EVMs remain sealed for 45-day ‘election petition’ period

Mumbai: All EVMs used in the State Assembly polls have been ‘sealed’ in the state-owned godowns in Bhosari. If a candidate objects to the result, 45 days’ time is granted under the judicial procedure. Therefore, control units, VVPAT machines will be kept separately in the godowns for the next 45 days. All data in the machines is preserved. Later, it is erased.

For the 21 constituencies in the district, 11,421 ballot units, 8,462 control units and an equal number of VVPATs were distributed. Counting of ballots took place in the FCI godowns in Koregaon Park on Saturday (November 23). Counting of votes from all 21 segments was completed by Saturday evening. All units were immediately shifted to the godowns in Bhosari, sealed and secured.

In the event of any party or candidate approaching the court, the 45-day period is known as the ‘election petition’. Considering the possibility, the EVMs are sealed for the period.

A candidate can approach the court seeking justice. The court, after hearing their plea, directs verification of the counting, which is conducted within 45 days. The Election Commission of India directed that the units should remain sealed for 45 days even if there is no objection during the period.

As many as 11,421 EVMs, 8,462 control units and an equal number of VVPATs in the ‘A’ category are included in them. As many as 33 ballot units, 26 control units and 56 VVPATs are included in the ‘B’ category, which developed some snag during the voting. The ‘C’ category units include those developing malfunction during preparation of ballot papers. Among them are 103 ballot units, 150 control units and 213 VVPATs.

Separate godown for ballot and control units

Constitutional envelopes and 421 EVMs meant for spreading awareness among the training staff are also kept in the godown. Moreover, 20 pc reserve EVMs were also given to each segment. These are used if an EVM stops functioning during the polling. In all, 2,137 ballot units, 1,507 control units and 2,262 VVPATs were also sealed in a separate godown on Saturday. This was revealed by the District Administration.