1. By: Sudeep Jain Director General, Election Commission of India
Observers’ Briefing
By:
Sudeep Jain
Director General, Election Commission of India

2. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) The Wonder Machine of Indian Elections

3. EVM – Credibility & Security
Indian EVMs are rated as the most credible voting machines worldwide.
100% Tamper Proof
Elaborate Security & Randomisation Protocol

4. Technical Security
The ECI-EVM is both electronically and physically protected to prevent any tampering/manipulation.
The microcontroller chip used in the EVM is only one time programmable
The software code in the chip can neither be read nor overwritten
Software is developed independently in-house by BEL and ECIL, under strict vetting by a Technical Expert Committee of Election Commission of India
The EVMs are stand alone machines which are not accessible remotely from any network 4

5. Administrative Security
EVMs are stored in a secure warehouse, opened in the presence of political parties.
First level checking (FLC) before every election.
Certification by BEL/ECIL engineer that all parts are original
Mock poll on 5% random EVMs with 1000 votes.
Pink Paper Seal on CU
Pink Paper Seal on BU after Candidate Setting
Mock Poll with atleast 50 votes on each EVM on Poll Day. 5

6. Administrative Security
Randomization:
EVMs are randomized twice using EVM Tracking Software (ETS)
First randomization is done after FLC to allocate EVMs available in district, randomly, to assembly constituencies
Second randomization is done to allocate EVMs available in an assembly constituency to specific polling stations 6

7. Administrative Security
EVMs strong room always under round the clock security
Polled EVMs are escorted back to Strong room under police cover and candidates’ representatives are allowed to follow them
Polled EVM Strong-room are guarded by CAPF with CCTV coverage
LED display of CCTV is provided at a place earmarked for Political parties/candidates’ representatives to camp where polled EVMs are stored. 7

8. Administrative Security
All procedures on EVMs including FLC, randomization, candidate set, mock poll, sealing, transportation, storage and counting are done in presence of representatives of political parties/candidates
List of EVMs after each randomization is given to candidates
Signatures of representatives of political parties are obtained on pink paper seals on BUs and CUs
Signatures of polling agents are obtained on seals put on EVMs on poll day and their unique numbers are given to them
Representatives of political parties are allowed to cast votes during mock poll and the mock poll result shown to them 8

9. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail is an independent system attached with the Electronic Voting Machines that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended
The elector shall be able to view through the transparent window of the printer, the printed paper slip showing the serial no, name and the symbol of the candidate
The slip remains exposed through the window for 7 seconds after which it automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT
Since 2013 VVPATs are being used in selected constituencies in every Legislative and Parliamentary election

10. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

11. Role of Observers Check whether
Required stock of EVMs/VVPATs and their Power Packs and Thermal Paper Rolls available.
Adequate Voter Awareness Camps and Demos organised in VVPAT ACs. EVM Brochures for Voters Distributed
EVM Brochures for Candidates given to them during filing nomination
Check & certify first & second randomisations of EVMs
Oversee Setting of candidates on EVMs after second randomization is done, as soon as candidates are finalized

12. Check that the above list of EVMs, including reserve & training EVMs, is given in writing to the candidates
Scrutinise the FLC Mock Poll Videos

13. Inspect EVM strong room & check that security protocol is followed as per ECI instructions.
Strong rooms to have:
24X7 armed police guard. CAPF after Polling.
CCTV & continuous video recording
Facility for candidates/their agents to keep a watch. LED Screen post poll.

14. EVM – Poll Day
Mock poll to start 1 hour before actual poll in the presence of Polling agents.
Minimum 50 mock votes
Mock poll certificate to be prepared by the Presiding Officer & signed by agents present.
In case EVM replacement is required –
EVMs should be replaced within half an hour including both CU & BU
Entire set of BU & CU should be replaced
Entire set of BU, CU and VVPAT should be replaced
Cross check how the reserve EVMs and VVPATs are being distributed

15. ID number of the new BU & CU to be communicated to all candidates/agents in writing
Mock Poll to be conducted before using the new EVM
Special Counter for receiving EVM from ‘problem polling stations’ identified during poll.
Observer to remain present at the special counter & record statements of P.O. where significant events such as EVM malfunctioning reported.

16. EVM – Counting Day Counting shall begin with Postal Ballot papers.
After half an hour, counting with EVMs shall begin.
Results of EVM counting should not be announced before finalizing Postal Ballot counting.
Result of two EVM to be randomly re-checked by Micro-Observers.
A close-up of the display screen of the CU to be video recorded at the time of counting.

17. EVM – Counting Day
In case result is not retrieved from an EVM, it should be kept aside & counting of other EVMs to be continued.
Efforts to be made to retrieve result from such EVM by ADU or by a printer
If result is still not retrieved then check the number of votes polled in the EVM from ballot paper account (Form 17-C)
If winning margin is more than the number of votes polled in the EVM, result could be declared. Otherwise refer the matter to the Commission for decision

18. VVPAT Counting
Counting of votes shall be done according to rule 56C of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
56D Scrutiny of paper trail-
Candidate or his agent to request in writing to count the printed paper slips of VVPAT in respect of any polling station or polling stations.

19. VVPAT Counting RO to allow only if:
The total number of votes polled in that polling station is more than the margin of votes between winning candidate and candidate making the application, or
EVM met with any defect and was replaced at that polling station during poll, or
There was any complaint about VVPAT not printing the paper slips or complaints under rule 49MA by any voter, in that polling station during the poll.

20. Training
"Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others”

21. Trainings Completed All ROs underwent Certification Program
All Trainers underwent Train the Trainers & Facilitators (TTF) program

22. Observers Role
Check availability of trainers. Is the number sufficient?
Have they attended TTF? Only an effective trainer can deliver good training. Interact with them.
Check the schedule of trainings. Ensure batches of 50 or less.
Ensure Polling Teams undergo Hands-on EVM/VVPAT training.

23. Observers Role
Ensure training for all - Police, CAPF, Sector Magistrates, Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, etc
Sample each of these trainings & ensure they are not ‘attendance marking’ events. Check the quality & effectiveness
Micro-observers to be trained by Observers

24. Convert routine trainings to effective trainings
Be the Catalyst
Convert routine trainings to effective trainings

25. Thank You