1. Gangtok District Election Office unseals warehouse containing reserved EVMs and VVPATs.
2. The unsealing process was conducted at the District Administration Centre with political party representatives and key officials.
3. Transparency is ensured as the Gangtok District Election Office initiates the unsealing process for reserved machines.
Gangtok, April 25: The Gangtok District Election Office initiated the unsealing of a warehouse housing reserved Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) on April 24. Located at the District Administration Centre, the unsealing process was conducted in the presence of representatives from various political parties and key officials.
Key Officials Present
The unsealing procedure was overseen by notable officials including Rohan Agawane, Additional District Collector; Milan Rai, Additional District Collector (HQ); Karma Wangyal Bhutia, Deputy Director of the Election Department; and Dhanmaya Rasaily, Under Secretary of the Election Department. Their presence ensured transparency and adherence to electoral protocols throughout the process.
Classification of Machines
The unsealed EVMs and VVPATs were segregated into two categories: Reserved and Rejected (damaged) EVMs. Reserved EVMs were those not utilized in the 2024 General Elections in the Gangtok district, while rejected EVMs were identified as malfunctioning during the First Level Checking and Commissioning phase.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh: Heavy Rainfall Renders Roing-Anini Highway Impassable, Cutting Off Connectivity
Tallying Process
Following the categorization, the machines are slated for tallying, aiming to provide a comprehensive report on each reserved and rejected EVM. This meticulous tallying procedure underscores the commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the election outcomes.
Ensuring Integrity
To maintain the sanctity of the electoral process, the final report on each EVM, both reserved and rejected, will be meticulously compiled and disseminated to political parties. This transparency fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing the credibility of the electoral process.
Resealing and Conclusion
After the tallying process, the machines were resealed under the watchful eyes of party representatives, marking the conclusion of this crucial phase.
The resealing procedure further underscores the commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral equipment until their next deployment.
The unsealing and subsequent tallying of reserved and rejected EVMs and VVPATs in the Gangtok district represents a pivotal step in ensuring the transparency and accuracy of the electoral process.
With meticulous oversight from key officials and active participation from political parties, this process reaffirms the commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
