EVM/VVPAT to be used in 2023 MLA Elections are M3 model with high security features: CEO

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 18, 2022

Chief Electoral Officer, Government of Meghalaya, FR Kharkongor, IAS on Saturday officially launched the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine)/ VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trial) awareness programme in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat.

In his address, Kharkongor said, “ This is the first official launch of the EVM/ VVPAT awareness programme in the state of Meghalaya, there have also been smaller demonstration in other districts in the run-up to the upcoming general elections to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly”.

He informed that the EVM/ VVPAT which will be used in the upcoming elections is the M3 model which is a much-improved version that has a factory reset mode and is equipped with security features of the highest level to prevent any type of manipulation.

Clarifying on the difference between manipulation and malfunction, the Chief Executive Officer said that EVM is a machine, and though it will perfectly work in 99 percent of the cases, however, it could malfunction sometimes whereas, manipulation is an attempt to tamper the EVM machine.

The CEO spoke about the three components of the EVM which comprises of the Ballot Unit, the Control Unit and the VVPAT.

“Whom you vote for is your choice, your voice, and your right, please come out in large numbers and cast your vote”, he said while appealing to voters to exercise their rights.

Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, A. Baranwal, IAS, said that the EVM/ VVPAT machines have been crucial milestones in the electoral history of India which are the hallmarks of the continuous efforts of the ECI in order to make the voting more transparent and to make the entire election process more credible and trustworthy.

After the programme, the Chief Electoral Officer held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Zonal Magistrate, and Sector Officer of the District to review the overall preparedness for the upcoming general assembly election.

There was also a Demonstration of EVM and VVPAT for the participants to get firsthand knowledge of the functioning of the EVM and VVPAT.