EVM VVPAT Manual July2018
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Manual on
Electronic Voting Machine and
VVPAT
July 2018
Document 2 - Edition 3
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
Website : www.eci.nic.in, Tel. : 011-23052205, Fax : 011-23052219
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
“No voter to be left behind”
“No voter to be left behind”
FOREWORD
The use of Electronic Voting Machines has revolutionised the Electoral
System and introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail system has provided
greater transparency to the poll process.
This is the 3rd Edition of Manual on Electronic Voting Machine and VVPAT,
which has been restructured in view of the 100% use of VVPATs with EVMs and to
familiarize the readers with the genesis of the Electronic Voting Machine, Process
of its Development, Procurement, Storage and legal provisions. On the other
side this manual contains all important instructions on use of Electronic Voting
Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, making it useful handbook on the
subject for the Electoral machinery handling the Electronic Voting Machines and
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail system.
It is hoped that this manual will prove useful to all election related officials
and other stakeholders. The Commission would welcome suggestions from all
users of this compendium for making it more informative and useful.
Election Materials Division
Election Commission of India
July, 2018
New Delhi
i
ii
MANUAL ON EVMs AND VVPATs
INDEX
Sl. No. Contents
Pages
1.
Chapter – 1 : INTRODUCTION
1-4
2.
Chapter – 2 : FLOW CHART
5-7
3.
Chapter – 3 : LEGAL PROVISION FOR THE USE OF EVMs &
VVPATs
8-25
4.
Chapter – 4 : STORAGE OF EVMs AND OPENING OF EVMWAREHOUSE
26-37
5.
Chapter – 5 : FIRST LEVEL CHECKING OF EVMs & VVPATs (FLC)
38-48
6.
Chapter – 6 : FIRST RANDOMIZATION OF EVMs
49-50
7.
Chapter – 7 : SECOND RANDOMIZATION OF EVMs
51-52
8.
Chapter – 8 : PRREPARATION OF EVMs (CANDIDATE SET) &
VVPAT
53-57
9.
Chapter – 9 : INSTRUCTIONS ON DISPERSAL OF EVMs AND
VVPATs
58
10.
Chapter – 10 : INSTRUCTIONS TO ZONAL/SECTOR/AREA
OFFICERS REGARDING EVMs
59-60
11.
Chapter – 1 1: VOTING COMPARTMENT TO BE USED IN
POLLING STATIONS
61-62
12.
Chapter – 1 2: INSTRUCTIONS ON USE OF EVMs IN POLLING
STATIONS
13.
Chapter – 13 : MOCK POLL ON THE DAY OF POLL
64-68
14.
Chapter – 14 : DURING ACTUAL POLL
69-71
15.
Chapter – 15 : INSTRUCTIONS ON EVM IN CASE OF REPOLL
16.
Chapter – 16 : INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO COUNTING
73-83
17.
Chapter – 17: DISPOSAL OF EVMs
84-85
iii
63
72
18.
Chapter – 18: TECHNICAL EXPERT COMMITTEE ON EVMs &
VVPATs
86-87
19.
Chapter – 19: EVM TRACKING SOFTWARE (ETS)
88-89
20.
Chapter – 20: VARIOUS TYPES OF SEALS USED FOR SEALING
EVMs & VVPATs
90-97
21.
Chapter – 21: REPAIRING OF DEFECTIVE EVMs & VVPATs
98-100
22.
Chapter – 22: IMPORTANT JUDGEMENTS
101-103
23.
Chapter – 23: PRESENTATION ON CREDIBILITY OF EVMs AND
VVPATs
104-127
24.
Chapter – 24: LAYOUT OF POLLING STATION
128
25.
Chapter – 25: DO’s AND DON’Ts ON USE OF VVPAT
129
26.
Chapter – 26: EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES
130-131
27.
ANNEXURES(1-30)
132-191
iv
CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (EVM)
The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the replacement of the ballot
box is mainstay in the electoral process. First conceived in 1977 in the Election
Commission, the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), Hyderabad was
assigned the task to design and develop it. In 1979 a proto-type was developed,
which was demonstrated by the Election Commission before the representatives
of political parties on 6th August, 1980. The Bharat Electronic Ltd. (BEL), Bangalore,
another public-sector undertaking, was co-opted along with ECIL to manufacture
EVMs once a broad consensus was reached on its introduction.
First time use of EVMs occurred in the general election in Kerala in May,
1982; however, the absence of a specific law prescribing its use led to the Supreme
Court striking down that election. Subsequently, in 1989, the Parliament amended
the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to create a provision for the use of
EVMs in the elections (chapter 3). A general consensus on its introduction could be
reached only in 1998 and these were used in 25 Legislative Assembly constituencies
spread across three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Its use
was further expanded in 1999 to 45 Parliamentary Constituencies and later, in
February 2000, to 45 Assembly Constituencies of the Haryana Assembly elections.
In the State Assembly elections, held in May 2001,in the states of Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Pondicherry and West Bengal, the EVMs were used in all the Assembly
Constituencies. Since then, for every State Assembly election, the Commission
has used the EVMs. In 2004, in the General Election to the Lok Sabha, the EVMs
(more than one million) were used in all 543 Parliamentary Constituencies in the
country.
An EVM consists of two units, namely, Control Unit (CU) and Balloting Unit
(BU) with a cable (5 mt. long) for connecting the both. A Balloting Unit caters
upto 16 candidates. There are number of variants available for the EVMs. Timeto-time, it has evolved and has become more robust. In case of pre-2006 (M1)
and post-2006 EVMs (M2), 4 (Four) Balloting Units can be cascaded together to
accommodate upto a maximum of 64 candidates (including NOTA), which can
be used with one Control Unit. In case of upgraded post-2006 EVMs (M3), 24
(Twenty Four) Balloting Units can be cascaded together catering to 384 candidates
1
(including NOTA) which can be used with one Control Unit. It runs on a power pack
(Battery) having 7.5 volts. In case of M3 EVM, power packs are inserted in 5th, 9th,
13th, 17th& 21stBalloting Units, if more than 4 BUs are connected to a Control
Unit. On the right side of the BU along the candidates’ vote button, digits 1 to 16
are embossed in Braille signage for guidance of visually impaired electors.
Control Unit
Balloting Unit
The design and application of EVMs in the elections are considered a
significant achievement in global democracy. It has brought more transparency,
swiftness, and acceptability in the system. It has also helped in creating a vast
pool of election officials well versed in its use. In its evolution, the Commission has
issued series of instructions, frequently asked questions, and technical guidelines.
During this period a number of judicial pronouncements has also helped in making
the EVMs an integral component of our electoral system.
VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT)
In a meeting of all political parties held on 4th October, 2010, the parties
expressed satisfaction with the EVM but some parties requested the Commission
to consider introducing Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail for further transparency
and verifiability in poll process. The Commission referred the matter to its Technical
Expert Committee on EVMs for examining and making a recommendation
in this regard. The Expert Committee had several rounds of meetings with the
manufacturers of EVM, namely, BEL & ECIL, on this issue and then had met the
political parties and other civil society members to explore the design requirement
of the VVPAT system with the EVM.
2
On the direction of the Expert Committee, the BEL and ECIL made a
prototype and demonstrated before the Committee and the Commission in 2011.
On the recommendation of the Expert Committee on EVM & VVPAT system, the
Commission conducted simulated election for the field trial of VVPAT system
in Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Cherrapunjee
(Meghalaya), East Delhi District (NCT of Delhi) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) in July
2011. All stake holders including senior leaders of political parties and civil society
members participated and witnessed enthusiastically in the field trial. After 1st field
trial of the VVPAT system, Commission made a detailed reassessment of the VVPAT
system to further fine tune the VVPAT system. Accordingly, the manufacturers
developed 2nd version of VVPAT prototype. The same was again subjected to 2nd
field trial in the said five locations in July-August 2012.
In the meeting of the Technical Expert Committee held on 19.02.2013, the
Committee approved the design of VVPAT and also recommended the Commission
to take action on amendment of the rules for using VVPAT. The Government of
India notified the amended Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 on 14th August, 2013,
enabling the Commission to use VVPAT with EVMs. The Commission used VVPAT
with EVMs first time in bye-election from 51-Noksen (ST) Assembly Constituency
of Nagaland. Thereafter, VVPATs have been used in selected constituencies in every
election to Legislative Assemblies and 8 Parliamentary Constituencies in General
Election to the House of the People-2014.
Facts on VVPAT:
Control Unit VSDU Printer (VVPAT) Balloting Unit
3
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail is an independent system attached with
the Electronic Voting Machines that allows the voters to verify that their votes
are cast as intended. When a vote is cast, a slip is printedon the VVPAT printer
containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate and remains
exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds. Thereafter, this printed slip
automatically gets cut and falls in sealed drop box of the VVPAT.
VVPAT consists of a Printer and a VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU). VVPAT
runs on a power pack (Battery) of 22.5 volts. Control Unit and VSDU are kept with
the Presiding Officer/Polling Officer and Balloting Unit and Printer are kept in the
voting compartment.
This Manual on EVMs is an important milestone in documentation as
it brings all previous instructions and guidelines on a single platform for better
readability. Divided in 26 chapters, it details legal framework, series of checking,
randomization, storage instructions, setting of EVMs (with VVPAT), mock poll
instructions, counting instructions, frequently asked questions, judicial decisions,
and earlier references.
********
4
CHAPTER – 2
FLOW CHART (EVM/VVPAT PROCESS AT A GLANCE)
CONCEPT AND DESIGNING OF ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
(EVMS)& VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAILS (VVPATS)
5
6
STANDARD SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING/POLL GOING STATES
PROCESS
TIME SCHEDULE
1
2
Allocation of EVMs/VVPATs by ECI
Poll Gone C+30
Ordering of consumables LOI
Poll Gone C+30
Dispatch from Donor States
Poll Gone C+60
Receipt at Borrower States
P-120
FLC start
P-90
FLC completion
P-51
1st Randomization of EVMs/VVPATs
P-21
2nd Randomization of EVMs/VVPATs
P-14
Handing over of Defective EVMs/VVPAT to manufacturers
for repair
C+60
Completion of Repairs
C+90
P = Poll day
C = Counting day
7
CHAPTER – 3
LEGAL PROVISION FOR THE USE OF EVMS & VVPATS
3.1
T he Electronic Voting Machines were used for the first time during the
General Election to the Kerala Legislative Assembly held from Parur Assembly
Constituency in May, 1982 at 50 polling stations. Thereafter, these machines
were used in ten other constituencies in 1982-83.
fter 1983, the EVMs could not be used, as in the Election Appeal arising out
A
of the election petition relating to the use of the machines in the election
from Parur Assembly Constituency in Kerala, the Supreme Court ruled that
there should be specific provision in the law providing for use of EVMs in
elections.
T hereupon, the Election Commission of India recommended to the
Government of India to amend the law suitably to provide legal sanction for
the use of EVMs.
In December, 1988 a new section 61A was inserted in the Representation of
the People Act, 1951, empowering the Election Commission of India to use
Electronic Voting Machines in elections, which reads as under “ 61A. Voting machines at elections.—Notwithstanding anything contained
in this Act or the rules made thereunder, the giving and recording of votes by
voting machines in such manner as may be prescribed, may be adopted in
such constituency or constituencies as the Election Commission may, having
regard to the circumstances of each case, specify.”
E xplanation.—For the purpose of this section, "voting machine" means any
machine or apparatus whether operated electronically or otherwise used for
giving or recording of votes and any reference to a ballot box or ballot paper
in this Act or the rules made thereunder shall, save as otherwise provided,
be construed as including a reference to such voting machine wherever such
voting machine is used at any election.
T he Supreme Court upheld the validity of the above provision in All India
Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam v/s. Chief Election Commissioner and
others [2002(UJ)(1)387]
[NOTE: In case of any discrepancy kindly refer Manual of Election Laws]
THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1951
8
58. Fresh poll in the case of destruction, etc., of ballot boxes.—
(2)
(3)
(1)
If at any election,—
(a)
a ny ballot box used at a polling station or at a place fixed for the poll
is unlawfully taken out of the custody of the presiding officer or the
returning officer, or is accidentally or intentionally destroyed or lost,
or is damaged or tampered with, to such an extent, that the result of
the poll at that polling station or place cannot be ascertained; or
[(aa)
a ny voting machine develops a mechanical failure during the course
of the recording of votes; or]
(b)
a ny such error or irregularity in procedure as is likely to vitiate the
poll is committed at a polling station or at a place fixed for the poll,
the returning officer shall forthwith report the matter to the Election
Commission.
T hereupon the Election Commission shall, after taking all material
circumstances into account; either—
(a)
declare the poll at that polling station or place to be void, appoint a
day, and fix the hours, for taking a fresh poll at that polling station or
place and notify the day so appointed and the hours so fixed in such
manner as it may deem fit, or
(b)
if satisfied that the result of a fresh poll at that polling station or place
will not, in any way, affect the result of the election or that 5[the
mechanical failure of the voting machine or] the error or irregularity
in procedure is not material, issue such directions to the returning
officer as it may deem proper for the further conduct and completion
of the election.
T he provisions of this Act and of any rules or orders made thereunder shall
apply to every such fresh poll as they apply to the original poll.]
61A. Voting machines at elections.—
otwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the rules made thereunder,
N
the giving and recording of votes by voting machines in such manner as may
be prescribed, may be adopted in such constituency or constituencies as the
Election Commission may, having regard to the circumstances of each case,
specify.
9
E xplanation.—For the purpose of this section, "voting machine" means any
machine or apparatus whether operated electronically or otherwise used for
giving or recording of votes and any reference to a ballot box or ballot paper
in this Act or the rules made thereunder shall, save as otherwise provided,
be construed as including a reference to such voting machine wherever such
voting machine is used at any election.]
135A. Offence of booth capturing.—
[ (1)] Whoever commits an offence of booth capturing shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which 6[shall not be less than one year but
which may extend to three years and with fine, and where such offence
is committed by a person in the service of the Government, he shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three
years but which may extend to five years and with fine].
E xplanation.— For the purposes of 7[this sub-section and section 20B],
"booth capturing" includes, among other things, all or any of the following
activities, namely:—
(a)
s eizure of a polling station or a place fixed for the poll by any person
or persons, making polling authorities surrender the ballot papers or
voting machines and doing of any other act which affects the orderly
conduct of elections;
(b)
t aking possession of a polling station or a place fixed for the poll by
any person or persons and allowing only his or their own supporters
to exercise their right to vote and 6[prevent others from free exercise
of their right to vote];
(c)
[coercing or intimidating or threatening directly or indirectly] any
8
elector and preventing him from going to the polling station or a
place fixed for the poll to cast his vote;
(d)
s eizure of a place for counting of votes by any person or persons,
making the counting authorities surrender the ballot papers or
voting machines and the doing of anything which affects the orderly
counting of votes;
(e)
oing by any person in the service of Government, of all or any of the
d
aforesaid activities or aiding or conniving at, any such activity in the
furtherance of the prospects of the election of a candidate.]
10
(2)
An offence punishable under sub-section (1) shall be cognizable.]
169. Power to make rules.—
(1)
T he Central Government may, after consulting the Election Commission, by
notification in the Official Gazette, make rules1 for carrying out the purposes
of this Act.
(2)
In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power,
such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
[(a)
the form of affidavit under sub-section (2) of section 33A;]
[(aa)] the duties of presiding officers and polling officers at polling stations;
[(aaa) the form of contribution report;]
(b)
the checking of voters by reference to the electoral roll;
[(bb) t he manner of allocation of equitable sharing of time on the cable
television network and other electronic media;];
(c)
the manner in which votes are to be given both generally and in the
case of illiterate voters or voters under physical or other disability ;
(d)
t he manner in which votes are to be given by a presiding officer, polling
officer, polling agent or any other person, who being an elector for a
constituency is authorised or appointed for duty at a polling station
at which he is not entitled to vote;
(e)
t he procedure to be followed in respect of the tender of vote by a
person representing himself to be an elector after another person
has voted as such elector;
[(ee) t he manner of giving and recording of votes by means of voting
machines and the procedure as to voting to be followed at polling
stations where such machines are used;]
(f)
t he procedure as to voting to be followed at elections held in
accordance with the system of proportional representation by means
of the single transferable vote;
(g)
the scrutiny and counting of votes including cases in which a recount
of the votes may be made before the declaration of the result of the
election;
11
[(gg) t he procedure as to counting of votes recorded by means of voting
machines;]
(h)
the safe custody of 3[ballot boxes, voting machines], ballot papers
and other election papers, the period for which such papers shall be
preserved and the inspection and production of such papers;
[(hh) t he material to be supplied by the Government to the candidates of
recognised political parties at any election to be held for the purposes
of constituting the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of
a State;]
(i)
any other matter required to be prescribed by this Act.
[(3)
Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after
it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a
total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or
[in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the
session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule
or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made,] the rule
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no
effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification
or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything
previously done under that rule.].
Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 (Statutory Rules and Order)with
Conduct of Elections (Amendment) Rules, 2013
Voting by Electronic Voting Machines & EVMs with VVPATs
49A. Design of Electronic Voting Machines.—
E very electronic voting machine (hereinafter referred to as the voting
machine) shall have a control unit and a balloting unit and shall be of such
designs as may be approved by the Election Commission.
Provided that a printer with a drop box of such design as may be approved
by the Election Commission may also be attached to a voting machine for
printing a paper trail of the vote, in such constituency or constituencies or
parts thereof as the Election Commission may direct.
49B. Preparation of voting machine by the returning Officer.—
12
(1)
T he balloting unit of the voting machine shall contain such particulars and in
such language or languages as the Election Commission may specify.
(2)
T he names of the candidates shall be arranged on the balloting unit in the
same order in which they appear in the list of the contesting candidates.
(3)
If two or more candidates bear the same name, they shall be distinguished
by the addition of their occupation or residence or in some other manner.
(4)
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this rule, the returning officer shall—
(a)
x the label containing the names and symbol of the contesting
fi
candidates in the balloting unit and secure that unit with his seal and
the seals of such of the contesting candidates or their election agents
present as are desirous of affixing the same;
(b)
s et the number of contesting candidates and close the candidate set
section in the control unit and secure it with his seal and the seals of
such of the contesting candidates or their election agents present as
are desirous of affixing the same;
(c) where the printer for paper trail is used under the proviso to rule
49A, set the printer as per the number of contesting candidates set
in the Control Unit by –
i.
loading in the printer the serial numbers and names of candidates
and symbols allotted to them as given on the balloting units under
clause (a);
ii.
loading paper in the printer; and
iii.
sealing the printer in such manner as may be directed by the Election
Commission”.
49C. Arrangements at the polling stations.—
(1)
(2)
Outside each polling station there shall be displayed prominently—
(a)
a notice specifying the polling area, the electors of which are entitled
to vote at the polling station and, when the polling area has more
than one polling station, the particulars of the electors so entitled;
and
(b)
a copy of the list of contesting candidates.
t each polling station there shall be set up one or more voting compartments
A
in which the electors can record their votes free from observation.
13
(3)
T he returning officer shall provide at each polling station one voting machine
and copies of relevant part of the electoral roll and such other election
material as may be necessary for taking the poll.
(4)
ithout prejudice to the provisions of sub-rule (3), the returning officer
W
may, with the previous approval of the Election Commission, provide one
common voting machine for two or more polling stations located in the
same premises.
* * * * *
49E. Preparation of voting machine for poll.—
(1)
T he control unit and balloting unit of every voting machine used at polling
station and the printer for paper trail where used, shall bear a label marked
with—
(a)
the serial number, if any, and the name of the constituency;
(b)
t he serial number and name of the polling station or stations as the
case may be;
(c)
the serial number of the unit; and
(d)
the date of poll.
(2)
Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer
shall demonstrate to the polling agents and other persons present that no
vote has been already recorded in the voting machine and it bears the label
referred to in sub-rule (1), and where the printer for paper trail is used that
the drop box of the printer is empty.
(3)
paper seal shall be used for securing the control unit of the voting machine,
A
and the presiding officer shall affix his own signature on the paper seal and
obtain thereon the signature of such of the polling agents present as the
desirous of affixing the same.
(4)
T he presiding officer shall thereafter fix the paper seal so signed in the space
meant therefore in the control unit of the voting machine and shall secure
and seal the same.
(5)
T he seal used for securing the control unit shall be fixed in such manner that
after the unit has been sealed, it is not possible to press the “result button”
without breaking the seal.
14
(6)
T he control unit shall be closed and secured and placed in full view of the
presiding officer and the polling agents and the balloting unit placed in the
voting compartment.
(7)
Where the printer for paper trail is used, the printer shall also be kept along
with the balloting unit in the voting compartment and shall be connected
to the EVM in the manner as directed by the Election Commission.
* * * * *
49L. Procedure for voting by voting machines. —
(1)
Before permitting an elector to vote, the polling officer shall—
(a)
r ecord the electoral roll number of the elector as entered in the
marked copy of the electoral roll in a register of voters in Form 17A.
(b)
btain the signature or the thumb impression of the elector on the
o
said register of votes; and
(c)
ark the name of the elector in the marked copy of the electoral roll
m
to indicate that he has been allowed to vote:
(d)
g ive details of the document produced by the elector in proof of his/
her identification.]
rovided that no elector shall be allowed to vote unless he has his
P
signature or thumb impression on the register of voters.
(2)
otwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2) of rule 2, it shall be
N
necessary for any presiding officer or polling officer or any other officer to
attest the thumb impression of the elector on the register of voters.
49M. Maintenance of secrecy of voting by electors within the polling station and
voting procedures. —
(1)
E very elector who has been permitted to vote under rule 49L shall maintain
secrecy of voting within the polling station and for that purpose observe the
voting procedure hereinafter laid down.
(2)
Immediately on being permitted to vote the elector shall proceed to the
presiding officer or the polling officer in-charge of the control unit of the
voting machine who shall, by pressing the appropriate button on the control
unit, activate the balloting unit; for recording of elector's vote.
(3)
The elector shall thereafter forthwith—
15
(a)
proceed to the voting compartment;
(b)
r ecord his vote by pressing the button on the balloting unit against
the name and symbol of the candidate for whom he intends to vote;
and
(c)
come out of the voting compartment and leave the polling station:
Provided that where printer for paper trail is used, upon casting the
vote by pressing the button under clause (b), the elector shall be
able to view through the transparent window of the printer, kept
alongwith the balloting unit inside the voting compartment, the
printed paper slip showing the serial no, name and the symbol of
the candidate for whom he has cast his vote before such paper slip
gets cut and drops in the drop box of the printer”.
(4)
Every elector shall vote without undue delay.
(5)
o elector shall be allowed to enter the voting compartment when another
N
elector is inside it.
(6)
If an elector who has been permitted to vote under rule 49L or rule 49P
refuses after warning given by the presiding officer to observe the procedure
laid down in sub-rule (3) of the said rules, the presiding officer or a polling
officer under the direction of the presiding officer shall not allow such elector
to vote.
(7)
here an elector is not allowed to vote under sub-rule (6), a remark to the
W
effect that voting procedure has been violated shall be made against the
elector's name in the register of voters in Form 17A by the presiding officer
under his signature.
49MA Procedure in case of complaint about particulars printed on paper slip(1) Where printer for paper trail is used, if an elector after having recorded his
vote under rule 49M alleges that the paper slip generated by the printer
has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than the one he voted
for, the presiding officer shall obtain a written declaration from the elector
as to the allegation, after warning the elector about the consequence of
making a false declaration.
(2) If the elector gives the written declaration referred to in sub-rule (1), the
presiding officer shall make a second entry related to that elector in Form
16
17A, and permit the elector to record a test vote in the voting machine in
his presence and in the presence of the candidates or polling agents who
may be present in the polling station, and observe the paper slip generated
by the printer.
(3) If the allegation is found true, the presiding officer shall report the facts
immediately to the returning officer, stop further recording of votes in
that voting machine and act as per the direction that may be given by the
Returning Officer.
(4) If, however, the allegation is found to be false and the paper slip so
generated under sub-rule (1) matches with the test vote recorded by the
elector under sub-rule (2), then, the presiding officer shall(i) make a remark to that effect against the second entry relating to
that elector in Form 17A mentioning the serial number and name of
the candidate for whom such test votes has been recorded;
(ii)
btain the signature or thumb impression of that elector against such
o
remarks; and
(iii)
make necessary entries regarding such test vote in item 5 in Part I of
Form 17C.
49N. Recording of votes of blind or infirm electors.—
(1)
If the presiding officer is satisfied that owing to blindness or other physical
infirmities an elector is unable to recognise the symbol on the balloting unit
of the voting machine or unable to record his vote by pressing the appropriate
button thereon without assistance the presiding officer shall permit the
elector to take with him a companion of not less than eighteen years of
age to the voting compartment for recording the vote on his behalf and in
accordance with his wishes: Provided that no person shall be permitted to
act as the companion of more than one elector at any polling station on
the same day: Provided further that before any person is permitted to act
as the companion of an elector on any day under this rule that person shall
be required to declare that he will keep secret the vote recorded by him on
behalf of the elector and that he has not already acted as the companion of
any other elector at any other polling station on that day.
(2)
T he presiding officer shall keep a record in Form 14A of all cases under this
rule.
17
49Q. Presiding Officer's entry in the voting compartment during poll.—
(1)
T he presiding officer may whenever he considers it necessary so to do, enter
the voting compartment during poll and take such steps as may be necessary
to ensure that the balloting unit is not tampered or interfered with in any
way.
(2)
If the presiding officer has reason to suspect that an elector who has entered
the voting compartment is tampering or otherwise interfering with the
balloting unit or has remained inside the voting compartment for unduly
long period, he shall enter the voting compartment and take such steps as
may be necessary to ensure the smooth and orderly progress of the poll.
(3)
henever the presiding officer enters the voting compartment under this
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rule, he shall permit the polling agents present to accompany him if they so
desire.
49R. Closing of poll.—
T he presiding officer shall close a polling station at the hour fixed in that
behalf under section 56 and shall not thereafter admit any elector into the
polling station:
rovided that all electors present at the polling station before it is closed
P
shall be allowed to cast their votes.
If any question arises whether an elector was present at the polling station
before it was closed it shall be decided by the presiding officer and his
decision shall be final.
49S. Account of votes recorded.—
(1)
T he presiding officer shall at the close of the poll prepare an account of votes
recorded in Form 17C and enclose it in a separate cover with the words
‘Account of Votes Recorded’ superscribed thereon.
(2)
T he presiding officer shall furnish to every polling agent present at the close
of the poll a true copy of the entries made in Form 17C after obtaining a
receipt from the said polling agent therefore and shall attest it as a true copy.
49T. Sealing of voting machine after poll.—
(1)
s soon as practicable after the closing of the poll, the presiding officer shall
A
close the control unit to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and
shall detach the balloting unit from the control unit and from the printer,
18
where printer is also used, so however, that the paper slips contained in
the drop box of the printer shall remain intact.
(2)
T he control unit and the balloting unit and the printer, where it is used,
shall thereafter be sealed, and secured separately in such manner as the
Election Commission may direct and the seal used for securing them shall be
so affixed that it will not be possible to open the units without breaking the
seals.
(3)
T he polling agents present at the polling station, who desire to affix their
seals, shall also be permitted to do so.
49U. Sealing of other packets.—
(1)
(2)
The presiding officer shall then make into separate packet,—
(a)
the marked copy of the electoral roll;
(b)
the register of voters in Form 17A;
(c)
t he cover containing the tendered ballot papers and the list in Form
17B;
(d)
the list of challenged votes; and
(e)
any other papers directed by the Election Commission to be kept in a
sealed packet.
E ach packet shall be sealed with the seal of the presiding officer and with the
seal either of the candidate or of his election agent or of his polling agent
who may be present at the polling station and may desire to affix his seal
thereon.
49V. Transmission of voting machines, etc., to the returning officer.—
(1)
(2)
T he presiding officer shall then deliver or cause to be delivered to the
returning officer at such place as the returning officer may direct,—
(a)
the voting machine;
(b)
the account of votes recorded in Form 17C;
(c)
the sealed packets referred to in rule 49U; and
(d)
all other papers used at the poll. 80
T he returning officer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe
transport of the voting machine, packets and other papers for their safe
custody until the commencement of the counting of votes.
19
49X. Closing of voting machine in case of booth capturing.—Where the presiding
officer is of opinion that booth capturing is taking place at a polling station
or at a place fixed for the poll, he shall immediately close the control unit of
the voting machine to ensure that no further votes can be recorded and shall
detach the balloting that from the control unit.]
49W. Procedure on adjournment of poll.—
(1)
If the poll at any polling station is adjourned under sub-section (1) of section
57, the provision of rules 49S to 49V shall, as far as practicable, apply as if
the poll was closed at the hour fixed in that behalf under section 56.
(2)
hen an adjourned poll is recommended under sub-section (2) of section
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57, the electors who have already voted at the poll so adjourned shall not be
allowed to vote again.
(3)
T he returning officer shall provide the presiding officer of the polling station
at which such adjourned poll is held, with the sealed packet containing the
marked copy of the electoral roll, register of voters in Form 17A and a new
voting machine.
(4)
T he presiding officer shall open the sealed packet in the presence of the
polling agents present and use the marked copy of the electoral roll for
marking the names of the electors who are allowed to vote at the adjourned
poll.
(5)
T he provisions of rule 28 and rules 49A to 49V shall apply in relation to the
conduct of an adjourned poll before it was so adjourned.
66A. Counting of votes where electronic voting machines have been used.—
In relation to the counting of votes at a polling station, where voting machine
has been used,—
t he provisions of rules 50 to 54 and in lieu of rules 55, 56 and 57, the following
rules shall respectively apply, namely:—
‘55C. Scrutiny and inspection of voting machines.—
(1)
T he returning officer may have the control units of the voting machines used
at more than one polling station taken up for scrutiny and inspection and
votes recorded in such units counted simultaneously.
(2)
efore the votes recorded in any control unit of voting machine are counted
B
under sub-rule (1), the candidate or his election agent or his counting agent
20
present at the counting table shall be allowed to inspect the paper seal and
such other vital seals as might have been affixed on the unit and to satisfy
themselves that the seals are intact.
(3)
T he returning officer shall satisfy himself that none of the voting machines
has in fact been tampered with.
(4)
If the returning officer is satisfied that any voting machine has in fact been
tampered with, he shall not count the votes recorded in that machine and
shall follow the procedure laid down in section 58, or section 58A or section
64A, as may be applicable in respect of the polling station or stations where
that machine was used.
56C. Counting of votes.—
(1)
fter the returning officer is satisfied that a voting machine has in fact not
A
been tampered with, he shall have the votes recorded therein counted by
pressing the appropriate button marked "Result" provided in the control
unit whereby the total votes polled and votes polled by each candidate shall
be displayed in respect of each such candidate on the display panel provided
for the purpose in the unit.
(2)
s the votes polled by each candidate are displayed on the control unit, the
A
returning officer shall have,—
(a)
t he number of such votes recorded separately in respect of each
candidate in Part II on Form 17C;
Provided that the test vote recorded, if any, for a candidate, as per
item 5 in Part I of Form 17C, shall be subtracted from the number of
votes recorded for such candidate as displayed on the control unit.
(b)
art II of Form 17C completed in other respects and signed by the
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counting supervisor and also by the candidates or their election
agents or their counting agents present; and
(c)
c orresponding entries made in a result sheet in Form 20 and the
particulars so entered in the result sheet announced.
“56D Scrutiny of paper trail(1)
here printer for paper trail is used, after the entries made in the result
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sheet are announced, any candidate, or in his absence, his election agent
or any of his counting agents may apply in writing to the returning officer to
21
count the printed paper slips in the drop box of the printer in respect of any
polling station or polling stations.
(2)
n such application being made, the returning officer shall, subject to such
O
general or special guidelines, as may be issued by the Election Commission,
decide the matter and may allow the application in whole or in part or may
reject in whole, if it appears to him to be frivolous or unreasonable.
(3)
E very decision of the returning officer under sub-rule (2) shall be in writing
and shall contain the reasons therefor.
(4)
If the returning officer decides under sub-rule (2) to allow counting of the
paper slips either wholly or in part or parts, he shall(a)
do the counting in the manner as may be directed by the Election
Commission;
(b)
if there is discrepancy between the votes displayed on the control
unit and the counting of the paper slips, amend the result sheet in
Form 20 as per the paper slips count;
(c)
announce the amendments so made by him; and
(d)
complete and sign the result sheet.”
57C. Sealing of voting machines.—
(1)
fter the result of voting recorded in a control unit has been ascertained
A
candidate-wise and entered in Part II of Form 17C and Form 20 under rule
56C, the returning officer shall reseal the unit with his seal and the seals of
such of the candidates or their election agents present who may desire to
affix the seals thereon so however that the result of voting recorded in the
unit is not obliterated and the unit retains the memory of such result and
where printer for paper trail is used, the returning officer shall seal the
paper slips in such manner, as may be directed by the Election Commission.
(2)
T he control unit and the paper slips so sealed shall be kept in specially
prepared boxes on which the returning officer shall record the following
particulars, namely:—
(a)
the name of the constituency;
(b)
t he particulars of polling station or stations where the control unit
has been used;
22
92.
(c)
serial number of the control unit and printer wherever used;
(d)
date of poll; and
(e)
date of counting.’;
(ii)
t he provisions of rules 60 to 66 shall, so far as may be, apply in relation
to voting by voting machines and any reference in those rules to,—
(a)
allot paper shall be construed as including a reference to such voting
b
machine; 91
(b)
a ny rule shall be construed as a reference to the corresponding rule
in Chapter II of Part IV or, as the case may be, to rule 55C or 56C or
57C].
Custody of ballot boxes and papers relating to election-
(1A) A
ll voting machines used at an election shall be kept in the custody of the
concerned district election officer.
(2)
The district election officer shall keep in safe custody-
* * * * *
(cc)
the printed paper slips sealed under the provisions of rule 57C.
* * * * *
(dd)
The packets containing registers of voters in Form 17A
[93. Production and inspection of election papers.—
(1)
hile in the custody of the district election officer or, as the case may be, the
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returning officer—
(a)
t he packets of unused ballot papers with counterfoils attached
thereto;
(b)
the packets of used ballot papers whether valid, tendered or rejected;
(c)
the packets of the counterfoils of used ballot papers;
(cc)
the printed paper slips sealed under the provisions of rule 57C.
(d)
t he packets of the marked copy of the electoral roll or, as the case
may be, the list maintained under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
of section 152; and
[(dd) the packets containing registers of voters in form 17-A;]
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(e)
t he packets of the declarations by electors and the attestation of
their signatures; shall not be opened and their contents shall not be
inspected by, or produced before, any person or authority except
under the order of a competent court.
[1A) T he control units sealed under the provisions of rule 57C and kept in the
custody of the district election officer shall not be opened and shall not be
inspected by, or produced before, any person or authority except under the
orders of a competent court.]
(2)
S ubject to such conditions and to the payment of such fee as the Election
Commission may direct, —
(a)
a ll other papers relating to the election shall be open to public
inspection; and
(b)
copies thereof shall on application be furnished.
(3)
c opies of the returns by the returning officer forwarded under rule 64, or as
the case may be, under clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 84 shall be furnished
by the returning officer, district election officer, chief electoral officer or the
Election Commission on payment of a fee of two rupees for each copy.]
94.
Disposal of election papers.—
S ubject to any direction to the contrary given by the Election Commission or
by a competent court or tribunal—
[(a)
t he packets of unused ballot papers shall be retained for a period of
six months and shall thereafter be destroyed in such manner as the
Election Commission may direct;]
[(aa) t he voting machines kept in the custody of the district election officer
under sub-rule (1A) of rule 92 shall be retained intact for such period
as the Election Commission may direct and shall not be used at any
subsequent election without the previous approval of the Election
Commission;]
(b)
t he other packets referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 93 shall be retained
for a period of one year and shall thereafter be destroyed:
[Provided that packets containing the counterfoils of used ballot
papers and the printer paper slips, if any, shall not be destroyed
except with the previous approval of the Election Commission;]
24
(c)
a ll other papers relating to the election shall be retained for such period as
the Election Commission may direct.
95.
Power of the Election Commission to issue directions.—
S ubject to the other provisions of these rules, the Election Commission may
issue such directions as it may consider necessary to facilitate the proper use
and operation of the voting machines.
[For provisions regarding use of VVPAT system please refer to the Conduct
of Elections (Amendment) Rules, 2013]
25
CHAPTER – 4
STORAGE OF EVMS AND OPENING OF
EVM-WAREHOUSE
4.1
During Non-Election Period
Non-election period means, after EP period (i.e. 45-days from the date of
declaration of the result of the last election) and upto announcement of next
election in the constituency.
4.1.1 Physical Verification of EVMs
uring non-election period, 100% physical verification of EVMs shall be
D
carried out by the District Election Officers (DEOs) in the month of April every
year so that the report of the same is made available to the Commission
through the Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned States/UTs by 15th
May every year. For this purpose, the Commission will issue a direction for
opening of EVM-warehouses. On receiving direction from the Commission,
the DEOs shall take the following course of action:a)
CEO/DEO shall ensure that EVM-warehouses, in which EVMs
pertaining to any election petition or court cases are stored, shall not
be opened for the purpose of physical verification of EVMs.
b)
DEO shall nominate an Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar for
the purpose of opening of EVM-warehouse [except EVM-warehouse
mentioned at (a) above] and for conducting physical verification of
EVMs.
c)
National and State recognized political parties shall be informed
in writing, at least 24 hours in advance, about the date and time
of opening and closure of EVM warehouse. Their authorized
representatives shall be allowed to remain present at the time of
opening and closure of the warehouse. A report shall be prepared in
this regard and signature of the authorized representatives of political
parties shall also be taken on the report.
d)
The authorised representatives of Political Parties shall be allowed to
witness the Annual Physical Verification of EVMs & VVPATs.
e)
uty Register of persons engaged in physical verification to be
D
maintained. This register shall be preserved for 5 years.
26
f)
etails of EVMs shall be maintained in a Master Stock Register (MSR).
D
MSR shall be maintained warehouse-wise for every district in the
format given in Annexure –1.
g)
Based on this MSR, the DEO shall send a physical verification report in
the format given in Annexure - 2to the Commission through the CEO
of the concerned States/UTs.
4.1.2 Storage of EVMs
i.
EVM should be stored in Treasury, wherever possible.
ii.
Where not stored in the Treasury, EVMs must be stored in a separate
warehouse where nothing other than EVM is kept.
iii.
Normally the EVMs should be stored at District Head Quarters.
iv.
owever, if it is not possible to store the EVMs at District HQs,
H
then EVM storage warehouse should not be at a place below Tehsil
headquarters.
v.
No EVM shall be kept outside the EVM warehouse (i.e. all the EVMs
should be kept in EVM warehouse and not at any other place) for any
purpose without specific approval of the Commission.
vi.
Action to be taken in case of traced or recovered lost/stolen EVMs
a.
Furnish the detailed report to the Commission.
b.
Recovered/traced units shall not be stored/kept in the warehouse
having EVMs/VVPATs and must be stored/kept in a separate store.
c.
S tock-taking of such recovered/traced units of EVM shall not be done,
if already does not exist in stock inventory; and
d.
Recovered/traced units of EVM should be sent to the factory for
destruction.
vii.
EVM storage warehouse must not have more than one (1) entry
point. If there are any other doors or windows in the warehouse,
they should be sealed using brick-masonry or concrete.
viii.
Entry of EVM storage warehouse must be secured by a double lock
system, which should be held jointly by two separate officers, to be
nominated by the DEO. One of whom shall not be below the rank of
Tehsildar. For warehouses at district headquarters, there shall be a
double-lock system. The Keys shall be in custody of DEO & Dy. DEO,
27
each having one key. Handing over and taking over of keys to be a
part of CTC.
ix.
M
ain switch of the warehouse/strong room should be installed
outside the warehouse/strong room and the electricity be
disconnected after sealing the warehouse/ strong room to avoid
short circuiting. No externally powered unit should be installed or
kept inside the strong room.
x.
Warehouse must be free from dampness, pests, rodents etc. Proper
fire-fighting arrangement must be made available. Warehouse should
be free from flood/water logging risk/cracks/leakage/broken window
etc. To provide an inlet/outlet for air-circulation to avoid foul smell in
strong rooms, exhaust fan may be installed, subject to the following
conditions:-
a.
E xhaust fan shall be installed on the front side of the strong room,
where security guards are posted and not on the rear side;
b.
E xhaust fan shall be installed at the highest point feasible, below the
roof;
c.
A strong iron grill shall be installed at the vent/passage where exhaust
fan will be installed.
d.
EVMs must be kept in a safe manner.
xi.
Adequate security arrangement must be made at warehouse by
deputing police/security guard round the clock.
4.1.3 Movement of EVMs
During non-election period, EVMs shall not be moved in or out of the EVM
warehouse without specific approval of the Commission.
In case of intra or inter State shifting of EVMs, on the direction of the Commission,
the following shall be strictly followed:i.
The CEO will communicate the direction of the Commission on shifting
of EVMs to the DEO concerned.
ii.
EO(s) will issue written order to the officer referred in para 4.1.1(b)
D
above for opening of EVM-warehouse [except EVM-warehouse
mentioned at [4.1.1(a)] to shift the required number of EVMs.
iii.
On receiving the written order of the DEO, the nominated Officer shall
identify the EVMs to be moved out and make an entry of the details of
28
such EVMs in the Master Stock Register/Movement Register and shall
take a written acknowledgement from the officer, who is receiving
the EVM, as proof of having received the EVMs.
4.2
During Election Period
4.2.1 Physical Verification of EVMs
If there is a general election during the year, the DEO shall carry out 100%
physical verification of EVMs during the First Level Checking of the EVMs
and send the report to the Commission through Chief Electoral Officer in the
format in Annexure –3.
4.2.2 Storage of EVMs
4.2.2.1 Pre-Poll Storage:
fter FLC and first randomization of EVMs, EVMs shall be handed over to
A
the Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer concerned. The Returning
Officers shall follow the following guidelines:i)
RO/ARO shall store the EVMs, allocated for his constituency, in a
strong room in the presence of representatives of National/State
Level Political Parties, under videography. EVMs meant for training
and awareness of voters shall be kept in a separate strong room so
that strong room having EVMs (including reserve EVMs) meant for
poll need not be opened before preparation of EVMs.
ii)
T hereafter, RO shall open the strong room having EVMs (including
reserve EVMs) meant for poll at the time of preparation of EVMs
(candidate setting) in the presence of candidates/their representatives,
under videography.
iii)
fter preparation of EVMs at RO level, EVMs including reserve EVMs
A
shall again be kept in strong room in the presence of candidates/their
representatives, under videography.
iv)
Thereafter, RO shall open the strong room having EVMs (including
reserve EVMs) on the day of dispersal of polling parties in the presence
of candidates/their representatives, under videography.
v.
After completion of poll, polled EVMs shall be escorted back to
the strong room for storing in double lock system in the presence
of candidates/their representatives, under videography.It shall be
ensured that complete set (BU, CU & VVPAT) of a particular polling
station shall be kept in the same strong-room.
29
vi.
nused EVMs and unused VVPATs shall be stored in separate strong
U
room.
4.2.2.2 Post-Poll Storage:
The following instructions shall be strictly followed for the security and safety of
strong rooms where the polled EVMs and VVPATs are kept for counting of votes –
i.
The strong rooms should have double lock system. One key should
be kept with District Election Officer and the other with Returning
Officer of concerned assembly constituency.
ii.
Two cordoned security arrangements should be made round the clock
for the strong rooms having polled EVMs kept for counting of votes.
The CPF should man the innermost perimeter security immediately
outside the strong room and the State Armed Police should man the
outermost perimeter security.
iii.
The minimum security requirement for strong room of polled EVMs
and VVPATs must be One Platoon. A logbook shall be maintained
during the said period.
iv.
All contesting candidates should be intimated in writing to depute
their representatives to keep a close watch on security arrangement
of strong room. They should be allowed to stay outside the inner
perimeter at a location, which enables them to view the entry points
of the strong room. As far as possible, facilities such as proper shade,
drinking water, etc. shall be provided to them. If there is no direct
view to the entry point of the strong room, CCTV may be arranged
at such location, from where they can see the strong room door on
CCTV. In such a case, they may be taken periodically to the inner
perimeter in batches, to see, verify and satisfy themselves regarding
the security of strong room. The CCTV display of Strong Room shall
be arranged on a large TV screen at the place earmarked for the
representatives of Political Parties and agents of the candidates, so
that they can continuously monitor the Strong Room.
v.
A control room adjacent to the strong room SHOULD BE operative
round the clock.
vi.
Gazetted officer along with a senior police officer should be put
A
on duty round the clock for monitoring the security arrangements of
strong room.
30
vii.
T here should be sufficient arrangement of fire extinguishers near and
inside the strong room.
viii.
T here should be an arrangement round the clock for the security of
unused EVMs also.
ix.
No one should be allowed to enter the inner perimeter without
adhering the following protocols:-
a.
T he log book shall be maintained by the CPF in which entry should be
made about date, time, duration and name(s) of person(s) crossing
the second security ring i.e. the middle perimeter. This includes visits
by the Observers or DEOs or SPs or candidates or their agents or any
other person.
b.
ideo cameras should be provided to the CPF contingent to record all
V
visits made by such visitors.
x.
It should be ensured that there is uninterrupted power supply at the
strong room locations during the entire period wherein EVMs are
stored. CEO may address the Chairman of Electricity Board concerned
separately regarding this. Local Electricity Board officials should be
asked to ensure the same. Contingency arrangement of stand-by
generators should be made to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
xi.
T he phone nos. of CEO, Addl. CEOs, DEC in-charge in the ECI and
the DEO/SP/COP/ROs concerned should be given to the candidates,
who may provide the same to their representatives, keeping vigil
at the strong room location(s). The candidates may advise their
representatives to contact the officials, in case of any emergency.
xii.
All the entry points (doors etc.) of strong rooms should be under
constant videography using the web-cams and laptops available. If
there are other doors of the strong room, they should also be covered
by the web-cams/videography. Persons coming to take back-up from
the laptops should have identity cards given to them and their names
should be recorded in advance with the CPF contingent stationed
there. Their visits should be videographed by the CPF contingent
with the video camera provided for the entire duration.
xiii
eturning Officers should visit the storage campus (upto the inner
R
perimeter only) every day in the morning and evening and check
the log book and videography and send a report to the DEO on the
31
status every day. In case of strong rooms located in the district
headquarters, the DEO should do the same. Where the strong rooms
are situated outside the District Headquarters, DEO should visit the
same as frequently as possible and at least once in 3 to 4 days.
xiv
o vehicle, including that of any official or ministers or any other
N
political functionary, should be allowed inside the secured campus
where the EVMs are stored. Alighting point for the vehicles should be
marked clearly ahead of the outer security perimeter itself beyond it,
it should be a pedestrian zone only.
xv.
Cs and SPs shall be personally responsible for security of strong room
D
within the district and meticulous implementation of the protocol.
The copy of this Manual should be made available to all candidates,
DEOs, ROs and CPF commandant.
xvi.
On the day of counting of votes, the strong room shall be opened
in the presence of candidates/their representative, RO and Observer
under videography.
xvii.
After opening the strong room for counting of votes, complete
videography of taking out/bringing back of Control Units shall be
done. Agents of candidates should also be allowed to watch strong
room through CCTV coverage.
xviii.
log book must be maintained for the persons who have been
A
allowed/deputed to view the CCTV.
xix.
After completion of counting of votes, Control Units shall be sealed
as per existing instruction of the Commission. Thereafter, EVMs
(Balloting Units and Control Units) and VVPATs shall be shifted back
to Strong Room for safe storage.
Note:
1. Procedure to be followed for storing polled EVMs in strong room
i)
All Presiding Officers or the Collecting Parties should deposit the
voting machines and election papers and materials at the storage
centres without any avoidable delay. Any officer who defaults in this
respect will make himself liable to disciplinary action.
ii)
eturning Officer may earmark inside the storage room or building,
R
specified parts of the floor space in the form of squares in advance
32
for stacking the voting machines received from particular polling
stations. The arrangement for this should follow the serial number of
polling stations.
iii)
All Balloting unit(s) and control unit and VVPAT(s) received from
one polling station must invariably be kept together at one place
on the same square. The control unit should be kept on top of the
Balloting unit(s). One copy of the Part I of Form-17 C, as filled by the
concerned Presiding Officer of each polling station, should be kept
on top of the control unit pertaining to the polling station. Sealed
envelope containing the declarations made by the Presiding Officers
before the start of the poll and at the end of the poll should also
be kept in the strong room with polled EVMs. The duplicate copy of
the account of votes recorded and the paper seal account should be
kept under your safe custody along with the Presiding Officers Diary
and other records like Register of Voters(17A), reports of Sector/
Zonal magistrates, Additional inputs provided by the Presiding Officer
(refer ECI instruction in this regard) etc. Under no circumstance, these
papers/records should be put in strong room where polled EVMs are
kept.
iv)
S ufficient space should be left between rows of voting machines as
they are being stacked so that other machines received subsequently
out of turn (from the point of view of serial numbers of the polling
stations) may be kept at their appropriate allotted space without the
necessity of having to shift any of the voting machines received and
stacked in earlier point of time.
v)
If any of the contesting candidates so desires, he may be permitted to
post an agent to keep watch at the place where the voting machines
are stored pending the counting and allow him to affix his own seals
to the doors and windows of the building in which voting machines
have been stored in addition to the seals that may be affixed by you. It
should also be ensured that immediately after all the voting machines
have been received and stored, the room is locked forthwith.
Thereafter, no one is allowed to go in until the morning of the day fixed
for counting. If during this interval, for some unavoidable reason, the
room has to be opened you should send for the candidates or their
authorized representatives by giving them intimation in writing and
open the room in their presence and immediately after the purpose
33
for which the room is opened is over, this room should be closed and
sealed and the candidates or their representatives should again be
allowed to put their seal on the door lock and windows.
2.
vi)
Whenever it is necessary to open the room in which the voting
machines are stored, proper entries should be made in the logbook
giving details of the persons entering the room, the purpose of such
entry, time of entry, time of exit, signature of the guards, etc.
vii)
T hese instructions will also apply mutatis mutandis to the storage of
the voting machines during the interval between the original count
and the recount, if any
Under rule 94(aa) of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961, the guidelines
of the Commission on retention period of the EVMs after using in election
and for using the same in the subsequent elections, are as under:
A.
E very Voting Machine (EVM) and VVPATs used in an election and kept
in the custody of the District Election Officer shall be kept untouched,
under the standard protocol of security, till confirmation of Election
petition position from the High Court concerned after the completion
of the period for filing Election Petition i.e. 45 days from the date of
declaration of the result.
B.
In the case of elections, where no election petition has been filed or
no other court cases are pending, after the aforesaid period, the EVMs
may be allowed to be used by the Election Commission for any future
election or any other purpose like movement, physical verification of
EVMs and VVPATs, etc.
C.
In case of any election where election petition has been filed, the
following action shall be taken:-
i)
If the EVMs are the subject of the election petition, the EVMs used at
all Polling Stations in the constituency concerned shall continue to be
kept in the safe custody of the District Election Officer, till such time
the Election Petition is finally disposed of by the Courts.
ii)
If the EVMs are not the subject of the election petition, an application
may be moved to the concerned Court for allowing the EVMs
concerned to be taken out of the strong room for any future election
or any other purpose like movement, physical verification of EVMs
etc.
34
iii)
In case EVMs not involved in any Election Petition/Court Case are
stored with the EVMs involved in Election Petition/Court Case, the
following procedure shall be followed for segregating the EVMs not
involved in any election petition/court case form the EVMs involved
in EP/Court case:-
a)
A Notice informing the opening of Strong Room having EVMs involved
in EP/Court Case shall be given to the petitioners/respondents of the
EP/Court Case and the representatives of all political parties in writing
at least 72 hours in advance, requesting them to remain present at
the time of opening of strong room.
b)
The strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
Election Officer, Petitioners/respondents of the EP/Court case and
representatives of Political Parties.
c)
The EVMs not involved in any EP/Court Case shall be segregated
from the EVMs involved in EP/Court Case for taking out of the strong
room. A list of EVMs being so taken out from the strong room shall
be prepared.
d)
T he EVMs, which are not involved in any EP/Court Case, should alone
be taken out of the Strong room.
e)
The entire process shall be videographed.
f)
A copy of the list of EVMs being taken out from the strong room and
copy of videography shall be given to the petitioner/respondent of
the EP/court case and acknowledgement taken.
D.
If any other Court Case is pending, like, booth capturing, etc., in which
any EVM is involved, the EVM concerned or the EVM(s) used at such
Polling Station(s) concerned may also be kept till the final disposal of
the said case.
After the final disposal of the election petitions or other court cases,
as the case may be, referred to above, the EVMs can be used for
subsequent elections.
2.
Storage and Security Arrangements for EVMs & VVPATs
a)
EVMs and VVPATs of ECI be mandatorily kept in separate and secure
warehouse at all district headquarters, under the custody of District
Election Officer concerned.
35
b)
4X7 armed police security shall be provided at all such EVM/VVPAT
2
warehouse in each district, throughout the election, as well as, nonelection period.
c)
The minimum security requirement for strong room of polled EVMs
must be One Platoon. A logbook shall be maintained during the said
period.
d)
24x365 Police Security of EVM/VVPAT warehouses. In addition, CCTV
from start of FLC till EP completion period.
e)
Security: Non Poll (Post EP to FLC) – Minimum 1/2 Section
FLC to Polling – Minimum 1 Section
Poll to EP - Minimum 1 Platoon
3. Transportation of EVMs & VVPATs: For any transportation of EVMs/VVPATs
from one place to another (i.e. from factory to States, Inter-State, Intra-State
etc.), following protocols shall be strictly followed:
a)
Movement of EVMs & VVPATs should mandatorily be done through
EVM Tracking Software (ETS).
b)
ontainerized trucks or sealed trucks on which proper locking
C
arrangements can be made shall only be used for transporting EVMs
and VVPATs, so that these could be locked and sealed with paper
seals.
c)
All trucks transporting EVMs/VVPATs shall be sealed with lock and
paper seals.
d)
ehicles with GPS tracking only should be used for movement of
V
EVM/VVPAT.
e)
Political Parties shall be informed in advanced about opening, stocking
& sealing of warehouses while shifting EVMs and VVPATs. However, if
no representative attends, the work should not stop.
f)
DEO to video-graph the whole process of transfer/receipt of EVM.
i)
Transportation from Factory to State
a)
PS tracking of vehicles shall be monitored on daily basis by the
G
District Election Officers and randomly monitored by the Chief
Electoral Officers. A daily monitoring report shall be sent by the Chief
Electoral Officer to the Commission.
36
b)
F or transportation of EVMs/VVPATs (newly manufacture or repaired)
from factory to State, transportation arrangements shall be done by
the manufacturers. The transportation charges for shifting of repaired
EVMs/VVPATs from factory to State/UT allocated by the Commission
shall be borne by the State/UT concerned.
c)
Manufacturers shall undertake Due Diligence for empanelling/
engaging transport companies for transportation of EVMs/VVPATs.
d)
onsignee State/UT shall depute its official at factory with security
C
personnel from their State and follow the security protocol for Inter
State transfers.
ii)
Inter State Transportation
a)
nodal officer at State as well as District level shall be appointed for
A
constant coordination for smooth transportation of EVMs in donor
and borrower States.
b)
s far as possible, the CEOs shall ensure the location of districts for
A
collection of EVMs/VVPATs by borrowing State are in a cluster or on
the same route.
c)
EOs shall ensure that neither defective nor ‘EVMs/VVPATs under
D
conflict in ETS’ are transferred to the borrowing State.
iii)
Intra State Transportation
a)
Intra-district allocation as well as inter-district allocations to be done
as per existing instructions only.
b)
All movements of EVMs/VVPATs shall be done through ETS and with
prior permission of the Commission.
c)
In case of exigencies like flood or fire the CEO/DEO may shift the
EVMs/VVPATs under intimation to the Commission and also take post
facto approval.
d)
EOs will ensure appointment of team to accompany the truck
D
for transporting EVMs/VVPATs, arrangement of district transport,
arrangement for proper handing over and receipt of EVMs/VVPATs.
********
37
CHAPTER – 5
FIRST LEVEL CHECKING OF EVMS& VVPATS (FLC)
5.1 OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY OF FLC District Election Officer shall be responsible
for overall FLC process and shall ensure strict adherence & compliance of
FLC instructions. District Election Officer shall appoint an Addl./Dy. DEO fully
trained with FLC process as FLC supervisor.
5.2. FLC when to be done:
5.2.1.
F LC of EVMs and VVPATs shall be done before every bye-election
and general election to State Legislative Assembly and House of the
People (Lok Sabha) or in any elections where EVMs are used in future.
5.2.2.
F LC of EVMs (Control Units and Balloting Units) and VVPATs shall
commence
a)
within one month of occurrence of vacancy in case of bye-election.
b)
a t least P-120 days in case of General Election to State Legislative
Assembly.
c)
at least P-180 days in case of General Election to Lok Sabha.
5.2.3.
F LC is to be done sufficiently in advance so that all checks are carried
out without any undue haste in the presence of representatives of
political parties.
5.2.4. F LC of EVMs and VVPATs shall be completed, as far as possible, well
before the issue of notification calling the election.
5.3. Schedule of FLC:
5.3.1. D
epending on the number of EVMs and VVPATs to be checked in FLC,
the CEO shall prepare a schedule for the FLC of EVMs in consultation
with EVM manufacturers (ECIL & BEL).
5.3.2. T he above schedule shall be made available to the Commission for
approval by P-130 days in case of General Election to State Legislative
Assembly and P-190 days in case of General Election to Lok Sabha.
5.4. FLC to be done in the presence of representatives of political parties:
5.4.1. T he schedule for FLC shall be communicated to every national and
state level recognized political party at the district headquarters
38
under intimation to the parties at State headquarters, in writing by
the DEO at least one week before the beginning of the FLC in the
district.
5.4.2. O
n the day of the FLC, representatives of all national and state level
recognized political parties authorized by the District President of the
party shall be encouraged to be present.
5.4.3. A
register shall be kept at FLC hall by the DEO in Annexure –4in which
signatures of all political parties shall be taken every day as token of
their presence.
5.5. Arrangements in the premises of FLC:
5.5.1. F LC shall be carried out in a large, well-lit, well ventilated and dust
free hall. Non-heating high illumination LED lights may be installed
so that each table is brightly lit.
5.5.2. T he hall must be spacious to accommodate the EVMs and VVPATs
to be checked, officials nominated by the DEO, engineers of BEL and
ECIL and also representatives of political parties. The requirement of
tables, chairs and labours shall be assessed in consultation with BEL
and ECIL.
5.5.3. F LC area shall be barricaded and sanitized by police before the hall
is used for FLC. It shall be ensured that the hall is free from any
other electronic device or components of electronic devices, except
those permitted by the Commission for the purpose of recording FLC
process etc.
5.5.4. T here should be adequate arrangement of fire extinguishers and fire
alarm inside and outside the hall as FLC teams use highly inflammable
thinners to clean the EVMs.
5.5.5. F LC area shall have the facilities of drinking water, toilet, first aid etc.,
including toilets for women.
5.5.6. T here shall be only one entry and exit point to the hall, which shall be
guarded by armed police force round the clock.
5.5.7. E very hall shall have a door frame metal detector (DFMD) & entry
shall be permitted only through DFMD. Every person who enters the
hall shall be frisked at every entry. If a person makes multiple entries
in the hall, he/she shall be frisked each time the entry is made.
39
5.5.8. E ntry to this hall shall be only on production of Identity Card of the
authorized officials/passes issued by the District Election Officer.
5.5.9. N
obody will be allowed to carry any electronic device inside the hall
including cell phones, camera and spy pens etc. Similarly, nobody will
be allowed to carry anything out of the FLC hall. A collection center for
electronics items like cell phones, camera etc. shall be made outside
the hall. Only two mobiles, to be used by the election officials
nominated by the DEO, shall be allowed for marking of FLC-OK or
FLC-Reject using Mobile App developed by the Commission for this
purpose.Security personnel will not allow any other equipment to be
carried into the FLC hall by the engineers except those mentioned in
FLC Standard Operating Procedure (SoP).
5.5.10. Arrangement of Web-casting/CCTVs/videography:
eb-casting must be done of the entire FLC process for monitoring
W
by DEO/CEO/Commission only. The line feed of webcasting must be
closely monitored at the Control Room at DEO and CEO level and
report submitted to ECI.
5.5.11. A log book shall be maintained for entry and exit of every person
including the officers, representatives of political parties etc.
5.5.12. A separate log book (i.e. duty roaster) shall also be maintained for
armed police force deployed for FLC hall for recording the names,
designation, shift duties, take over and handover charges etc.
5.5.13. The Commission will send an inspection team comprising of officers
of ECI/CEO, alongwith engineers of the manufacturers to inspect the
FLC hall and preparedness of FLC 3-5 days before start of FLC. DEO
shall accompany this team to assess preparedness first hand.
5.6
Manpower in FLC:
5.6.1. F LC shall be carried out only by authorized engineers of BEL and ECIL.
BEL and ECIL shall be fully responsible for the integrity, efficiency and
competence of their engineers.
5.6.2. L ist of engineers deputed by BEL and ECIL for carrying out FLC will be
randomized by the Commission for allotment of the State. Districtwise allocation shall be done by CEO and this list alongwith engineers
cell numbers shall be intimated to DEO.
40
5.6.3. M
anufacturers shall depute Sr. level engineers at State headquarters
as well as each district headquarters to supervise FLC.
5.6.4. O
ne manager shall be appointed by BEL/ECIL for 4-5 districts & this
manager shall remain in the field for daily supervision & coordination.
5.6.5. N
o engineers, technicians or other technical staff except authorized
engineers/technical staff of BEL and ECIL shall be allowed to enter the
FLC hall.
5.6.6. S ufficient unskilled labour shall be deployed for cleaning, unpacking
and packing EVMs and VVPATs. The requirement of labour can be
assessed in consultation with the manufacturers.
5.7. Work to be done during FLC:
At the time of FLC, the following activities must be undertaken:
leaning of machines: Removal of address tags, Ballot Papers, cleaning
C
of superscriptions on CU & BU, clearing of earlier poll data, dusting of CU
& BU etc. These activities are carried-out in the secured place at the FLC
venue under close supervision of FLC in-charge and Engineers deputed by
manufacturers.
isual Inspection of EVM & VVPAT: Physical inspection of Carrying Cases,
V
EVM, VVPAT, Connecting Cable, Connector, Latches etc. to ensure no
structural damage or breakage of plastic parts, latches, switches etc.
Full functionality checks:
hecking of all switches in Control Unit, Balloting Unit, doors (flaps),
C
sealing provisions, scratches on acrylic screen etc.
esponse of all switches, confirmation tests for efficacy of Control
R
Unit, Balloting Unit etc. – BEL and ECIL engineers shall carry out test
prescribed by the manufacturers as per the SoP to confirm that all
components of the EVM are original.
The plastic cabinets of both Control Unit and Balloting Unit of the
EVMs shall be opened by the BEL/ECIL engineers in the presence of
political party representatives at the time of FLC and the PCB and
other components of EVMs will be shown to them. BEL and ECIL
engineers will certify in Annexure-5 that all the components of the
EVMs are original.
41
If any EVM is found to be defective, it will be kept aside and sent to
the factory of BEL and ECIL for repairs within 7 days of completion
of FLC in the district. CEO shall club despatches from more than 1
district to economise transport.
No electronic repair of the machine shall be carried out in the field.
Changing of electronic components of the machines in the field is
strictly prohibited.
etailed Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) mentioning the stepD
by-step instructions of checking of the machine is attached at
Annexure-6. Copy of this SoP shall be pasted prominently at FLC Hall.
These instructions include a list of equipment and spares, which the
engineers shall be allowed to carry with them in FLC hall.
Conduct of Mock Poll:
Casting of 1 (one) vote against each of the 16 candidate buttons,
observation of result and clearing of mock poll data will be done for
each EVM (BU+CU).
Additionally, mock-poll in 1% of EVMs of 1200 votes, in 2% of EVMs
of 1000 votes and in 2% of EVMs of 500votes shall be done and a
printout of the results, as well as sequential print-out of every vote
polled, shall be taken out and shown to the representatives of political
parties.
epresentatives of political parties shall be allowed to pick machines
R
randomly for the purpose of mock-poll. Signatures of representatives
of political parties shall be taken in a register in Annexure-7, as a
token of having seen the print out and confirmation that there is
no discrepancy between the votes polled during the mock poll and
results in the sequential print out.
In rest of the machines, number of votes polled during the mock poll
should be to the satisfaction of the representatives of political parties.
Representatives of political parties shall be allowed to do the mock
poll themselves, if they so desire.
S ignatures of representatives of political parties shall be taken
in a register in Annexure –8 as a token of having done mock poll
themselves.
42
In case of VVPATs, mock-poll with 6 votes against each of the 16
candidate buttons shall be done, followed by observation of result
and tally of electronic count and printed paper slips of VVPATs for
each VVPAT.
S ignatures of representatives of political parties shall be taken in a
register in Annexure-9, as a token of having seen the print outs and
confirmation that there are no discrepancies between the VVPAT
paper slips count and electronic count/print outs of EVM.
5.8. Sealing of plastic cabinet of Control Unit of EVMs with pink paper seal:
5.8.1 In order to ensure that the Control Unit of the EVM cannot be
opened after First Level Checking of the EVMs, the Control Unit shall
be sealed with the ‘Pink Paper Seal’ supplied by the Nasik Security
Press, in the presence of the representatives of the Political Parties
present at the time of FLC. The Pink Paper Seal shall be affixed on the
portion between the Candidate Set Section and the Result Section of
the Control Unit.
5.8.2. F LC Supervisor shall ascertain that the EVM (BU & CU) and VVPAT
are checked properly and are FLC-OK in all respect before affixing his
signature on the Green FLC-OK stickers to be pasted on the machines.
Further, he must be fully satisfied with the FLC process before using
Pink Paper Seal for sealing the FLC-OK CU.
5.8.3. A
fter fixing the Pink Paper Seal, the Engineer of the Manufacturer
shall put his signature on the Pink Paper Seal; the representatives of
the Political Parties shall also be allowed to put their signature on the
said seal with party name in abbreviation below the signature.
5.8.4. T he representatives of the Political Parties present should be allowed
to note down the serial number of the pink paper seal affixed on the
Control Unit.
5.8.5. A
register in Annexure–10shall be maintained to note down the serial
number of the pink paper seal used on the Control Unit by clearly
mentioning the unique ID number of Control Unit and the Pink Paper
Seal number. Signatures of representatives of political parties will
also be obtained on this register.
5.8.6. P
hotocopy of this register shall be given free of cost to all National
and State level recognized political parties as soon as FLC is over.
43
5.8.7. P
hotocopy of this register shall also be given to all contesting
candidates as soon as last date of withdrawal of candidature is over.
5.8.8. P
hotocopy of this register should also be available at the time of
candidate setting and at the time of counting, and should be shown
to candidates and their representative and acknowledgement taken
on the register.
5.9. Supervision of FLC:
5.9.1. F LC shall be carried out under the direct and close supervision of
District Election Officer.
5.9.2. T he DEO shall nominate one officer not below the rank of Additional/
Deputy DEO as FLC-Supervisor to supervise the entire process of FLC.
This officer shall be present in the FLC hall for the entire duration of
FLC. FLC Supervisor shall submit a certificate in Annexure-11to the
CEO concerned through DEO before starting of FLC to the effect that
all arrangements for FLC have been done as per ECI instructions.
5.9.3. D
istrict Election Officer shall invariably conduct a daily inspection of
the FLC venue & FLC process to ensure that the FLC is being carried
out as per the instruction of the Commission. The process of FLC shall
be webcast & continuously recorded. Video CD will be kept in the
custody of DEO.
5.9.4. W
ebcast cameras shall be installed in the FLC hall in such a manner
that the process of FLC can be fully seen on webcast.
5.9.5. C
ontrol Room shall be set up at CEO office for monitoring through
webcast whether FLC instructions & procedures are being fully
followed.
5.9.6. C
EO shall depute teams to conduct surprise inspection of FLC process
in the districts from time to time. The report of such inspection
undertaken by CEO shall be submitted to the Commission.
5.9.7. A
fter completion of the FLC of all the BUs, CUs and VVPATs and updating
of FLC-status in the ETS, DEOs shall submit a Certificate to this effect
to the CEO in the format given at Annexure-12and CEO will submit a
consolidated certificate for all the districts to the Commission.
44
5.10 Security measures for EVMs after FLC of EVMs:
5.10.1 C
omprehensive arrangements should be made for round-the-clock
security of the strong rooms having EVMs after First-Level-Checking.
5.10.2 M
inimum one section of Armed personnel of State Police + State
Armed Police shall be deployed for 24 X 7 security of Strong room
having FLC done EVMs/VVPATs.
5.10.3 T he entry point of strong room having EVMs after FLC shall have 24 X
7 CCTV coverage round the clock.
5.10.4. There should be sufficient arrangement of fire extinguishers and fire
alarm near and inside the strong room.
5.10.5. A
log book shall be maintained by the security personnel in which
entry should be made about date, time, duration and name(s) of
anyone entering near the strong rooms. This includes visits by the
Observers or DEOs or SPs or Political Parties/candidates or their
agents or any other person.
5.11. Recording of FLC Status in EVM Tracking Software:
F LC status (FLC-OK or FLC-Failed) of the BUs, CUs and VVPATs for which FLC
has been completed by the Engineers, shall be updated in the ETS using
‘Shifting/FLC/Randomisation’ mobile-app on day-to-day basis. In respect
of FLC-OK CUs serial number of the Pink-Paper Seal is also required to
be entered, while entering serial number of Pink-Paper Seal, it should be
ensured that only numerical number is to be entered not the alphabet prefixed to the numerals (i.e. if the serial no. of pink paper seal is X 123456, only
123456 will be entered as serial no. of pink paper seal). In case of VVPATs,
the box number will always be ‘0’.
5.12 TAKING OUT EVMS AND VVPATS FOR TRAINING AND AWARENESS PURPOSE
T o ensure proper training and awareness on use of VVPATs with EVMs, the
Commission has directed that after FLC of EVMs and VVPATs:
i)
% of EVMs and VVPATs shall be taken out for training and awareness
5
purpose.
ii)
Political Parties should necessarily be invited to witness this process
from opening of Warehouse and re-sealing of warehouse after
taking out the EVMs/VVPATs for awareness. Entire process to be
videographed.
45
iii)
T he list of such EVMs and VVPATs shall be given to the National and
State Recognised Political Parties. This list shall also be shared with
the candidates/their agents, as and when they are finalised.
iv)
A sticker of Yellow colour mentioning “Training/Awareness” shall be
affixed on such EVMs and VVPATs.
v)
T he abovementioned EVMs and VVPATs shall be stored in a separate
warehouse with proper security, as is done for strong room having
FLC-OK EVMs and VVPATs.
vi)
S uch EVMs and VVPATs shall be given only to the authorised officials
deputed by the District Election Officer concerned.
vii)
The DEO shall ensure that the officials chosen for creation of EVM/
VVPAT related awareness/IEC campaign, as well as those nominated
for handling these EVMs and VVPATs must be comprehensively
trained on the usage and functioning of the EVMs and VVPATs.
viii)
It shall be ensured that after the conclusion of training and awareness
programs, these EVMs and VVPATs shall be stored in the designated
warehouse on a daily basis.
ix)
Proper log book shall be maintained.
x)
Closing and opening of the designated warehoused shall be
videographed. However, the presence of the representatives of the
political parties are not required for the purpose.
xi)
Awareness EVMs/VVPATs can be added to Training EVMs/VVPATs, if
required.
xii)
oth Training and Awareness EVMs/VVPATs can be added to poll
B
day reserve, if required, after due process of FLC, randomization
and Candidate Setting in the presence of political parties/contesting
candidates/their agents.
NOTE: FLC OK EVMs & VVPATs taken out for the abovementioned purpose, shall
be marked ‘Training and Awareness” in ETS also so that these EVMs and VVPATs
cannot be used for Randomization.
5.13 Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for Training (including demonstration
and awareness programme) of EVM & VVPAT
T he Commission has directed that following SoP shall strictly be followed for
Training (including demonstration and awareness programme) of EVM & VVPAT:
46
E
VM
or/and VVPAT used for the aforesaid purpose shall be checked/
tested by authorised engineer(s) of M/s Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) and M/s Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), as the
case may be, during First Level Checking (FLC).
O
nly
“FLC OK” units shall be used for training, demonstration and
awareness campaign.
E
ngineer(s) of BEL and ECIL shall ensure that there is no data (including
ballot paper, in case of Ballot Unit) of previous election in the EVM
and VVPAT also.
E
ngineer(s)
shall only use dummy symbols for ballot paper(s) and
VVPAT as mentioned below:
For name of candidates- AAA, BBB, CCC, ………and so on;
F
or
symbol of candidates- Alpha (α), Beta (β), Gama (γ)………..and so
on.
Sample:
For Training/Demo/Awareness
1
AAA
α
2
BBB
β
3
CCC
γ
----
Only Sample ballot papers, having dummy names and symbols, shall
be used for training, demonstration, awareness campaign and First
Level Checking of EVMs or/and VVPATs.
B
EL/ECIL
shall ensure that engineers deputed for training,
demonstration, awareness campaign and First Level Checking of
EVMs or/and VVPATs must carry necessary equipment/Zig for symbol
loading and preparation of sample ballot papers and printer for
printing sequential print out of dummy data.
5.14. TRAINING OF MASTER TRAINERS, POLLING PERSONNEL, COUNTING
PERSONNEL AND STORAGE PERSONNEL:
P
residing
Officers, Polling Officers, Returning Officer, Assistant
Returning Officers, Sector Officers and Counting Personnel must be
47
given hands-on-training related to their role/duties on use of EVMs
with VVPATs.
E
very
official should get an opportunity to operate the EVM with
VVPAT system and understand the process of recording the vote using
VVPAT.
S
eparate
training should be given on counting of printed paper slips
from the VVPAT system and tallying the count of VVPAT paper slips
with the count of the Control Unit.
A
copy of VVPAT brochure (Annexure-13) should be given to all
officers during training and be available at polling station on poll day.
A
training session may be incorporated in the training module of State
Public Administration Institutions, on operation & use of VVPATs.
5.15. VVPAT DEMONSTRATION
A
demonstration of VVPAT system should be organized by the District
Election Officers (DEOs) for political parties, Returning Officers and
electors at suitable locations.
F
urther,
the Returning Officers (ROs) shall arrange demonstration of
VVPAT system for candidates and electors at suitable locations in the
constituency.
T
he
poster “How to Cast Your Vote Using EVMs and VVPATs”
(Annexure-14) on method of voting with VVPAT should be pasted at
prominent places of the constituencies and at places in each polling
station in a manner that voters waiting in the queue are able to read
the instructions.
T
he
DEO and RO should also organize programmes for awareness
about use of EVMs with VVPAT on print media and local cable-network
etc. A short film on How to Cast Your Vote using VVPAT with EVM shall
be made in regional language for this purpose.
NOTE: Only FLC-OK EVMs & VVPATs with dummy symbols shall be used for
training, awareness and demonstration.
48
CHAPTER – 6
FIRST RANDOMIZATION OF EVMS
6.1
Process of First Randomization –
F irst randomization of Balloting Units (BUs) and Control Units (CUs) will be
done to randomly assign EVMs to Assembly Constituencies (ACs), training
and Awareness Programmes. After FLC is over, the DEO will fix a schedule for
first randomization of EVMs. This schedule should be fixed in such a manner
that first randomization is completed before the start of training of polling
personnel. During first randomization, CUs and BUs are assigned to ACs
in the presence of the representatives of recognized political parties. The
randomization will be done in such a way that the CUs and BUs are randomly
selected by grouping them to match the poll day requirement including the
reserve required for each constituency. Surplus CUs and BUs after assigning
ACs to them shall also be randomly grouped and distributed AC wise for the
purpose of training and awareness programme. (for the training of the polling
staff as well as for the purpose of voter awareness). A sticker of Green colour
shall be affixed on the CUs and BUs assigned to ACs for polling. A sticker
of Yellow colour shall be affixed on the CUs and BUs assigned for training
and awareness programme. The sticker shall clearly indicate the Name of
State/UT and the Number and Name of Assembly Constituency. “Training/
Awareness” will be written on the sticker of CUs and BUs assigned for
training and awareness. “Election” will be written on the sticker of CUs and
BUs assigned for polling. No current ID will be given during randomization.
After randomization the CUs and BUs will be marked “Election” or “Training/
Awareness” in the EVM tracking software.
6.2
Communication of the List of Randomized CUs and BUs to Political Parties
fter first randomization list of randomized CUs and BUs clearly indicating
A
which CUs and BUs are to be used in which AC for polling and which CUs and
BUs are to be used in which AC for training and awareness should be given
to each recognized political party and a written acknowledgement obtained.
A copy of this list should be given to all the candidates after the last date of
withdrawal of candidatures.
6.3
Taking charge of EVMs by RO
fter first randomization the R.O of the constituency, shall take charge of
A
the CUs and BUs randomly allotted to his constituency. The CUs and BUs
49
meant for use at the election shall be separately taken to R.O’s strong room
under proper escort and will be guarded 24X7. The training EVMs shall be
distributed to the relevant officers for the training purpose. At the time of
sealing the strong room, the representatives of political parties can remain
present and they can also affix their seal on the lock.
6.4
Security Measures
6.4.1 A
fter first randomization of EVMs the Returning Officer of the
constituency, shall take charge of the CUs and BUs randomly allotted
to his constituency. The CUs and BUs meant for use at the election
shall be separately taken to R.O’s strong room under proper escort
and will be guarded 24X7. The training EVMs to be distributed to the
relevant officers for the training purpose shall be kept in separate
strong room within the same premises. At the time of sealing the
strong room, where EVMs to be used for election are kept, the
representatives of political parties can remain present and they can
also affix their seal on the lock. For this purposerecognised National &
State Level Political Parties should be intimated in writing in advance.
6.4.2 T he strong rooms should have only one entry point and double lock
system. One key should be kept with Returning Officer and the other
with Assistant Returning Officer of concerned assembly constituency.
Other entry points of the strong rooms (including windows) should be
sealed in such a way that no one has access inside the strong rooms.
6.4.3 S ecurity arrangements should be made round the clock for the strong
rooms having EVMs after First Level Checking.
6.4.4 T he entry point of strong room having EVMs after FLC shall have CCTV
coverage round the clock.
6.4.5 T here should be sufficient arrangement of fire extinguishers near and
inside the strong room.
6.4.6 A
log book shall be maintained by the security personnel in which
entry should be made about date, time, duration, purpose and
name(s) of anyone entering near the strong rooms. This includes
visits by the Observers or DEOs or SPs or Political Parties/candidates
or their agents or any other person.
NOTE: The above process/procedure shall be followed for VVPAT also.
********
50
CHAPTER – 7
SECOND RANDOMIZATION OF EVMS
7.1
Second randomization
S econd randomization of EVMs has to be done before preparation of EVMs
for poll by candidate setting as the address tag of EVM is sealed at the time of
preparation of EVM (Candidate Set). The purpose of second randomization
of EVMs is to allocate EVMs randomly to polling stations. The Returning
officer should fix the date of preparation of EVMs for poll (Candidate set)
and intimate all candidates to remain present or send their representatives
during the process. The date should be fixed as early as possible after the
last date of withdrawal of candidatures and finalization of ballot papers. On
this day, second randomization should be done before doing the process of
preparation of EVMs for polls and CUs and BUs should be randomly allocated
to polling stations. After second randomization, Polling Station number
should be marked in the EVM tracking software, against those BUs and CUs
which have been assigned polling stations. Those BUs and CUs which have
not been assigned polling stations but are meant to be used in elections
should be marked “Reserve” in the EVM tracking software. A list of CUs and
BUs along with the number of polling stations assigned to them should be
given to all the candidates. Similarly a list of CUs and BUs kept in reserve
should also be given to the candidates and their written acknowledgement
taken.
7.2
Allocation of additional BUs
here more than one Balloting Unit is being used, the Returning Officers
W
will ensure that the additional prepared Balloting Units are also allocated
randomly to the polling stations. For this purpose there may be two
Scenarios–
7.2.1 Scenario 1:
reparation of EVMs and second level randomization is already over before
P
the additional Balloting Units reach the Returning Officer’s Headquarters. In
this case, another randomization for allocating Balloting Units No.2/3 will be
done to allocate the Balloting Units to the polling stations and the list of such
allocation shall also be supplied to the Political Parties/Candidates.
51
7.2.2 Scenario 2:
reparation of EVMs and second level randomization is done after the arrival
P
of additional Balloting Units. In such case, the randomization will be done in
such a way that against the polling station number the Control Unit number
is shown first and then the Balloting Unit No.1 and Balloting Unit No2 and so
on.
7.3
Cascading of BUs
In the constituencies where additional Balloting Units are being used
because of the number of contesting candidates being more than 16
(including NOTA), the Presiding Officers should be specifically instructed to
arrange the Balloting Units in the manner as shown in the figure enclosed
herewith at Annexure-9. For this purpose, the size of Voting Compartment
should be increased proportionally in such a way that the electors are not
put to any kind of inconvenience and at the same time the secrecy of ballot
is not compromised in any way.
NOTE: The above process/procedure shall be followed for VVPAT also.
********
52
CHAPTER – 8
PREPARATION OF EVMS (CANDIDATE SET)& VVPATS
8.1
When preparation of EVMs/VVPATs to be done
reparation of EVMs/VVPATs for elections shall be done invariably in the
P
presence of candidates or their representatives. The Returning Officer
shall draw a schedule for preparation of EVMs/VVPATs. Preparation of
EVMs should start as soon as possible after the last date of withdrawal of
candidatures. Sufficient time should be provided for preparation of EVMs
for each Assembly Constituency in the case of Assembly Elections and for
each assembly segment in the case of Parliamentary Elections. It may be
noted that the time required for preparation of EVMs/VVPATs under the
new instructions will be sufficiently more than the time required earlier.
Therefore, the schedule should be fixed in such a manner that preparation of
EVMs/VVPATs is not done in a hurried manner. Ideally, the Returning Officer
should fix between 3-5 days for each Assembly Segment for this purpose. In
case of Parliamentary Elections, preparation of EVMs for assembly segment
should be supervised by Assistant Returning Officers. The schedule should
be made in such a manner that preparation of EVMs/VVPATs is done for
all the assembly segments in separate halls and is completed at least 8 –
10 days before the poll. Candidates should be informed in writing of the
schedule for preparation of EVMs/VVPATs and should be requested to be
present or send their representatives at the time of preparation of EVMs/
VVPATs. In the written invitation, conveying schedule for preparation of
EVMs/VVPAT to be sent to the Candidates, it shall be mentioned that they/
their representatives must be present to oversee preparation of EVMs/
VVPATs and actively participate in the mock poll process. On the day of the
preparation, a register in Annexure-15will be kept by the Returning Officer in
which the signatures of candidates or their representatives will be taken as
token of their presence.
8.2
Arrangements in the premises of preparation of EVM/VVPATs
reparation shall be carried out in a large hall which can accommodate all EVMs
P
to be prepared. The hall should be able to accommodate officers nominated
by the District Election Officer, engineers of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
/ Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and also representatives of
53
candidates. Before the hall is used for preparation, it shall be fully sanitized
to ensure that the hall is free from any other electronic device or components
of electronic devices. Every entry to the hall shall be guarded by police force.
Every hall shall have a door-frame metal detector. Every person who enters the
hall shall be frisked at every entry. Entry to this hall shall be on production of
Identity Card of the authorized officials/passes issued by the District Election
Officer (DEO). Nobody will be allowed to carry any electronic device inside
the hall including cell phones, camera and spy pens. Similarly, nobody will be
allowed to carry anything out of the preparation hall.
8.3
Manpower for preparation
Only the authorized engineers of BEL and ECIL shall be associated with the
preparation of EVMs/VVPATs. BEL and ECIL shall be fully responsible for
integrity, efficiency and competence of their engineers. List of engineers
deputed by BEL and ECIL for carrying out task during the preparation of
EVMs/VVPATs in a district along with their identity card numbers etc. shall
be communicated in writing by BEL and ECIL to the DEO. No engineers,
technicians or other technical staff, except authorized engineers/technical
staff of BEL and ECIL, shall be allowed to enter the preparation hall.
Manufacturers shall provide Protocol/checklist on preparation of EVMs/
VVPATs to DEO/RO beforehand for proper watch on work of Engineers.
Authorized persons will be allowed to enter the preparation hall only after
proper identification using photo identity documents. It may be noted that
a separate team will be required for each EVM in which 1000 votes are cast
during mock poll because the time required for casting of 1000 votes will
be at least 4 hours.
8.4
Additional tasks during preparation
etailed instructions of the tasks to be done during preparation of Balloting
D
Units and Control Units of EVMs have been given the Handbook for Returning
Officers. In addition to these tasks, following additional tasks shall be
performed: 8.4.1 Checking of Balloting Units (BUs) –
uter cover of BUs shall be opened and inside of BU shown to
O
candidates and their representatives at the time of preparation of
EVMs. BU shall be examined by BEL and ECIL engineers who will certify
as in Annexure-16 that all components of BUs are original. If any BU
54
is found defective, it will be kept aside and can be taken back to the
factory of BEL and ECIL for repairs. No repairs shall be carried out in
the field. Changing of components in the field is strictly prohibited.
Detailed instructions of checking of BU shall be issued separately by
BEL and ECIL for their respective machines. These instructions will
include a list of equipment which the engineers will be required to
carry within the preparation hall. Security personnel will not allow
any other equipment to be carried into the preparation hall.
8.4.2 T he VVPAT system shall be prepared for poll in the following manner
as mentioned in Rule 49B [4(c) (i) – (iii)] of the Conduct of Elections
Rules, 1961:
Installation of paper roll
Inserting of power pack
T
he
VVPAT consists of VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU) and VVPAT
Printer unit. A new battery power pack shall be connected to the
VVPAT unit and shut the door of the battery compartment, but no
sealing is required on battery compartment as the power pack can be
replaced if low battery status is indicated on VSDU during the poll.
A
fresh paper roll shall be installed in the printer unit as per the
procedure mentioned in the user manual for VVPAT provided by the
manufacturer (Annexure 17)
S
erial
numbers, names of candidates and symbols allotted shall be
loaded in VVPAT with the help of engineers. A test printout shall be
checked with the ballot paper in Balloting Unit (BU).
T
hen
one vote to each candidate shall be given to check that the
VVPAT is printing the paper slips accurately.
55
T
hereafter,
switch off the CU and seal the latches of paper roll
compartment using thread seals and address tags. The candidates/
their agents shall be allowed to affix their signatures with party
abbreviations on Address Tags.
8.4.3 Conduct of Mock Poll:
During commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, mock poll of 1000 votes
will be cast on 5% randomly selected EVMs, as well as VVPATs. The
electronic result shall be tallied with paper count. Candidates/their
representatives shall be allowed to pick machines randomly for
this purpose and also to participate in the process. Representatives
of candidates shall be allowed to do the mock poll themselves.
Signatures of representatives of candidates shall be taken in a register
in Annexure–18as token of having done mock poll themselves. It may
be ensured that the pink paper seal of the CU which has been applied
on the CU at the time of FLC is not damaged in any manner in this
process.
8.4.4 Sealing of plastic cabinet of BU with pink paper seal:
etailed instructions of sealing the BU with thread seals are mentioned
D
in the Handbook for Returning Officers. In addition, the BU shall
be sealed with a special “pink paper seal” supplied by India Security
Press, Nasik, in the presence of candidates or their representatives at
the time of preparation of EVMs. Pink paper seal shall be fixed at the
lower most portion of the BU in such a manner that no candidate’s
button or candidate’s name or symbol is hidden by the seal. After
affixing the pink paper seal, BEL / ECIL engineer shall put his signature
on the pink paper seal. Candidates or their representatives shall also
be allowed to put their signatures on the pink paper seal with name
of the candidate, party before the signature. Candidates and their
representatives should also be allowed to note down the serial number
of the pink paper seal of the CU. A register in Annexure -19shall be
maintained to note down the serial no. of the pink paper seal used on
the Balloting unit by clearly mentioning unique ID of the BU and pink
paper seal no. Signatures of candidates and their representatives will
also be obtained on this register. Photocopies of this register will be
given free of cost to all candidates once preparation is over.
56
8.4.5 Supervision of the preparation:
reparation shall be supervised either personally by the RO or one
P
of the AROs deputed by the RO for this purpose. The process of
preparation of EVM should be fully video-graphed. Manufacturers
shall also depute Sr. Level Engineers at State and District levels for
supervision and coordination during preparation of EVMs/VVPATs.
NOTE: In case any BU or CU does not work properly during
commissioning of EVMs & VVPATs, dispersal of polling parties or
during mock Mock-poll at polling station, the concerned unit (i.e. in
case BU does not work properly, only BU is to be replaced and similar
for CU) will be replaced from the reserve one.
********
57
CHAPTER – 9
INSTRUCTIONS ON DISPERSAL OF EVMS AND VVPATS
9.1
hen the EVMs/VVPATs are taken out of the strong room for dispatch to
W
polling stations, the usual precaution of informing the date and time of
opening of strong room in writing to the candidates/ agents shall be followed.
9.2
t the time of dispatch, the Presiding Officers shall be advised to compare
A
the machine number inscribed on the metal label and the adhesive sticker
and also verify the PS no indicated on the sticker and compare it with PS
no. mentioned in the address tag before accepting the EVM/VVPATs.
Discrepancy, if any, shall be brought to the notice of the officer in charge of
dispatch arrangement and be reconciled.
9.3
T he candidates may be advised to share the machine number of the EVM
(both CU/ BU) /VVPATs allotted to the specific PS with their polling agent/
agents appointed by them so that they are in a position to inspect the EVM/
VVPAT for their satisfaction before the commencement of mock poll at the
polling station on the poll day. The Presiding Officers shall be advised to
show the machine number to the agents present before the commencement
of the mock poll. It is relevant to note that as per the existing instructions
the Presiding Officer is supposed to mention the number of CU used; serial
number of CU used; numbers of BU/BUs used and serial numbers of BU/BUs;
number of VVPAT(s); serial number of VVPAT used at the polling station in
the Presiding Officer’s Diary. This instruction shall be scrupulously followed.
NOTE: The polling parties shall strictly be instructed not to test VVPAT at
the time of dispersal and before mock poll at polling station under any
circumstance, as VVPATs issued to them are already checked & tested.
58
CHAPTER – 10
INSTRUCTIONS TO ZONAL/SECTOR/AREA
OFFICERS REGARDING EVMS
The following instructions shall be complied with for ensuring safe movement of
EVMs by Zonal/Sector/Area Magistrates. Following category of EVMs move on poll
day with either poll party or Sector/Zonal/Area Magistrate:10.1 Category “A”
olled EVMs: Those EVMs in which votes polled at polling stations are
P
recorded and which are closed at the end of poll after following due
procedure.
10.2 Category “B”
efective polled EVMs which become defective after some votes are
D
recorded in it.
10.3 Category – “C”
efective unpolled EVMs which become defective before commencement
D
of poll and are replaced.
10.4 Category – “D”
nused EVMs: Reserve EVMs which are with Sector/Zonal/Area Magistrate,
U
and are not used in actual poll.
10.5 Z onal Magistrates and Area Officers who are given EVMs from reserve stock
will maintain a register where the particulars of Balloting Units (BU) and
Control Units (CU) issued to them are mentioned and a receipt shall be
obtained for the machines given to them. Such officers should also maintain
the accounts of EVMs replaced, if any, in the register maintained by them for
this purpose duly signed by the concerned Presiding Officers, indicating time
of replacement.
10.6 Zonal/Sector/Area Officers should visit every polling station in their
jurisdiction as many times as possible on the poll day and check working of
EVMs and other things.
10.7 EVMs of category ‘A’ are stored in a Strong Room as per procedure laid down.
10.8 EVMs of category ‘B’ are also stored separately with the EVMs of category
59
‘A’ in a Strong Room. In respect of this category of EVMs, the Sector/Zonal/
Area Magistrate shall keep a record of it and furnish a certificate to the
effect while returning the EVMs of category ‘D’ on the next day of poll.
The information furnished by them shall be tallied with Presiding Officer’s
diary by the Returning Officer and the Observer before commencement of
counting of votes.
10.9 E VMs of category ‘C’ are stored separately in a separate room other than the
strong room. The sticker of defective un-polled EVMs should be pasted on
the carrying cases of such category of Balloting Units and Control Units, for
technical evaluation of the same by the manufacturer.
10.10
EVMs of category ‘D’ are also stored separately in a separate room, other
than the strong room where polled EVMs are kept, by Sector/Zonal/Area
Magistrate. The sticker of unused EVMs should be pasted on the carrying
cases of such category of Balloting Units and Control Units.
10.11 T he store room where the EVMs of category ‘C’ and ‘D’ will be kept is to
be decided in advance and intimated to the political parties/candidates. It
should not be in the vicinity of the collection and the counting center so as to
arouse any suspicion. This category of EVMs should also not be collected on
the day of poll, rather it should be collected on the next day of poll from the
concerned Zonal/Sector/Area Officers. On the day of poll, these categories
of EVMs should be in the personal custody of Zonal/Sector/Area Officers,
as these are unused EVMs. Also, proper documentation of such and other
unused EVMs is to be made before they are transported to the store room
by the Zonal/Sector/Area Magistrate themselves.However, for safe storage
of EVMs of ‘C’ and ‘D’ categories byZonal/Sector/Area Officers after poll, a
separate storage-room shall be earmarked so that these EVMs can be stored
safely before depositing in store room on the very next day.
NOTE: The above process/procedure shall be followed for VVPAT also.
60
CHAPTER – 11
VOTING COMPARTMENT TO BE USED
IN POLLING STATIONS
In order to maintain secrecy of vote at the time of poll and uniformity on use of
voting compartments, the following instructions shall be strictly adhered on use of
Voting Compartment at Polling Stations –
The
voting compartments shall be made only of corrugated plastic sheet
(flex-board) of steel grey colour, which is opaque and reusable.
T he Voting Compartment shall be in three folds, each fold having dimension
of 24"X24”X30" (Length X Width X Height). Increased height of 30” is
mandatory.
All the three sides of the voting compartments shall be printed as mentioned
at Annexure-20.
The
height of the table on which the voting compartment is placed should
be 30” as shown at Annexure-20.
If
more than one BU is used for poll, the width of the voting compartment
may be increased 12” for each additional BU. Where additional Balloting
Units are being used, Presiding Officers shall arrange the Balloting Units in
the manner as shown at Annexure-20. While placing the EVM in the voting
compartment, it must be ensured without fail that secrecy of voting is not
violated. For this purpose, it must be ensured that it is not near the window
or the door of the polling station.
The interconnecting cable of Balloting Unit/VVPAT should be so routed that
it does not obstruct the movement of voters inside the polling station and they do
not tread or trip over it, but the entire length of the cable should be visible and
under no circumstances be concealed under the cloth or under the table.
The Commission has further directed that
1.
Proper electricity arrangements should be made at the polling stations.
2.
igh voltage incandescent bulbs/tube-light should not be placed over or
H
front of the voting compartment.
61
3.
Voting Compartment should be placed in such a way that
(a)
sufficient light is available inside the voting compartment.
(b)
no direct lighting is placed over or in front of the voting compartment.
(c)
secrecy of voting is not violated.
(d)
voting compartment is not placed near the window/door.
NOTE: The size of the voting compartment as specified above includes the use of
VVPAT.
*******
62
CHAPTER – 12
INSTRUCTIONS ON USE OF EVMS IN POLLING STATIONS
In order to ensure that the conduct of the Presiding Officer and other polling staff,
in no way gives scope for any complaint, the Commission has issued the following
instructions for strict adherence: 12.1 T he D.E.O shall supply a printed sample of EVM Balloting unit pasted on
a cardboard (real size) to all the presiding officers along with other polling
materials at the time of dispatch. While printing such model ballot, care shall
be taken to ensure that only dummy name and dummy symbols that are not
in use, are used and not any real names or symbols. It shall be printed in color
so that ‘blue button’ ‘green light’ and ‘red light’ etc. are clearly represented.
12.2 W
henever any voter asks for help or expresses inability to vote using EVM,
the presiding officer can explain to the voter the voting process using the
cardboard model of the EVM ballot in such a manner that the voter is able to
understand. This shall be done outside the voting compartment only in the
presence of polling agents and never inside the voting compartment.
12.3 T he Presiding Officer or other polling staff shall not frequent the voting
compartment as that may give scope for complaints.
12.4 In order to ensure that no voter has committed any mischief by pasting any
paper, tapes etc., on the symbol/ names / ballot button, the presiding officer
may from time to time make an inspection of Balloting unit (BU)- but he
should make it a point to do so in the immediate presence of polling agents
when there is no voter inside the voting compartment.
12.5 A
ny complaint about the conduct of the polling staff at the polling station
shall be taken seriously and properly enquired. The Observers are being
instructed to take serious note of such complaints and conduct or cause
enquiry into such allegations and submit reports to the Commission.
12.6 A
ll the CUs/BUs/VVPATs allotted to Polling Stations as well as the reserve
machines shall be kept in the strong room in the presence of candidates/
agents. They can also be allowed to affix their seal on the lock of the strong
room.
********
63
CHAPTER – 13
MOCK POLL ON THE DAY OF POLL
13.1 Mock poll before commencement of actual poll
ock poll shall be conducted normally one hour before the scheduled hour
M
of commencement of poll. All contesting candidates should be informed
in writing well in advance that mock poll would start one hour before the
commencement of poll and they should be advised to instruct their polling
agents to be present in time for the mock poll. Polling agents of at least two
candidates should be present at the time of Mock Poll. However, if polling
agents of at least two candidates are not present, the Presiding Officer may
wait for 15 more minutes before conducting the mock poll and if the agents
still do not come, then the Presiding Officer may go ahead and start the
mock poll. It is further clarified that after waiting for 15 minutes, there is a
possibility that only one Polling agent may be present, in that situation also,
the Presiding Officer should go ahead and start mock poll. In such case, there
should be specific mention in the mock poll certificate on this aspect.
13.2 D
uring the mock poll, BU and VVPAT should be placed in the Voting
Compartment, where a Polling Officer should be present along with polling
agents to observe. The CU and VSDU should be placed on the table of the
Presiding Officer/Polling Officer. This Polling Officer will keep a record of the
votes cast.
13.3 T he mock poll should be conducted with the polling agents voting at random
for each of the contesting candidates. A total of at least 50 votes should
be polled in the mock poll. In the case of absence of polling agents of any
of the candidates, one of the polling officers or other polling agents may
record the votes for such candidates. The polling officers present in the
Voting Compartment should ensure that votes are recorded for each of the
contesting candidates. After the mock poll, Presiding Officer will ascertain
the result in the CU, count the VVPAT paper slips in the presence of the
polling agents and confirm that the results tally for each candidate.
13.4 A
ll mock poll data in CU and VVPAT paper slips from VVPAT must be removed
by the Presiding Officer and the empty drop box verified by the Polling
Agents.
13.5 The mock poll VVPAT paper slips, should be stamped on their back side
64
with rubber stamp having inscription
“MOCK POLL SLIP”, thereafter these
mock poll VVPAT paper slips shall be
kept in an envelope made of thick
black paper and sealed with the seal
of the Presiding Officer. The sample
image of the said stamp is as under:
( The dimensions of the stamp to be used for the purpose should be 3cms X
1.5 cms)
13.6 The Presiding Officer and polling agents must put their signatures on the
envelope. The number and name of the polling station, number and name
of Assembly Constituency, date of poll and the words “VVPAT paper slips of
Mock Poll” shall be written on the envelope.
13.7 T his envelope must be kept in the special plastic box for mock poll and sealed
with a pink paper seal placed all around in such a manner that opening of
the box will require breaking of the seal.
13.8 T he number and name of the polling station, number and name of Assembly
Constituency and the date of poll shall be written on the plastic box.
13.9 T he Presiding Officer and Polling Agents must put their signatures on the
pink paper seal and keep the box along with other documents relating to
elections. Thereafter, Presiding Officer will sign the Mock Poll Certificate
(Annexure-21) and seal the CU.
13.10 T he drop box of VVPAT should be sealed with an address tag before the
actual poll starts.
13.11 T he Presiding Officers shall ensure that the data of the mock poll is deleted,
without fail, before the official poll starts. This is very critical step and this
should be emphasized during training.
13.12 T he Presiding Officers shall mention the names of the Polling agents and
the candidates (and their party affiliations), whom they represent and also
obtain their signatures on the completion of mock poll on the certificate.
13.13 W
here a micro-observer has been appointed at any polling stations,
he should also participate in all the proceeding of the mock poll and his
signature should also be obtained on the mock poll certificate. Further, these
proceedings should be videographed wherever videography arrangement
has been made at a polling station.
65
13.14
The Returning Officer through the Sector Officers and using the
communication link with the polling station/ mobile teams, shall
track the conduct or otherwise of mock poll, and ascertain the mock
poll status. Non-confirmation of mock poll could be indicative of noncommencement of poll and in that case the Returning Officer shall
make immediate intervention to sort out the problem.
13.15
The polling stations not having the presence of agents of the
candidates of recognized parties and where the mock poll had to be
conducted in the absence of agents or with the polling agent of only
one candidate shall merit focused attention of the election machinery.
Interventions such as deployment of micro-observers, deployment of
video cameras (if not already done), frequent visits by sector officers
and other senior officers should be ensured in such cases.
13.16.
Mock Poll in case of replacement of EVM
13.16.1. In case the CU or the BU does not work properly during actual
poll, replacement of the whole EVM including CU, BU and VVPAT is
required. However, in such case only one vote to each contesting
candidate including NOTA should be polled in the mock poll.
13.16.2. After the mock poll, Presiding Officer will ascertain the result in the
CU, count the VVPAT paper slips in the presence of the polling agents
and confirm that the results tally for each candidate.
13.16.3. All mock poll data in CU and VVPAT paper slips from VVPAT must be
removed by the Presiding Officer and the empty drop box verified by
the Polling Agents.
13.16.4. The mock poll VVPAT paper slips, should be stamped on their back side
with rubber stamp having inscription “MOCK POLL SLIP”, thereafter
these mock poll VVPAT paper slips shall be kept in an envelope made
of thick black paper and sealed with the seal of the Presiding Officer.
The sample image of the said stamp is as under:
66
(The dimensions of the stamp to be used for the purpose should be
3cms X 1.5 cms)
13.16.5. The Presiding Officer and polling agents must put their signatures on
the envelope. The number and name of the polling station, number
and name of Assembly Constituency, date of poll and the words
“VVPAT paper slips pertaining to Mock Poll conducted in case of
replacement of whole set of EVM and VVPAT” shall be written on the
envelope.
13.16.6. This envelope must be kept in the special plastic box for mock poll
and sealed with a pink paper seal placed all around in such a manner
that opening of the box will require breaking of the seal.
13.16.7. The number and name of the polling station, number and name of
Assembly Constituency and the date of poll shall be written on the
plastic box.
13.16.8. The Presiding Officer and Polling Agents must put their signatures on
the pink paper seal and keep the box along with other documents
relating to elections. Thereafter, Presiding Officer will sign the another
Mock Poll Certificate and seal the CU and VVPAT.
13.16.9. The drop box of VVPAT should be sealed with an address tag before
the actual poll starts.
NOTE: In case of replacement of only VVPAT during actual poll. No mock poll will
be conducted.
13.17. Recording of Poll Start and Poll End Date and Time
It has been brought to the notice of the Commission that in the elections
where post – 2006 make EVMs were used, in some cases, the date and time
of start and end of poll displayed in the Control Unit of EVM during the
process of counting of votes did not match with Indian Standard Time of
start and end of poll leading to confusion in the minds of stakeholders. This
can only happen if the date and time displayed in the Control Unit are not
checked at the time of Candidate Set procedure and also at the time of poll.
To remove such confusion in future, the Commission has decided to issue
the following instruction in this regard:
13.17.1 The display of date and time in the Control Unit of the EVM shall
be checked each time the power switch of Control Unit is switched
67
on during the process of First Level Checking of EVM and again at
the time of Preparation of EVM by Returning Officer. In case any
difference from Indian Standard Time is noticed the clock shall be
recalibrated by the engineers of the BEL/ECIL.
13.17.2 T he Presiding Officer, at the end of Mock Poll at the polling station,
shall invariably check and note the date and time shown in the display
of the Control Unit and also the actual date and time at that point of
time as well as any discrepancy between the two, if any, in the Mock
Poll certificate (Annexure-21) and also in Presiding Officers' Diary.
13.17.3 A
t the time of closure of poll, the presiding officer shall make a note
of the Poll end date and time displayed on the CU in the presiding
officer’s diary.
13.17.4 D
uring the process of counting of votes, a copy of the Mock Poll
certificate prepared by the Presiding Officer shall be brought to the
counting table with the Control Unit pertaining to that polling station.
NOTE: The polling parties shall strictly be instructed not to test VVPAT at
the time of dispersal and before mock poll at polling station under any
circumstance, as VVPATs issued to them are already checked & tested.
68
CHAPTER – 14
DURING ACTUAL POLL
14.1. ROLE OF POLLING PARTIES:
One
extra polling official must be provided to handle the VVPAT unit
while constituting polling parties. This polling official should handle
VVPAT unit and also watch VSDU continuously during poll process.
T
he
official shall immediately inform the Presiding Officer of any
error noticed in VSDU. At the time of dispersal of polling parties, two
copies of the Trouble shooting instructions (Annexure-22) and List of
additional items of polling materials (Annexure-23) shall be handed
over to the Presiding Officers.
A
dequate
numbers of black paper envelopes and plastic boxes may
also be procured for storing the paper ballot slips from the VVPAT.
NOTE: In case of M3 VVPAT, no extra polling official is required to handle the M3
VVPAT as there is no VSDU with M3 VVPAT and error related to VVPAT displays on
CU itself.
14.2 COMPLAINT & CONTINGENCY ISSUES
14.2.1 WRONG PRINTING COMPLAINT
If any voter alleges about the wrong printing of particulars of a candidate and/
or symbol of that candidate on VVPAT paper slip printed by the printer on
pressing of concerned blue (candidate) button on the Balloting Unit to which
the printer is connected, the Presiding Officer of the polling station should
provide him a ‘Form of Declaration’ (Annexure-24) to lodge a complaint and
follow the procedure prescribed under rule 49MA, which reads as under:
“ 49MA. Procedure in case of complaint about particulars printed on paper
slip W
here printer for paper trail is used, if an elector after having recorded
his vote under rule 49M alleges that the paper slip generated by the
printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than
the one he voted for, the presiding officer shall obtain a written
declaration from the elector as to the allegation, after warning the
elector about the consequence of making a false declaration.
69
If
the elector gives the written declaration referred to in sub-rule (1),
the presiding officer shall make a second entry related to that elector
in Form 17A, and permit the elector to record a test vote in the voting
machine in his presence and in the presence of the candidates or
polling agents who may be present in the polling station, and observe
the paper slip generated by the printer.
If
the allegation is found true, the presiding officer shall report the
facts immediately to the returning officer, stop further recording of
votes in that voting machine and act as per the direction that may be
given by the Returning Officer.
If,
however, the allegation is found to be false and the paper slip so
generated under sub-rule (1) matches with the test vote recorded by
the elector under sub-rule (2), then, the presiding officer shall-
m
ake
a remark to that effect against the second entry relating to that
elector in Form 17A mentioning the serial number and name of the
candidate for whom such test vote has been recorded;
O
btain the signature or thumb impression of that elector against such
remarks; and make necessary entries regarding such test vote in item
5 in Part I of Form 17C.”.
14.2.2. HANDLING CONTINGENCIES DURING POLL:
Certain contingencies may arise during the polling process, which
may require certain actions. These are as follows: In
case the CU or the BU does not work properly, replacement of
the whole EVM including CU, BU and VVPAT is required.However,
in such case only one vote to each contesting candidate including
NOTA should be polled in the mock poll.
In
case the VSDU is showing “Low Battery”, the power pack battery
of VVPAT should be replaced. It should be ensured that before taking
out the power pack battery of VVPAT, control unit must be switched
OFF and after installing new power pack battery in VVPAT, control
unit should be switched ON. Control Unit should not be switched ON
without installing power pack in VVPAT.
In
case there is any other error, like “Paper Low” error, the VVPAT
will stop printing and the error shall be displayed on the VSDU. In
70
such case the VVPAT unit is to be replaced. No mock-poll is required
to be taken. Therefore, if VVPAT has not printed the paper slip, or
the printed paper slip has not been cut, the last voter whose paper
slip has not been printed by VVPAT or has not been cut should be
allowed to cast his vote after the VVPAT has been replaced. In case
the printed paper slip has not been cut and is hanging from the paper
roll, no effort should be made to make it fall into the drop box. It
should be allowed to remain hanging as it means that the vote has
not been recorded in Control Unit and as it is not to be counted at
the time of counting of the printed-paper slips. The details of such an
occurrence should be clearly recorded in the Presiding Officer’s dairy
in the following format:
The date and time of the occurrence.
T
he name of the voter and his serial number in the part in the electoral
roll, who was allowed to cast his vote after replacement of VVPAT.
W
hether
the voter cast his vote after replacement of VVPAT or went
away without casting his vote.
T
he
Total number of votes cast before the occurrence.
In
case of contingencies, the Presiding Officers may also refer to
Annexure-22 for solutions.
71
CHAPTER – 15
INSTRUCTIONS ON EVM IN CASE OF RE-POLL
15.1 In case of re-poll, the EVM required for re-poll shall be drawn from the
reserve list and the CU/BU number shall be informed to the candidates/
agents in writing. Care shall be taken to ensure that the address tag on the
CU and BU clearly mentions it to be the EVM for use in the re-poll indicating
the date and PS no.
15.2 In case of re-poll, a pre-printed self-adhesive sticker “Re-poll EVM” shall be
pasted on the EVM (CU & BU) as well as carrying cases of the EVM to be
used for re-poll. After re-poll the strong room shall be re-opened in the
presence of the candidates/ their agents and observer for the storage of the
re-polled EVM. This re-polled EVM should be placed together with the old
EVM which was used earlier in the original poll. At the time of placing the
‘Re-poll EVM’ after re-poll in the strong room, another pre-printed sticker
with bold print “TO BE COUNTED’ shall be pasted on the re-polled EVM.
Another pre-printed sticker ‘NOT TO BE COUNTED’ shall be put prominently
on the old EVM, to remove any confusion at the time of counting.
15.3 In case of re-poll, the unique ID number of the CU and BUs used in re-poll
should be entered in the EVM tracking software.
NOTE: The above process/procedure shall be followed for VVPAT also.
72
CHAPTER – 16
INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO COUNTING
16.1 General Instructions
16.1.1 A
t the time of counting, only the CUs are normally needed. BUs need
not be taken to the Counting Hall. Before starting the counting in the
CU, the unique ID number of the CU, the Unique ID number of the
Pink Paper Seal and the unique ID number of Green paper seal should
be verified from the record and shown to the polling agents.
16.1.2 In EVMs, the Poll start date and time and poll end date and time
displayed on the CU should be verified from the record and shown to
the polling agents.
16.2
rocedure in case of discrepancy in the date and time of start and end
P
of poll
16.2.1 In case of any discrepancy in the date and time of start and end of poll
displayed in the Control Unit with Indian Standard Time of start and
end of poll, the difference will be compared with the date and time
noted by Presiding Officer in the mock poll certificate.
16.2.2 If the date and time difference at the time of mock poll does not match
with the date and time difference of start and end of poll at the time of
counting, the EVM will be kept aside and the matter will be referred to
the Commission for its decision. If on other hand, the difference of date
and time at the time of mock poll matches with the difference of date
and time of start and end of poll noticed at the time of counting, the
discrepancy will be explained to the candidates and their representatives
and the votes polled in the EVM will be counted in the usual manner.
16.3 Procedure in case the close button not pressed at the end of the poll –
T he following action be taken during counting of votes, in such circumstances,
in the presence of candidates/their authorized agents, under videography: 16.3.1 In case any Control Unit does not display result due to not-pressing
of “Close” button by the Presiding Officer in the polling station at
the close of poll, it should be kept back inside its carrying case and
then be kept in the Returning Officer’s custody in the counting hall.
Counting of votes in other machines should continue as usual.
73
16.3.2 W
hen counting of votes in other machines is completed, the
Returning Officer and Observer should see whether the margin of
votes between the first candidate and the runner up is more or less
than the votes polled in such machine(s).
16.3.3 In both the cases where the margin of votes is more or less than the
total votes polled in that machine(s), the Returning Officer/Counting
Supervisor shall press the “Total” button of the Control Unit to see
the total votes polled in that machine(s). In case, total votes polled
in the machine(s) tallies with the total votes polled mentioned in the
Form-17 C, the Returning Officer/Counting Supervisor shall press
the “Close” button of the Control Unit(s) so that “Result” button can
be pressed for getting result data explaining the entire issue to the
candidates and/or their authorised agents and recording a proceeding
in this behalf with the signatures of the candidates/their authorised
agents. In such a case, the Returning Officer and Observer should
send a detailed report to the Commission in the format mentioned at
Annexure-25.
16.3.4 In case, total votes polled in the machine(s) does not tally with the
total votes polled mentioned in the Form-17 C, the matter should be
referred by the Returning Officer to the Commission for its decision
and action may be taken as per the direction of the Commission. In
such a case, the Returning Officer and Observer should also send
a detailed report to the Commission in the format mentioned at
Annexure-17, where the margin of votes between the candidates
having highest vote and the runner up is more than the votes polled
in the Control Unit in question, and in Annexure-26, where such
margin is less.
16.4 Instructions in case of Control Unit does not display result at the time of
Counting
T he following action to be taken in case Control Unit does not display result
during counting of votes: a)
In case any Control Unit does not display result, it should be kept back
inside its carrying case and then be kept in the Returning Officer’s
custody in the counting hall. Counting of votes in other machines
should continue as usual.
74
b)
esult from such Control Unit(s) will not be retrieved using Auxiliary
R
Display Unit or Printer.
c)
After completion of counting of votes from all the Control Units,
the VVPAT unit(s) of the respective polling station(s) should be
brought to the Counting Table(s). The counting of VVPAT paper slips
of the respective VVPAT shall be counted as the counting procedure
prescribed by the Commission.
d)
T hereafter, counting of printed paper slips of VVPAT(s) under Rule
56D of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 should be taken up, if any.
report regarding counting of printed ballot slips of VVPAT is to be sent
A
to the Commission in the following format through Chief Electoral Officer
concerned for information.
S. No.
No. & Name Polling Unit
Unit ID of Control Unit for which
of Assembly Station ID of
VVPAT paper slips counted
Constituency No.
VVPAT Non-retrieval of
Under Rule 56D
result from CU
of the Conduct of
Elections Rules, 1961
16.5. APPLICATION FOR VVPAT PAPER SLIPS COUNTING
fter announcement of result sheet entries, any candidate, their election
A
agent or their counting agents may apply in writing to the RO to count the
printed VVPAT paper slips in any or all polling stations. If such application is
made, the RO shall pass a speaking order on whether the VVPAT paper slips
should be counted. If the RO decides to allow the counting of the VVPAT
paper slips of any or all polling stations, such decision of the RO must be
recorded in writing along with the reasons thereof. The RO shall give due
consideration to the following:
W
hether
the total number of votes polled in that polling station is
greater or lesser than the margin of votes between winning candidate
and candidate making the application
W
hether
EVM had a problem and was replaced at that polling station
during poll
W
hether
there was any complaint about VVPAT not printing or
75
complaints by any voter under Rule 49MA in that polling station
during the poll.
16.6. MANDATORY VERIFICATION OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS:
Mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected 01 (one)
polling station shall be conducted in all future General and Bye Elections to
the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies, in addition to the
provisions of Rule 56D of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, after the
completion of the last round of counting of votes recorded in the EVMs, as
under:
a)
In case of General and Bye elections to State Legislative Assemblies,
verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected 01 (one) polling
station per Assembly Constituency.
b)
In case of General and Bye elections to the House of the People,
verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected 01 (one) polling
station of each Assembly Segment of the Parliamentary Constituency
concerned.
For this mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips, the following
procedure shall be followed:
16.6.1. The verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected 01 (one)
polling station for each Assembly Constituency/Segment shall be
taken up after the completion of the last round of counting of votes
recorded in the EVMs.
16.6.2. The random selection of 01 (one) polling station per Assembly
Constituency/Segment shall be done by Draw of lots, by the Returning
Officer concerned, in the presence of candidates/their agents and the
General Observer appointed by the Commission for that Constituency.
16.6.3. The draw of lots must be conducted immediately after the completion
of the last round of counting of votes recorded in the EVMs (Control
Units) in the designated Counting Hall for the particular Assembly
Constituency/Assembly Segment.
16.6.4. A written intimation regarding the conduct of draw of lots for the
random selection of 01 (one) polling station for verification of VVPAT
Slips shall be given by the Returning Officer to the Candidates/their
election agents well in advance.
76
16.6.5. The following procedure shall be followed for the conduct of draw of
lots:
a)
White colour paper cards of postcard size shall be used for conducting
the draw of lots.
b)
T otal number of such paper cards should be equal to total number of
polling stations in the Assembly Constituency.
c)
The paper cards shall have pre-printed Assembly Constituency/
Assembly Segment number, AC/AS name and date of polling on the
top, and the polling station number in the centre. Each digit of the
polling station number shall be atleast 1" x 1"(1 inch by 1 inch) size
and printed in black ink.
d)
T he paper cards to be used for draw of lots should be four-folded in
such a way that polling station number is not visible.
e)
E ach paper card shall be shown to the candidates/their agents before
folding and dropping in the container.
f)
The paper cards shall be kept in the big container and must be shaken
before picking up 01 (one) slip by the Returning Officer.
16.6.6. The verification of VVPAT paper slips shall be done in a 'VVPAT Counting
Booth' (VCB), specially prepared for this purpose inside the Counting
Hall. The booth shall be enclosed in a wire mesh just like a bank
cashier’s cabin so that no VVPAT paper slip can be accessed by any
unauthorized person. One of the Counting tables in the Counting Hall
can be converted into the VCB and can be used for normal counting of
round-wise EVM votes before the count of VVPAT slips as per random
selection after the completion of round-wise EVM counting.
16.6.7. The Verification count of the VVPAT paper slips of the randomly
selected 01 (one) polling station shall be conducted strictly in
accordance with the instructions of the Commission on counting of
printed paper slips.
16.6.8. The Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer, as the case may
be, shall personally supervise the counting of VVPAT paper slips at
this booth. The General Observer concerned shall ensure close and
careful observation of the entire exercise and ensure strict compliance
of the Commission's instructions.
77
16.6.9. The above process shall be fully videographed.
16.6.10. After completion of the above process, the Returning Officer shall
give a certificate in the annexed format(Annexure-30).
16.7. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COUNTING OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS:
O
ne of the Counting Tables inside the Counting Hall shall be earmarked
by the Returning Officer as VVPAT Counting Booth (VCB) for Counting
of VVPAT Paper Slips.
V
CB
shall be enclosed in a wire-mesh just like a Bank Cashier Cabin,
so that no VVPAT paper slip can be accessed by any unauthorised
person.
16.8. PROCEDURE TO COUNT VVPAT PAPER SLIPS:
If the RO decides to count the printed paper slips of any polling station(s) on
an appeal for recounting of any polling station(s), the following procedures
shall be strictly followed:
Step-1:
a)
F or keeping VVPAT Paper Slips taken out from the Drop Box of the
VVPAT, a sufficiently sized container with lid, of dimensions 14 inch X
10 inch X 5 inch (length x breadth x height), to easily accommodate
around 1400 Printed Paper Slips, shall be kept on the table of VCB. This
Container should be made of sturdy transparent material like plastic
etc. Sample images of the Container are available in Annexure-27.
b)
F or keeping VVPAT paper slips of the respective candidates, a
Pigeonhole Framework shall be prepared in advance according to the
number of candidates including NOTA, with one additional pigeonhole
for keeping self-test slips of the VVPAT, and shall be kept on the table
of VCB.
i)
The minimum number of Pigeonholes in the Framework must be
equal to the number of candidates plus 2 (two).
ii)
T he size of each compartment (Pigeonhole) must be atleast 6 inch X
4 inch X 4 inch (length x breadth x height).
iii)
T he pigeonhole structure should be made of sturdy transparent
material like plastic etc, having a fixed base, to prevent any VVPAT
paper slip from slipping underneath.
78
iv)
T he symbol of each contesting candidate as per the Ballot Paper should
be affixed on the wall of the pigeonhole allotted to the particular
candidates. The symbol should be printed in black and white on a
plain paper of minimum size 4inch X 3 inch. Sample images of the
Pigeonhole Framework are placed in Annexure-27.
c)
t least 100 Rubber bands for making bundles of 25 VVPAT paper
A
slips.
Step-2:
T
he
VVPAT unit(s) of the respective polling station(s) should be
brought to the VCB one by one, as the case may be.
In
case a VVPAT unit was replaced during poll at that polling station,
all the VVPAT units used at that polling station should be brought to
the VCB.
Step-3:
T
he
printed paper slips shall be taken out from all the VVPATs used
at the polling station, before beginning the counting of VVPAT paper
slips for that polling station.
B
efore
taking out the VVPAT Paper Slips from the drop box, the
address tag(s) of the drop box shall be crosschecked to ascertain that
the VVPAT pertains to the respective polling station.
a)
T he VVPAT Paper Slips taken out from the Drop Box of the VVPAT shall
be first kept in the container as per specification at step-1 (i).
b)
fter taking out the VVPAT paper slips from Drop Box, the Counting
A
Supervisor shall ensure that no VVPAT paper slip is left inside the
VVPAT drop box and show the empty drop box to the counting agents.
c)
In case a VVPAT unit was replaced, it may so happen that an uncut
fully or partially VVPAT paper slip is hanging and has not got cut and
dropped in the drop box and still connected to the paper roll. This
uncut VVPAT paper slip should not be torn and should not be counted
because the vote is not recorded electronically in the CU unless the
VVPAT paper slip is cut. In such an event, the last voter whose VVPAT
paper slip was not cut would have been given an opportunity to cast
his vote after replacement of VVPAT and the VVPAT paper slip of the
vote cast by him shall be in the next VVPAT used in that polling station.
79
d)
T he drop box of the VVPAT will also have VVPAT slips of self-test
report. These are easily identified, as they do not have either the
name or the symbol of any candidate. These self-test report slips are
to be preserved along with the VVPAT paper slips as part of the record
but they are not to be counted.
Step-4:
i)
T he VVPAT paper slips should be segregated one-by-one and put in
respective pigeon holes after showing each slip to the Counting Agents.
The paper slips bearing self-tests report shall also be segregated and
put in a separate pigeonhole provided for the purpose.
ii)
undles of 25VVPAT paper slips of respective candidates shall be
B
prepared for counting purpose.
iii)
VVPAT Paper Slips shall then be counted by the counting staff.
iv)
esult of the VVPAT paper slips count shall be prepared in the format as
R
per Annexure-28and attached to Part-II of Form 17-C(Annexure-29).
v)
The result of the count of VVPAT paper slips shall be announced loudly
in the counting hall and shown to the counting agents.
vi)
s per Rule 56D (4) (b) of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961, if there
A
is any discrepancy between EVM count and paper slip count, the
paper slip count shall prevail. Hence, if there is discrepancy between
the count of votes displayed on the Control Unit and the count of
printed-paper slips in respect of that Polling Station, the result sheet
will be amended as per the printed-paper slips count.
Step-5:
A
fter
completion of counting of VVPAT paper slips, the bundles of
all the VVPAT Paper Slips shall be kept back in the Drop Box of the
respective VVPAT and door of the Drop Box shall be sealed using
address tags.
T
he
candidate(s)/their agents may also be allowed to affix their
signature with party abbreviation on the Address Tags.
16.9. Sealing of EVMs after counting of votes
fter completion of counting, all such Control Units whether result has
A
been retrieved from it or not, the Control Unit should be kept back inside
80
its carrying case. The carrying cases should then be sealed once again. The
Returning Officer and Observer should put their signatures on the seal. All
candidates and their election agents should also be allowed to put their
signature on the seal. The Control Unit should be then kept in the strong
room(s).
16.10. STORAGE of EVMs & VVPATs after counting of votes:
fter completion of counting of votes, EVMs and VVPATs containing printed
A
paper slips in its Drop box, shall be kept in the same strong room without
removing Power Packs of Control Units and Power Packs and Paper Rolls of
VVPATs.
T
he
Strong room shall not be opened till completion of Election
Petition (EP) period i.e. till EP list is received from respective High
Court.
A
fter
completion of Election Petition Period, the exact EP position
should be ascertained from High Court concerned before opening the
strong room.
16.11. STORAGE OF VVPAT PAPER SLIPS AFTER EXPIRY OF PERIOD OF FILING OF
ELECTION PETITIONS:
fter expiry of the period of filing of Election Petitions (EPs) i.e. 45-days from
A
the date of declaration of result, District Election Officers shall ascertain the
position of EP from the concerned High Court. After obtaining the status of
EP from the High Court concerned, the following action shall be taken:
E
very VVPAT used in an election and kept in the custody of the District
Election Officer shall be kept untouched, under the standard protocol
of security, till confirmation of Election petition position from the High
Court concerned after the completion of the period for filing Election
Petition i.e. 45 days from the date of declaration of the result.
In
the case of elections, where no election petition has been filed
or no other court cases are pending, after the aforesaid period, the
VVPATs shall be available for use in any future election or any other
purpose like training, awareness, movement, physical verification
etc.
B
efore
moving any VVPAT, printed paper slips shall be taken out from
Drop-box of the VVPATs as per procedure mentioned below:
81
A
Notice informing the opening of Strong Room having VVPATs shall
be given to the representatives of all political parties in writing at
least 48 hours in advance, requesting them to remain present at the
time of opening of strong room.
T
he
strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
Election Officer and representatives of Political Parties.
R
emove the Power Packs of Control Units
and Power Packs and Paper
Rolls of VVPATs.
T
he
VVPAT paper slips shall be taken out from the Drop Box of VVPAT
and kept in a paper envelope made of thick black paper, sealed using
red wax under the seal of DEO. Name of election, number and name
of assembly constituency, particulars of polling station, unique serial
number of the VVPAT unit, date of poll and date of counting shall be
mentioned on the envelope containing printed paper slips.
T
he
envelopes containing VVPAT paper slips shall be kept with all
other statutory documents relating to that election till the statutory
time limit.
T
horough
checking of officials deputed for the removal of VVPAT
paper slips and their sealing must be ensured. All pockets need to
be emptied before entering the Sealing Room/Strong Room and
thorough checking of officials leaving the sealing room should be
done in addition to DFMD/Metal Detector Checking.
O
nce
the VVPAT paper slips have been taken out, the VVPATs must be
kept in their separate designated warehouse. VVPAT should not be
kept in the same warehouse where EVMs are stored.
T
o
ensure there is no deliberate attempt to remove any paperslips from sealing room/strong room, the entire process should be
conducted under high quality CCTV recording/videography.
In
case of any election where election petition has been filed, the
following action shall be taken:-
If
the EVMs or Counting of Votes are the subject of the election
petition, the EVMs and VVPATs used at all Polling Stations in the
constituency concerned shall continue to be kept in the safe custody
of the District Election Officer, till such time the Election Petition is
finally disposed of by the Courts.
82
If
the EVMs or counting of votes are not the subject of the election
petition, an application may be moved to the concerned Court for
allowing the EVMs& VVPATs concerned to be taken out of the strong
room for any future election or any other purpose like movement,
physical verification etc.
In
case VVPATs not involved in any Election Petition/Court Case are
stored with the VVPATs involved in Election Petition/Court Case, the
following procedure shall be followed for segregating the VVPATs not
involved in any election petition/court case from the VVPATs involved
in EP/Court case:-
A
Notice informing the opening of Strong Room having VVPATs
involved in EP/Court Case as well as non-EP VVPATs, shall be given
to the petitioners/respondents of the EP/Court Case and the
representatives of all political parties in writing at least 72 hours in
advance, requesting them to remain present at the time of opening
of strong room.
T
he
strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
Election Officer, Petitioners/respondents of the EP/Court case and
representatives of Political Parties.
T
he
VVPATs not involved in any EP/Court Case shall be segregated
from the VVPATs involved in EP/Court Case for taking out of the strong
room. A list of VVPATs being so taken out from the strong room shall
be prepared.
T
he
VVPATs, which are not involved in any EP/Court Case, should only
be taken out of the Strong room.
T
he
procedure mentioned above shall be followed for taking-out
power packs, paper rolls and the printed paper slips from all such
VVPATs, following which the VVPATs are available for any subsequent
deployment/use.
T
he
entire process shall be videographed and videography must be
preserved for record.
*******
83
CHAPTER – 17
DISPOSAL OF EVMS
1.
In 2007, the manufacturers of EVMs opined that the life of EVMs is about
15 years and that it is risky to use machines older than 15 years in future
elections. Thus the manufacturers have recommended disposal of the entire
1989-90 batch of EVMs.
2.
T he Commission constituted a Technical Expert Committee comprising Prof.
P.V. Indiresan, Prof. D.T. Shahani&Prof. A K Agarwala to give its opinion on
whether EVMs of 1989-90 batch have become unusable.
3.
T echnical Expert Committee recommended the methodology for weeding
out 1989-90 EVMs for disposal.
4.
Approval of Government of India is required for destruction of EVMs.
5.
Following guidelines for destruction of EVMs shall be followed:
a)
PCBs shall be separated from Plastic Housings;
b)
ll components mounted on PCBs of CU, BU & Display shall be removed/
A
chopped off and crushed;
c)
The bare PCBs shall be cut into minimum 4 pieces and crushed;
d)
T he remaining plastic assemblies/housing shall also be cut into 4 to 6 pieces
and crushed;
e)
Plastic waste shall be recycled to ensure that environment is protected;
f)
Entire process of the disposal/destruction of EVMs should be videographed;
g)
copy of the video of disposal/destruction of EVMs should be sent to the
A
CEO concerned and ECI;
h)
T he video of disposal/destruction process shall be viewed at CEO concerned/
ECI to certify that nothing adverse was noticed;
i)
T he guidelines/safeguards for destruction of electronic items, issued by the
Pollution Control Board/Ministry of Environment and Forests etc. or any
other law for the time being in force, shall be followed;
j)
It shall be ensured that e-wastes are channelized to registered dismantler or
recycler;
84
k)
proper record of each BU and CU destroyed/destructed should be
A
maintained in a register –
i)
Serial number/ID of each BU and CU destroyed, date-wise, shall
be entered in a register (separate registers for BU & CU should be
maintained);
ii)
On the close of the day a certificate should be recorded after the
last entry to the effect that “today on…………(date) … number of BU/
CU (as the case may be) has been destructed in my presence” and
shall be signed by the officer of the manufacturer nominated for the
purpose and signatures of the representative of the CEO concerned
and e-waste agency shall also be obtained.
********
85
CHAPTER – 18
TECHNICAL EXPERT COMMITTEE ON EVMS& VVPATS
1.
Composition of First Technical Expert Committee on EVMs
C
entral
Government appointed the Electoral Reforms Committee in
January, 1990 (Goswami Committee) consisting of representative of
several recognized National and State Parties.
T
he
Electoral Reforms Committee felt that the machines should be
tested by technical experts with a view to removing any doubts or
misapprehensions in the minds of the public with regard to credibility
of the working of the machines and desired that a clearance from
the technical experts to the effect that doubts and misapprehension
entertained about the credibility of the machines were not well
founded should be obtained.
A
n
Expert Committee for the evaluation of the electronic voting
machines was constituted under the chairmanship of Professor S.
Sampath, Chairman Technical Advisory Committee, Defence Research
& Development Organization, Ministry of Defence, Professor PV
Indiresan of the IIT Delhi and Dr. Rao C. Kasarabada, Director,
Electronic Research & Development Centre, Trivandrum.
T
he Committee, after a review of the material presented to it, technical
presentation by the manufacturers, meeting election administrators
and technical experts and also detailed laboratory tests, came to the
conclusion that the electronic voting machine is a secure system. The
expert committee, therefore, unanimously recommended, in April,
1990, the use of the electronic voting machines without further loss
of time.
2.
Composition of Second Technical Expert Committee
T
he
Commission constituted the Second Technical Expert Committee
in December, 2005 comprising Prof. P.V. Indiresan, Prof. D.T. Shahani
of IIT Delhi and Prof. A.K. Agarwala of IIT Delhi to get the upgraded
EVMs (Post 2006 EVMs) evaluated before finally accepting these
machines for actual use in elections.
S
ubsequently,
the Commission has been consulting the group of
86
technical experts comprising Prof. (Late) P.V. Indiresan (member of
the earlier committee), Prof. D.T. Shahani and Prof. A.K. Agarwala of
IIT Delhi, on all EVM related technical issues.
3.
Expansion of Technical Expert Committee
In
November, 2010, the Commission expanded its Technical Expert
Committee by including two more experts, namely, Prof D.K. Sharma
from Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT of Mumbai and Prof.
Rajat Moona from Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
IIT of Kanpur (now Director IIT, Bhilai).
4.
Functions of Technical Expert Committee on EVMs/VVPATs
i)
The Technical Expert Committee on EVMs/VVPATs provides the
following assistance to the Commission:-
ii)
Opinion on technical issues of EVMs & VVPATs;
iii)
Development and designing of EVMs & VVPATs;
iv)
Evaluation of EVMs & VVPATs.
********
87
CHAPTER – 19
EVM TRACKING SOFTWARE (ETS)
EVM Tracking entry application is developed for creating a centralized database of
all 36 States and UTs of India. It allows Tracking of Control Units, Balloting Units
and VVPATs with their locations. This application has the facility to create and enter
the warehouse details in which the stock entry of CUs, BUs and VVPATs could be
done by Warehouse In-charge. Transfer of CUs, BUs and VVPATs once entered will
not require re-entry of data. It also keeps the check of duplicate entry of CUs, BUs
and VVPATs in all the warehouses across the country.
This Application has to be used at CEO/DEO/Warehouse In-charge / ECI Admin
levels.
Data Entry of CU/BU/VVPAT is to be made in specific warehouses. The Warehouse
is created by the DEO providing all the relevant details. Once the Warehouse is
created, the DEO creates the login id of the warehouse in-charge. Data Entry of
CU/BU/VVPAT is done in the Master Stock Register which is accessible to both the
DEO and the warehouse in-charge. The data entry of CU/BU/VVPAT can be done
only at the Warehouse In-charge level.
Details of all EVMs in the district must be entered in Master Stock Register (MSR).
MSR must be maintained warehouse-wise for every district in the format provided
in the MSR Screen. Every CU, BU and VVPAT in the district whether in working
condition or not must be entered in the MSR.
Transfer of CU, BU and VVPAT at the State level, District level and the warehouse
level can be initiated by the authorized personnel. Supply orders are generated
for each transfer; the source and destination entities can access the order and
proceed with the operation. All the officials assisting in this purpose must adhere
to the process to accomplish successful transfer of both CU, BU and VVPAT.
For the purpose of elections, the CU, BU and VVPAT sent to the polling stations are
randomized at two different levels – DEO level STRONG ROOM and Warehouse
In-charge (STRONG ROOM AC) level. The CUs/Bus/VVPATs which are working and
successfully pass both the first level and second level randomization will be sent
to the polling stations.
For physical verification of CU/BU/VVPAT unit in warehouse with the digital data
entry in stock of warehouse in ETS, the Commission generates physical verification
88
cycle in ETS from time to time. Warehouse stocks are updated accordingly by
warehouse in-charge.
Various MIS (Management Information Service) reports are made available in the
ETS for its users at the level of ECI Admin/CEO/DEO/WI/Manufacturer to check the
status of work allocated and to identify pending issues.
For detailed application kindly see User Manual for ETS available at ETS login page
Mobile Applications
Android based Mobile Applications interfaced with the ETS, developed for StockTaking, FLC-Shifting-Randomization and Physical Verification. These Mobile
Applications can work in offline mode also for capturing the data of EVMs & VVPAT
for uploading the same into the EVM Tracking Software. However, they need netconnectivity (Wi-Fi or data connection) to login and to upload the captured data.
Users can download and install the mobile app available on Download Manager
page of the Election Commission of India’s web-site (URL :http://eciofficers.nic.in/
Login/Default.aspx). These apps use Google services, therefore, users are required
to update google services, if not already updated, in the mobile phone to be used.
89
CHAPTER - 20
VARIOUS TYPES OF SEALS USED FOR
SEALING EVMS & VVPATS
Common Address Tag for BU/CU/VVPAT
90
20.1 SEALING OF EVMs
AT THE TIME OF FIRST LEVEL CHECKING OF EVMs (FLC)
Sealing of plastic cabinet of Control Unit of EVMs with pink paper seal:
After First Level Checking of the EVMs, the Control Unit is sealed with the ‘Pink Paper
Seal’ supplied by the Nasik Security Press in the presence of the representatives
of the Political Parties present at the time of FLC. The Pink Paper Seal is affixed
on the portion between the Candidate Set Section and the Result Section of the
Control Unit.
AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION OF EVMS (CANDIDATE SET)
a)
Sealing of ballot paper screen of BU with thread and address tag
After the ballot paper is firmly fixed and the ballot paper screen is pressed fit on
the upper side of the top cover. The screen is to be sealed on the inner side of the
top cover. This is done by passing the thread through the two holes on the screen
specially provided for the purpose using address tag showing the particulars of the
election with the seal of the Returning Officer.
91
b)
Sealing of plastic cabinet of BU with thread and address tag
After unmasking required number of candidate buttons, the upper cover of the BU
is sealed by passing a thread through the holes provided on the top and bottom
end at right side using address tags showing the particulars of the election with the
seal of the Returning Officer.
c)
Sealing of plastic cabinet of BU with pink paper seal:
In addition, the BU is sealed with a special “pink paper seal” supplied by India
Security Press, Nasik, in the presence of candidates or their representatives at the
time of preparation of EVMs. Pink paper seal is fixed at the lower most portion of
the BU in such a manner that no candidate’s button or candidate’s name or symbol
is hidden by the seal.
d)
Sealing of Candidate Set Section of CU with thread & address tag
Sealing of inner cover of Candidate Set Section
92
Sealing of outer cover of Candidate Set Section
After Candidate set, inner and outer covers of the Candidate Set Section of CU are
sealed by passing a thread through hole provided on the left side using address
tags showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the Returning Officer.
AT THE POLLING STATIONS ON POLL DAY
Sealing of EVMs after Mock poll and before starting actual poll on poll day
After mock poll and clearing mock poll data, switch off the power switch of Control
Unit for sealing Result Section of the CU.
(a)
Fixing of Green Paper Seal and closing of inner compartment
Green paper seal has to be passed through the frame provided for the purpose on
the inner side of the door of the inner compartment of the Result Section. After
fixing the seal, the door of the inner compartment is to be closed in such a manner
that the two ends of the paper seal project outwards from the sides of the inner
compartment.
93
(b)
Sealing of inner door compartment (inner Result Section) with Special Tag
Inner door of the Result Section is sealed by passing a thread through hole provided
on the left side using Special Tag showing the particulars of the election with the
seal of the Presiding Officer.
(c)
S ealing of outer door Result Section of CU with thread seal using Address Tag
and Outer Paper Strip Seal
The outer cover of the Result Section of the CU has to be pressed for closing this
section. The outer cover of the Result section is sealed by passing a thread through
hole provided on the left side using Address Tag showing the particulars of the
election with the seal of the Presiding Officer.
Thereafter, Outer Paper Strip Seal (ABCD seal) is used to get glued to the Green
paper seal.
94
(d)
Sealing of carrying case of EVM
After completion of poll, BU and CU are kept in the respective carrying case. The
carrying cases are sealed by passing a thread through holes provided using Address
Tags showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the Presiding Officer.
SEALING OF EVMs AFTER COUNTING OF VOTES
After completion of counting, all Control Units, whether result was retrieved from
it or not, is kept back inside its carrying case. The carrying cases are then sealed
once again by passing a thread through hole provided on the carrying cases using
Address Tag showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the Returning
Officer.
20.2. SEALING OF VVPAT:
SEALING OF PAPER ROLL COMPARTMENT AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION
OF VVPAT
95
After installation of paper roll in the paper roll compartment of VVPAT, the latches
of Paper Roll Compartment isby passing a thread through holes provided on the
latches using Address Tag showing the particulars of the election with the seal of
the Returning Officer.
(Switching OFF of Control Unit before sealing of paper roll compartment should
be ensured)
AT THE POLLING STATIONS ON POLL DAY
(a) Sealing of plastic box having mock poll printed ballot slips with Pink Paper
Seal
After the mock poll, Presiding Officer removes all the printed paper (ballot) slips
from the drop box in the VVPAT unit. The printed paper slips of the mock poll,
should be stamped on their back side with rubber stamp having inscription “MOCK
POLL SLIP’ before keeping and sealing these printed paper slips in the thick black
envelope supplied for the purpose. The envelope is sealed with the seal of the
presiding officer.
The envelope shall then be kept in the special plastic box provided for the purpose.
The plastic box is sealed with a Pink Paper Seal placed all around in such a manner
that opening of the box shall not be possible without breaking the seal.
96
(b)
Sealing of drop box of VVPAT with thread using Address Tag
Thereafter, the lower part of the VVPAT unit, i.e. drop box, is sealed with the thread
and Address Tag before actual poll starts.
(c)
Sealing of carrying case of VVPAT
After completion of poll, VVPAT & VSDU are kept in the carrying case. The carrying
case is sealed by using thread and Address Tag showing the particulars of the
election with the seal of the Presiding Officer.
97
CHAPTER - 21
REPAIRING OF DEFECTIVE EVMS & VVPATS
21.1 T he defective EVMs are sent to the factory of the concerned manufacturers
of the EVMs, namely, BEL & ECIL or collected at a centralized location in
the State HQs concerned for necessary repairs. Following protocol is to be
strictly followed for defective EVMs: 21.1.1. D
uring First Level Checking of EVMs/VVPATs, no electronic repair
is to be carried out. However, mechanical repairs i.e. replacement
of broken/damaged switches, buttons, latches, hood, cable, RTC
cell, spindle etc. for which no soldering is required shall be done
during FLC. For this purpose, engineers deputed for FLC shall have
adequate number of spares with them for mechanical repairs of
EVMs/VVPATs. Further the engineers deputed for FLC of EVMs/
VVPATs shall also maintain list of the defective units (containing Unit
ID of BU/CU/VVPAT with defect observed). Repairing of defective
EVMs shall only be done after counting is over, at a centralized
location in the State.
21.1.2. E VMs/VVPATs found defective during FLC shall be sent to the
manufacturers for repair within 7 days of completion of FLC in that
district. The CEO shall coordinate and club defective EVMs/VVPATs
of multiple districts for despatching to the factory.
21.1.3. N
o EVMs/VVPATs, whether defective or defect-free, shall be
transported during the period from commencement of Candidate
Setting to the Counting day except the EVMs/VVPATs required to be
transported for use in polls in subsequent phases. In such case, the
political parties/candidates shall be informed in writing conveying
the purpose of shifting of such EVMs/VVPATs.
21.1.4. A
ll Defective EVMs/VVPATs not used in the poll shall be stored in
a separate room/warehouses, preferably in a separate campus,
if possible, and shall never be stored along with working EVMs/
VVPATs.
21.1.5. F or EVMs found defective during Preparation, mock poll, poll,
counting of votes, the following procedure shall be followed: 98
a)
E VMs/VVPATs found defective during candidate setting or mockpoll on poll day shall be stored in a separate warehouse, however,
EVMs/VVPATs found defective after mock-poll (i.e. during actual
poll) on poll-day shall be stored alongwith polled EVMs/VVPATs.
b)
Immediately after completion of mandatory period of 45 days from
the date of declaration of the result for filing Election Petitions,
the details of the Election Petition/Court Cases pertaining to the
election shall be obtained from the concerned High Court/Court.
c)
After ascertaining the position of EP/court cases from the concerned
court, within 10 days all the defective EVMs/VVPAT (along with list
containing unique ID of BU/CU/VVPAT), which are not involved in
any EP/court cases, shall immediately be got repaired.
d)
S trong Room shall not be opened in which the defective EVMs/
VVPAT pertaining to any EP/court case are kept. After final disposal
of the EP/Court case. The defective EVMs shall be sent for repairs
to the respective factories within one month.
21.1.6. A
fter repairs are carried out, the testing protocol for all repaired
machines shall be exactly the same as for new EVMs/VVPATs.
21.1.7. T he manufacturers shall not return the repaired EVMs/VVPATs to
the respective State/UT. These repaired EVMs/VVPATs shall be kept
in the factory. CEOs/DEOs are not required to take back the EVMs/
VVPATs sent to the factory for repairs.Further allocation of these
repaired EVMs/VVPATs will be done by the Commission only.
21.1.8. T he manufacturers will furnish a report of the repaired EVM/VVPAT
to the Commission.
21.1.9. A
s the EVMs/VVPATs, repaired at factory, will not be returned to the
sender State/UT, therefore, shifting of these defective EVMs/VVPATs
to the manufacturers is explicitly required to be done through ETS
by the concerned Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned State/UT,
to ensure that EVM/VVPATs, that are not available in the Warehouse
of the State/UT, do not reflect in their Warehouse and also to avoid
formation of conflict in the ETS.
99
21.2 P
OST ELECTION REPAIRS: After election all the defective EVMs & VVPATs
shall be sent to the respective factory for repairs.
No electronic repair to be done during FLC.
Only mechanical repairs can be done during FLC.
Shifting of defective EVMs/VVPATs to the manufacturers is explicitly to be done
through ETS by the State/UT, to ensure that EVM/VVPATs, that are not available
in the Warehouse of the State/UT, do not reflect in their Warehouse and also to
avoid formation of conflict in the ETS.
100
CHAPTER - 22
IMPORTANT JUDGEMENTS
1. Kerala High Court (A C Jose Vs Sivan Pillai and Ors ELR 23)
S hri A C Jose filed an election petition before the Kerala High Court. The main
plea of the petitioner was that the Electronic Voting Machines had been used
in Parur Assembly Constituency in Kerala in May 1982 without the authority
of law in the 1951 Act and the rules made thereunder.
T he Kerala High Court dismissed the election petition on 12.10.1982,
upholding the use of the machines by the Election Commission in exercise of
its inherent powers under Article 324.
S hri A C Jose filed an appeal before the Hon’ble Supreme Court (A C Jose
Vs Sivan Pillai and Ors AIR 1984 SC 921). The Supreme Court struck down
the use of these machines in Parur Assembly Constituency in Kerala on
5th March, 1984. The Supreme Court held that the law provided for the
conduct of election by using Ballot papers and Ballot boxes and the Election
Commission could not use voting machines in the absence of statutory
provisions providing for their use.
2. Madras High Court (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, etc. Vs
Chief Election Commissioner of India and Ors Writ Petition Nos. 3346,
3633, 4417, 4945, etc of 2001)
T he issues of unconstitutional use of EVMs and possible tampering of EVM
have been raised before the Madras High Court. The Madras High Court
did not accept those allegations and contentions and dismissed all the writ
petitions on 10.04.2001.
T he Hon’ble Madras High Court also categorically ruled out any question of
tampering of the EVMs and also made the following observations:
“ There is also no question of introducing any virus or bugs for the reason that
the EVMs cannot be compared to personal computers. The programming
in computers, as suggested, has no bearing with the EVMs. The computer
would have inherent limitations having connections through Internet and
by their very design, they may allow the alteration of the programme but
the EVMs are independent units and the programme in EVM is entirely a
different system.”
101
T he petitioners took the matter to the Hon’ble Supreme Court (All India Anna
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, etc. Vs Chief Election Commissioner of India
and Ors 2002 UJ (1) 387, 202 (TL/S) 36062). The Supreme Court dismissed
the special leave petition on 23.04.2001, agreeing with the decision of the
high court that the impugned Section 61A was valid.
3. Delhi High Court (Viplav Sharma Vs Union of India and Ors CWP No. 5521
of 2004; Kunwar GS Chahan Vs Union of India CPW No. 5906 of 2004)
In these cases, it was contended that the Election Commission could use
electronic voting machines under Section 61A only in selected constituencies
having regard to the circumstances of each case, and not routinely in all the
assembly constituencies in a state. The above petitions were dismissed by
the Delhi High Court on 23.5.2005.
4. Karnataka High Court (Michael Fernandes Vs C K Jafer Sharif and Ors
Election Petition No. 29 of 1999)
T he issue of possible tampering of EVM has been raised before the Karnataka
High Court. After going into all aspects of the technological soundness
and the administrative measures involved in the use of EVMs at elections
in India, have held that the EVMs in India are credible, reliable and totally
tamperproof. The Hon’ble Karnataka High Court held that ‘This invention is
undoubtedly a great achievement in the electronic and computer technology
and a national pride’.
ombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) (BanwarilalPurohit Vs Vilas Muttemwar
B
and Ors Election Petition No. 1 of 2004)
T he issue of possible tampering of EVM has also been raised before the
Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench). The Hon’ble Bombay High Court (Nagpur
Bench), examined the experts produced by the petitioner as witness before
the High Court. The order of the Hon’ble High Court records that the two
experts produced as witnesses admitted that the hardware and software
used in the EVMs are matters not known to public at large, or even experts
including the witnesses, and they admitted that the information or data in
the EVMs is not made open unauthorisedly.
erala High Court (TA AhammedKabeer Vs AA Azeez and Ors Election Petition
K
No. 4 of 2001)
In one of the cases as directed by the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in Election
102
Petition No.4/2001, the process of detecting votes cast by impersonators
was carried out before the Hon’ble Court in the case of General Election from
125-Evavipuram Assembly Constituency in Kerala in 2001. The High Court in
its order dated 6.2.2002 had recorded its appreciation on the efficiency of
the mechanism. The judgment of the Kerala High Court in the said Election
Petition was upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal (AIR 2003
SC 2271).
7. The Hon’ble Uttarakhand High Court in its judgement dated 2nd June,
2017:
“ Prima facie, it is evident from a combined reading of the entire press release
of ECI that this system is seal proof. The EVMs are not hackable. There
cannot be any manipulation at manufacturing stage. The results cannot be
altered by activating a Trojan Horse through a sequence of key presses. The
ECI-EVMs cannot be physically tampered with. The EVMs use some of the
microcontrollers, dynamic coding of key codes, date and time stamping of
each and every key press etc. These EVMs also cannot be tampered with
during the course of transportation or at the place of storage. There are
checks and balances to ensure tamper-proofing of EVMs”.
8.
On 9th August, 2017, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India while deciding the
bunch of Petitions on 100% use of VVPAT, observed that
“ the above statement of the Election Commission of India contained in the
counter affidavit acknowledges, that all prayers made in the group of petitions,
stand fulfilled and satisfied. It is also apparent, that the Government of India
has sanctioned funds for the purchase of the VVPAT units, needed during the
course of the elections, which are to take place in the immediate future. The
position expressed leaves no room for any doubt, that all future elections
will be held by using VVPAT. The above stance is reiterated during the course
of hearing by the learned counsel representing the Election Commission of
India.
In view of the above, we are of the considered view that the present bunch
of matters does not require any further adjudication at our hands. All the
cases clubbed together, are accordingly disposed of in terms of the counter
affidavit filed by the Election Commission of India, duly supported by the
Government of India”.
103
CHAPTER - 23
&+$37(5
PRESENTATION ON CREDIBILITY OF EVMS & VVPATS
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104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
The Keys shall be in custody of DEO & Dy. DEO, each
having one key.
115
own seals on locks
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
CHAPTER - 24
LAYOUT OF POLLING STATION
128
CHAPTER - 25
DO’s AND DON’Ts ON USE OF VVPAT
DO’s
Ensure paper rollknob
(horizontal
position)
transportation.
DON’Ts
is
locked
before
In Polling Station, unlock the paper roll Don’t switch ON CU before VVPAT
knob (vertical position).
paper roll knob is in unlocked condition
(vertical position).
Position BU and VVPAT in Voting
Compartment. Position CU and VSDU
on PO’s Table
Establish right connection by following Don’t allow direct light or high power
the color scheme.
illumination over VVPAT.
Ensure the connectors are inserted Don’t insert/remove cables without
properly.
pressing the clips on the connectors.
Switch ‘ON’ CU, the Power-On Green Don’t switch OFF CU unless all 7 slips
LED on VVPAT glows and VVPAT prints are printed and cut.
all 7 slips.
Check for any “PRINTER ERROR” Don’t start polling in case of “PRINTER
message on VSDU. Inform Sectoral ERROR” message on VSDU.
Officer (SO) in such case.
Always switch OFF CU before making Don’t operate the paper roll knob till
any connection or disconnection the end of the poll.
including change of battery.
NOTE: In M3 VVPAT there is no VSDU. VVPAT related messages are displayed on
the CU’s Display.
129
CHAPTER - 26
EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES
1.
First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs
on-Updation of FLC-OK or FLC-Reject status in ETS through MobileN
App on day to day basis.
FLC of VVPATs without using Dummy Ballot Paper on BU.
N
on-Uploading of 16 candidates (including NOTA) Dummy Symbols in
the 1% VVPATs used for testing with 4-BUs having 64 dummy symbols
(including NOTA)
2.
Irregularity on use of Dummy Symbols
Commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs
N
on-checking
of candidate symbols uploaded in VVPAT during
commissioning.
In
case of M3 EVMs, M3 VVPATs should be connected at the time of
commissioning of the EVMs otherwise EVM will not accept a VVPAT
at a later stage.
3.
Transportation of VVPATs
L
ock
paper roll when transporting the VVPAT from one place to
another
4.
Dispersal
D
o not switch on the VVPAT in broad daylight at the time of dispersal
as the VVPAT may go into error mode.
5.
Mock-Poll on Poll Day
Not pressing the CLOSE button of CU after mock-poll.
N
ot
matching the mock-poll result of the CU with the VVPAT Paper
Slips.
Not removing the mock-poll paper slips from VVPAT
Non-deletion of mock-poll data from the Control Unit.
130
W
hen
setting up the EVMs and VVPATs in the polling station, the
VVPAT should be positioned so as to avoid direct light from falling on
it.
D
o
not position the VVPAT near an open window or directly under a
bulb or halogen lamp.
6.
During Poll
C
onducting mock poll, in case of replacement of VVPAT only. Mock poll
is not required to be conducted in case of only VVPAT replacement.
In
case of non-functioning of CU or BU replacing only CU or BU. In
such case both BU and CU alongwith VVPAT shall be replaced.
7.
Non-pressing of CLOSE Button after completion of Poll.
Damaging any seal of BU/CU/VVPAT.
General
D
o not repeatedly switch ON and OFF the VVPAT as it will deplete the
battery as well as paper roll.
S
witch
OFF the CU when connecting or disconnecting the EVMs/
VVPATs and do not pull the cable for disconnecting.
In
case of M3 VVPAT, there is no VSDU and VVPAT status will be
displayed on the CU Display Penal.
131
BU ID No
Name of Manufacturer
Year of Manufacture
Date of Receipt
Receipt Challan No.
Date on receipt challan
Name and designation
of receiver
CU ID No.
Name of
Manufacturer
Year of
Manufacture
Date of Receipt
Receipt Challan
No.
Date on receipt
challan
Name and
designation of
receiver
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
132
Remarks
9
10
11
Remarks
Part-B (Balloting Unit)
Signature of
Warehouse-incharge
9
Signature of
Warehouse-in-charge
Signature of
receiver
Box No.
1
Signature of receiver
Box No.
Annexure-1
(Master Stock Register)
Part- A (Control Unit)
Name of State/Union Territory:
Name of District:
Name of sub-division/taluka:
Address of Warehouse:
10
11
133
No. of Balloting Units not
in warehouse as mentioned
in Master Stock Register
No. of Balloting Units
physically verified
No. of Balloting Units in
warehouse as mentioned
in Master Stock Register
No. of Control Units not in
warehouse as mentioned
in Master Stock Register
No. of Control Units
physically verified
No. of Control Units in
warehouse as mentioned
in Master Stock Register
Location of warehouse
Name of warehouse
Annexure-2
(Physical Verification Report)
Name of State/Union Territory:
Name of District:
BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL
Note- Reasons for EVM not available in warehouse shall be clearly mentioned in
the report.
(Signature of District Election Officer)
BEL ECIL
BEL
134
No. of Balloting Units
found defective during
FLC
No. of Balloting Units
in warehouse as
mentioned in Master
Stock Register
No. of Balloting Units
physically verified and
FLC done
No. of Control Units
found defective during
FLC
No. of Control Units
physically verified and
FLC done
No. of Control Units in
warehouse
Location of warehouse
Name of warehouse
Annexure-3
(Physical Verification Report)
Name of State/Union Territory:
Name of District:
ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL
Note- Reasons for EVM not available in warehouse shall be clearly mentioned in
the report.
Annexure-4
(Attendance Register for Political Parties-FLC Hall)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of FLC hall:
Date:……………………….
S.No.
Name of
Name of
National/ representative
State Party
of political
party with
party
affiliation
Identity
document
No. with
date
Signature of
representative
Remarks,
if any.
Note: If the representative of a party is absent the proof of due service of notice to
the party should be pasted in the register.
(Name and signature of engineers of BEL/ECIL with ID No.)
(Name, designation, signature of officers nominated by District Election Officer)
135
Annexure-5
(Certification of EVMs by BEL/ECIL)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of hall:
Date:
It is certified that tests prescribed by BEL/ECIL to ascertain that all components
are original were carried out on the EVMs listed below on……………... (date). On the
basis of these tests it is certified that all components of the EVMs listed below are
original.
CU Identification No.
BU Identification No.
(Name & signature of BEL/ECIL engineers with ID No.)
(Names of Representatives of political parties with their party affiliation and
signature)
(Name, designation, signature of officers nominated by District Election Officer)
136
Annexure-6
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR FLC
OF M-2 EVMs & VVPATs
1.
2.
TOOLS TO BE CARRIED BY ENGINEERS
a)
Decoder Printer with accessories;
b)
Screw Drivers, forceps, nose pliers;
c)
Multi-meter;
d)
VVPAT AC-DC adapter;
e)
Symbol loading jig with Accessories (Power cable, 9 pin symbol loading
cable and 9 pin PC interface cable); or PC / Laptop with preloaded
symbol loading application; and
f)
RTC Jig for clock setting;
SPARE-PARTS AND OTHER MATERIAL TO BE BROUGHT BY ENGINEERS
a)
Flaps;
b)
Close Caps;
c)
Latches;
d)
Cables (BU, VVPAT & VSDU);
e)
Buttons (Ballot, Total, Close, Result, Clear & Candidate);
f)
[ spare parts mentioned above (a) to (e) should be 20% of the number
of EVMs/VVPATs to be tested]
g)
High Resolution Photographs of component side of CU-PCB and BUPCB;
h)
FLC Stickers {FLC-OK (Green), FLC-Failed (Red)};
i)
Temper seals;
j)
VPAT Stickers (Transportation, Working and Unlock before Switch
V
ON);
k)
Coin Cells (RTC Battery); and
l)
Ballot Paper of Dummy symbols;
137
FLC OF EVMs (BU & CU)
3. CLEANING OF MACHINES: Removal of address tags, Ballot Papers, cleaning
of superscriptions on CU & BU, clearing of earlier poll data, dusting of CU &
BU etc. under close supervision of FLC in-charge and Engineers deputed by
manufacturers.
4.
5.
VISUAL INSPECTION OF EVM & VVPAT:
a)
Open Carrying cases of Control Unit (CU) and Ballot Unit (BU) and
take out the units. Remove all tags, pink paper seal, FLC stickers, wax
seals and Ballot papers.
b)
hysically check all buttons, toggle switch, connectors, and doors,
P
sealing provisions, display and plastic body of CU for damage /
breakage. Replace the broken items with good items wherever
possible and discard others.
c)
S imilarly, check connecting cable, connector, latches, and flaps and
slide Switch and plastic body of BU for damage / breakage. Replace
the broken items with good items wherever possible and discard
others.
d)
Open cabinet of CU and carryout visual inspection of PCB. Hidden
components or unauthorized rework, if any, CU should be discarded
and kept aside.
e)
S imilarly, open cabinet of BU and carry out visual inspection of plastic
parts and other and PCB for any damage, rework etc. and replace the
damaged one if feasible. If any rework, BU should be discarded and
kept aside.
f)
Check the number plate and number sticker pasted on the back of CU
and BU for any mismatch.
g)
Record the serial numbers and defects of rejected units.
FUNCTIONALITY CHECK
a)
Installation of Power Pack
i)
Open Battery compartment of CU
ii)
Insert power pack of EVM
138
b)
c)
iii)
lign power pack connector with plug in CU, Press power pack
A
after insertion
iv)
Close Battery compartment
Cable Connections
i)
Open connector compartment of CU
ii)
Connect BU cable to BU interface connector of Control Unit
iii
S et slide switch position of BU to 1. Unmask all 16 buttons in
BU.
Power ON Display Sequence
i)
Switch ON EVM.
ii)
Observe Power ON LED glowing green in CU.
iii)
bserve the following series of display messages on CU during
O
Power ON
EVM IS ON
DATE and TIME
SL NO of the Control Unit
NO OF CANDIDATES
BATTERY STATUS
During Power ON, if any of the following defect is observed in CU, then reject
that CU.
a)
If one or more segments are missing or extra segment is displayed.
b)
Check Beep after Switch ON. In case of no beep or continuous beep.
c)
If Green LED is not glowing during Power ON.
d)
Check the serial number displayed in CU. If it is not matching with the
number given on the number plate and Number sticker pasted on the
back of CU.
e)
heck the Date and Time on CU display. In case of wrong Date and
C
Time, set Date and Time with the help of time set jig as detailed in
para-17.
139
6.
CLEARING OF PREVIOUS VOTES
a)
pen the outer door of Result compartment and then open the inner door.
O
Press CLEAR button to delete any votes stored in CU.
7.
b)
If CU displays INVALID, press RESULT button. If it still displays INVALID,
press CLOSE button.
c)
nce CLOSE display sequence is completed, press RESULT button
O
and wait till CU displays “End”. Press CLEAR button. During Clear
operation, observe CU displays “0” votes for all candidates.
CANDIDATE SET OPERATION
a)
ress CANDIDATE SET button for setting candidates. Observe “SET
P
CANDIDATE – “display in CU. Press 16th button in BU to set the number
of Candidates to 16.
140
BALLOT OPERATION
8.
a)
ress BALLOT button in CU. BUSY LED in CU shall glow RED and READY
P
LED in BU shall glow GREEN.
b)
ress first candidate button in BU. Observe LED by the side of the
P
button glow RED.
c)
Beep shall be heard. Observe Busy LED in CU and READY LED in BU
goes OFF.
d)
F ollow the instructions “a” to “c” by casting votes for all 16 candidates
in BU.
e)
Press TOTAL. Check number of candidates 16 and total votes 16 in CU
display.
CLOSE OPERATION
Press CLOSE button. Observe CU displays “POLL CLOSED”.
9.
RESULT OPERATION
Press RESULT button and observe the votes cast against each candidate.
10.
CLEAR OPERATION AT THE END OF POLLING
ress CLEAR button and wait till CU displays “0” votes for all the candidates.
P
Press TOTAL to confirm Total Votes 0.
141
11.
REJECTED UNITS
Reject the units found defective during the functionality check.
Identify the defects and isolate them.
Record the serial numbers and defects of rejected units.
MOCK POLL ON EVMs RANDOMLY SELECTED BY POLITICAL PARTIES
1200 votes in 1% EVMs,
1000 votes in 2% EVMs; and
500 votes in 2% EVMs
s hall be done and a printout of the results, as well as sequential print-out
of every vote polled, shall be taken out and shown to the representatives of
political parties.
13.
SEALING OF CONTROL UNIT
S eal the Control Unit with Pink Paper seal and affix signature of Engineer and
representative of DEO. The Sl. No. of Pink Paper Seal is to be recorded along
with Sl.No. of CU in a Register.
14.
15.
DOCUMENTATION
a)
Paste the FLC-OK (Green) sticker on back side of FLC-OK CU and BU.
Record the Serial Number of Control Unit and Ballot Unit and affix
signature on FLC sticker.
b)
Note down total numbers of CUs and BUs that are accepted after FLC
in the prescribed format.
c)
aste the FLC-FAILED (Red) sticker on back side of FLC-FAILED CU and
P
BU. Record the Serial Number of Control Unit and Ballot Unit and affix
signature on FLC sticker.
d)
Consolidate Serial numbers of defective units and defects observed in
the prescribed format. Submit a copy of the same to FLC In-charge.
CHANGE OF COIN CELL
a)
emove top cover of CU, replace the old RTC cell with new one and
R
re-fix the cabinet.
142
b)
Put the tamper sticker on four screws on top side. Fix the RTC cell
sticker on the back of the Control Unit.
c)
ote down total number of Control Units in which RTC cells were
N
replaced in the prescribed format.
Tamper Sticker
16.
RTC cell sticker
TIME SETTING
a)
Bring the CU to “Result” mode. Hold simultaneously “Result” and
“Print” buttons and switch ON CU. CU shall display “Set Time” mode.
b)
Connect the Time Set Jig with CU and press “Set” button in the Time
Set Jig. Current Date and Time is set in CU.
c)
Switch OFF CU. Again, switch ON and confirm the Date and Time.
143
17.
CLOSING OF FLC
ut all Units in respective carrying cases and, in turn, in bulk carrying cases
P
and releases them for proper storage. Ensure that the rejected Units are
identified with suitable stickers and kept separately.
FIRST LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURES FOR VVPAT
VVPAT AND ITS ACCESSORIES
18.
PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF VVPAT
a)
pen the Ballot Slip Compartment and check for any ballot slips
O
inside. If any old printed slips with election symbols is found, report
to the FLC In-charge immediately.
144
19.
20.
b)
emove previously placed address tag and FLC stickers from the
R
VVPAT.
c)
Remove any paper slips from the VVPAT, if found inside. Remove
battery pack from the battery compartment, if any, present in the
VVPAT.
d)
Perform mechanical inspection by checking connector and battery
compartment, LOCK-UNLOCK switch and latching/Unlatching of
latches.
INSTALLATION OF BATTERY
a)
pen Battery Compartment of VVPAT by pressing both the latches
O
together and pulling the door outwards.
b)
Observe the Battery Plug present inside Battery compartment.
c)
Insert the VVPAT Battery by plugging into the battery plug.
d)
Close the battery Compartment door.
INSTALLATION OF PAPER ROLL
a)
Open the Paper Roll compartment by opening the side latches and
by lifting the top cover. Observe the Paper Roll Compartment which
holds the Paper roll.
b)
emove “Spindle” from its position by pulling towards upward
R
direction.
c)
Insert “Spindle” into “Thermal Paper Roll”.
d)
Place the “Thermal Paper Roll” with “Spindle” into its position (i.e
Paper Roll compartment) and press it towards down.
e)
Insert “Thermal Paper Roll” edge into the “Guide -Paper Entry”.
Ensure that the plain paper should be on the top surface and the
printed band should be on the lower Surface of the Paper.
f)
ove the paper into the slot by rotating the paper feed knob
M
clockwise.
145
Paper Roll Installation steps
21.
SYMBOL LOADING
ummy symbols prescribed for FLC and demonstration purpose shall be
D
loaded using Laptop/Computer/Symbol Loading Jig for 16 candidate buttons.
22.
CABLE CONNECTIONS
a)
Open connector compartment of VVPAT.
b)
Connect cable from Ballot Unit to BU Interface connector matching
the coloured latches (red/black connector).
c)
onnect cable from VSDU to VSDU interface connector matching the
C
coloured latches (blue/green connector).
d)
onnect VVPAT cable to BU interface connector of Control Unit
C
matching the coloured latches (red/black connector).
146
23.
Testing Process:
a)
Test Preparation
1 BU, VSDU and CU are needed.
T he VVPAT should be initialized and loaded with 16 dummysymbols.
Make connections and operate the VVPAT.
The test has to be performed under standard conditions where
a new battery (Voltage > 22 V) and a new paper roll are used.
i)
E nsure Lock-Unlock switch at the back-side of VVPAT is in unlock
(Vertical) position.
ii)
Switch on the CU.
iii)
After the VVPAT is turned on, the POST slip and five self-diagnostics
reports are printed. In this case, the Diagnostics report should only be
checked for PASS/FAIL status as self-diagnostics test would have been
carried out on these units.
iv)
Before proceeding for mock-poll, check the status of each sensor in
the diagnostics reports. Proceed to next step only if the status of each
sensor is shown as “PASS” in the diagnostics report.
v)
If the status of Battery in Battery report is indicated as “FAIL”, change
the battery pack and start the test again.
vi)
Put the CU in clear state
vii)
Press Ballot Button on CU and verify that the Busy LED glow Red on
147
CU and VSDU. Ready LED on BU glow Green indicating BU is ready for
Voting.
viii)
Cast vote for first candidate on BU. On the selection of candidate,
VVPAT prints the selection on ballot slip.
ix)
T he ballot slip is displayed behind a transparent window of VVPAT
for 7 seconds. Verify the candidate number, symbol and name of the
candidate in the slip. After that, ballot slip will automatically cut and
fall into the Ballot slip compartment.
x)
epeat steps from vii to ix for all the other candidates on the Ballot
R
Unit. Check whether VVPAT prints the selected candidate information.
xi)
Continue polling for minimum of 96 votes i.e. by giving 6 vote to each
candidate button. Note down the Ballot voted.
xii)
ress Close button on CU to Close the Poll and note down the Result
P
by pressing Result Button on CU.
xiii)
T akeout the printed ballot slips from drop box (ballot slip compartment)
and segregate candidate-wise.
xiv)
Count the candidate-wise printed ballot slips and note down the
count.
xv)
Tally CU result with the ballot slip count.
xvi)
lear the votes by pressing Clear button in CU. Check whether Total
C
Votes displayed is ‘0’.
b)
FLC OK CRITERIA
The VVPAT is FLC OK, if all of the following are achieved
i)
T he total number of votes polled as displayed on the CU screen
indicates equal to number of votes cast, when TOTAL key is
pressed.
ii)
“ PRINTER ERROR” “CHANGE PRINTER” should not be displayed
on VSDU during the mock-poll.
iii)
“ 1-LOW BATTERY” “CHANGE BATTERY” should not be displayed
on VSDU during mock-poll.
iv)
After conduct of mock-poll, the FLC-OK (Green) Sticker duly
148
signed by the Engineer and representative of the District
Election Officer shall be pasted on the left side of VVPATs whose
results are obtained as ‘PASS’.
NOTE-1: IF ANY VVPAT DO NOT PASS THE ABOVEMENTIONED CRITERIA, FLCFAILED (RED) STICKER SHALL BE AFFIXED ON THAT VVPAT.
NOTE-2: PASTE THE FOLLOWING STICKERS, ON ALL VVPATs
1.
“Transportation” 2. “Working” and 3. “Unlock before Switch ON”
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CANDIDATES TEST
i)
Purpose
T he purpose of this test is to verify that the VVPAT is working properly with
maximum number of candidates i.e. 64. The purpose is to test that the
communication protocol between VVPAT, CU and BUs.
ii)
Test Applicability
T his test is applicable to VVPAT along with CU and BUs connected as a system.
This test is an extended test of polling test and is performed only on 1% of
the VVPAT lot.
iii)
Test Preparation
ne VVPAT with 64 symbols loaded, 4 BUs, 1VSDU and 1CU are needed.
O
Make connections and operate the VVPAT. This test can be conducted with
used Battery pack and used Paper roll (should be sufficient for printing 64
ballot slips).
149
iv)
v)
Test Procedure
i)
ress BALLOT key to enable the Ballot and vote for any candidate in
P
the first BU. A total of 4 votes to be casted by voting to one candidate
in each BU.
ii)
ress Close button on CU to Close the Poll and note down the Result
P
by pressing Result Button on CU.
iii)
Tally CU result with the ballot slip count.
iv)
emove all the ballot slips from VVPAT and clear the votes by pressing
R
Clear button in CU. Check whether Total Votes displayed is ‘0’
Acceptance Criteria
The test is successful if the following conditions are met:
i)
No error message is displayed on CU during the balloting process.
ii)
“PRINTER ERROR” “CHANGE PRINTER” is not displayed on VSDU
during the test.
Note: - Since the test is performed with a used Battery pack, the VSDU can display
“1- LOW BATTERY” “CHANGE BATTERY” during the polling of 96 votes. In that
case change the battery pack and start the test again.
SAMPLE REPORT FORMAT
150
ERROR CODE : 2 -PRINTER ERROR
On press of Ballot key on CU, if the error code 2 displayed on VSDU along with
sequence of messages, then switch off CU. Note down the error code observed for
Printer error in the Test format. Error code details are given below:
Printer Error 2.1 – Abnormal Head Temperature
Printer Error 2.3 – Printer Timeout Error
Printer Error 2.4 – Printer Low Voltage Error
Printer Error 2.5 – Printer Incorrect Command Error
Printer Error 2.6 – Cutter Error
Printer Error 2.7 – Fall Error
Printer Error 2.8 – Printer memory Error
Printer Error 2.9 – Contrast Error
Printer Error 2.10 – Length Error
Printer Error 2.12 – Platen Open Error
Printer Error 2.13 – No Paper Error
Printer Error 2.14– Deplete Error
151
SAMPLE OF FIRST LEVEL CHECK REPORT FORMAT OF EVMs
EVM FAILED REPORT
Date:
Place:
District/State:
Sl.No.
Unique ID of BU/
CU
Reason for Rejection
Remarks
Signature: Signature:
Name: Name:
(BEL/ECIL Engineer) (DEO’s Representative)
152
SAMPLE OF FIRST LEVEL CHECK REPORT FORMAT FOR VVPAT
FIRST LEVEL CHECK REPORT - VVPAT
Date:
Place:
District / State:
S.No. VVPAT
Visual
Post/
Symbol
Link
Votes PASS/
In case of
Serial inspection Diagnostic Loading Check Polled FAIL Failure, Defect
Number Ok / Not report Ok / Ok / Not Ok / Not (96)
observed (Value
Ok
Not Ok *
Ok
Ok
of parameter
causing failure)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Signature:
Name:
(BEL/ECIL Engineer)
Signature:
Name :
(DEO’s Representative)
153
Annexure-7
(Mock Poll Result Certification During FLC of EVMs)
Date: ……………..
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of hall:
It is certified that a printout of the result of mock poll as well as a sequential print
out of every vote polled during the mock poll has been taken out from ……… EVMs
picked up by me. There are no discrepancies between the votes polled during the
mock poll and result in the print out.
Sl.
No.
Name of
National/
State Party
Name of
representative
of political
party with
party affiliation
Identity
Signature of Remarks,
document representative
if any.
No. with
date
154
Annexure-8
(Mock Poll by Representatives of Political Parties during FLC of EVMs)
Date:……………..
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of hall:
It is certified that I have done mock poll on………….. EVMs and I am fully satisfied
with the functioning of EVMs.
S.No.
Name of
National/
State Party
Name of
Identity
representative document
of political
No. with
party with
date
party affiliation
155
Signature of Remarks,
representative
if any.
Annexure-9
(Mock Poll certification during FLC of VVPATs)
Date:……………..
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of hall:
It is certified that the results of the printed ballot slips of VVPATs (list of unique ID
of VVPATs attached) have been tallied with the electronic result of the respective
Control Units. There are no discrepancies between the electronic count of the
Control Units and count of printed ballot paper slips of VVPATs.
S.No.
Name of
Name of
National/ representative
State Party
of political
party with
party affiliation
Identity
document
No. with
date
Name of Engineers of BEL/ECIL
1.
2.
3.
Signature of
representative
Remarks,
if any.
(Signature)
(Signature)………………………………………………………………….
Name of FLC-Supervisor……………………………………………..
Designation………………………………………………………………..
156
Annexure-10
(Sealing of Control Unit of EVMs using Pink Paper Seal)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of FLC hall:
Date:
It is certified that the sealing of the Control Units using Pink Paper Seals has been
done in my presence. I have put my signature on the Pink Paper Seals after sealing
of the Control Units and I am satisfied with the sealing of the Control Units.
Sl.No.
S.No.
Unique ID No. of Control
Unit
Name of
National/
State Party
Name of
representative of
political party with
party affiliation
Pink Paper Seal Number
Identity
document No.
with date
Signature of
representative
(Name, designation, signature of officers nominated by District Election Officer)
157
Annexure-11
(Certificate on arrangement for FLC by DEO)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of FLC hall:
Date:…………………..
S.No.
Particulars
(Yes/No)
1
Whether FLC hall is sufficiently large to accommodate the
EVMs and VVPATs to be checked, officials nominated by the
DEO, engineers of BEL and ECIL and also representatives of
political parties.
2
Whether FLC Hall well-lighted, well ventilated and dust free.
3
Whether FLC area has been barricaded and sanitized by police
4
Whether adequate arrangement of fire extinguishers and fire
alarm has been made inside and outside the hall.
5
Whether hall is free from any other electronic device or
components of electronic devices
6
Whether facilities of drinking water, toilet, first aid etc are
available
7
Whether there is only one entry and exit point to the hall and
guarded by armed police force round the clock.
8
Whether door frame, metal detector are installed
9
Whether arrangement for frisking has been made
10 Whether Identity Cards for entry into the FLC hall to the
authorized officials/Representatives of political parties have
been issued by the District Election Officer
11 Whether arrangement of webcasting have been made
12 Whether log book to record entry of every person has been
kept at FLC hall
13 Whether a separate log book (i.e. duty roaster) to be
maintained for armed police force deployed for FLC hall has
been kept at FLC hall
14 Whether all required registers and formats are ready and kept
in FLC hall
15 Number of Armed Police Personnel in each shift
I have personally inspected the above arrangements.
(Name and Signature of District Election Officer)
158
Annexure-12
(Certificate on completion of FLC process)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of FLC hall:
Date: …………………..
It is certified that FLC process has been completed on …………………….(date) as per
instructions of the Commission on First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs. I
personally inspected FLC on following dates:
The status of EVMs and VVPATs after completion of FLC is as under:
Name
of
District
Available in the
District
BU
CU
VVPAT
FLC Ok Quantity
BU
CU
VVPAT
FLC Reject Quantity
BU
CU
VVPAT
The defective EVMs and VVPATs shall be shifted to the manufacturer (BEL/ECIL)
on…………………i.e. within 7 days from the date of completion of FLC process in the
district.
(Name and Signature of District Election Officer)
159
Annexure-13
VVPAT BROCHURE FOR PRESIDING OFFICERS
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
Annexure-14
How to Vote using EVM & VVPAT
168
Annexure-15
(Register for Preparation of EVMs)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:
Address of Preparation of EVM hall:
Date:
S.No.
Name of
Name of
candidate representative
of candidates
with party
affiliation, if
any
Identity
document
No. with
date
Signature of
candidates/His
representative
Remarks,
if any.
Note: If a candidate or his representative is absent the proof of due service of
notice to the candidate should be pasted in the register.
(Name and signature of engineers of BEL/ECIL with ID No.)
(Name, designation, signature of officers nominated by District Election Officer)
169
Annexure-16
(Certification of EVMs by BEL/ECIL)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:
Address of hall:
Date:
It is certified that tests prescribed by BEL/ECIL to ascertain that all components are
original were carried out on the Balloting Unit listed below on…….. (date). On the
basis of these tests it is certified that all components of the Balloting Unit listed
below are original.
BU Identification No.
(Name & signature of BEL/ECIL engineers with ID No.)
170
Annexure-17
INSTALLATION OF PAPER ROLL IN VVPAT
a)
pen the Paper Roll compartment by opening the side latches and by lifting
O
the top cover. Observe the Paper Roll Compartment which holds the Paper
roll.
b)
Remove “Spindle” from its position by pulling towards upward direction.
c)
Insert “Spindle” into “Thermal Paper Roll”.
d)
lace the “Thermal Paper Roll” with “Spindle” into its position (i.e Paper Roll
P
compartment) and press it towards down.
e)
Insert “Thermal Paper Roll” edge into the “Guide -Paper Entry”. Ensure that
the plain paper should be on the top surface and the printed band should be
on the lower Surface of the Paper.
f)
Move the paper into the slot by rotating the paper feed knob clockwise.
Paper Roll Installation steps
171
Annexure-18
(Mock Poll certification during Preparation of EVMs)
Date:……………..
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:
Address of hall:
It is certified that during commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, mock poll of
1000 votes have been cast on 5% randomly selected EVMs, as well as VVPATs.
The electronic result tallied with paper count, picked up by me. There are no
discrepancies between the votes polled during the mock poll.
S.No.
Name of
candidate
Name of
Identity
Signature of Remark,
representative of document candidate/his if any.
candidate with
No. with representative
party affiliation,
date
if any
172
Annexure-19
(Register for Sealing of Balloting Unit of EVMs using Pink Paper Seal)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Address of FLC hall:
Date:
It is certified that the sealing of the Balloting Units using Pink Paper Seals has been
done in my presence. I have put my signature on the Pink Paper Seals after sealing
of the Balloting Units and I am satisfied with the sealing of the Balloting Units.
Sl. No.
S.No.
Unique ID No. of Balloting Unit
Name of
candidate
Name of political
party with party
affiliation, if any
173
Pink Paper Seal Number
Identity
document No.
with date
Signature of
candidate/ his
representative
Annexure-20
Voting Compartment – Dimensions & Cascading of Balloting Units
ON ONE SIDE - FACING THE WEB CAMERA
Name of State/UT:
AC/PC Name:
AC/PC Number:
Date of Poll:
Polling Station Name:
Polling Station Number:
ON REMAINING TWO SIDES OF THE VOTING COMPARTMENT
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
ernku dEikVZesaV
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
VOTING COMPARTMENT
174
175
CASCADING OF THREE BALLOTING UNITS
CASCADING OF FOUR BALLOTING UNITS
176
Annexure-21
Mock Poll Certificate
This is certified that I, ……………… Presiding Officer at the Polling Station No……….
of ……………………..Assembly Constituency (or the ……………………………Assembly
segment under ……………………………Parliamentary Constituency) conducted
the mock poll at ……….. AM today, the poll day i.e. ………………(date), following
scrupulously all the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India, using–
CU of Serial No. (as printed on back-side of the CU)……………………………………………
BU of Serial No. (as printed on back-side of the BU)…………………………………………
VVPAT Unit of Serial Number (if used)…………………………………………………………
1.
A total of ……… votes were cast for each candidate and also for NOTA.
2.
It was verified that the LED light was getting lit up against the correct
candidate/NOTA button, when the button was pressed and beep sound was
properly heard.
3.
T he candidate-wise detail of votes polled during mock-poll and result
displayed, is as under:
S. No. Name of the Candidate
Number
Number of Number of Votes Cast
of votes
votes disPrinted Pa- and Result
cast during played in CU per Slips, as displayed
mock poll on checking per counting & Printed
the result on checking Paper Slip
mock poll re- count (if
sult (if VVPAT VVPAT used)
used)
Tallied with
each other
(YES/NO)
NOTA
Total
177
4.
I have cleared the memory of the EVM and also removed the printed paper
slips of VVPAT after the mock poll and verified that the memory has been
cleared, by pressing the Total button and seeing the Total is shown as ‘0’.
5.
t the time of mock poll the following polling agents representing the
A
candidates whose names mentioned against the names of such agents were
present and I have obtained their signatures.
6.
oll Start Date and Time seen on the display of CU at the time of start of
P
actual poll……………………………………………….. (To be filled in case of Post-2006
EVMs).
Sl.No. Name of Polling Agent Name of Party Name of candidate Signature of
Polling Agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
or
At the time scheduled for mock poll no polling agent was present/the agent of
only one contesting candidate was present. After waiting for fifteen more minutes,
I conducted the mock poll along with other polling staff at …….….AM.
Signature of Micro-Observer (if posted at the polling station)
Date:
Time:
Name & Signature of the Presiding Officer
Polling Station No………….
Polling Station Name…………………..
178
Annexure-22
HANDLING OF CU-BU-VVPAT FAILURES/ERRORS DURING POLL
PREPARATION OF POLLING OFFICIALS FOR FAULT HANDLING-SUGGESTIONS
Certain contingencies may arise during the polling process which may require
certain actions. These are as follows: a) In case the CU or the BU does not work properly: (i) Switch off the CU and
don’t switch it on again (ii) Replace the complete set of EVM and VVPAT by
another set of BU, CU and VVPAT (iii) However, in such case only one vote
to each contesting candidate including NOTA should be polled in the mock
poll. (iv) Continue the poll with the new EVM set, after clearing mock poll
data and printed paper slips from VVPAT Drop Box.
b) In case Display Panel of the CU displays “Link Error”: (i) Check that the cable
connections are proper by visual inspection (don’t remove and reconnect
the connectors); (ii) If “Link Error” still persists, replace the complete set of
EVM and VVPAT.
c) In case the VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU) displays “Error Code-1Replace
Battery”: Switch off the CU and replace the Power Pack of VVPAT printer. It
should be ensured that in no case replacement of power pack is done without
switching off the CU.
d) In case the VSDU displays “Error Code – 2 Replace Printer” and the Presiding
Officer has not pressed the BU enable button: Switch off the CU and replace
the defective VVPAT unit with the new VVPAT unit. It shall be ensured that in no
case replacement of VVPAT unit is done without switching off the Control Unit.
e) In case the Presiding Officer has pressed BU enable Button and the Voter
has pressed the Candidate Button of the Ballot Unit and complains that
‘Paper Slip’ has not been printed or the Paper Slip printed by the VVPAT
unit has not been cut and hanging against the display window then: (i) If
the busy lamp of the CU is not glowing and no Message/Error is displayed
on VSDU, the complaint should be considered as baseless and rejected; (ii) If
busy lamp is glowing on the CU and no Message/Error is displayed on VSDU,
the Voter shall be requested to go into the Voting Compartment once again
and press the Candidate Button on BU of his choice; (iii) If busy lamp of the
CU and VSDU are glowing and VSDU has no display message, please switch
OFF the CU and replace the VVPAT unit. (iv) The last voter whose paper slip
has not been printed by VVPAT or has not been cut should be allowed to cast
his vote after the VVPAT unit has been replaced.
179
lease keep in mind that the vote is not recorded in the CU electronically
P
unless the paper slip has been printed and cut by VVPAT. If VVPAT has not
printed the paper slip, or the printed paper slip has not been cut, the last
voter whose paper slip has not been printed by VVPAT or has not been cut
should be allowed to cast his vote after the VVPAT unit has been replaced.
f) In case the printed paper slip has not been cut and is hanging from the
paper roll: Replace the Printer, but no effort should be made to make it fall
into the drop box. It should be allowed to remain hanging, as it is not to be
counted at the time of counting of the ballot slips. The details of such an
occurrence should be clearly recorded in the Presiding Officers diary in the
following format:
i)
The date and time of the occurrence.
ii)
T he name of the voter and his serial number in part in the electoral
roll who was allowed to cast his vote after replacement of VVPAT.
iii)
Whether the voter cast his vote after replacement of VVPAT or went
away without casting his vote.
iv)
The Total number of votes cast before the occurrence.
g) In case a voter alleges after recording his vote that the printed paper slip
generated by the printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate
other than the one he voted for: Action should be taken as per provisions of
Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Elections (Amendment) Rules, 2013:
( i) Obtain a declaration from the complainant in the Declaration Form
(Annexure-24) under his/her signature/thumb impression; (ii) Proceed to
the voting compartment along with the complainant and polling agents
present in the polling station at that moment; (iii) The voter shall be asked
to cast a test vote in favour of any candidate and make second entry related
to that elector in the Form-17A; (iv) Observe carefully whether the Printer
has printed the paper slip correctly; (v) If the complaint of the elector is
found genuine, the Presiding Officer shall report the facts immediately to
the RO and stop further polling at the station; (vi) If the complaint of the
elector is found false, make a remark to that effect against the second entry
relating to that elector in Form-17A mentioning the serial number and name
of the candidate for whom such test vote has been recorded and obtain the
signature or thumb impression against such remark. Further make necessary
entries regarding such test vote in item 5 in Part-I of Form 17-C.
180
Annexure-23
CHECK LIST OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF POLLING MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED TO
THE POLLING PARTY
1.
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Printer Unit
:
1 No.
2.
VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU)
:
1 No.
3.
Carrying Case for the VVPAT system
:
1 No.
4.
Envelope made of thick black paper
:
2 Nos.
5.
(For sealing printed paper slips of Mock Poll)
Plastic Box for Black Paper Envelope Sealing
:
1 No.
6.
Pink Paper Seal for sealing Plastic Box
:
2 Nos.
7.
Form of declaration by elector under rule 49MA
:
10 copies
of the Conduct of Elections Rules
181
Annexure-24
General/Bye-Election to………………………………………………………………
Sl. No. and Name of Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency……………………………
No. and Name of Polling Station………………………………………………………
FORM OF DECLARATION BY ELECTOR
UNDER RULE 49MA OF CONDUCT OFELECTIONS RULES, 1961
1. I hereby solemnly declare and affirm under sub-rule (1) of Rule 49 MA of the
Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 that the paper slip generated by the printer
attached to the Balloting Unit has shown the name and/or symbol of a candidate
other than the candidate for whom I voted by pressing the concerned blue button
against the name and symbol of the candidate of my choice on the Balloting Unit.
I am ready to cast a test vote again to show that the allegation made by me is true
and bonafide.
(2). I am aware of the penal provisions of Section 177 of the IPC that I shall be
liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both,
if the declaration given by me in para 1 above to the Presiding Officer appointed
under Section 26 of the RP Act, 1951 is found to be incorrect.
Signature/Thumb impression of the Elector
Name of the Elector…………………………….
Father/Mother/Husband’s Name……………….
Part No. of elector roll………………………….
Sl. No. of elector in that Part……………………
Sl. No. in Register of Voters (Form 17A)……….
Dated………………..
Certified that the above declaration was made and subscribed by the elector above
named before me.
Signature of the Presiding Officer
…………………………………
Dated…………
182
Annexure-25
(Report on getting result data from Control Unit whose CLOSE button was not
pressed by Presiding Officer at the end of poll)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Name of election:
Number & Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:
Date of Counting:
It is certified that the result has been obtained from the following Control Unit(s)
after pressing CLOSE button in the presence of the contesting candidates/
their counting agents. The result of the election has been declared taking into
consideration the result from this machine as well.
Sl.
No.
Polling
Station
No.
Unique ID No.
of Control
Unit
Detailed Report
No. of votes polled in
the Control Unit as per
Form 17C
Final statement showing votes polled by the winning and runner up candidates
S.No.
Name of candidate
Party affiliation, if any
(Name & Signature of Returning Officer)
(Name & Signature of Observer)
183
Votes polled
Annexure-26
(Report on discrepancy in total votes shown in the Control Unit whose CLOSE
button was not pressed by Presiding Officer at the end of poll and as mentioned
in Form 17-C)
Name of State/UT:
Name of District:
Name of election:
Number & Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:
Date of Counting:
It is certified that the discrepancy has been noticed in the total votes polled in
the following Control Unit(s), after pressing TOTAL button of the Control Unit and
comparing it with the total votes polled mentioned in Form 17-C.
Sl.No.
Polling
Station
No.
Unique
ID No.
of Control
Unit
No. of votes
polled displayed
by Control Unit
on pressing TOTAL
button
No. of votes
polled in
the Control
Unit as per
Form 17C
Remarks
Final statement showing votes polled by the winning and runner up candidates
S.No.
Name of candidate
Party affiliation, if any
Votes polled
As the margin of votes between the candidate having highest votes and the
runner up is more than the votes polled mentioned in the Form 17C relating to the
Control Unit(s) mentioned above, the matter is being referred to the Commission
for permission to set aside the votes polled in the said Control Units (s) and to
declare the result.
(Name & Signature of Returning Officer)
(Name & Signature of Observer)
184
Annexure-27
Sample Container -14 inch X 10 inch X 5 inch (length X breadth X height)
Sample Pigeonholes (Size of each compartment 6 inch X 4 inch X 4 inch)
185
Annexure-28
ANNEXURE TO PART-II OF FORM 17-C
RESULT OF PRINTED PAPER COUNT
Polling Station No. ______
used:____________________
Total
number
of
VVPATs
Unique ID of VVPAT : ___________
Sl.No. of
candidate
Name of
candidate
Number of
votes as per
count of
Printed Paper
Slip of VVPAT
Number of test
votes to be
deducted as per
item 5 of Part I
Number
of valid
votes.
(3-4)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Total
Whether the total number of votes shown above tallies with the total number of
votes shown against item 6 of Part I or any discrepancy noticed between the two
totals.(YES/NO)
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
Signature of Counting Supervisor
186
Name of candidate/election agent/counting agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
Signature of Returning Officer
187
Full signature
Annexure-29
FORM 17 C
[See rules 49S and 56C(2)]
PART I – ACCOUNT OF VOTES RECORDED
Election to House of the People/Legislative Assembly of the State/Union Territory
………….……………… from……………………….. constituency.
Number and Name of Polling Station:
……………………
Identification Number of voting
Control Unit…………...
Machine used at the Polling Station:
Balloting Unit………….
Printer (if used)…………
1.
Total number of electors assigned to the Polling Station
2.
Total number of voters as entered in the Register for Voters (Form 17A)
3.
Number of voters deciding not to record votes under rule 49-O
4.
Number of voters not allowed to vote under rule 49M
5.
Test votes recorded under rule 49MA (d) required to be deducteda)
total number of test votes to be deducted:
elector(s) in Form 17A
………
b)
Total No. Sl.No.(s) of
…………...............……….
Candidate(s) for whom test vote(s) cast: Sl.No.
candidate No. of votes
Name of
…………. …………………
……….
…………. …………………
……….
6.
Total number of votes recorded as per voting machine:………………………………….
7.
hether the total number of votes as shown against item 6 tallies with the
W
total number of votes as shown against item 2 minus numbers of voters
deciding not to record votes as against item 3 minus number of voters as
against item 4(i.e. 2-3-4) or any discrepancy noticed:…………………………………
8.
umber of voters to whom tendered Ballot papers were issued under rule
N
49P:…………..
188
9.
Number of tendered Ballot papers:
Sl.No.
Total
From
To
a)
received for use
…………………………………………………
b)
issued to electors
…………………………………………………
c)
not used and returned
………………………………………....………
10.
Account of papers seals
Signature of polling agents
1.
Paper seals supplied for use:
Total No……………… 1…………..............….
Sl.No. from……………. To …………..............….
2.
Paper seals used:
Total No……………… 2…………..............….
Sl.No. from……………. To …………..............….
3.
Unused paper seals returned to
Returning Officer:
Total No………………
3…………..............….
Sl.No. from……………. To …………..............….
4.
Damaged paper seal, if any:
Total No……………… 4…………..............….
Sl.No. from……………. To …………..............….
5…………..............…..
6…………..............…..
Date…………..............….
Place…………..............….
Signature of Presiding Officer
Polling
Station
No……………..............….
189
PART II- RESULT OF COUNTING
Sl.No. of
candidate
Name of
candidate
Number
of votes as
displayed on
control unit
Number of test
votes to be
deducted as per
item 5 of Part I
Number
of valid
votes.
(3-4)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Total
Whether the total number of votes shown above tallies with the total number of
votes shown against item 6 of Part I or any discrepancy noticed between the two
totals.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
Signature of Counting Supervisor
Name of candidate/election agent/counting agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
Signature of Returning Officer
190
Full signature
Annexure-30
Mandatory verification of paper slips of VVPAT of 01 randomly selected
polling station
Name of State/UT:…………………………………………………………………………….
No. and Name of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency:…………………………………
No. and Name of Assembly Segment (in case of PC):……………………………………..
Sl.No. and name of Polling Station:………………………………………………………..
Unique ID of Control Unit:…………………………………………………………………
Unique ID of VVPAT:……………………………………………………………………..
It is certify that pilot testing of counting of paper slips of VVPAT of 01 randomly
selected polling station has been conducted as per the instructions of the
Commission.
Name of Candidate No. of Votes Cast
As per EVM
As per Paper Slips
1.
Discrepancy if any
2.
3.
--NOTA
TOTAL VOTES
Signature of Counting Agents
1……………………..
2……………………..
3……………………..
Signature of Counting Supervisor
Signature of Returning Officer
Signature of General Observe
191
Manual on
Electronic Voting Machine and
VVPAT
July 2018
Document 2 - Edition 3
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
Website : www.eci.nic.in, Tel. : 011-23052205, Fax : 011-23052219
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
“No voter to be left behind”
“No voter to be left behind”
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