As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective.

Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines.

Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case.

Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes.

A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner.

The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process.

As the voting kick-started in Madhya Pradesh, multiple instances of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) malfunctioning have been reported, thus temporarily stalling the polling process. In Mohana booth number 55, the EVM has stopped working and no voter has been able to cast vote since morning, while in Ujjain, two EVMs were replaced due to errors. In Alirajpur, a total of 11 VVPAT machines were replaced and polling was resumed. In Burhanpur, five VVPATs and two EVMs were replaced after being found defective. Meanwhile, in Bhopal Central region, two EVMs were reported to be faulty, following which a team of the Election Commission was sent to replace machines. Campaign material was seized from a person said to be a BJP polling agent from a booth in Saint Mary's, Bhopal, as it was within 200 metres of a polling booth. The police have arrested one person with regards to the case. Amid tight security, Madhya Pradesh is voting for a new assembly today. The voting is being underway at 65,341 polling booths, which have been set up for the single-phase elections to 230 seats of the state Assembly. As many as 2,000 booths will entirely be operated by women staff. Special arrangements have been made for visually impaired people to help them cast their votes. A total of 5,04,95,251 voters including 1389 third gender will cast their votes to decide the fortune of as many as 2,907 candidates, who are in the fray. The State Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that polling takes place in a free and fair manner. The result of the poll will be declared on December 11.

Faulty EVMs, VVPATs halt polling in few constituencies in Madhya Pradesh

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls.

The strong room has been sealed locked after storing the EVM's of three assembly constituencies of the district.

Sharing details of this unusual security measure district collector Mahadev Kawre said, "To keep EVM`s secure we have erected a wall. Gates have been kept sealed locked but the wall is an added precaution. Security of EVM is of utmost importance. We have deployed a company of central force with 120 personnel. CCTV is also being used for monitoring. Construction of wall has also been done as per rules. "

On being asked about how he came up with this idea, he said, "I queried about the measures that were taken in last elections and was told that a half wall was erected on the gates. In order to avoid any allegations or counters, we decided to make a full wall."

The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was held for 18 seats, distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12.

The polling for remaining 72 seats was held on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls.

The District administration here has sealed the doors of the room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) have been kept after the elections by constructing brick walls. The strong room has been sealed locked after storing the EVM's of three assembly constituencies of the district. Sharing details of this unusual security measure district collector Mahadev Kawre said, "To keep EVM`s secure we have erected a wall. Gates have been kept sealed locked but the wall is an added precaution. Security of EVM is of utmost importance. We have deployed a company of central force with 120 personnel. CCTV is also being used for monitoring. Construction of wall has also been done as per rules. " On being asked about how he came up with this idea, he said, "I queried about the measures that were taken in last elections and was told that a half wall was erected on the gates. In order to avoid any allegations or counters, we decided to make a full wall." The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was held for 18 seats, distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12. The polling for remaining 72 seats was held on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray.

Chhattisgarh assembly polls: Doors of EVM stores sealed by constructing walls

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query.

Pune-based Vihar Durve, through his RTI application, had approached the Commission seeking to know the availability and need of EVMs and VVPAT to carry out elections across the country in 'one nation, one poll' mode.

In his response, Election Commission undersecretary Madhusudan Gupta said, "The information sought by you is not available in any material form as mentioned under Section 2 (f) of the Right to Information Act."

The section defines information as "any material in any form, including records, documents, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force".

In their discussions on holding simultaneous elections in the country, the EC officials had said they would need around Rs 4,500 crore to buy nearly 12 lakh additional EVMs and an equal number VVPAT machines.

The estimate was based on the current cost to procure the devices.

BJP president Amit Shah had written to the Law Commission on August 13 supporting holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously.

A paper by the Law Commission had recommended holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in two phases beginning 2019.

Political parties are divided on the issue.&nbsp;

Besides, NDA constituent Shiromani Akali Dal, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti have supported it.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, Telugu Desam Party, Left parties and the JD(S) have opposed the proposal.&nbsp;

"On the issue of 'one nation, one poll', the Election Commission had given inputs and suggestions in 2015 itself...Other requirements of additional police force, polling personnel would also be needed," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat had said.

The Election Commission had told the Law Commission that in case of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in 2019, they will require nearly 24 lakh EVMs, double the number required to hold only the Parliamentary polls.

In case simultaneous polls are held, two separate sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines will have to be placed in separate compartments for those contesting the Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections respectively.

"There are nearly 10 lakh polling stations across the country. Since EVMs and paper-trail machines are deployed in every polling station, the requirement is for 10 lakh EVMs and an equal number of paper-trail machines. "In addition, 20 per cent of the machines are kept in the reserve. That comes to two lakh. Therefore, to hold the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the EC needs 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT machines," a functionary had explained.&nbsp;

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query.

The Election Commission does not have any "material information" on the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) needed to conduct simultaneous elections, the panel has said in a reply to an RTI query. Pune-based Vihar Durve, through his RTI application, had approached the Commission seeking to know the availability and need of EVMs and VVPAT to carry out elections across the country in 'one nation, one poll' mode. In his response, Election Commission undersecretary Madhusudan Gupta said, "The information sought by you is not available in any material form as mentioned under Section 2 (f) of the Right to Information Act." The section defines information as "any material in any form, including records, documents, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force". In their discussions on holding simultaneous elections in the country, the EC officials had said they would need around Rs 4,500 crore to buy nearly 12 lakh additional EVMs and an equal number VVPAT machines. The estimate was based on the current cost to procure the devices. BJP president Amit Shah had written to the Law Commission on August 13 supporting holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls simultaneously. A paper by the Law Commission had recommended holding the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in two phases beginning 2019. Political parties are divided on the issue. Besides, NDA constituent Shiromani Akali Dal, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti have supported it. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, Telugu Desam Party, Left parties and the JD(S) have opposed the proposal. "On the issue of 'one nation, one poll', the Election Commission had given inputs and suggestions in 2015 itself...Other requirements of additional police force, polling personnel would also be needed," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat had said. The Election Commission had told the Law Commission that in case of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in 2019, they will require nearly 24 lakh EVMs, double the number required to hold only the Parliamentary polls. In case simultaneous polls are held, two separate sets of EVMs and VVPAT machines will have to be placed in separate compartments for those contesting the Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections respectively. "There are nearly 10 lakh polling stations across the country. Since EVMs and paper-trail machines are deployed in every polling station, the requirement is for 10 lakh EVMs and an equal number of paper-trail machines. "In addition, 20 per cent of the machines are kept in the reserve. That comes to two lakh. Therefore, to hold the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, the EC needs 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT machines," a functionary had explained.

No material information on number of EVMs, VVPAT needed for simultaneous polls: EC

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for&nbsp;future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

The Congress, along with other political parties, alleged that EVMs were tampered with and manipulated during polls.&nbsp;

According to the Congress, the traditional practice of paper ballots was adopted by major world democracies to help restore the credibility of the electoral process.

The party also moved a resolution today in this regard, during the plenary session, mentioning that the BJP&#39;s move of simultaneous elections is misplaced, impractical and incompatible with the Constitution.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been vocal about the idea of holding simultaneous Parliament and state assembly elections to save money and time.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The party also moved a resolution today in this regard during its plenary session

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. The Congress, along with other political parties, alleged that EVMs were tampered with and manipulated during polls. According to the Congress, the traditional practice of paper ballots was adopted by major world democracies to help restore the credibility of the electoral process. The party also moved a resolution today in this regard, during the plenary session, mentioning that the BJP's move of simultaneous elections is misplaced, impractical and incompatible with the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been vocal about the idea of holding simultaneous Parliament and state assembly elections to save money and time. (With inputs from PTI)

Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-skip-wto-meet-in-new-delhi-36145">Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi</a>

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonias-strong-attack-on-modi-government-36152">Sonia accuses Modi government of &#39;tinkering with constitutional propriety&#39;</a>

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ditch-evms-and-go-back-to-paper-ballots-congress-urges-ec-36159">Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC</a>

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">Russia expels 23 British diplomats as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">crisis</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    "> over nerve toxin attack deepens&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-story-could-end-with-mass-unemployment-nobel-winner-paul-krugman-36154">India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman</a>

&ldquo;India&rsquo;s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn&#39;t have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,&rdquo; he said

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety' Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. Russia expels 23 British diplomats as crisis over nerve toxin attack deepens Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England. India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman “India’s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn't have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,” he said

WION Evening News Brief, March 17, 2018

Patidar leader Hardik Patel has&nbsp;claimed that there has been tampering in EVMs in Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

He said that the gap between the rival candidates was very less in places wherever tempering happened.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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There has been tampering in EVMs in Surat,Rajkot and Ahmedabad, hence the gap is very less wherever tampering happened. EVMs are hackable: Hardik Patel <a href="https://t.co/cPNaItPrbw">pic.twitter.com/cPNaItPrbw</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942691759900975105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Before the announcement of election results on Monday morning, the Election Commission had assured that there could not be any tampering of EVMs.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti had assured that no tampering could have been done with the EVMs. He said questions being raised about EVMs were already answered in the media.&nbsp;

He said that there was VVPATs in every polling stations in Gujarat which enabled voters to see whom they voted for and therefore&nbsp;raising of issues was not a right thing.

The Chief Election Commissioner of India, HS Brahma also said that the matter was &quot;tried and tested&quot; and&nbsp;should be closed once and for all.

He said, &quot;I firmly believe that our EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with. This matter should be closed once and for all as it is tried and tested. EVM is a standalone machine, question of hacking doesn&#39;t arise&quot;.

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&quot;I firmly believe that our EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with. This matter should be closed once and for all as it is tried and tested. EVM is a standalone machine, question of hacking doesn&#39;t arise&quot; says former Chief Election Commissioner of India, HS Brahma <a href="https://t.co/3PwBqP8IA7">pic.twitter.com/3PwBqP8IA7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942663065358626816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Former CEC Naveen Chawla,&nbsp;also clarified that EVMs cannot be tampered with, not even in future.&nbsp;

He said &quot;EVMs cannot be tampered with, even in the future.I am very clear about this. During my time, BJP had raised doubts on EVM so we had also held a demonstration like earlier this earlier this year for all to come and try rig it.&quot;

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&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EVMs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EVMs</a> cannot be tampered with, even in the future. I am very clear about this. During my time, BJP had raised doubts on EVM so we had also held a demonstration like earlier this year for all to come and try rig it&quot; says Naveen Chawla, former CEC <a href="https://t.co/xXRpduibUK">pic.twitter.com/xXRpduibUK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942666671801503744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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N. Gopalaswami, former CEC also assured that EVMs cannot be tampered with.&nbsp;

He said that EVM are&nbsp;standalone machines and that they are not connected to any network and therefore they cannot be influenced over Bluetooth or wireless messages.&nbsp;

He further said that EVMs were only a glorified calculator and it goes dead after it is opened.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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&quot;EVMs are stand alone machines, aren&#39;t connected to any network, can&#39;t be influenced over Bluetooth or wireless message,so to say EVMs have something wrong is absolutely incorrect. It&#39;s only a glorified calculator, moment you open it, it goes dead&quot; says N Gopalaswami, Former CEC <a href="https://t.co/jKWQiV5Gky">pic.twitter.com/jKWQiV5Gky</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942667680091213825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The clarifications over Electronic Voting Machines came after the accusations of opposition parties. The Congress and Patidars had accused during the elections that the EVM machines were tampered with. They claimed that the tampering was manipulated by BJP and would help the party to win over the other.&nbsp;

The gap he said was very little wherever tampering occurred

Patidar leader Hardik Patel has claimed that there has been tampering in EVMs in Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. He said that the gap between the rival candidates was very less in places wherever tempering happened. There has been tampering in EVMs in Surat,Rajkot and Ahmedabad, hence the gap is very less wherever tampering happened. EVMs are hackable: Hardik Patel pic.twitter.com/cPNaItPrbw — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × Before the announcement of election results on Monday morning, the Election Commission had assured that there could not be any tampering of EVMs. Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti had assured that no tampering could have been done with the EVMs. He said questions being raised about EVMs were already answered in the media. He said that there was VVPATs in every polling stations in Gujarat which enabled voters to see whom they voted for and therefore raising of issues was not a right thing. The Chief Election Commissioner of India, HS Brahma also said that the matter was "tried and tested" and should be closed once and for all. He said, "I firmly believe that our EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with. This matter should be closed once and for all as it is tried and tested. EVM is a standalone machine, question of hacking doesn't arise". "I firmly believe that our EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with. This matter should be closed once and for all as it is tried and tested. EVM is a standalone machine, question of hacking doesn't arise" says former Chief Election Commissioner of India, HS Brahma pic.twitter.com/3PwBqP8IA7 — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × Former CEC Naveen Chawla, also clarified that EVMs cannot be tampered with, not even in future. He said "EVMs cannot be tampered with, even in the future.I am very clear about this. During my time, BJP had raised doubts on EVM so we had also held a demonstration like earlier this earlier this year for all to come and try rig it." "#EVMs cannot be tampered with, even in the future. I am very clear about this. During my time, BJP had raised doubts on EVM so we had also held a demonstration like earlier this year for all to come and try rig it" says Naveen Chawla, former CEC pic.twitter.com/xXRpduibUK — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × N. Gopalaswami, former CEC also assured that EVMs cannot be tampered with. He said that EVM are standalone machines and that they are not connected to any network and therefore they cannot be influenced over Bluetooth or wireless messages. He further said that EVMs were only a glorified calculator and it goes dead after it is opened. "EVMs are stand alone machines, aren't connected to any network, can't be influenced over Bluetooth or wireless message,so to say EVMs have something wrong is absolutely incorrect. It's only a glorified calculator, moment you open it, it goes dead" says N Gopalaswami, Former CEC pic.twitter.com/jKWQiV5Gky — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × The clarifications over Electronic Voting Machines came after the accusations of opposition parties. The Congress and Patidars had accused during the elections that the EVM machines were tampered with. They claimed that the tampering was manipulated by BJP and would help the party to win over the other.

EVMs tampered in Surat, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, says Hardik Patel

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning.&nbsp;

An EVM machine in Surat&#39;s Varaccha was replaced earlier today.&nbsp;

Master trainee of the election commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced.&nbsp; &quot;These were electronic items, it could have had issues,&nbsp;&quot; he said.

&quot;&#39;We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic&nbsp;items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat&#39;s Varaccha has been replaced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/X6Tzu7aNCs">pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939356762192277504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay &amp; voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat&#39;s Varaccha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/RVF86aW4Wh">pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939364978573709312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with&nbsp;EVM malfunctioning immediately.

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Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/CPkE8hM6cq">pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939367044058722304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. &nbsp;

The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray.

The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14.

Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Amidst the ongoing first phase assembly elections in Gujarat, reports of several faulty Electronic Voting Machines have surfaced

Several cases of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioning reported in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly election which began today morning. An EVM machine in Surat's Varaccha was replaced earlier today. Master trainee of the election commission in Surat's Varaccha said that all the faulty machines have been replaced. "These were electronic items, it could have had issues, " he said. "'We have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay and voting is started," he added. Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat's Varaccha has been replaced #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay & voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat's Varaccha #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × Meanwhile, Congress leader Ahmed Patel urged the election officials to deal with EVM malfunctioning immediately. Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × The first phase of Gujarat election is underway. The voting is being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with a total of 977 candidates in the fray. The second phase of election will be held in 93 seats in North and Central Gujarat and is scheduled for December 14. Counting of votes will begin on December 18.

Gujarat elections: Faulty EVMs hinder smooth polling

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today&nbsp;in Delhi.

It will also hold a press conference on the &quot; EVM Challenge&quot;.

Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an &quot;opportunity&quot;&nbsp;to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards.

The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs.

Last month,&nbsp;16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However,&nbsp;the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated.

The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs&nbsp;3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not.

&nbsp;(ANI) 
&nbsp;

The poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today in Delhi. It will also hold a press conference on the " EVM Challenge". Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an "opportunity" to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards. The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs. Last month, 16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated. The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

India's Election Commission to hold live demo of EVMs, VVPATs today amid tampering allegations

The Election Commission formally threw a &quot;challenge&quot; to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded.

While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event.

He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections.

Reacting to the EC&rsquo;s &lsquo;challenge&rsquo;, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: &ldquo;Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.&rdquo;

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked.

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Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.
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&quot;We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with,&quot; he told reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;

Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the &quot;challenge&quot;, saying the EC should rather go for a &quot;hackathon&quot;, which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the &quot;shortcomings&quot; in the EVMs.

&quot;We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof,&quot; he said.

Sources in the Commission said AAP&#39;s Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term &#39;hackathon&#39;. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. &quot;EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls,&quot; Sisodia tweeted.

An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. &quot;Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention,&quot; he said.

This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge.

&quot;Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today&#39;s meeting, hold a challenge,&quot; he said.

It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said.

At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines.

There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system.

While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent.

The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine.

The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots.

Zaidi told parties that their &quot;concerns and apprehensions&quot; regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the &quot;forthcoming challenge&quot; and other measures which the EC will take.

Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion.

Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding.

Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair.

They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult.

The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard.

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home.

Zaidi also said the Commission has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties. &quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties),&quot; he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat.

Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.&nbsp;

'Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon,' the Delhi chief minister tweeted

The Election Commission formally threw a "challenge" to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded. While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event. He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections. Reacting to the EC’s ‘challenge’, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked. Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 12, 2017 × "We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with," he told reporters after the meeting. Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the "challenge", saying the EC should rather go for a "hackathon", which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the "shortcomings" in the EVMs. "We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof," he said. Sources in the Commission said AAP's Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term 'hackathon'. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. "EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls," Sisodia tweeted. An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. "Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention," he said. This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge. "Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today's meeting, hold a challenge," he said. It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said. At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines. There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system. While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent. The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine. The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. Zaidi told parties that their "concerns and apprehensions" regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the "forthcoming challenge" and other measures which the EC will take. Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion. Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding. Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair. They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult. The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard. VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home. Zaidi also said the Commission has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties)," he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat. Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.

Playing with words, Kejriwal says EC has backed out of 'hackathon'

The Election Commission today will convene an all-party meeting over the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and other electoral reforms in New Delhi today.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the Commission sent a status paper on EVMs and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail, VVPAT.

The poll panel will try to assure parties that the EVMs cannot be hacked in any manner.

Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated.

The poll panel intends to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units attached with EVMs in the coming elections for greater transparency and to keep voters&#39; confidence in the electoral process.

The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly 3200 crore rupees to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the EC.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

&quot;It is common sense that gadgets other than ECI EVMs can be programmed to perform in a pre-determined way, but it simply cannot be implied that ECI EVMs will behave in the same manner because the ECI EVMs are technically secured and function under an elaborate Administrative and Security Protocol,&quot; an official release said.

&quot;Such so-called demonstration on extraneous and duplicate gadgets which are not owned by the ECI cannot be exploited to influence our intelligent citizens and electorate to assail or vilify the EVMs used by the Commission in its electoral process,&quot; it added.

Conducting a mock poll on an EVM machine, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj demonstrated how despite giving two votes each to various parties; the final count showed that votes of some parties had been transferred to one party.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP on Thursday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all-party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the EC to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not.

(ANI)

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the Commission sent a status paper on EVMs and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail, VVPAT

The Election Commission today will convene an all-party meeting over the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and other electoral reforms in New Delhi today. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the Commission sent a status paper on EVMs and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail, VVPAT. The poll panel will try to assure parties that the EVMs cannot be hacked in any manner. Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated. The poll panel intends to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units attached with EVMs in the coming elections for greater transparency and to keep voters' confidence in the electoral process. The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly 3200 crore rupees to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the EC. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. "It is common sense that gadgets other than ECI EVMs can be programmed to perform in a pre-determined way, but it simply cannot be implied that ECI EVMs will behave in the same manner because the ECI EVMs are technically secured and function under an elaborate Administrative and Security Protocol," an official release said. "Such so-called demonstration on extraneous and duplicate gadgets which are not owned by the ECI cannot be exploited to influence our intelligent citizens and electorate to assail or vilify the EVMs used by the Commission in its electoral process," it added. Conducting a mock poll on an EVM machine, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj demonstrated how despite giving two votes each to various parties; the final count showed that votes of some parties had been transferred to one party. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP on Thursday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all-party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the EC to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

Election Commission to convene all-party meet today, EVM issue, electoral reforms on agenda

The Election Commission of India ( ECI) on Friday said it would offer an &#39;opportunity&#39; to the political parties to prove that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the recently held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with the safeguards laid down.

&quot;The Election Commission will hold a challenge and offer an opportunity to the political parties to demonstrate that EVMs used in the recently concluded elections were tampered or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards,&quot; Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said after the all-party meet.

He further announced that all the future elections will be held under the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system).

Zaidi also said the poll panel has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties.

&quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties,&quot; he added.

The Election Commission earlier in the day convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPAT.

Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper proof and cannot be manipulated.

The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs. 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. 
 
(ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The poll body said it would offer an 'opportunity' to political parties to prove EVMs used in recently-held assembly polls were tampered with

The Election Commission of India ( ECI) on Friday said it would offer an 'opportunity' to the political parties to prove that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the recently held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with the safeguards laid down. "The Election Commission will hold a challenge and offer an opportunity to the political parties to demonstrate that EVMs used in the recently concluded elections were tampered or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said after the all-party meet. He further announced that all the future elections will be held under the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system). Zaidi also said the poll panel has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties," he added. The Election Commission earlier in the day convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPAT. Last month, sixteen opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper proof and cannot be manipulated. The Union Cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs. 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

VVPATs to be used in all future elections: India's Election Commission

The Election Commission Tuesday rejected the claim of the Aam Aadmi Party -- that its EVMs can be hacked, saying the machine hacked in the Delhi assembly was a &quot;lookalike&quot; gadget and not actual equipment used by it.

&quot;It is common sense that gadgets other than ECI-EVMs can be programmed to perform in a pre-determined way, but it simply cannot be implied that ECI-EVMs will behave in the same manner because they are technically secured and function under an elaborate administrative and security protocol,&quot; the Commission said in a statement. The &quot;so-called&quot; demonstration on &quot;extraneous and duplicate gadgets&quot; which are not owned by the EC &quot;cannot be exploited to influence our intelligent citizens and electorate to assail or vilify the EVMs used by the Commission in its electoral process, it added.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today dared the Election Commission to provide an EVM (used by the Election Commission) to the AAP, claiming it can be tampered with in 90 seconds flat. During a day-long special sitting of the Delhi Assembly today, AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj put on a &quot;live demonstration&quot; on how electronic voting machines can be programmed to favour a particular political party.

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<h5>The election commission can give us its machines, we will show how to hack it in 90 seconds by merely changing its motherboard,&#39; Kejriwal told reporters</h5>
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&quot;He (Bhardwaj) showed how easy it is to hack EVMs and it is being done on a massive scale. It is dangerous for the democracy and the country, and people should raise their voice against it. &quot;The ECI can give us its machines, we will show how to hack it in 90 seconds by merely changing its motherboard,&quot; Kejriwal told reporters outside the assembly. Bhardwaj claimed that a voting machine can be manipulated by simply feeding it with a &quot;secret code&quot;.

The AAP today &quot;demonstrated&quot; ways to &quot;rig EVMs&quot; in the Delhi Assembly, which the BJP said was an attempt to divert attention from charges of &quot;bribery&quot; against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The AAP&#39;s attempt to whip up the issue comes at a time the party is in the eye of a political firestorm over its sacked minister Kapil Mishra&#39;s allegations of corruption against Kejriwal and minister Satyendar Jain. On his part, Mishra, who was suspended from AAP&#39;s primary membership yesterday, mocked it saying the party should stop living in &quot;denial&quot; and accept the fact that people do not vote for Kejriwal anymore.

Participating in a discussion on the issue during the day-long special session of the Delhi Assembly, AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that a voting machine can be manipulated by simply feeding it with a &quot;secret code&quot;. He demonstrated how it can be done using, what party sources said was, a &quot;prototype EVM&quot; developed by a &quot;a group of IITians&quot;.

Interestingly, leaders of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rastriya Janata Dal were present on the gallery of the House when Bhardwaj staged the demonstration. Before Bhardwaj&#39;s demonstration, Kejriwal tweeted, &quot;Saurabh Bhardwaj will reveal the truth behind a big conspiracy in the country. Satyameva Jayate&quot;. Bhardwaj, who represents the Greater Kailash constituency, claimed that in his capacity as an engineer, he had extensively worked in this area and was aware of how the machines can be fiddled with.

After entering a &quot;secret code&quot;, Bhardwaj pressed 10 votes for the AAP in the machine used for the purpose of demonstration. Later, in the display panel, it turned out that the votes went to the BJP. &quot;We are not making baseless allegations on EVM manipulation. With this demonstration, it has been proved that EVMs can actually be hacked,&quot; Bhardwaj said.

&quot;EVM manipulation is a very serious issue. It is a danger to the democracy of the country. There is no machine in the world which cannot be hacked,&quot; the AAP MLA claimed. Kejriwal has repeatedly claimed that the AAP&#39;s poll debacles have something to do with tampering of EVMs. The issue threatened to split the party with a section refusing to toe the line taken by him.

(PTI)

AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj had 'demonstrated' on Tuesday that an EVM can be hacked in 90 seconds

The Election Commission Tuesday rejected the claim of the Aam Aadmi Party -- that its EVMs can be hacked, saying the machine hacked in the Delhi assembly was a "lookalike" gadget and not actual equipment used by it. "It is common sense that gadgets other than ECI-EVMs can be programmed to perform in a pre-determined way, but it simply cannot be implied that ECI-EVMs will behave in the same manner because they are technically secured and function under an elaborate administrative and security protocol," the Commission said in a statement. The "so-called" demonstration on "extraneous and duplicate gadgets" which are not owned by the EC "cannot be exploited to influence our intelligent citizens and electorate to assail or vilify the EVMs used by the Commission in its electoral process, it added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today dared the Election Commission to provide an EVM (used by the Election Commission) to the AAP, claiming it can be tampered with in 90 seconds flat. During a day-long special sitting of the Delhi Assembly today, AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj put on a "live demonstration" on how electronic voting machines can be programmed to favour a particular political party. The election commission can give us its machines, we will show how to hack it in 90 seconds by merely changing its motherboard,' Kejriwal told reporters × "He (Bhardwaj) showed how easy it is to hack EVMs and it is being done on a massive scale. It is dangerous for the democracy and the country, and people should raise their voice against it. "The ECI can give us its machines, we will show how to hack it in 90 seconds by merely changing its motherboard," Kejriwal told reporters outside the assembly. Bhardwaj claimed that a voting machine can be manipulated by simply feeding it with a "secret code". The AAP today "demonstrated" ways to "rig EVMs" in the Delhi Assembly, which the BJP said was an attempt to divert attention from charges of "bribery" against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP's attempt to whip up the issue comes at a time the party is in the eye of a political firestorm over its sacked minister Kapil Mishra's allegations of corruption against Kejriwal and minister Satyendar Jain. On his part, Mishra, who was suspended from AAP's primary membership yesterday, mocked it saying the party should stop living in "denial" and accept the fact that people do not vote for Kejriwal anymore. Participating in a discussion on the issue during the day-long special session of the Delhi Assembly, AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that a voting machine can be manipulated by simply feeding it with a "secret code". He demonstrated how it can be done using, what party sources said was, a "prototype EVM" developed by a "a group of IITians". Interestingly, leaders of the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rastriya Janata Dal were present on the gallery of the House when Bhardwaj staged the demonstration. Before Bhardwaj's demonstration, Kejriwal tweeted, "Saurabh Bhardwaj will reveal the truth behind a big conspiracy in the country. Satyameva Jayate". Bhardwaj, who represents the Greater Kailash constituency, claimed that in his capacity as an engineer, he had extensively worked in this area and was aware of how the machines can be fiddled with. After entering a "secret code", Bhardwaj pressed 10 votes for the AAP in the machine used for the purpose of demonstration. Later, in the display panel, it turned out that the votes went to the BJP. "We are not making baseless allegations on EVM manipulation. With this demonstration, it has been proved that EVMs can actually be hacked," Bhardwaj said. "EVM manipulation is a very serious issue. It is a danger to the democracy of the country. There is no machine in the world which cannot be hacked," the AAP MLA claimed. Kejriwal has repeatedly claimed that the AAP's poll debacles have something to do with tampering of EVMs. The issue threatened to split the party with a section refusing to toe the line taken by him. (PTI)

Give me one of yours, says Kejriwal, after EC says AAP hacked 'lookalike' EVM

The Election Commission is planning an open challenge for scientists, technologist &amp; political parties in India next month to prove the authenticity of Electronic Voting Machines(EVM), reports said.

The row over EVMs was kicked up by BSP chief Mayawati during the Uttar Pradesh elections after her party was defeated by the BJP, other parties too joined the debate later to put the blame on EVMs for their poor show.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ec-promises-to-attach-every-evm-with-vvpat-machine-in-next-lok-sabha-elections-centre-fails-to-release-funds-13468">Also Read:&nbsp;EC promises to attach every EVM with VVPAT machine in next Lok Sabha elections, Centre fails to release funds</a>

The EVM debate in India took a violent turn today as angry protesters went on a rampage in Kashmir reportedly stealing at least sixteen EVMs and damaging over 33 EVMs during protests, media reports said.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal joined the debate recently declaring that the EVMs which are to be used for the Delhi municipal polls do not have any security feature and can be easily tampered. The Election Commission was quick to dismiss the allegation of &quot;manipulation&quot;.

In fact, the Election Commission has repeatedly said that EVMs are &quot;fully tamper-proof, as ever&quot; but political parties and several activists have often said it can be manipulated.

Based on consultations with political parties in 2010, the Election Commission had explored the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with a view to enhance transparency.

In VVPAT, a paper slip is generated bearing name and symbol of the candidate along with a recording of a vote in Control Unit, so that in case of any dispute, a paper slip could be counted to verify the result being shown on the EVM.

A printer is attached to the balloting Unit and kept in the voting compartment. The paper slip remains visible on VVPAT for 07 seconds through a transparent window.

In June 2014, the Commission proposed to implement VVPAT at every polling station in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and sought Rs 3,174 crore for the same from the Law Ministry.

The Commission had earlier this month informed the Supreme Court that it will get the 15.5 lakh VVPATs manufactured in 30 months from the time of the release of fund by the government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION with agency inputs)

The Electronic Voting Machine debate took a violent turn today as protesters reportedly stole and damaged several machines in Kashmir

The Election Commission is planning an open challenge for scientists, technologist & political parties in India next month to prove the authenticity of Electronic Voting Machines(EVM), reports said. The row over EVMs was kicked up by BSP chief Mayawati during the Uttar Pradesh elections after her party was defeated by the BJP, other parties too joined the debate later to put the blame on EVMs for their poor show. Also Read: EC promises to attach every EVM with VVPAT machine in next Lok Sabha elections, Centre fails to release funds The EVM debate in India took a violent turn today as angry protesters went on a rampage in Kashmir reportedly stealing at least sixteen EVMs and damaging over 33 EVMs during protests, media reports said. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal joined the debate recently declaring that the EVMs which are to be used for the Delhi municipal polls do not have any security feature and can be easily tampered. The Election Commission was quick to dismiss the allegation of "manipulation". In fact, the Election Commission has repeatedly said that EVMs are "fully tamper-proof, as ever" but political parties and several activists have often said it can be manipulated. Based on consultations with political parties in 2010, the Election Commission had explored the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with a view to enhance transparency. In VVPAT, a paper slip is generated bearing name and symbol of the candidate along with a recording of a vote in Control Unit, so that in case of any dispute, a paper slip could be counted to verify the result being shown on the EVM. A printer is attached to the balloting Unit and kept in the voting compartment. The paper slip remains visible on VVPAT for 07 seconds through a transparent window. In June 2014, the Commission proposed to implement VVPAT at every polling station in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and sought Rs 3,174 crore for the same from the Law Ministry. The Commission had earlier this month informed the Supreme Court that it will get the 15.5 lakh VVPATs manufactured in 30 months from the time of the release of fund by the government. (WION with agency inputs)

Election Commission planning open challenge with scientists, political parties to prove authenticity of EVMs

The Election Commission of India has sought a report from the district electoral officer on media reports alleging an EVM malfunction during a trial at Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, according to PTI.

According to media reports, VVPAT in Bhind was only dispensing slips of BJP symbol during the trial.

&quot;We have sought a detailed report from district election officer and would come up with a response in the evening,&quot; a Commission spokesperson said.

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<h5>&quot;We have sought a detailed report from district election officer and would come up with a response in the evening,&quot; a Commission spokesperson said.</h5>
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An Assembly bypoll is due in Bhind next week and the demonstration was part of the familiarisation exercise.

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box but the voter cannot take it home.

According to media reports, the receipt showed the vote going to BJP, irrespective of the button pressed, during the demonstration.

The reports also claimed that Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Madhya Pradesh, Saleena Singh was seen telling journalists that the news should not appear in newspapers, else they would be detained at the police station.

The development comes days after several political parties had alleged that the EVMs were tampered with in Uttar Pradesh Assembly election and also in Punjab.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

According to media reports, VVPAT in Bhind was only dispensing slips of BJP symbol during a demonstration exercise

The Election Commission of India has sought a report from the district electoral officer on media reports alleging an EVM malfunction during a trial at Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, according to PTI. According to media reports, VVPAT in Bhind was only dispensing slips of BJP symbol during the trial. "We have sought a detailed report from district election officer and would come up with a response in the evening," a Commission spokesperson said. "We have sought a detailed report from district election officer and would come up with a response in the evening," a Commission spokesperson said. × An Assembly bypoll is due in Bhind next week and the demonstration was part of the familiarisation exercise. VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box but the voter cannot take it home. According to media reports, the receipt showed the vote going to BJP, irrespective of the button pressed, during the demonstration. The reports also claimed that Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Madhya Pradesh, Saleena Singh was seen telling journalists that the news should not appear in newspapers, else they would be detained at the police station. The development comes days after several political parties had alleged that the EVMs were tampered with in Uttar Pradesh Assembly election and also in Punjab. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Election Commission seeks report on VVPAT dispensing BJP slips in Madhya Pradesh

The Election Commission of India will require Rs 3,174 crore from the Central government in addition to a 30-month time frame from the time this money is released to get the 15.5 lakh<a href="http://eci.nic.in//ECI_Main/IIIDEM/VVPAT_Film/VVPAT%2003.04.14.mp4"> Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail </a>(VVPAT) machines it now requires to implement its plan of having a VVPAT machine at every polling station in the next Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

And given the fact that there doesn&#39;t seem to be much movement from the Centre&#39;s side as far as the release of this money is concerned, having VVPATs in all polling stations by April 2019&mdash;when India votes to elect its next Lok Sabha--appears to be a pipe dream for now.

In an ongoing case in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission has recently intimated the apex court that it will get the requisite number of VVPATs manufactured in 30 months time from the time of release of fund by the government. But the fact that this requirement of Rs 3,174 crore was raised as early as 2014 and has still not seen any action on the release of funds has put a big question mark on the ECs ambitious move to have these machines at all polling stations.

The VVPAT machines are back in focus after some political parties raised apprehensions over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that were used in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/electronic-voting-machines-are-fully-tamper-proof-election-commission-13463">recent elections to the state legislative assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur &amp; Goa</a>. Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Aam Aadmi Party have alleged tampering of these EVMs during the recent polls.

Attached with the EVM, the VVPAT machine generates a paper slip bearing the name and the symbol of the candidate along with the recording of vote in Control Unit so as to ensure that in case of a dispute, the paper slip can be counted to verify the result being shown on the EVM. Under VVPAT, a printer is attached to the Balloting Unit and kept in the voting compartment. The paper slip generated by the VVPAT remains visible for just 7 seconds through a transparent window.

Presently, the Election Commission has around 53,500 VVPAT units available with it and in the recent elections to five states, it deployed around 52,000 of these units. From the time it first used VVPATs in Nagaland in 2013, the EC has used these machines in 255 Assembly Constituencies and 9 Parliamentary Constituencies across the country so far. In the recenly held Goa elections, VVPAT machines were deployed in all the 40 assembly constituencies.

EC officials say that since 2014, the poll watchdog has been &ldquo;relentlessly pursuing&rdquo; with the Central government for sanction and release of the Rs 3,174 crore it needs to procure the 15.5 lakh VVPATs it needs for all parliamentary constituencies in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The design of the VVPAT machines was made by BEL and ECIL and was approved by EC in 2013 and shown to persons who were pursuing matters in the Supreme Court. The rules were also amended for its introduction.

(WION)

Attached with the EVM, the VVPAT machine generates a paper slip bearing the name and the symbol of the candidate

The Election Commission of India will require Rs 3,174 crore from the Central government in addition to a 30-month time frame from the time this money is released to get the 15.5 lakh Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines it now requires to implement its plan of having a VVPAT machine at every polling station in the next Lok Sabha elections in 2019. And given the fact that there doesn't seem to be much movement from the Centre's side as far as the release of this money is concerned, having VVPATs in all polling stations by April 2019—when India votes to elect its next Lok Sabha--appears to be a pipe dream for now. In an ongoing case in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission has recently intimated the apex court that it will get the requisite number of VVPATs manufactured in 30 months time from the time of release of fund by the government. But the fact that this requirement of Rs 3,174 crore was raised as early as 2014 and has still not seen any action on the release of funds has put a big question mark on the ECs ambitious move to have these machines at all polling stations. The VVPAT machines are back in focus after some political parties raised apprehensions over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that were used in the recent elections to the state legislative assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur & Goa. Parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Aam Aadmi Party have alleged tampering of these EVMs during the recent polls. Attached with the EVM, the VVPAT machine generates a paper slip bearing the name and the symbol of the candidate along with the recording of vote in Control Unit so as to ensure that in case of a dispute, the paper slip can be counted to verify the result being shown on the EVM. Under VVPAT, a printer is attached to the Balloting Unit and kept in the voting compartment. The paper slip generated by the VVPAT remains visible for just 7 seconds through a transparent window. Presently, the Election Commission has around 53,500 VVPAT units available with it and in the recent elections to five states, it deployed around 52,000 of these units. From the time it first used VVPATs in Nagaland in 2013, the EC has used these machines in 255 Assembly Constituencies and 9 Parliamentary Constituencies across the country so far. In the recenly held Goa elections, VVPAT machines were deployed in all the 40 assembly constituencies. EC officials say that since 2014, the poll watchdog has been “relentlessly pursuing” with the Central government for sanction and release of the Rs 3,174 crore it needs to procure the 15.5 lakh VVPATs it needs for all parliamentary constituencies in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The design of the VVPAT machines was made by BEL and ECIL and was approved by EC in 2013 and shown to persons who were pursuing matters in the Supreme Court. The rules were also amended for its introduction. (WION)

EC promises to attach every EVM with VVPAT machine in next Lok Sabha elections, Centre fails to release funds

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