New Delhi, April 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued stringent directives to presiding officers at all polling stations to ensure transparency and fairness in the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Sources from the Commission emphasized that presiding officers must verify and confirm that all candidate buttons on the ballot unit are clearly visible and unobstructed. No button should be covered with tape, glue, or any other material that could hinder the voting process.
The Commission has explicitly stated that no color, ink, perfume, or any chemical should be applied to the candidate buttons on the ballot unit, as such actions could compromise the secrecy of votes.
Presiding officers are instructed to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or irregularities immediately to the sector officer or returning officer.
According to ECI sources, any attempt to tamper with or interfere with the functioning of EVMs will be considered an electoral offense. The Commission has made it clear that it will not hesitate to initiate criminal proceedings against those found guilty of such acts. Furthermore, the Commission warned that in cases of tampering, a re-election may be ordered to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
These latest directives underline the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections across the country. As voting machines are the backbone of India’s electoral system, the ECI has reiterated that even minor irregularities will not be tolerated.
The purpose of these guidelines is to strengthen public trust in the electoral process and ensure that every vote cast is confidential, secure, and accurately recorded. By holding presiding officers accountable, the Commission aims to bolster the first line of defense against misconduct. This move comes at a crucial time when both political parties and voters are demanding greater transparency in elections.
The ECI’s firm stance signals its determination to uphold democratic values and protect the credibility of India’s electoral machinery.
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