NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for checking of burnt memory or micro-controller of electronic voting machines (EVMs) by the losing candidates, offering them multiple options for random testing rather than verification in a controlled environment.
Candidates can select varied test inputs for thorough analysis, including choosing EVMs from any polling station in an assembly segment; mixing & matching ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT from any polling station to make an EVM set; and deciding the sequencing of connection of EVM units as well as the number & sequencing of votes cast in a mock poll.
“The procedure is designed with a focus on outcome-based processes…The randomness and enormity of test vectors and expanded choice-based approach instead of controlled environment C&V process of burnt memory eliminates the possibility or apprehension of any bias or hidden functionality in the firmware, by showing the intended outcome(s) under parameters selected by the candidate and at every stage,” a senior EC official told TOI on Tuesday.
The C&V process will be conducted under CCTV monitoring and also be videographed. It will be timed between 10 am and 7 pm and preferably completed in a single calendar day.
Earlier on June 1, 2024, EC had — honouring the Supreme Court ruling allowing candidates who finish second and third in a poll to seek C&V of burnt memory and microcontroller of up to 5% of EVMs used in an assembly segment — had issued a detailed administrative SOP for the application process for C&V. Subsequently, a total of 8 applications for the recent Lok Sabha and 3 applications for state elections were received for checking/verification.
Detailing the C&V choices available to candidates, EC said those who got the second and third highest votes in a recent election can pick EVMs from any polling stations of the constituency for C&V, subject to a maximum of 5% EVMs used in that AC/AS. This will rule out the involvement of a third party or officials, said a source.
Candidates can also to mix and match EVM units — ballot unit, control unit of VVPAT — from any polling station in an assembly constituency: simply put, applicant candidate can choose BU from one polling station, CU from another and VVPAT from a third to make an EVM set for C&V process. Even the sequence of connecting the BU, CU and VVPAT may be decided by the candidate.
All EVM units shall undergo self diagnosis when switched on. Several electrical parameters will be checked including the fidelity of the burnt memory and only self-diagnosed units will go for C&V. Also, EVM units selected after mix and match shall first undergo self-diagnosis, followed by mutual authentication. Successful mutual authentication takes place only between genuine ECI-EVM units and the result of the self-diagnosis of connected units is displayed on the CU.
Candidates can choose any sequence or pattern to cast any number of votes for mock poll, subject to the maximum limit of 1400 votes. “This latitude of choices ensures creation of a very large number of inputs to the EVMs by way of a combination of number of key presses and the sequence in which the keys are pressed. The CU records a vote only for the key button pressed on the BU(s) in the sequences or combinations in which they are pressed,” said an EC official.
Counting of VVPAT slips in the mock poll shall be done as per the normal EC procedure followed in an actual poll.
Candidates can select varied test inputs for thorough analysis, including choosing EVMs from any polling station in an assembly segment; mixing & matching ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT from any polling station to make an EVM set; and deciding the sequencing of connection of EVM units as well as the number & sequencing of votes cast in a mock poll.
“The procedure is designed with a focus on outcome-based processes…The randomness and enormity of test vectors and expanded choice-based approach instead of controlled environment C&V process of burnt memory eliminates the possibility or apprehension of any bias or hidden functionality in the firmware, by showing the intended outcome(s) under parameters selected by the candidate and at every stage,” a senior EC official told TOI on Tuesday.
The C&V process will be conducted under CCTV monitoring and also be videographed. It will be timed between 10 am and 7 pm and preferably completed in a single calendar day.
Earlier on June 1, 2024, EC had — honouring the Supreme Court ruling allowing candidates who finish second and third in a poll to seek C&V of burnt memory and microcontroller of up to 5% of EVMs used in an assembly segment — had issued a detailed administrative SOP for the application process for C&V. Subsequently, a total of 8 applications for the recent Lok Sabha and 3 applications for state elections were received for checking/verification.
Detailing the C&V choices available to candidates, EC said those who got the second and third highest votes in a recent election can pick EVMs from any polling stations of the constituency for C&V, subject to a maximum of 5% EVMs used in that AC/AS. This will rule out the involvement of a third party or officials, said a source.
Candidates can also to mix and match EVM units — ballot unit, control unit of VVPAT — from any polling station in an assembly constituency: simply put, applicant candidate can choose BU from one polling station, CU from another and VVPAT from a third to make an EVM set for C&V process. Even the sequence of connecting the BU, CU and VVPAT may be decided by the candidate.
All EVM units shall undergo self diagnosis when switched on. Several electrical parameters will be checked including the fidelity of the burnt memory and only self-diagnosed units will go for C&V. Also, EVM units selected after mix and match shall first undergo self-diagnosis, followed by mutual authentication. Successful mutual authentication takes place only between genuine ECI-EVM units and the result of the self-diagnosis of connected units is displayed on the CU.
Candidates can choose any sequence or pattern to cast any number of votes for mock poll, subject to the maximum limit of 1400 votes. “This latitude of choices ensures creation of a very large number of inputs to the EVMs by way of a combination of number of key presses and the sequence in which the keys are pressed. The CU records a vote only for the key button pressed on the BU(s) in the sequences or combinations in which they are pressed,” said an EC official.
Counting of VVPAT slips in the mock poll shall be done as per the normal EC procedure followed in an actual poll.