Will Hold EVM Challenge With Machines from Recent Polls: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner goes on record for the first time regarding the EVM challenge.

Election staff carry electronic voting machines (EVM) after collecting them from a distribution centre. The image is used for representational purpose. (Photo: Reuters)

The Election Commission on Friday said it will offer political parties an opportunity to prove that electronic voting machines used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with.

A “challenge” is on the cards, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told a meeting of political parties, going on record for the first time regarding the EC’s proposed move to counter allegations of EVM tampering.

It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said.

Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after Friday’s meeting, hold a challenge.

Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner

Zaidi, however, did not give any date for the proposed challenge, which he announced in his opening remarks at the meeting. He also said the Commission has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties.

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj