NEW DELHI: Election Commission of India clarified that all such reports and allegations related to the alleged movement of EVMs, doing the rounds in sections of media, are absolutely false, and factually incorrect. The visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls.
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 until the completion of counting. Each strongroom is guarded with round-the-clock security by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Further, the candidates or their designated agents remain present at the strongroom for a 24X7 vigil at all times.
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 the serial number of the EVMs to satisfy themselves to the genuineness and authenticity of the machines used in the actual polls.
The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections. All Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers have again been advised to brief the candidates on the elaborate counting arrangements.
