PANJIM: As there is every possibility of political parties or
candidates in fray raising suspicion or fear about tampering with the
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission has allowed Voter
Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) device, which was used for the first time in
the State Assembly elections, for counting of votes; but only on request.
Goa
became the first State on February 4 to make use of VVPAT covering entire 40
assembly constituencies. Connected to the electronic voting machine (EVM), the printer-like apparatus that was used in all 1,642 polling stations, generated a
receipt indicating the symbol and name of the candidate one voted for. The
system was introduced to ensure transparency in the voting process.
“Across the country, there have been series of
apprehensions about the usage of EVMs. Hence, the Election Commission
of India (CEI) decided to introduce VVPAT, ensure that the authorities
have proof of the 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 the information provided by the Chief Electoral
Office (CEO), the 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) to count the printed paper slips in any
or all the polling stations.
“If such application is made, the RO will
make speaking order on whether the ballot slip should be counted. At the same
time the RO, should in writing give reasons for consideration of ballot slip
for counting,” CEO stated.
“If there is discrepancy between the count
of votes displayed on EVMs and the count of ballot slips in respect of any
polling station, the result sheet of that polling station will be amended as
per the printed paper slip count and the amendment should be announced by the
RO,” it added.
The counting is scheduled on March 11. The
fate of total 251 candidates is sealed in EVMs.
