Ascertain correct facts on EVMs before commenting on social media: EC to Kejriwal

EC tells Kejriwal to ascertain the correct facts on EVMs before making the comment on social media.

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP, Kejriwal EVM, Kejriwal EC, Election commission, EC Kejriwal

AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal during his Trilokpuri rally. (Source: Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Terming his comments alleging tampering of four Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Delhi Cantt assembly constituency as “totally incorrect and unacceptable”, the Election Commission on Wednesday told Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal that it expected him to “ascertain the correct facts on EVMs before making the comment on social media”.

The EC further reiterated that the EVMs being used by the Election Commission of India are “non-tamperable” and “foolproof beyond any doubt” and that the Commission has put in place adequate, and elaborate administrative measures and procedural checks and balances aimed at prevention of any possible misuse or procedural lapses”. Kerjiwal, on February 3, had alleged that during an inspection of EVMs in Delhi Cantonment, the light against BJP got lit on four EVMs irrespective of the button one pushed.

“During preparation of EVMs, three Control Units and four Ballot Units were replaced due to broken locks and defective buttons. These EVMs were replaced mainly due to mechanical/hardware defects such as broken lock & latch, loose connections and all the contesting candidates and their representatives were duly communicated about the same,” the EC, in a late night letter, told Kejriwal.

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Stating that “the preparation of EVMs as well as sealing of Strong Room have been done in presence of representatives of Political Parties and following due process, as prescribed by the Commission”, the EC told Kejriwal that Aam Aadmi Party representative Utkarsh Gupta “was also present at the time of sealing of EVMs in Strong Room of 38-Delhi Cantt.Assembly Constituency at Room No. 119 &.121, 1st Floor, IITD, Sector-9, Dwarka, New Delhi”.

The EC also reminded Kejriwal that during a meeting of his with the Commission, it was clarified that preparation of the EVMs for elections is done in the presence of the candidates/their agents and sealing of the prepared EVMs is also done in candidate’s or their agent’s presence.

“The machines are put in the strong room again in presence of the candidates and observer of the commission under video camera surveillance. At every step, the EVM is very well protected and elaborate arrangements are in place for the same,” the EC told Kejriwal.

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