OBSERVERS’ BRIEFING
Advanced encryption techniques, stringent manufacturing processes, and administrative safeguards are in place to ensure the security and integrity of electronic voting machines. Observers play a crucial role in overseeing EVM/VVPAT checks, commissioning processes, and ensuring transparency throughout the election cycle. Key responsibilities include verifying the availability of EVMs/VVPATs, monitoring candidate settings, and participating in mock polls. Stakeholder participation, randomizations, and storage protocols are also emphasized to uphold the credibility of the electoral process.
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OBSERVERS BRIEFING on Electronic Voting Machine (Ballot Unit + Control Unit + VVPAT) October 2023
SECURE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING Most advanced Encryption techniques Automated self diagnostics at every switch ON Population Secured Standalone Machine Unauthorised Access Detection Module Development and Manufacturing No Radio Frequency transmission or reception capability Dynamic Coding of Key Presses Real Time Clock for date and time stamping key presses One Time Programmable (OTP) Strong mutual authentication capability
ADMINISTRATIVE SAFEGUARDS First Level Checking (FLC) Allocation and Movement Stakeholder Participation Randomizations Candidate Setting Counting Day Protocol Multiple Mock Polls Poll Day Checks EVM Management System (EMS) Poll Closure & Transportation Storage and Security Representatives of National & State Recognized political parties/Candidates are invited for active participation in every election related activities 3
ROLE OF OBSERVERS WE EXPECT A LOT FROM YOU!!!
1. EVM/VVPAT CHECKS Availability of Required Stock of EVMs/VVPATs, their Power Packs and Thermal Paper Rolls. Digital outreach for EVM-VVPAT Awareness (Post announcement). Rrandomised list (both 1st& 2ndrandomisation) of EVMs/VVPATs, including reserve & training EVMs/VVPATs, is given in writing to the candidates. Oversee Setting of Candidates on EVMs and Symbol Loading on VVPATs after second randomization. Aarrangements for Storing A,B,C and D Category EVMs and VVPATs after poll. Ensure the location of these strongrooms is informed to candidates. Ensure not to store the C & D Category of EVMs in the vicinity of A & B Category of EVMs. Counting arrangements including VVPAT Counting Booth (VCB) (A = Polled, B= Polled non functional, C= Unpolled non functional & D= Unused reserve)
2. COMMISSIONING OF EVM/VVPAT Commissioning of EVM is done by pairing BU + CU + VVPAT Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) facilitates the candidates/their representatives to simultaneously view the symbol loading ( in VVPAT) in TV/Monitor. Candidates/their representatives active participate in mock poll of 1000 votes in randomly selected 5% EVM Replacement of Power Packs (CU & VVPAT) and Paper Roll of VVPAT from selected 5% machines after mock-poll. Daily basis shredding of VVPAT slips generated during commissioning process Ensure RESERVE stickers are pasted on reserve EVM
3. SECURITY CHECKS Strong rooms to have: 24X7 armed 1 section police guard. CAPF platoon after Polling. CCTV & Continuous Video Recording. Facility for candidates to watch LED Display of Strong room post poll. Facility for candidates/agents to watch on CCTV the movement of EVMs from strong room to counting hall GPS monitoring of all EVM vehicles : Personally check arrangements Monitoring Control Room. including EVM
4. POLL DAY DUTIES (1/2) Mock poll ( atleast 50 mock votes and atleast one vote for each of the contesting candidate including NOTA ) to start 90 min before scheduled poll time in the presence of Polling agents. Replacement Protocol of EVMs during Mock Poll o Only respective unit (BU/CU/VVPAT) should be replaced in case any unit (BU/CU/VVPAT) stops working. Replacement Protocol of EVMs during Actual Poll o Only VVPAT should be replaced in case VVPAT stops working. No mock poll is required on replacement of only VVPAT. o Entire set of BU, CU and VVPAT should be replaced in case of CU or BU stops working. Mock Poll to be done again (one vote each) if full set replaced. Cross check Reserve EVMs and VVPATs distribution arrangements and the movement of Reserve EVM
4. POLL DAY DUTIES (2/2) P Day Monitor speedy replacement of defective EVMs/VVPATs. Special Counter for receiving EVM/VVPAT from problem polling stations identified during poll. P+1 Day Ensure entry of Replaced BU,CU & VVPAT in EMS by P+1 day. For elections with more phase ensure all unused (but non- defective) EVMs and VVPATs to be kept in warehouse earmarked for Category-D EVMs/VVPATs, which should not be in the vicinity of polled EVMs/VVPATs.
5. COUNTING DAY DUTIES Randomly re-check Result of two EVM after every round. Allow only Round Wise Counting. Next round CUs to be brought in the counting hall only after the result of the previous round compiled and displayed. Verify computerised round wise totals with manual totals before declaring round wise figures. Observer is Accountable for any counting errors.
5. VVPAT COUNTING (1/2) VVPAT slips counting shall be conducted in VVPAT Counting Booth (VCB) Sequenceof VVPAT Slips Count: 1. 2. CU not displaying the result. Non clearance of Mock Poll data/VVPAT slips (fully or partially) or discrepancy with votes mentioned in Form 17 C ONLY IF MARGIN OF VOTES IS EQUAL OR LESS THAN TOTAL VOTES POLLED IN SUCH POLLING STATION (s). Allowed under Rule 56 D of CER, 1961. Mandatory Verification of randomly selected 05 PS per AC/AS. 3. 4. Counting of VVPAT slips to be taken up one-by-one, NOT simultaneously
5. VVPAT COUNTING (2/2) Counting of VVPAT slips under Rule 56D of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. Candidate or his/her agent can request in writing to count the printed paper slips of VVPAT in respect of any polling station or polling stations. RO to pass a speaking order accepting or rejecting considering the following : The margin of votes between winning candidate and candidate making the application Whether EVM replaced Any complaint about VVPAT not printing or complaints under rule 49MA
6. VVPAT MANDATORY VERIFICATION Mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips of randomly selected 5 polling station per Assembly Segment or AC. (Go through the Detailed instructions thoroughly). If PS with Two or or more VVPATs Selected, count VVPATs one by one not simultaneously The above mandatory verification of VVPAT paper slips will be in addition to the provisions of Rule 56D. If VVPAT slips count differ from CU count, VVPAT slips count will prevail under Rule 56D4(b) of CER, 1961. Result sheet will be amended accordingly.
EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES (1/2) Incorrect/Mismatched symbols during Awareness. Dummy Symbols printed during Poll Day mock poll. CCTV power shut down. DVR Stolen. VVPAT printing another AC s candidates names. Non disposal of VVPAT slips generated during FLC, T & A and Commissioning. EVM misplaced/stolen during FLC/training. Reserve EVMs in hotel, private house, on the road. Reserve EVMs reached Strong Room > 48 hours.
EXAMPLES OF CRITICAL MISTAKES (2/2) FLC-OK Warehouse opened without intimation of political parties. Mock Poll Certificate issued before Completion of Mock Poll. EVM Count Mismatch vs VOTE data shared on Whatsapp by the DEO/RO. 01 Polled EVM kept in Repair/Reserve EVM Warehouse. Opening of Warehouse having EP-Machines. Not informing Political Parties regarding Sending/Receiving of Machines in Warehouse.
