EC ensures tight security for EVMs

Guwahati, Apr 25 (UNI) The Election Commission(EC) is faced with a tough task of ensuring proper vigil over electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Asom, where polling was completed by April 10, till the results are out on May 11.

Also, for the candidates in the fray the wait has been painstakingly long, keeping in view the prompt results made possible by the introduction of EVMs.

An EC official informed the EVMs used in polling in Asom were kept under tight security in 47 strong rooms located in different places in the state. Each of these strong rooms is guarded by an inner ring of central paramilitary force(CPF) personnel and an outer security ring manned either by CPF or Asom Police Battalion.

Representatives of poll candidates and political parties can also stay guard over EVMs from outside the strong rooms with prior permission from the EC. The poll panel is keeping constant tab on the security arrangements in and around the strong rooms by deputing its officials on supervisory engagements.

A security plan has been drawn up for counting on May 11. The CRPF personnel engaged in election duty would be mainly responsible for counting-day security arrangements with support from Asom Police personnel. The EC informed that mobile phones would be strictly banned within the counting hall areas.

The state Election Department informed that the EVMs would be preserved with their mandate for six months even after the results are declared on May 11, for a verification if any of the candidate is not satisfied with the outcome.

The Election Department has called for a meeting of district returning officers on April 30 to brief them about procedures related to counting of votes and declaration of results.

EVMs were used in all poling booths for the first time in Asom during the just concluded assembly election.

UNI XC PL YA VC1602