Amidst the questions raised on EVMs, Election Commission gave clarification, no irregularities found in VVPAT matching.

In the results of Maharashtra Assembly elections, the opposition alliance Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) has faced a crushing defeat. After the results, opposition parties raised questions on the reliability of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). Meanwhile, the Election Commission (ECI) has given clear information regarding the matching of EVMs and VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail). According to the Commission, no irregularities or irregularities were found in the matching of EVM and VVPAT slips on the day of counting.

Counting of votes and matching of VVPAT slips on 23rd November

According to the Election Commission, on the day of counting on November 23, VVPAT slips of five booths in each assembly constituency were counted.

• A total of 1440 VVPAT units’ slips were tallied in 288 assembly constituencies.
• No errors were found in this process.

The Election Commission said that this process was completed with complete transparency in the presence of election observers and representatives of the candidates.

Election Commission gave a clear message: No irregularities

In response to questions raised by opposition parties on EVMs, the Election Commission said that:

1. No difference was found in the counting of EVM and VVPAT slips.
2. The Election Commission conducted the counting in a transparent manner following all the regular procedures.
3. The entire process has been CCTV recorded and has been kept safe.

Confidence in the reliability of EVMs maintained

The Election Commission said that the District Election Officers of all 36 districts of Maharashtra have submitted reports.

• Representatives of the candidates have also signed the relevant documents.
• The counting process took place under special security arrangements and was recorded on CCTV cameras.

Opposition’s allegations and demands

Opposition from Congress and NCP

MVA’s main constituents, Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), have alleged tampering in EVMs.

• He has demanded the return of ballot paper for holding future elections.
• Congress leader Aditya Thackeray accused the Election Commission of misuse of EVMs.

Boycott of swearing in ceremony

Questioning the results, opposition parties boycotted the swearing-in ceremony held on the first day of the special session of the Assembly.

Why were questions raised on EVMs?

After the defeat in the elections, more than 20 candidates from opposition parties raised questions on the reliability of EVMs.

• He alleges that in many areas, where opposition parties were expecting a strong performance, the results were unexpected.
• He spoke of serious irregularities between the votes cast and the results declared.

Election Commission’s statement: Complete transparency in EVM-VVPAT

The press release issued by the Election Commission stated that:

1. 1440 VVPAT slips were matched with EVM data.
2. No irregularities were found in the entire tally.
3. The Commission followed the prescribed procedure to ensure transparency.