The constituency-wise commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs (Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail) machines is in the final phase in Kozhikode district. The Assistant Returning Officers are supervising the process in the presence of the candidates concerned or their designated agents.

Officials say the machines, on completion of the commissioning procedures, will be shifted to the strongrooms and taken out only on April 22. As per the Election Commission’s instructions, the commissioning is likely to be completed by Thursday evening, they said.

Only candidates who have secured special permission from the election authorities are now permitted to witness the procedures. No video recorders or mobile cameras are allowed at the spot.

The machines to be used as reserves also will be commissioned soon.

Separate arrangements will be made to ensure the quick delivery of the machines to the polling booths in case of any unexpected failure of the allotted machines.

The commissioning procedures will be completed only after a mock poll to ensure the flawless functioning of the machines. A specific number of votes, fixed by the election authorities, will be cast by officials to test the machines.

The constituency-wise training for poll officials has already been completed in the district under the trained staff appointed by the election authorities. They are also capable of handling the EVM control units and their basic maintenance.

The total number of machines to be used for the purpose will be announced on completion of the commissioning process.