls, EVMs were used in three polling centres in Khulna City Corporation with 10,000 voters; two centres in Sylhet City Corporation with 5,413 voters; 11 centres in Barishal City Corporation with 25,000 voters; and two centres in Rajshahi City Corporation with 3,383 voters, the Daily Star reported. During the Election Commission's electoral dialogues, most of the 40 registered parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of former premier Khalida Zia and its allies, opposed the idea of using EVMs in the election. However, five political parties, including the ruling Awami League of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, its allies Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal faction led by Hasanul Haq Inu and Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (M-L) and Zaker Party supported the use of EVMs. The BNP has all along been opposing the EC move, alleging that this might facilitate "the government's plan for election engineering". The Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) imported parts of the EVMs and assembled them in Bangladesh ahead of the general election, media reports said. "The EVM fingerprint scanner will be imported from America while Apple will supply the monitors. Other parts of the EVM machine will be imported from different countries," the Dhaka Tribune quoted Brig Gen Mohammad Saidul Islam, director general of the Election Commission's National Identity Registration Wing, as saying in September.

Bangladesh uses EVMs for first time in general election

Bangladesh polls: Voters cast vote with EVMs for the first time

The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday.

These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana.

A total of 1,74,724 EVMs were used at polling stations in the five states.

The maximum 65,367 machines were used in Madhya Pradesh.

A little over 8,500 candidates were in the fray in the five states with 2,907 in Madhya Pradesh.

After voting, the EVMs have been stored in strongrooms.

According to the Election Commission, there is one strongroom earmarked for every assembly seat.

EVMs which were kept as a reserve or had developed snag are kept in a separate facility.

A total of 679 assembly seats in the five states were to go for election, but due to the death of a candidate in Rajasthan, polling was countermanded on one seat.

The strongrooms will be opened Tuesday in the presence of candidates or their representatives from where machines will be taken to counting centres.

The results will set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

These five Assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year and is in power in three of these states- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi ruled Telangana before the Assembly was dissolved.

The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and to retain power in Rajasthan.

The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general election, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections also hold significance for the Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in the states even while protecting its last bastion in the North-East.

Mizoram is the only remaining state in the North-East, which is not under the rule of BJP-led NDA.

The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday. These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana.

The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday. These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana. A total of 1,74,724 EVMs were used at polling stations in the five states. The maximum 65,367 machines were used in Madhya Pradesh. A little over 8,500 candidates were in the fray in the five states with 2,907 in Madhya Pradesh. After voting, the EVMs have been stored in strongrooms. According to the Election Commission, there is one strongroom earmarked for every assembly seat. EVMs which were kept as a reserve or had developed snag are kept in a separate facility. A total of 679 assembly seats in the five states were to go for election, but due to the death of a candidate in Rajasthan, polling was countermanded on one seat. The strongrooms will be opened Tuesday in the presence of candidates or their representatives from where machines will be taken to counting centres. The results will set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. These five Assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year and is in power in three of these states- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi ruled Telangana before the Assembly was dissolved. The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general election, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states. The elections also hold significance for the Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in the states even while protecting its last bastion in the North-East. Mizoram is the only remaining state in the North-East, which is not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Over 1.74 lakh EVMs store fate of 8,500 candidates of five states

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate.

Earlier in the day, the poll panel had said that a sector officer carrying a reserve machine had gone to the BJP candidate's house following which the sector officer was removed and the EVM taken out of election system.

The EC also ordered removal of Pali returning officer Mahaveer, who has been transferred, and Rakesh from Jodhpur has been asked to take the charge, the commission said.

A video purportedly showing the electronic voting machine laying unattended in the house has gone viral.

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate.

The Election Commission Friday ordered the removal of returning officer of Pali in the Rajasthan Assembly seat after an EVM was reportedly found at the residence of a BJP candidate. Earlier in the day, the poll panel had said that a sector officer carrying a reserve machine had gone to the BJP candidate's house following which the sector officer was removed and the EVM taken out of election system. The EC also ordered removal of Pali returning officer Mahaveer, who has been transferred, and Rakesh from Jodhpur has been asked to take the charge, the commission said. A video purportedly showing the electronic voting machine laying unattended in the house has gone viral.

Rajasthan: EC orders removal of Pali returning officer after EVM reportedly found at BJP candidate's house

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine.

A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan on Friday.

The ballot unit which was later recovered and has now been kept in a strong room in Kishanganj.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan yesterday. Two officials have been suspended on grounds of negligence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/yq7F1mbCFV">pic.twitter.com/yq7F1mbCFV</a>
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The suspension order was issued by District Election Officer and Collector S P Singh after a fact-finding report was filed by the returning officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kishanganj in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

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Two officials have been suspended in connection with the incident where a ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajasthanElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajasthanElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvCOgdkgof">pic.twitter.com/FvCOgdkgof</a>
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&nbsp;The polling in Rajasthan was held in 51,687 polling booths out of which 259 were managed exclusively by women officials and security personnel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine.

A day after the assembly election in Rajasthan, two officials, Abdul Rafeeq and Patwari Naval Singh, were suspended from the state on grounds of negligence with the EVM machine. A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan on Friday. The ballot unit which was later recovered and has now been kept in a strong room in Kishanganj. #WATCH: A ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan yesterday. Two officials have been suspended on grounds of negligence. #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/yq7F1mbCFV — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × The suspension order was issued by District Election Officer and Collector S P Singh after a fact-finding report was filed by the returning officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kishanganj in connection with the incident. Two officials have been suspended in connection with the incident where a ballot unit was found lying on road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj Assembly Constituency in Baran district of Rajasthan. #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/FvCOgdkgof — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × The polling in Rajasthan was held in 51,687 polling booths out of which 259 were managed exclusively by women officials and security personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan: 2 officials suspended after ballot units found on road

The Congress Thursday filed a writ petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court, seeking directions to the Election Commission (EC) for maintaining strict security at strongrooms housing electronic voting machines (EVMs) which contain the votes cast in the last month's assembly polls.

In the petition, the main opposition party in the state has also demanded counting of VVPAT paper slips used in EVMs in 50 per cent of booths in all the constituencies.

Voter Verifiable Paper Trail (VVPT) is an independent printer system attached with EVMs that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.

The HC posted the matter for hearing on December 10, a day before the counting of votes polled in the 90-assembly seats on November 12 and November 20.

General Secretary of Chhattisgarh Congress Girish Dewangan filed the writ petition in the high court following complaints pertaining to tampering of EVMs reported in the state, his lawyer Satish Chandra Verma said.

The petition demanded more steps to strengthen the security of election strongrooms, he said.

The petitioner has sought counting of VVPAT slips in 50 per cent of the booths in all the constituencies contending there has been serious breach of EVM security and numerous complaints of likewise nature, he said.

Besides, Dewangan has sought segregation of used and unused EVMs by placing only the used machines in strongrooms, the lawyer said.

According to the plea, round-wise counting of votes and immediate reporting should be made mandatory for all counting stations.

The court posted the matter for hearing on December 10, Verma said.

The electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the last month's polls have been locked away in strongrooms in various district headquarters.&nbsp;

The Congress Thursday filed a writ petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court, seeking directions to the Election Commission (EC) for maintaining strict security at strongrooms housing electronic voting machines (EVMs) which contain the votes cast in the last month's assembly polls.

The Congress Thursday filed a writ petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court, seeking directions to the Election Commission (EC) for maintaining strict security at strongrooms housing electronic voting machines (EVMs) which contain the votes cast in the last month's assembly polls. In the petition, the main opposition party in the state has also demanded counting of VVPAT paper slips used in EVMs in 50 per cent of booths in all the constituencies. Voter Verifiable Paper Trail (VVPT) is an independent printer system attached with EVMs that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. The HC posted the matter for hearing on December 10, a day before the counting of votes polled in the 90-assembly seats on November 12 and November 20. General Secretary of Chhattisgarh Congress Girish Dewangan filed the writ petition in the high court following complaints pertaining to tampering of EVMs reported in the state, his lawyer Satish Chandra Verma said. The petition demanded more steps to strengthen the security of election strongrooms, he said. The petitioner has sought counting of VVPAT slips in 50 per cent of the booths in all the constituencies contending there has been serious breach of EVM security and numerous complaints of likewise nature, he said. Besides, Dewangan has sought segregation of used and unused EVMs by placing only the used machines in strongrooms, the lawyer said. According to the plea, round-wise counting of votes and immediate reporting should be made mandatory for all counting stations. The court posted the matter for hearing on December 10, Verma said. The electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in the last month's polls have been locked away in strongrooms in various district headquarters.

Congress files petition in Chhattisgarh High Court over EVM security

Madhya Pradesh's top election officer has sought a report over a purported video in which Rewa District Collector is heard asking a security official posted outside a strongroom where EVMs are kept to "shoot" anyone who doesn't listen to him and tries to breach the safety ring.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, comes amid the opposition Congress raising doubts over the security arrangement of Electronic Voting Machines used in the November 28 election and kept in strongrooms across the state.

Asked about the controversial video featuring Rewa District Collector Preeti Maithil, Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters Monday, "We have sought a report in this regard. On receiving, this report would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India."

During elections, District Collectors function as returning officers in their respective districts and supervise the polling process.

The video appears to have been shot when Maithil was inspecting the security of strongrooms along with candidates.

In the video, Maithil is heard saying she has had a long career and would not spoil it for polls or over some petty issue.

"I will not put my career at stake... You trust him (turning to a security man moving with them)...Shoot if someone doesn't listen to you (and tries to breach the security of the strongroom)," she says in the clip.

In reply to another question, Rao said the candidates would be handed over the tabulation sheet after every round of counting, which will take place on December 11, to dispel any doubt related to vote count.

Madhya Pradesh's top election officer has sought a report over a purported video in which Rewa District Collector is heard asking a security official posted outside a strongroom where EVMs are kept to "shoot" anyone who doesn't listen to him and tries to breach the safety ring.

Madhya Pradesh's top election officer has sought a report over a purported video in which Rewa District Collector is heard asking a security official posted outside a strongroom where EVMs are kept to "shoot" anyone who doesn't listen to him and tries to breach the safety ring. The video, which has gone viral on social media, comes amid the opposition Congress raising doubts over the security arrangement of Electronic Voting Machines used in the November 28 election and kept in strongrooms across the state. Asked about the controversial video featuring Rewa District Collector Preeti Maithil, Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters Monday, "We have sought a report in this regard. On receiving, this report would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India." During elections, District Collectors function as returning officers in their respective districts and supervise the polling process. The video appears to have been shot when Maithil was inspecting the security of strongrooms along with candidates. In the video, Maithil is heard saying she has had a long career and would not spoil it for polls or over some petty issue. "I will not put my career at stake... You trust him (turning to a security man moving with them)...Shoot if someone doesn't listen to you (and tries to breach the security of the strongroom)," she says in the clip. In reply to another question, Rao said the candidates would be handed over the tabulation sheet after every round of counting, which will take place on December 11, to dispel any doubt related to vote count.

Rewa Collector's order to shoot EVM intruders: Madhya Pradesh CEO seeks report over video

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