Tally 50% of EVM votes with paper trail: Opposition to EC

NEW DELHI: Leaders of over 20 opposition parties on Monday petitioned the Election Commission to match votes cast in at least 50% of the EVMs deployed in an election with paper trail and raise this further to 100% where the victory margin is less than 5% of the total votes cast.

Currently, the EC matches VVPAT slips with EVM count for a polling station each in every assembly constituency.

The Commission said it would consider the suggestions made by the parties, in the light of pronouncements made by different courts in this regard; a report expected shortly from the Indian Statistical Institute indicating an optimum EVM-VVPAT count match that ensures accuracy and maximum voter confidence; and overall administrative and operational feasibility on the ground, before firming up any response. The parties in the opposition delegation that called on Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and election commissioner Ashok Lavasa included Congress, Trinamool Congress, TDP, SP, BSP, NC, CPM, CPI, AAP.

Sources in the Commission indicated that tallying votes in 50% of EVMs with paper trail may not be a practical option, especially so close to a general election. Moreover, it would delay the results by several hours. However, EC shall study the Indian Statistical Institute report and try and come out with a decision within a fortnight on the extent of paper trail to be audited, said a senior functionary. This essentially means that the new system will be rolled out in the April-May general election.