Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) & Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

IIIDEM
Election Commission of India
 DISCLAIMER
This PPT on EVM-VVPAT is for familiarizing the various officials,
functionaries and stakeholders of the Elections to State Legislative
Assembly conducted by the Election Commission of India, about the
Process, Legal Provisions, ECI Guidelines etc relevant to these elections.

Contents of this PPT are not exhaustive and for any specific clarification,
reference should be made to the relevant provisions of Law and/ or the
Instructions of The Election Commission of India on the subject, which as
updated from time to time would prevail over contents of this PPT, in case
of any difference.
Different Phases of Elections
This phase starts generally one year / 6 months
before the elections and extends up to the date of
the announcement of elections. This phase is
characterized by Election Planning and Electoral
Pre-Election
Roll preparation
Phase
01 This phase is the most important phase which
02
starts from the date of the announcement,
Election
Phase runs through the poll day, and ends on the
Post Election
Phase
conclusion of counting.

03 This phase signifies the time when the reports are

generated and post audits are done after the end
of the elections.
LEGAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO ELECTIONS

A B C D
The The ECI
The Representa Conduct Instructions
Constitution tion of of Election ,
of India People Act, Rules Handbooks,
1950, 1951 1960,1961 Manuals,
Compendiu
m
 AGENDA OF THE PRESENTATION
1. Introduction

2. Legal Provisions

3. Examples of Violation of EVM-VVPAT Protocol and

Guidelines

4. Technical Security

5. Administrative safeguards
 Introduction
The use of Electronic Voting Machines has revolutionized the
Electoral System and introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail system has provided greater transparency to the
poll process.
This Session on Electronic Voting Machine and VVPAT will
familiarize the Election machinery with the genesis of the
Electronic Voting Machine, Process of its Development,
Procurement, Storage, legal provisions and use of these
machines in Elections
 Legal Provisions for the Use of EVM-VVPAT
01 The RP ACT, 1951
Section 61A
02 Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
Rule 49A to 49X- Voting by EVM,
Counting of Votes recorded in EVM-
Rule– 50-61, 66A

03 ECI Instructions on EVM

Legal Provisions
04 Manual on EVM-
VVPAT
05 RO Handbook

06 Presentation on EVM-
VVPAT
07 Status Paper on EVM
 FLOW CHART (EVM PROCESS AT A GLANCE)

Concept and Designing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
(Convey requirement of facilities
required in EVM)

BHARAT ELECTRONICS
LIMITED (BEL)
TECHNICAL EXPERT (Develops prototype as per ECI
COMMITTEE (TEC) requirements)
(Provide Technical Assistance &
Evaluates the prototype to ensure that
requirements are met by the ELECTRONICS
manufacturers)) CORPORATION OF INDIA
LIMITED (ECIL) (Develops
prototype as per ECI requirements)
 Procurement of EVMs
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
{Place a Purchase Order to Manufacturers (BEL
& ECIL) on 50:50 basis & allocate consignee
(States/UTs) to whom supply is given}

STATES & UTs : (Allocate EVMs at

BEL & ECIL : Manufacture District Level and intimate to
required number of EVMs & manufacturers)
deliver to concerned District

Districts : Receive EVMs and issue

Acceptance Certificate. Store the
EVMs at EVM Warehouses
 1. What is EVM?
(Ballot Unit + Control Unit + VVPAT)

10
 EVM (Ballot Unit + Control Unit + VVPAT)
• EVM consists of Ballot Unit, Control Unit
and VVPAT
• Polling Officer presses the Ballot Button
of Control Unit which enable the voter to
cast his vote using Ballot Unit
• When a voter presses a button against
the candidate of his choice in Ballot Unit,
red light glow against candidate of his
choice in Ballot Unit.
• A paper slip showing the serial no, name
Ballot VVPAT Control and the symbol of the candidate of his
Unit Unit choice is generated and visible for about 7
seconds through transparent window of
VVPAT 1
1
Control Unit

CONTROL UNIT- Enables the Ballot

Unit to accept vote from the voter and
stores the vote cast

1
2
Ballot Unit

BALLOT UNIT- the voter can

franchise his/her vote by pressing
a button against the candidate of
his/her choice

13
VVPAT

VVPAT- allows the voters to

verify that their votes are cast
as intended.

14
 EVM – Ballot Unit - Details
Ready Lamp (Green)

Thumb Wheel Window

Candidate’s Button

Candidate’s Lamp

Ballot Paper Screen

Interconnecting Cable
 EVM – Ballot Unit - Details

Lift to
Stand Connecter Box for Open
additional BU connection

Cable Clamp

Battery Box

16
 EVM – Control Unit – Front View
Power ON Lamp Busy Lamp
(Green) (Red)

Display Section

Candidate Set Section

Result Section

Ballot Section
EVM – Control Unit – Display Section
Power ON Lamp (Green) Busy Lamp (Red)

Dual Line Digital Display Panel

EVM – Control Unit – Candidate Set Section
Power Pack Compartment
Candidate Set
Power pack Section Door
Section Door

Candidate
Latch Set Button
Plug for
Power Pack

Holes to pass thread for sealing

 EVM – Control Unit – Result Section
Close Result Clear
Button Button Button

Outer
Door

Holes to pass Inner

Print Inner
thread for Compartment
Button Latches
sealing Door
VOTER VERIFIABLE
PAPER AUDIT TRAIL
(VVPAT)
21
 VVPAT

VVPAT- allows the voters to verify that their

votes are cast as intended.
22
 VVPAT
 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, the elector shall be able to view through the transparent window
of the VVPAT, the printed paper slip showing the serial no, name and the symbol of
the candidate of his choice.

 The slip is visible through the VVPAT window after which it automatically gets cut
and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT.

 Since June 2017, VVPATs are being used in all Elections.

23
 HISTORY OF VVPAT
 4th October 2010: An all-party meeting agreed to incorporate VVPAT with EVM.
 14th August 2013: The Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 amended to use VVPAT.
 September 2013: First used in Bye-election for 51-Noksen AC in Nagaland.
 October 2013: Hon’ble Supreme Court allowed ECI to introduce the VVPAT system in
a phased manner.
 4th March 2017: Goa became the first State where 100% coverage of VVPATs with
EVMs during Goa Legislative Assembly Election, 2017.
 12th August 2017: In all party meeting, the Commission committed to ensure 100%
coverage of VVPATs in all future elections.
 April-May 2019: 100% Deployment of VVPATs in Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

24
 POLLING STATION LAYOUT
PO 3 with CU
Polling
Agents
Voting
PO 2 Compartment

PO 1

BU & VVPAT
Presiding
Officer with CU
Voter 25
EVM-VVPAT MANAGEMENT CYCLE

Tr ar
ai en
Aw

ni e
ng s
& s
 Officers Involved in EVM-VVPAT Management
District Election Officer (DEO)

Returning Assistant Returning

Officer(RO) Officer (ARO)

Presiding PO 1 PO 2 PO 3
Officer

NOTE: EVM-VVPAT Nodal and Sector Officers are also involved in the overall EVM-VVPAT
Management
 District Election Officer
 Custodian of EVMs

 First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs done at his level by the

Manufacturers

 Representatives of Recognized National & State Political Parties

participate in the FLC process.

 First Randomization of EVMs done after FLC to allocate EVMs

assembly/assembly segment wise.
 Returning/Assistant Returning officer
 Store first randomized EVMs in Strong Rooms
 After finalization of List of contesting Candidates Second
randomization of EVMs is done to allocate EVMs Polling Station
wise before preparation of EVMs.
 Preparation of EVMs is done in the presence of Candidates/their
Agents.
 Prepared EVMs are again stored in Strong Room in the presence of
Candidates/their Agents.
 On day of dispersal of polling parties, Strong rooms are reopened and
EVMs with election material handed over to polling parties in the
presence of Candidates/their agents
 Polling Parties
 After receiving EVMs & election materials, polling parties
move to their designated polling station under security
 Before actual poll, Mock-poll is conducted in the polling
station in the presence of polling agents of the contesting
candidates.
 After Mock-poll, data of mock poll is cleared and Result
section is sealed with green paper seal, tags & thread.
 After completion of poll, EVMs are escorted back to strong
room.
 Polled EVMs are stored under 24 X 7 security.
 Returning/Assistant Returning Officer
(Counting of Votes)

 On counting day Strong Rooms are opened in the presence

of Candidates/their Agents and Observers of the ECI.
 Counting of Votes is done in the presence of
Candidates/their Agents and Observers of the ECI.
 After counting of votes, the power pack of CU will be
removed, and VVPAT slips will be kept in black envelop
then EVMs are sealed and stored in Strong Rooms.
 Retention of Polled Data in EVMs
 Period for filing Election Petition(EP) is 45-days from the date of
declaration of result;
 Data Retention period is six-months from the date of declaration of
result.
 DEOs can clear data from the EVMs not involved in any EP, on
completion of six-months.
 Data can be cleared from the EVMs not involved in any EP, after
completion of period of filing EP and before completion of retention
period with the permission of the Commission for using in any
subsequent election.
Examples of Violation of EVM-VVPAT
Protocol & Guidelines
1.EVM Found in Sector Officer’s
House in Guna AC, Madhya
Pradesh in violation of ECI
Protocol. Enquiry was ordered by
ECI

2.Tamil Nadu Elections 2021

A duo carrying two EVMs and
a VVPAT machine on a two-
wheeler were caught by
motorists and passers-by in
Velachery after polling ended.
Action was initiated against the
concerned for not following
ECI guidelines
3. EC Suspends 4 Poll Officials in Assam After EVM Found in MLA's Car,
Orders Repolling in Booth
The presiding officer of the polling station at Indira MV School at Ratabari
Constituency and other members of the polling party were heading to the strong room
when their car broke down. They failed to establish communication with the election
officials and took a lift from a passing car. However, the vehicle belonged to the
Patharkandi MLA, who is a candidate in the assembly election. Later, enquiry was
ordered and officials were suspended for not following the ECI guidelines and protocol
regarding shifting the Polled EVMs & VVPATs
 Examples of Violation of Protocol
4.Recently, during the UP Elections held in 2022,in Varanasi, the machines were transported in an open lorry without following
the ECI guidelines. EC has ordered action against Varanasi ADM for violating the rules.

5. In Bareilly ballot boxes and other election items were found inside a garbage collection bin of the local municipality in the
Baheri area. The officials were replaced on the direction of the Election Commission. The Additional Election Officer VK Singh
was removed from the election process

6. In Sonbhadra district, ballot slips were recovered from a box inside the vehicle of the additional district magistrate, who was
suspended from duty

7. CCTVs outside the EVM strong room in MP didn't work for over an hour as electricity supply was cut off and no alternate
power supply was available. Candidates and Agents who had camped there took objection and the issue was resolved after ECI
intervened.

8. In Sagar constituency of MP there were complaints over the transport of EVMs in four vehicles of which one had no number
plate. Alternate vehicle as per ECI guidelines was arranged and EVMs were transported

9. In Pandhana constituency, six officers were served show-cause notices after reports arose of polling staff failing to deposit
EVMs on time and keeping them in a police station.

10. EVM was found abandoned on a highway off Shahbad areas in Kishnaganj assembly constituency, after it fell off the
 1. TECHNICAL SECURITY
SECURED DESIGN FEATURES

EVMs are designed to be 100% secure.

1. ECI EVMs are standalone machines and cannot be connected to any other device either through wire or
wirelessly. A CU can be connected only to a BU and VVPAT.
2. EVM has No radio frequency transmission capability, ruling out wireless connection through wifi,
bluetooth, etc.
3. The microcontroller chip on which the software is fused is one time programmable ruling out any
possibility of re-programming. The transmission of signals from BU to CU is encrypted dynamically. This
means every time even same button is pressed in BU the signal is transmitted with a different encryption
formula, ruling out any possibility of reverse engineering of software code.
4. There is also another feature of date and time stamping of every key pressed. This helps in giving a
complete audit of keys pressed.
No Radio
Frequency
transmission or One Time Dynamic
Standalone Programmab Coding of Date and Time
reception
Machine Key Press Stamping of every
possible: le (OTP)
key press
No wireless chip:
communication Software cannot be
modified
possible 36
 2. SECURE DEVELOPMENT &
MANUFACTURING
 Manufactured by Premium PSUs- BEL & ECIL: Both deal with manufacturing of
sensitive equipment critical to the safety and security of the Nation and have strong
security protocols.

 In-house SOFTWARE Developed. Fully vetted by TEC. Never sub-contracted.

 Secure Manufacturing: 3-level Physical/Process access Control, Regular frisking,

Outside e-gadgets prohibited, CCTV Coverage, Access Data and Process Data logging,
Alarm and Alert generation.

 Third Party Testing by Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) as per
Standards & Quality Process set by TEC. Software is also tested & checked by STQC for
authentication.
 ADMINISTRATIVE
SAFEGUARDS
SECURE HANDLING & MANAGEMENT OF
EVMS/VVPATs
 2. ADMINISTRATIVE SAFEGUARDS
I. STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION
Active Participation of & Witness by Political-
Parties/Candidates in All Processes

Opening & Sealing of 1 2 First Level Check (FLC)

& Candidate Setting
EVM Warehouses &
Strong-rooms
Conduct mock poll and
3 List of EVMs after 1st & 2nd
randomization shared

5
receive mock poll Sign on Paper Seals on
results 4 EVMs after all processes Participation
During FLC
 II. ALLOCATION & MOVEMENT
Planned Allocation Secured Transportation
EVMs are allocated to poll going State by • Movement of EVMs/VVPATs mandatorily managed
the Commission. through EVM Management System (EMS).
• Only Containerized/Sealed Trucks used.
• All Trucks sealed with Lock and Paper Seals.
Received by District Election Officer • Mandatory GPS tracking of EVM vehicles.
(DEO) who is personally responsible for • All movement under 24X7 Police Escort.
secured storage. • Videography done of shifting process.
• Political parties informed in advance about the
EMS used for inventory management of opening, stocking and sealing of warehouses while
all EVMs nationwide for the sake of moving EVMs/VVPATs.
transparency.
 Sub-topics
1. Storage
2. FLC
3. Training & Awareness
4. Randomizations 1st & 2nd
5. Commissioning/Preparation
6. Dispersal Day
7. Poll Day
8. Example of Critical Mistakes
9. EMS
 1. Storage
A. Non-election Period: After Election Petition till start of FLC

B. Election Period: FLC to Election Petition Period

C. Petition Period: After Counting of Votes to confirmation of

Election Petition Period
User acceptance test procedure is to be performed for each newly
manufactured unit of EVM and VVPAT
 1. Storage
A. Non-election Period:
 Storage Place: Treasury/District HQs/Tehsil HQs
 Physical Aspects of ware house:
 Only one entry/Exit point
 Double lock system (2 Locks)
 Installation of Main Switch outside Ware house
 No other material to be stored
 Custody of keys:
 All keys of Lock-1 with DEO and all keys of Lock-2 with Dy.DEO (District HQs)
 All keys of Lock-1 with SDM and all keys of Lock-2 with Tehsildar (Outside District HQs)
 Deposition of keys in Treasury
 Handling of keys to be a part of CTC (Certificate of Transfer Charge)
 1. Storage
A. Non-election Period:
 Security:
 1/2 Section Armed Security
 CCTV/Fire Alarm
 Fire extinguisher both inside and outside
 Inspection by DEO:
 Monthly
 Quarterly (April, July, October & January)
 1. Storage
B. Election Period (Stored in strong Room):
i. FLC to 1st Randomization
ii. After 1st Randomization to dispersal
iii. Poll Day to before Counting Day
iv. Counting Day
 1. Storage
B. Election Period:
i. FLC to 1st Randomization
o Custody of DEO
o Strong Room with Double Lock System
o All keys of Lock-1 with DEO and all keys of Lock-2 with Dy.DEO
o One Section Armed Security
o CCTV
o Open for taking out Awareness/Training units (10%) and after 1st
Randomization in presence of political parties (National & State
Recognised) under videography
 1. Storage
B. Election Period:
ii. After 1st Randomization to dispersal
o Custody of RO
o Double Lock System
o All keys of Lock-1 with RO and all keys of Lock-2 with ARO
o 1 Section Armed Security
o CCTV
o Open only after 2nd Randomization for commissioning/preparation
and on dispersal day in presence of candidates/ their agents under
videography
 1. Storage
B. Election Period:
iii. Poll Day to before Counting Day
o Custody of RO
o Double Lock System
o All keys of Lock-1 with RO and all keys of Lock-2 with ARO
o CCTV
o One Platoon Armed Security (2 tier Security)
o No one allow to enter inner tier
o Daily visit of RO/ARO/DEO/SP
o Candidates/their agents are allowed to watch security
 1. Storage
B. Election Period:
iv. Counting Day
o One Platoon Armed Security
o Three tier Security on Counting Day: Inner- CPAF,
Middle-SAP, Outer-DAP
o CCTV
o Opening/Closing of Strong Room in presence of
candidates/ their agents under videography
 1. Storage
C. Petition Period:
 Custody of DEO
 One Section of Security
 CCTV
 STORAGE & MOVEMENT OF EVMs & VVPATs AND
OPENING OF EVM-WAREHOUSE

Pre-Poll Storage: After first Randomization of EVMs & VVPATs till dispersal
of polling parties
 After first randomization of EVMs, hand over EVMs and VVPATs to the
RO/ARO concerned, as the case may be, under proper armed police
escort.
 Guidelines to be followed:
 Store EVMs/VVPATs in a strong room in the presence of representatives
of National/State Level Political Parties under Videography.
 Keep Training and awareness EVMs & VVPATs in a separate strong room.
STORAGE & MOVEMENT OF EVMs & VVPATs AND OPENING OF
EVM-WAREHOUSE
 1 Section Security and CCTV coverage 24X7
 Store EVMs and VVPATs in separate strong rooms Assembly
Constituency (AC)/Assembly Segment (AS) wise.
 Open the Strong Room at the time of commissioning of EVMs &
VVPATs.
 Log Book has to be maintained.
 After commissioning, keep EVMs & VVPATs again in the strong
room and open on the day of dispersal in the presence of
candidates or their representatives.
 STORAGE OF EVMs AFTER POLL
1) Category ‘A’ - Polled EVMs & VVPATs
2) Category ‘B’ - Defective Polled EVMs & VVPATs
3) Category ‘C’ - Defective Un-polled EVMs & VVPATs
4) Category ‘D’ - Unused Reserve EVMs & VVPATs

Three categories of strong rooms:

1. Polled strong room (Store category ‘A’ & ‘B’) (Collected at Collection Centre)
2. Defective un-polled strong room (Store category ‘C’), not in the vicinity of AC/AS
strong room (Collected at separate Collection Centre)
3. Reserve strong room(Store category ‘D’), not in the vicinity of AC/AS strong room
(Collected at separate Collection Centre)
 2. First Level Checking
FLC to be done only by authorised engineers of BEL/ECIL
 Cleaning of machine- Removal of stickers, tags, ballot papers, poll data etc.
 Visual Inspection – For switches, cables, latches, connectors etc.
 Pre FLC of each CU, BU and VVPAT will be done with Pre FLCU
 Plastic cabinet opening for certifying components
 Full functionality checks: 1 vote to each candidate button for EVM, for VVPAT
6 votes to each candidate button & verify the count/paper slips
 Load Testing- 1% testing by connecting 4 BUs.
 Conduct of Mock Poll: 5% Randomly Selected (EVMs with VVPATs)- 1200 votes
in 1%, 1000 votes in 2% and 500 votes in 2% and count/paper slip verification
(Annx-6)
 Political party representative random pick for mock poll
Sealing of CU Cabinet with Pink Paper Seal - Copy to political parties & to candidates
after last date of withdrawal). To keep a copy at the time of commissioning.
 2. First Level Checking
Supervision of FLC
o Under close supervision of DEO
o FLC Supervisor appointed by DEO
o CEO/DEO to monitor through web cast & report to ECI
o Quality check of FLC by Nodal Officer
o FLC completion certificate to ECI
 2. First Level Checking
 Disposal of VVPAT slips generated during FLC on daily
basis

 Marking on FLC Status on EMS

o DEO to provide 2 mobiles
o FLC OK to be scanned by election official
o FLC Rejected to be scanned by BEL/ECIL engineer

 Defective Units
o No electronic repair of EVMs/VVPATs to be done during FLC
o Defective units to be send back to factory within 7 days
 3. Training & Awareness
 Take out max 10% (of polling stations) FLC OK
machines for training purpose in EMS before
Randomization (Yellow sticker/List to Pol. Parities etc)
 Deputation of trained authorized officer by DEO for
training and awareness purpose
 Demonstration Centers at DEO/SDM/RO offices
 Mobile demonstration vans
 Digital Outreach
 3. Training & Awareness
 No demonstration after announcement of election
 Awareness/demonstration about voting using VVPAT with EVM
with dummy symbols & maintain daily register of votes
 Store securely in Govt. Building at the end of the day &
maintain proper log book
 Daily destruction of paper slips using paper shredder
 Hands-on Training of Master trainers & to
ROs/AROs/SOs/PrOs/POs etc.
 Certificate by DEO to CEO on P-3 day about compliance
 4. RANDOMIZATION
 EVMs are Randomized twice using EMS.
 No human intervention in randomisation.
 Only FLC approved EVMs recorded in EMS get picked up for first randomisation.

1st Randomization 2nd Randomization

• Done just before ‘candidate setting’.

• Done after the Announcement of
• To allocate EVMs available in an AC/AS
Election by the DEO.
to polling stations.
• In presence of Representative of
• In presence of candidates/election agents
political parties list shared.
and list shared.
59
 4. RANDOMIZATION
PS1
1 Randomization
st 2nd Randomization

AC/AS 1 PS2
District

AC/AS 2
PS(n)

AC/AS (n)
 4.RANDOMIZATION
THE FOUNDATION OF EVM SECURITY

 Till first randomization- no one knows which EVM is going to which Constituency.

 Till nomination finalization- no one knows the sequence of names on the ballot paper.

 Hence, till candidate setting no one (not even RO/DEO/CEO/Commission) knows

which button on which BU will be assigned to which candidate, making even an
attempt to tamper absolutely futile.

 Till 2nd Randomization- no one knows which EVM will go to which PS.

 Added to this is the 3 stage Randomization of polling officials to different polling

stations.
 5. Commissioning/Preparation
 In presence of candidates/their representatives
 Under videography
 Work to be Done :
• VVPAT: Symbol Loading/Power Pack/Paper Roll/Sealing of Paper
Roll Compartment
• Ballot Unit: Ballot Paper/Thumb-wheel
setting/Masking/Sealing with Pink Paper Seal and Address
Tags
• Control Unit: Candidate Setting/sealing of Candidate Set
and Power Pack Sections with Address Tags
 5. Commissioning/Preparation
 Mock poll with one vote to each candidate with CU, BU and VVPAT
 High rate mock poll with 1000 votes in randomly selected 5% EVMs
and VVPATs by the representative of political parties/ candidates
and verification.
 Replacement of particular BU, CU and VVPAT in case of non-
functioning of any of these units
 Shredding of VVPAT slips during commissioning on daily basis in
presence of RO/ARO
 Pasting of ‘Reserve’ stickers on reserve units
 Process flow in the commissioning/preparation

Arrangements in
When Additional tasks
the Premises of Manpower for
Preparation of during
Preparation of preparation
EVM to be done preparation
EVM

a) Checking of d)Conduct of
b) Preparation of c) Candidate
Balloting Higher Rate of
VVPAT Setting in CU
Units(BUs) Mock Poll
Commissioning of EVMs/VVPATs to be done after the last date of withdrawal of Candidature

RO draws schedule for

Commissioning of
EVMs/VVPATs

Written intimation to all the

candidates about the schedule for
their presence to oversee the
commissioning and actively
participate in the mock poll process
and take their signatures on the
register

In case of Parliamentary Elections,

ARO will supervise the
preparation of EVMs for
assembly segment.
 Arrangements in the premises for commissioning

 Large Preparation hall to accommodate EVMs/VVPATs, officers nominated

by the DEO, engineers of concerned manufacturers and representatives of
candidates. The hall for commissioning should near to the strong room.
 Log Book has to be maintained.
 Register has to maintained to keep the record of officials moving in and
out of the hall
 A counter has to setup for collecting mobile phones/other valuable and
electronic devices.
 Fully sanitized to ensure that the hall is free from any electronic
components or devices.
 Single entry and exit point to hall with full security by armed police forces
round the clock with 24X7 CCTV coverage.
 Arrangements in the premises for commissioning

 Permission for Entry to hall through Door frame metal detector (DFMD)
on production of Identity card of authorized official/pass issued by DEO.
 Proper frisking at every entry.
 Neither allow anyone to carry any electronic device inside the hall nor
anybody to take out anything outside the Preparation Hall.
 Commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs pertaining to AS of PC falling in RO
headquarters may be done at ARO level under direct supervision of RO
level, in the presence of candidates/ their representatives. Further, the
commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs of remaining AS may be done by
the respective ARO in the presence of candidates/their representatives.
 Manpower for preparation

1. Only the authorized engineers of BEL/ECIL associate for the

commissioning of EVMs/ VVPATs.
2. BEL/ECIL to share the list of engineers with DEO for carrying out
task during the commissioning of EVMs/VVPATs in a district along
with their identity card numbers etc.
3. Allow authorized engineers/technical staff of BEL and ECIL only to
enter the preparation hall.
4. Separate team for each EVM in which 1000 votes are cast during
mock poll.
 Checking of Balloting Units (BUs)
Opening of outer cover of BUs by BEL/ECIL Engineers to examine and certify as in Annexure-17 that all components of BUs are
original and show to the candidates/their representatives. Separately issue detailed instructions for checking of BU by BEL and ECIL
for their respective machines and the list of equipments to carry within the preparation hall.
1. Sealing of ballot paper screen of BU with thread and address tag

After firm fixation of the ballot paper followed by Ballot Paper Screen on the upper side of top cover, seal the screen by passing
the thread through two holes using address tag showing the particulars of election with seal of the RO.
Be ensure to put a cello tape on the address tag inside the acrylic screen otherwise address tag will spill on to the Ballot
Buttons.
2. Sealing of plastic cabinet of BU with thread and address tag

After unmasking candidate buttons, seal the upper cover of the BU by thread passed through holes on the top and bottom end at
right side using address tags showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the RO.
3.Sealing of plastic cabinet of BU with pink paper seal

In addition, seal BU with special “pink paper seal” affixed on lower portion of BU so that no candidate button or
name of symbol is hidden.

4. Sealing of Candidate Set Section and Battery Section of CU with thread & address tag

After Candidate set, seal cover of the Candidate Set Section of CU by passing a thread through hole
provided on the right side using address tags showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the
RO.
 PREPARATION OF VVPAT

Installation of paper roll Inserting of power pack

Connect a new battery power pack to the VVPAT unit and shut the door of the
battery compartment. Do not seal the battery compartment as the power pack
can be replaced in case of low battery. Install a fresh paper roll in the printer
unit as per the procedure mentioned in the user manual (Annexure-18). Load
allotted Serial numbers, names of candidates and symbols in VVPAT with the
help of engineers using Symbol Loading Unit (SLU). RO/ARO to check the test
printout with the ballot paper in BU & sign and certify the same.
 Candidate Setting in Control Units:
1) Install new Power Pack in CU.
2) Connect cable of VVPAT with CU and cable of BU with VVPAT.
3) Unlock Paper Roll knob of VVPAT (Rotate to “Working Position)
4) Switch ON the CU.
5) Press Candidate Set button of CU. Display Panel of CU shows Set Candidate.
6) Press last candidate button (NOTA button) of BU to set candidate in CU.
7) Mock Poll with one vote to each candidate to check that the VVPAT is
printing the paper slips accurately.
8) Switch off the CU.
9) Seal the latches of paper roll compartment of VVPAT and Battery &
Candidate Set compartments of CU using thread seals and address tags.
10) Allow the candidates/their agents to affix their signatures with party
abbreviations on Address Tags.
 EVM – Candidates Setting

When Candidate Set button is pressed, if the digit display panel shows the words
INVALID , It signifies that the data relating to some previous operation is in the EVM.

Press the Close button and wait till POLL CLOSED is displayed

Thereafter, press Result button and wait till END is displayed

Thereafter, press Clear button and wait till END is displayed

Then press Cand. set button and SET CANDIDATE flashes with Beep

Now press the last candidate’s button – NOTA on the Ballot Unit
SEALING OF PAPER ROLL COMPARTMENT AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION OF VVPAT

After installation of paper roll in the paper roll compartment of VVPAT, seal the latches
of Paper Roll Compartment by passing a thread through holes provided on the latches
using Address Tag showing the particulars of the election with the seal of the RO.
(Ensure Switching OFF of Control Unit before sealing of paper roll compartment)

NOTE : All Seals used at the time of commissioning of EVMs & VVPATs shall be signed
by the Returning officers and candidates / their agents.
REPLACEMENT PROTOCOL:
All ‘ERROR’ messages for BU, CU & VVPAT will be displayed on CU
only. Please read message and act accordingly. In case BU or CU or VVPAT
is not functioning, replace the respective unit only with reserve one.
DON’T DO
1. Don’t install serial number, name and symbol of candidates in
VVPAT without verifying with ballot paper.
2. Don’t set candidates in CU without connecting VVPAT.
3. Don’t preserve VVPAT slips printed during Commissioning. Shred
them on daily basis.
4. After completing the Mock of 1000 votes on 5% randomly selected
BUs, CUs and VVPATs please ensure to put new power packs in CUs
and VVPATs and paper roll of VVPATs
5. Don’t keep VVPAT knob in Working mode (Vertical position) after
commissioning.
Conduct of higher rate mock poll

1. Checking of VVPATs- In 100% VVPATs, one vote to each candidate

shall be given to check that the VVPATs is printing the paper
accurately.
2. Mock poll of 1000 votes on 5% randomly selected EVMs as well as
VVPATs.
3. Tally the electronic result with paper count. Allow Candidates/their
representatives to pick machines randomly for this purpose.
4. Allow representatives of candidates to do the mock poll
themselves and take their signatures in a register in Annexure– 19
as token of having done mock poll themselves.
5. Ensure that the pink paper seal of the CU applied at the time of
FLC is not damaged in any manner during commissioning.
Safe custody of Symbol Loading Unit:

After completion of commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, BEL/ECIL

Supervisors will hand over all the SLUs to the concerned DEO. DEO will keep
the SLUs received from the BEL/ECIL Supervisors in their safe custody and
return the same to them or engineers authorized by the BEL/ECIL on the next day
after poll i.e. P+1 Day. DEO will ensure that no engineer of BEL/ ECIL or any
other person carry the SLU:-
On poll day in the field and that all the SLUs are released to BEL/ECIL on P+1
day to enable them to move to the next AC/AS for next phase.
BEL & ECIL will provide the details of SLUs allocated to the team for each
AC/AS in writing to the DEO concerned.

Supervision of the preparation:

RO or one of the AROs will supervise the preparation of
EVMs/VVPATs under videography.
 Introduction of Braille Signage Features in
EVM:
Make Additional Arrangements to facilitate visually impaired electors to exercise their franchise.

Do not paste any sticker on Braille on the right of the blue button (voting button) on the BU because it
has embossed serial numbers of the candidates in Braille signage.
After finalization of list of the contesting candidates, immediately send the list of contesting candidates to
the Devnar Foundation for Blind/National Blind Association or to any other source available for
preparation of Dummy Ballot Sheets

Preparation of Dummy Ballot Sheet:

Give serial Numbers in each Dummy Ballot Sheet from 01 to 16 i.e. If number of contesting candidates
are 19 including NOTA, number the serial number for the candidates in first Dummy Ballot Sheet as 01 to
16 as mentioned on the Ballot Paper of first BU. For contesting candidates at serial number 17-19 of BU-
2, start the serial numbers again from 01 on 2nd Dummy Ballot Sheet.
If more than 1 BU is used, print BU-01 in Braille on the TOP MIDDLE PART of first Dummy Ballot
Sheet and BU-02 in second dummy ballot sheet and so on.
Similarly, print Braille stickers ‘BU-01’, ‘BU-02’ and so on and affix on the corresponding BU on the
TOP MIDDLE PART’.
 6. Dispersal Day
 Opening of strong room & dispersal in presence of candidates/their
representatives
 Checking of seals, buttons, switch, ballot paper, power packs etc to
ensure correctness and pertaining to particular PS
 Switch on the CU only to check the battery status and then switch it off
 Check that VVPAT knob is in horizontal position
 Not to connect CU, BU and VVPAT
 Replacement of particular BU, CU and VVPAT in case of non defect or
physical damage
 Poll Day
 Start of Mock Poll before 90 minutes in presence of atleast two agents.
 Atleast 50 votes and 1 vote to each candidate/NOTA
 Sealing of CU and VVPAT after mock poll
 Pressing of CLOSE BUTTON after completion of Poll
 Sealing of BU/CU/VVPAT in respective carrying case after poll
 Replacement Protocol
o Respective Unit during Mock Poll
o Entire Set (BU+CU+VVPAT) in case of Non-functional of BU or CU and
VVPAT only in case of Non-functional of VVPAT
o Handling of critical situations- no beep sound, no paper cutting, 49MA etc.
Newly designed Pink Paper Seals and Green Paper Seals for sealing of EVMs
Sealing of Result Section of the Control Unit with Green Paper Seal
Sealing of black envelope containing mock poll stamped
VVPAT slips with Pink Paper Seal
 Poll Day Report from PRO on EVMS & VVPATs
A. Part – I Mock Poll Certificate *
B. Part – II Replacement of Power Pack of the Control Unit
C. Part – III Pressing of Close Button after Completion of Poll Certificate *
D. Part –IV EVM/VVPAT Replacement Report (if Replaced During Mock Poll)
E. Part – V EVM/VVPAT Replacement Report (if Replaced During Actual Poll)
 REPLACEMENT OF EVM-VVPAT DURING MOCK POLL

In case BU or CU or VVPAT not functioning, replace the respective unit only

REPLACEMENT OF EVM-VVPAT DURING ACTUAL POLL

• In case BU or CU not functioning, replace the whole set of BU, CU and VVPAT. In case of
replacement of whole set, mock poll shall again be conducted by casting of 01 vote to each
contesting candidate including NOTA. Follow mock poll process.
• In case CU shows Error “Replace VVPAT”, switch OFF the CU and replace VVPAT. No MOCK
POLL is required.
• In case CU shows Error “Replace Power Pack of VVPAT”, switch OFF the CU and replace only
Power Pack of VVPAT. No MOCK POLL is required.
• In case CU shows Error “Replace Power Pack of CU”, switch OFF the CU and replace
only Power Pack of CU and seal the power pack compartment of CU. No MOCK POLL
is required.
 After poll
 Press CLOSE button of CU after poll
 Press TOTAL button of CU to note total polled votes in CU
and also Poll Start Time (PST) and Poll End Time (PET).
 Switch OFF the CU before disconnecting the cable of BU
from VVPAT and VVPAT cable from CU
 Remove Power Pack (Battery) from VVPAT.
 Keep BU, CU and VVPAT in their respective carrying cases
and seal each carrying case with Address Tag
 DON’T DO
MOCK POLL
• Don’t start mock poll, if one or no election agent is present. WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES.
• Don’t stop mock poll without casting at least 50 votes.
• Don’t start actual poll without clearing mock poll data from CU and without removing mock VVPAT slips from the drop box of VVPAT.
• Don’t keep VVPAT mock slips unstamped.
• Don’t Switch OFF and Switch ON CU while mock poll is going on. Don’t disconnect and connect cables while mock poll is going on .

ACTUAL POLL
• Don’t Switch OFF and Switch ON CU while actual poll is going on.
• Don’t disconnect and connect cables while actual poll is going on.
• Don’t conduct mock poll when only VVPAT or Power Pack of CU/VVPAT/BU is replaced.

CLOSE OF POLL
• Don’t press CLOSE button of CU before notified poll close time or completion of poll.
• Don’t disconnect cables without Switching OFF the CU.
• Don’t leave Power Pack of VVPAT in VVPAT after completion of poll.
• Don’t leave carrying cases without sealing and obtaining signature of Polling Agents after poll.
• Don’t use any other vehicle other than assigned vehicle for depositing polling materials at collection centre.
 EVM Management System (EMS)

EVM Management System is designed to manage inventory of EVM units. EMS

is a centralized online tracking system, which keep track of movement and
placement of each machine from its production to it destruction.
EMS Mobile App

EMS Mobile App is a core application of EMS, which allows users to scan the
permanently encoded barcode of each machine (EVM/VVPAT) while they are in
movement. It is used to scan the barcode on EVM/VVPAT at every entry and exit
point before movement of these units.
This is a vital application which ensures that the EVM machines record are kept up to
date, each machine is trackable, any replacement, training and repair are handled
securely.
Process Flow
1.Order Generation
1. Manufacturer order
2. Scan process before sending units
3. Scan process before receiving units
4. Order receiving at District Warehouse
2.First Level Check
1. FLC announce by Manufacturer/DEO
2. FLC carries out through temp user
3. FLC ok units will be transferred to Strong room
4. Not ok units will be transferred to the Repair room
3.Randomization
4.Scheduling of the Randomization
5.First Randomization
6.Second Randomization
7.Supplementary Randomization
8.Replacement
9.Replacement of the units during the poll at different levels
10.Undo of the replacement, if required
11.Election Petition
12.Mark EP
13.Unmark EP
Mustering Day: On mustering day, machines can be
found defective while dispersing. Those machines
must be replaced and it should be updated in DEO
login.
Poll Day: Machines can be found defective while
conducting Mock Poll and Actual Poll. Those
machines must be replaced and it should be
updated in DEO login.
EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES
First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs
 Non-Updation of FLC-OK or FLC-Reject status in EMS through Mobile-App on day to
day basis.
 FLC of VVPATs without using Dummy Ballot Paper on BU.
 Non-Uploading of 16 candidates (including NOTA) Dummy Symbols in the 1% VVPATs
used for testing with 4-BUs having 64 dummy symbols (including NOTA)
 Irregularity on use of Dummy Symbols
Commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs
 Non-checking of candidate symbols uploaded in VVPAT during commissioning.
 In case of M3 EVMs, M3 VVPATs and all BUs should be connected at the time of
commissioning of the EVMs otherwise EVM will not accept a VVPAT or BU at a later
stage.
Transportation of VVPATs
 Not Locking the paper roll when transporting the VVPAT from one place to another
Dispersal
 switching on the VVPAT in broad daylight at the time of dispersal as the VVPAT causing
machine to go into error mode.
 EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES
Mock-Poll on Poll Day

 Not pressing the CLOSE button of CU after mock-poll.

 Not matching the mock-poll result of the CU with the VVPAT Paper Slips.

 Non-deletion of mock-poll data from the Control Unit.

 When 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.

 Do not position the VVPAT near an open window or directly under a bulb
or halogen lamp.
 EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES

During Poll

 Conducting mock poll, in case of replacement of VVPAT only as Mock poll is not required to be conducted in case of
only VVPAT being replaced.

 In case of non-functioning of CU or BU replacing only CU or BU. In such case both BU and CU along with VVPAT shall
be replaced.

 Non-pressing of CLOSE Button after completion of Poll.

 Damaging any seal of BU/CU/VVPAT.

General

 Do not repeatedly switch ON and OFF the VVPAT as it will deplete the battery as well as paper roll.

 Switch 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 Panel.
 IMPORTANT JUDGEMENTS
1. 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.
2. Karnataka High Court (Michael Fernandes Vs C K Jafer Sharif and
Ors Election Petition No. 29 of 1999)
The 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’.
 IMPORTANT JUDGEMENTS
3. Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) (Banwarilal Purohit Vs Vilas Muttemwar and Ors Election
Petition No. 1 of 2004)
The 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 unauthorized.
4. Kerala High Court (TA Ahammed Kabeer Vs AA Azeez and Ors Election Petition No. 4 of 2001)
In one of the cases as directed by the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in Election 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).
THANKS