Lok Sabha Election 2019: Clamour over EVMs hits roof

Coming under a deluge of complaints showcasing videos of suspicious movements of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in trucks and jeeps without security on the social media, the Election Commission on Tuesday claimed that all such reports and allegations are absolutely false, and factually incorrect.

Trying to allay apprehensions among the ranks of opposition parties that also broached the poll watchdog on the same issue, the EC said, it would like to "emphatically and unambiguously clarify that all such reports and allegations are absolutely false, and factually incorrect. The visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls."

In a clarification it said that after the close of polls, all polled EVMs and VVPATs are brought under security cover to the designated strongrooms, which is sealed with double locks, in the presence of the candidates and in the presence of Observers of the Election Commission.

"The entire process of storage and sealing of the strongroom is covered under videography. Continuous CCTV coverage is done till completion of counting. Each strongroom is guarded with round-the-clock security by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Further, the candidates or their designated agents remain present at the strongroom for 24X7 vigil at all times," said the Commission.

Asserting that no foul play is possible, the Commission further said that on the counting day, the strongrooms are opened in the presence of the candidates/agents and Observer under videography.

"Before the counting of EVMs commences, the counting agents are shown the address tags, seals and serial number of the EVMs to satisfy themselves to the genuineness and authenticity of the machines used in the actual polls," it added.

However, unable to explain the rationale of movement of that it called "reserved unused EVMs" that shows EVMs moving in trucks and jeeps and not as per prescribed protocol, the EC said, "Any case of lapse even in handling of Reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible."

The Commission has also opened an EVM control room at Nirvachan Sadan that can be approached on phone number 011- 23052123 with regard to any EVM related complaints from 11 am on Wednesday will the completion of counting.