Random, multiple checking to remove fear of bias: EC
New Delhi: Candidates who have applied for EVMVVPAT memory verification after the recent Lok Sabha and assembly polls will be able to check any machine from any polling station in an assembly segment and opt for a mix and match of EVM units, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Tuesday.
Releasing the technical protocol for the Checking & Verification (C&V) for EVMVVPATs, as directed by the SC in its April 26 order, the ECI said that aggrieved candidates will be allowed to choose from a vast number of random tests/combination of machines and sequences for a thorough analysis to dispel all doubts about the machine and its software.
“The ‘randomness’ and ‘enormity’ of test vectors and expanded choicebased approach instead of controlled environment C&V process of burnt memory eliminates the possibility or apprehension of any bias or hidden functionality in the firmware, by showing intended outcome(s) under parameters selected by the candidate and at every stage of the C&V process,” EC has stated in its July 16 communication to all political parties and CEOs.The SC had ordered that two runnersup candidates in a constituency can seek verification in about 5% EVMs per assembly constituency/segment of a parliamentary constituency within seven days of counting day. Eight applications have been received from aggrieved candidates of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and three from assembly poll contestants.
The ECI protocol issued on Tuesday said that candidates will be able to choose EVMs from any polling station from within the assembly segment/ constituency and also be able to mix and match EVM units from any polling station in an assembly constituency to make a set ie a combination of BU(s), CU and VVPAT.
Candidates will further be able to choose any sequence or pattern to cast any number of votes for mock poll, subject to the maximum limit of 1,400 votes, the ECI protocol states.EVM units selected by candidates for C&V will first undergo ‘selfdiagnosis’ to ensure that spurious or unauthorised units do not get connected with ECIEVMs at any stage and thus burnt memory of all units undergo full C&V, the protocol states.
