India is gearing up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, and one of the most crucial aspects of the election process is the counting of votes. The Election Commission of India has announced that the votes for the Lok Sabha polls will be counted using electronic voting machines (EVMs) on June 4. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the votes will be counted using EVMs and the steps involved in the process.
Electronic voting machines have been used in Indian elections since 1999 and have revolutionized the way votes are cast and counted. These machines are designed to be tamper-proof and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. The EVMs used in India are standalone machines that are not connected to any network, making them secure from external interference.
On the day of the election, voters cast their votes by pressing a button on the EVM next to the symbol of the candidate they wish to vote for. The votes are stored electronically in the machine and can only be accessed using a secure password. Once the polling is completed, the EVMs are sealed and transported to a secure location for counting.
The counting of votes using EVMs is a meticulously planned process that involves several steps to ensure accuracy and transparency. Here is a step-by-step guide to how the votes will be counted on June 4:
1. Sealing of EVMs: After the polling is completed, the presiding officer at each polling booth seals the EVMs in the presence of polling agents and observers. The seals are checked to ensure that they have not been tampered with.
2. Transportation to Counting Centers: The sealed EVMs are then transported to designated counting centers under tight security. The EVMs are accompanied by security personnel to prevent any tampering during transit.
3. Mock Poll: Before the actual counting begins, a mock poll is conducted in the presence of polling agents to demonstrate that the EVMs are functioning properly. This is done to ensure that there are no discrepancies in the counting process.
4. Counting of Votes: The actual counting of votes begins on the designated day, which in this case is June 4. The EVMs are opened in the presence of polling agents and observers, and the votes are counted electronically.
5. Result Compilation: As the votes are counted, the results are compiled and recorded by the returning officer. The total number of votes received by each candidate is tallied, and the final results are announced.
6. Declaration of Results: Once the counting is completed, the returning officer declares the results for that particular constituency. The winning candidate is announced, and a certificate of election is issued.
The use of electronic voting machines has streamlined the election process in India and has made it more efficient and transparent. The EVMs have significantly reduced the time taken to count votes compared to manual counting, which was prone to errors and delays.
In conclusion, the counting of votes using electronic voting machines is a crucial part of the electoral process in India. The Election Commission of India has put in place stringent measures to ensure that the counting is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. With the use of EVMs, voters can be assured that their votes will be counted accurately and efficiently on June 4.