PTI, NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday told representatives of political parties that any decision to increase the number
polling stations where EVM results are matched with paper trail machines before declaration of results would be based on “operational feasibility on the ground”.
The poll panel also assured the parties that issues raised by them would be “deliberated and examined”.
The opposition leaders, who met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Ashok Lavasa, 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 declaration of results in the Lok Sabha elections, expected to take place in April-May.
As of now, paper trail machines are used in all polling stations but their slips are counted only in one polling station per assembly constituency.
A statement issued by the poll panel said, while considering the averments made by the parties, the Commission will also keep in view the pronouncements made by different courts as well as the report expected shortly from the Indian Statistical Institute on the subject.
