ROs can check VVPATs
Hyderabad: The Chief Election Commissioner, Om Prakash Rawath today said that the voters can clarify their doubts upon casting votes in the polls by checking the veracity in VVPATS. Addressing a Press Conference at Taj Krishna Hotel here he admitted that no machines including the EVMs and VVPATS in the world are tamper proof. We made fool proof arrangements for smooth and peaceful polls on December 7 he said.
In a noticeable reference to EVM and VVPATS being used in the Assembly polls, Rawat made it clear that no machines in the world are tamper-proof as they are being handled by human beings. However the machines, he said, are very tough and difficult to tamper for its impeccable features.
Returning officers concerned are empowered to conduct a check and to clarify by counting the votes polled in the VVPATS if they go fault he said. Rawath further said that if the returning officer feels anything wrong with the machines will count the ballot slips in the VVPATS. The EC has made fool proof arrangements for peaceful conduct of the polls in all 119 Assembly segments with 32,796 Polling booths using adequate number of EVMs and VVPAT machines. Rawat said that 10,038 service voters are eligible for Postal ballots to be downloaded online and send the same before the counting of votes begin on December 11.
The EC has sought an inquiry and report on the complaints by political parties using foul language. He said that the EC received complaints and will take serious action against the political parties for using foul language which is sheer violation of poll code.
We will take steps to fix the complaints on fallacies in voter list, misusing both print and electronic media, telephone tapping, voter slips, maoist effected areas, ambulances are being used for money and liquor transfer and others. The Election Commission is for fair and peaceful elections by providing in place for webcasting, videography, check illegal money and liquor distribution and seized Rs 77.80 cr from Gold, Silver and other material and liquor. Rawath informed about his meeting with political parties, Chief Secretary SK Joshi, DPG Mahender Reddy and other officials involved in election process to ensure that the polls on Dec 7. The election officials removed bogus and fake votes and a process is on to link EPIC card with Aadhaar and 30 crores of voters have been linked with Aadhaar. The process is stalled temporarily followed by a Supreme Court order and will continue after the polls. (NSS)
