After the voting is over, the EVMs and ballot boxes are kept under tight security until the counting begins. EVMs and ballot boxes are kept under three-layer security in strong rooms built in every city, where Central Security Force personnel are deployed round the clock. The strong room where EVMs and ballot boxes are kept has only one gate which has two locks. These locks are sealed and handed over to two officials in the presence of political party representatives.
Allegation of tampering with ballot box
Last night, TMC leaders in Bengal alleged tampering with the EVMs and ballot boxes kept in the strong room. TMC leaders also staged a protest in the strong room. TMC candidates allege that ballot boxes were opened without the presence of their representatives. However, the Election Commission has denied TMC’s allegations.
Mamata Banerjee remained in the strong room
Amid allegations of EVM tampering, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also stayed in the strong room for 4 hours late at night. Amidst heavy rain in Kolkata, Mamata remained in the strong room till 12 midnight. He said, ‘If an attempt is made to steal EVMs and manipulate the counting of votes, we will put our lives at risk.’
After the voting is over, EVMs and ballot boxes are deposited in the strong rooms created by the administration in all the districts. The work of taking EVMs from the booths to the strong room is completed in the presence of representatives of the administration and political parties. The strong room is also sealed in his presence.
strong room safety rules
Three-level security: Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are deployed in the innermost circle, followed by State Armed Police personnel.
Double Lock System: There is only one entrance in the strong room, which is protected by two locks (double lock). One key is with the Returning Officer (RO) and the other with the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO).
CCTV Coverage (24×7 CCTV):The entrance and corridor of the strong room are monitored 24 hours by CCTV cameras, which can be viewed by the candidates or their representatives.
Sealing Process: After voting, EVMs and ballot boxes are sealed in the presence of the candidates. Candidates or their agents can also affix their seal.
Comments are closed.