📷 Image Credits: News18
In the recent Lok Sabha Elections, the process of counting votes has been a topic of discussion, especially concerning the counting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and postal ballots. The Election Commission’s guidelines state that the counting of postal ballots should begin 30 minutes before the EVM counting. The results of the postal ballots are updated after every round of counting, and the final margin of victory can be influenced by the number of postal ballots received. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the order of counting, urging the EC to count postal ballots first and then finalize EVM numbers.
The EC’s Handbook for Counting Agents in February 2019 emphasized that the results of all rounds of EVM counting should not be announced before completing the postal ballot counting. However, after the 2019 elections, the EC made changes due to the introduction of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS). Now, the postal ballot counting starts 30 minutes before the EVM counting but does not have to be completed before the EVMs.
The introduction of the Voter-verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system in 2013 added transparency to the voting process. VVPAT machines generate a paper slip for each vote cast, which is visible to the voter. While the Opposition has demanded the counting of VVPAT slips to tally votes, the EC has maintained its stance on the issue, with the Supreme Court directing the matching of VVPAT slips from five randomly selected assembly constituencies.
The process of counting votes on EVMs involves various steps, including the role of the Returning Officer (RO) appointed by the EC for each constituency. The EVMs are brought in for counting after the postal ballot counting has started. In case of simultaneous parliamentary and Assembly elections, different tables are used for counting votes, with strict security measures in place to prevent any tampering.
Overall, the counting process ensures transparency and accuracy in determining the election results. The EC’s guidelines and rules aim to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, with a focus on fair and impartial counting of votes.