Has ECI Finished the First Round of EVM-VVPAT Randomization for By-Elections?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has completed the crucial first round of EVM and VVPAT randomization for by-elections across eight Assembly Constituencies, emphasizing transparency. This pivotal step ensures that the upcoming elections are conducted fairly and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- ECI completes first phase of EVM and VVPAT randomization.
- Randomization ensures transparency in elections.
- Process involved eight Assembly Constituencies.
- Supervision by District Election Officers and party representatives.
- Secure storage of machines in strong rooms.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully finalized the initial phase of randomization for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units ahead of the forthcoming by-elections across eight Assembly Constituencies located in seven states and one Union Territory, as announced by the poll panel on Thursday.
This randomization process, which took place from October 9 to October 16, 2025, was carried out by the District Election Officers (DEOs) utilizing the EVM Management System (EMS) in the presence of representatives from recognized national and state political parties, thus ensuring a transparent and accountable electoral process.
The poll panel stated in its press release, “The First Randomization was executed via the EVM Management System (EMS) by the DEOs alongside representatives from Recognized National and State Political Parties.”
The randomization took place in constituencies including Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Nuapada in Odisha, Ghatsila (ST) in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa (ST) in Mizoram, and Anta in Rajasthan.
According to the official data released by the Commission, Budgam has been assigned 276 Ballot Units, 276 Control Units, and 276 VVPATs for its 173 polling stations. Nagrota constituency has been allocated 240 BUs, 240 CUs, and 240 VVPATs for a total of 150 polling stations.
Nuapada, which has the second-highest polling stations among the eight segments at 358, will receive 572 Ballot Units, 572 Control Units, and 608 VVPAT machines.
In Jharkhand, Ghatsila (ST) received 390 Ballot Units and 420 VVPATs, whereas Telangana’s Jubilee Hills constituency has been assigned 569 Ballot Units and 610 VVPATs for its highest 407 polling stations.
Additionally, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Anta in Rajasthan have also been sufficiently equipped with machines as per electoral needs.
“Lists of randomised EVMs and VVPATs by constituency were distributed to representatives of all Recognised National and State Political Parties at their respective district headquarters,” the statement noted.
The machines are now set to be securely stored in designated strong rooms under joint supervision.
The ECI further assured that after the withdrawal process, a detailed list of the allocated EVMs and VVPATs will be shared with all candidates, ensuring complete transparency in the electoral procedure.
Point of View
It is our duty to report on the ECI's transparency in the election process. The randomization of EVMs and VVPATs across multiple states reflects a commitment to uphold democratic values. The ECI's proactive approach, ensuring the presence of political party representatives, reinforces trust in the electoral system, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of EVM and VVPAT randomization?
The randomization of EVMs and VVPATs ensures that the electoral process remains transparent and prevents any tampering, thereby maintaining the integrity of the elections.
How many constituencies are involved in this randomization?
The randomization process involves eight Assembly Constituencies spread over seven states and one Union Territory.
Who oversees the randomization process?
The randomization is overseen by District Election Officers (DEOs) in collaboration with representatives from recognized national and state political parties.
What happens to the machines after randomization?
After the randomization, the machines are securely stored in designated strong rooms under joint supervision.
When will candidates receive information about the EVMs and VVPATs?
A detailed list of the allotted EVMs and VVPATs will be shared with all candidates once the list of contesting candidates is finalized.
