PANJIM: With the possibility of political parties or candidates raising suspicions of tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission has allowed counting of votes through the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) device, if there is a request.
This election Goa became the first State to use VVPAT for all 40 Assembly constituencies. Connected to the (EVM), the printer-like apparatus, generated a slip indicating the symbol and name of the candidate voted for. The system was introduced to ensure transparency in the voting process.
“Across the country, there have been a series of apprehensions about the usage of EVMs. Hence, the Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to introduce VVPAT, to ensure that the authorities have proof of votes bagged by each candidate in case political parties raise any objection regarding the EVMs and demand a re-poll,” a official said.
As per information provided by the Chief Electoral Office (CEO), VVPAT rolls are stored within a sealed compartment below the printer and will be taken out for counting only if a candidate, his election agent or counting agent applies in writing to the returning officer (RO) seeking a count of the printed slips.
“If such application is made, the RO will order orally whether the ballot slips should be counted. At the same time the RO, should give in writing reasons for consideration of the ballot slip for counting,” the CEO stated.
“If there is any discrepancy between the count of votes displayed on EVMs and the count of ballot slips the result sheet will be amended as per the printed paper slip count and the amendment announced by the RO,” he added. Counting is scheduled on March 11.
