In high-stake Punjab polls, VVPAT machine makes debut to end ‘malpractices’

The idea behind introducing VVPAT machine is to make election process free from malpractices.

Chandigarh, Feb 4: This time, assembly elections in Punjab became more transparent with the introduction of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail machines. The state voted for its new legislative assembly on Saturday.

This is for the first time that VVPAT machines were used on a trial basis in Punjab, reports ANI.

The idea behind introducing VVPAT machines is to help voters ensure that their votes have gone to the right person, says an official of the Election Commission. "The VVPAT machines are meant for voters only. With these machines, the voters can double-check whom they have voted for in the polls," added the official.

What is a VVPAT machine

According to Elections.in, VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters. It's completely an independent verification system.

"For those uninitiated, VVPAT is a printer-like machine attached to every electronic voting machine that allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly. Once a voter presses button of his choice in the EVM, a printed paper appears containing the name of the candidate and poll symbol so that he can verify it," says Elections.in.

"After the voter views the receipt it goes inside a container linked to the EVM, which can be accessed only by the polling officers. This latest system is one step further towards prevention of electoral fraud."

When was VVPAT machine first used in India

The system was first experimented during the Nagaland by-elections in 2013. However, Mizoram was the first state to introduce VVPAT machines on a large scale.

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