Will Political Parties' Representatives Join EVM and VVPAT Checks Before the 2026 West Bengal Elections?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India is set to invite political party representatives for the EVM and VVPAT checks ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, ensuring transparency and addressing past allegations of malfunctioning.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI is inviting political party representatives for EVM and VVPAT checks to enhance transparency.
- The verification process will commence in January.
- There will be a significant increase in the number of polling booths for the 2026 elections.
- Approximately 1.30 lakh EVMs and VVPATs will be required.
- Past allegations of EVM malfunctions have been debunked by the ECI.
Kolkata, Nov 21 (NationPress) - The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Friday its intention to invite representatives from various political parties registered with the commission to attend the verification process of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units designated for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal next year, as confirmed by officials.
The verification process for the EVMs and VVPATs is scheduled to commence in January.
This initiative to include representatives from registered political parties during the checking process is a step towards enhancing transparency within the electoral system.
Previously, there have been claims from opposition parties regarding EVM malfunctions on election day.
Opposition groups have reported instances where, despite pressing the EVM button for one candidate, votes were allegedly recorded for another candidate.
Nonetheless, the commission has consistently refuted these allegations, providing scientific evidence to demonstrate their unfounded nature.
The demand for EVMs and VVPATs for the 2026 Assembly elections is expected to be significantly higher than in past elections, with a nearly 17 percent increase in polling booths compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2021 state Assembly elections.
According to an official, "The total requirement for EVM and VVPAT machines is calculated based on the number of booths plus a 30% reserve. Thus, the estimated requirement will reach approximately 1.30 lakh EVMs and an equivalent number of VVPATs."
The increase in booth numbers is attributed to the ECI's directive that limits the number of voters per booth to a maximum of 1,200, necessitating a rise in the number of booths to accommodate this regulation.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The decision to involve representatives from political parties during the EVM checks is a commendable step towards reinforcing public trust in the electoral system, ensuring that all parties have a stake in the integrity of the upcoming elections.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ECI inviting political party representatives?
The ECI aims to enhance transparency and address past allegations of EVM malfunctions by allowing political party representatives to witness the checking process.
When will the EVM and VVPAT checking begin?
The verification process for the EVMs and VVPATs is set to start in January.
How many EVMs and VVPATs will be required?
Approximately 1.30 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPATs are expected to be needed for the 2026 Assembly elections.
What is the reason for the increase in polling booths?
The ECI directive mandates that no more than 1,200 voters should be assigned to a single booth, necessitating an increase in the number of polling booths.
Have there been past allegations regarding EVMs?
Yes, opposition parties have previously claimed that EVMs malfunctioned, causing votes to be incorrectly recorded, but these allegations have been consistently refuted by the commission.
