Election Commission Completes First EVM-VVPAT Randomisation for Eight Bye-Elections

Election Commission Completes First EVM–VVPAT Randomisation for Eight Bye-Elections

Analysis:

1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the completion of the first randomisation process of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for the upcoming bye-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across different states.
2. The process was conducted through the EVM Management System (EMS) by District Election Officers (DEOs) in the presence of representatives from National and State Recognised Political Parties, ensuring transparency and fairness.
3. The constituencies included in this round of randomisation are:
   • Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu & Kashmir
   • Anta in Rajasthan
   • Ghatsila in Jharkhand
   • Jubilee Hills in Telangana
   • Tarn Taran in Punjab
   • Dampa in Mizoram
   • Nuapada in Odisha
4. The bye-elections for these constituencies will be held on 11th November, with counting scheduled on 14th November, alongside the Bihar Assembly Elections.
5. The ECI stated that constituency-wise lists of randomised EVMs and VVPATs have been shared with political party representatives to maintain complete procedural transparency.
6. These machines will be securely stored in strong rooms under the supervision of election officials and in the presence of party representatives, ensuring a tamper-proof electoral process.
7. The Commission’s transparent handling of EVM and VVPAT allocation reinforces public trust in India’s electoral machinery and highlights adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fair elections.
8. The randomisation process is part of a multi-stage security protocol designed to prevent any potential bias in machine allocation and uphold electoral integrity.

Static Part:

1. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM):
   • Introduced by the Election Commission of India to ensure quick, accurate, and tamper-proof voting.
   • Eliminates invalid votes and enhances efficiency in counting.
2. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT):
   • Introduced to enhance voter confidence and transparency.
   • Provides a paper slip verification system, allowing voters to confirm their choice before it is securely stored for audit purposes.
3. EVM Randomisation:
   • Conducted in two stages — the first to allocate machines to constituencies, and the second to assign them to specific polling stations.
   • Ensures impartial allocation and prevents pre-selection of machines.
4. Election Commission of India (ECI):
   • Established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
   • Responsible for conducting free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice President.
     
     Updated - October 16, 2025 8:57 PM | News On Air