EC to throw open challenge to EVM doubters, may ask them to demonstrate allegation
NEW DELHI: Amid political parties questioning the credibility of EVMs, the Election Commission of India has decided to thrown open a challenge to naysayers to prove the machines can be tampered.
A team of technical experts with EC are deliberating 'levels' of EVM demonstration to be permitted without compromising the integrity of the machine.
Unlike in 2009-10, when EC first offered EVM for a demonstration to prove whether it can be tampered or not, this time it may allow challengers to bring in an instrument to demonstrate how tampering can be done.
ET has learnt that EC is also likely to agree to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal's demand to open EVMs used in Punjab polls for the challenge. The challenge will only be conducted after April 26, when the time limit for election petitions expires.
The same principle may apply in case of BSP chief Mayawati who alleged EVM tampering in UP elections. EC is also deliberating on asking complainants and naysayers to demonstrate the tampering allegation.
Kejriwal and Mayawati may be extended individual invites to attend the challenge or participate in it. Some of the complaints last time had alleged that they were asked to prove the same with their hands tied.
However, the challengers will have to disclose the choice of instrument so that EC is assured that the EVM in question is not completely destroyed beyond retrieval. EC is, however, unlikely to agree to any proposal to allow any EVM to be taken outside Nirvachan Sadan premises.
Almost every losing side has alleged EVM tampering this season. Mayawati was the first to cry foul hours after the UP results on March 11. SP's Akhilesh Yadav lend some credence to her contention during a press meet that very evening.
Congress too joined the chorus. Kejriwal has alleged foul play in Punjab. Most recently, a VVPAT demonstration in MP sparked a controversy for allegedly working in favour of BJP.
A team of technical experts with EC are deliberating 'levels' of EVM demonstration to be permitted without compromising the integrity of the machine.
Unlike in 2009-10, when EC first offered EVM for a demonstration to prove whether it can be tampered or not, this time it may allow challengers to bring in an instrument to demonstrate how tampering can be done.
ET has learnt that EC is also likely to agree to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal's demand to open EVMs used in Punjab polls for the challenge. The challenge will only be conducted after April 26, when the time limit for election petitions expires.
The same principle may apply in case of BSP chief Mayawati who alleged EVM tampering in UP elections. EC is also deliberating on asking complainants and naysayers to demonstrate the tampering allegation.
Kejriwal and Mayawati may be extended individual invites to attend the challenge or participate in it. Some of the complaints last time had alleged that they were asked to prove the same with their hands tied.
However, the challengers will have to disclose the choice of instrument so that EC is assured that the EVM in question is not completely destroyed beyond retrieval. EC is, however, unlikely to agree to any proposal to allow any EVM to be taken outside Nirvachan Sadan premises.
Almost every losing side has alleged EVM tampering this season. Mayawati was the first to cry foul hours after the UP results on March 11. SP's Akhilesh Yadav lend some credence to her contention during a press meet that very evening.
Congress too joined the chorus. Kejriwal has alleged foul play in Punjab. Most recently, a VVPAT demonstration in MP sparked a controversy for allegedly working in favour of BJP.
