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Protocol for Security Measures for Electronic Voting Machines during election(s)- regarding.

The Election Commission of India has issued detailed security protocols for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to ensure their safety during elections. These measures include strict storage, preparation, and transportation guidelines, as well as the involvement of political party representatives and observers. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory, and any negligence will be taken seriously by the Commission.

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9 views4 pages

Protocol for Security Measures for Electronic Voting Machines during election(s)- regarding.

The Election Commission of India has issued detailed security protocols for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to ensure their safety during elections. These measures include strict storage, preparation, and transportation guidelines, as well as the involvement of political party representatives and observers. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory, and any negligence will be taken seriously by the Commission.

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aashuthind1990
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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BY SPEED POST

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA


NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD, NEW DELHI-110001

No.464/OBS/EVM/2007 PLN-IV Dated: 12th October, 2007

To
The Chief Electoral Officers of
All the States and Union Territories.

Subject: Protocol for Security Measures for Electronic Voting Machines during
election(s)- regarding.

Sir,
I am directed to forward herewith the instructions relating to security
measures for Electronic Voting Machines to be used for the election(s) in your State.
These instructions have been prepared from the point of view of strategy for ensuring the
security and safety of EVMs.

2. The district administration, particularly the District Collector/ Deputy


Commissioner, who is also the District Election Officer, shall ensure that these
instructions are complied with in letter and spirit. Needless to add, any laxity in
implementing these instructions will be viewed seriously by the Commission.

3. Kindly ensure delivery of these instructions to all District Collectors /DEOs /ROs
/AROs / Observers during election(s) and acknowledge receipt.

Yours faithfully,

(K.N.Bhar)
Under Secretary
Security Measures for Electronic Voting Machines

1. Pre-Poll
i. The Observers deputed by the Commission on their arrival in the district shall
inspect along with the DEO and RO the storage center for the EVMs in the
district and randomly check the stock register with the stock stored. Thereafter,
the storage centre will be sealed by the DEO and RO with double locks in
presence of Observer. The keys of one lock will be kept with the RO concerned
and the keys of the second lock shall be kept with the DEO.
ii. To streamline the security of these EVMs, following measures are to be taken:
a. Detailed log of machines indicating the number of balloting and control units to
be prepared.
b. Test check report to be entered in each log book against every EVM entry.
c. EVMs requiring repair (i.e. opening of their control or balloting unit) will be
segregated and their details kept.
d. For such repaired machines where either the control unit or the balloting unit have
been opened, details will be entered in log book specifying the repairs done and
part(s) replaced.
e. Only the technicians from ECIL/BEL will work on the machines and keep a
record of repairs carried out.
f. No outsider will be allowed inside the storage centres.
g. The machines that have undergone repairs will be kept aside and trial tests carried
out on them before using them.
h. After complete checking, the EVMs will be placed under double lock with the
seals of the DEO and the RO.

2. Preparation for the Poll


i. The machines will be prepared for poll by the ROs phase wise after the
finalisation of list of candidates.
ii. Preparation of machines to be done strictly as per the guidelines and in the
presence of Observers and candidates or representatives of candidates (written
notice to be served on them giving time and place).
iii. DEOs/ROs/Observers shall ensure that representatives of political
parties/candidates are informed of time and venue of EVM preparation. DEOs and
ROs will be responsible for failure to involve political parties/candidates and the
Observers. Observer will keep the Commission informed of any such lapse on
part of the DEO/RO.
iv. EVMs after preparation shall be kept in storage centres/dispersal centres.
v. The prepared EVMs shall be kept under double-lock at the storage/dispersal
centres.
vi. In cases where these have to be transported to other locations outside the district
headquarters where dispersal of polling parties have been arranged, the DEO/RO
shall apprise the Observer, political parties and candidates and keep them
informed of the movement plan. The candidates or their agents can follow the
vehicles in which EVMs are carried. At such locations one Observer will
invariably be responsible for checking the storage facilities, security aspects and
the general plan for dispersal of polling parties. As per standard instructions
referred to above, the EVMs at such places will also be kept under a double-lock
arrangement with one key with the DEO and the other with the RO as the case
may be. Armed security of at least a section strength, round the clock, shall be
posted at all such dispersal centres.
vii. Detailed plan for distribution of EVMs will be prepared by the DEO/RO and
Observer will closely monitor the distribution.
viii. Machines used for training shall not be used for poll. All such machines will be
segregated and stored in a separate room under double lock, again with one key
with DEO and other with the RO.
ix. Commission’s instructions No.464/OBS/EVM/2006 PLN-IV dated 29th
December, 2006 (copy enclosed) should be complied with for ensuring the
movement of EVMs by Zonal/Sector/Area Magistrates.
3. Standard Security measures:
i. Two cordoned security, round the clock, one outer and one inner –
outer of State Armed Police, inner of CPMF (if available) otherwise
also of State Armed Police for strong rooms- i.e. after polling.
ii. Guard the storage centres (i.e. inner cordon) with Armed Police of at
least one section strength, round the clock.
iii. Systems of double lock from the day the Observers arrive- one key
kept with District Election Officer, another with Returning Officer
concerned.
iv. Register for movement inside the campus where EVMs stored.
v. Register for movement inside the store rooms.
vi. Arrangements at counting centres as per standing instruction, except
that Armed Police will have to guard the locations.
vii. DEOs/SPs personally responsible for any lapse in arrangement and
security.

4. Post-poll arrangements
i. After poll, the EVMs are kept in strong rooms at the counting centres for which
detailed instructions already exist. These shall be followed strictly.
ii. State Armed Police/CPMF will guard all strong room without any exception-
make two cordons as mentioned in para 1.
iii. Necessary fire fighting equipments shall also be installed around all Strong room
to meet any exigency.

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