CEO clarifies on transport and storage of EVMs

Hyderabad: Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana Dr. Rajat Kumar explained the various electoral procedures followed regarding the transport and storage of EVMs, maintenance of security at strongrooms and announcement of polling percentage, to ensure the smooth the conduct of Lok Sabha polls in the state, in an address to media persons in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Dr Rajat Kumar informed media persons and the public to confirm the veracity and credibility of content regarding the elections in the state being broadcast or displayed in social media and bring to the notice of the Office of the Electoral Officer any such suspicious content. "The press is a partner in the successful and peaceful conduct of the election process," he said.

Dr Rajat Kumar explained that at the close of voting, the presiding officer submits two registers to the Returning Officer—Form 17A, containing names, contact details and identities of voters who cast their votes and Form 17C a two-page, comprehensive report containing, among other details, the total number of voters who cast their votes at all polling stations. A copy of Form 17C was also be presented to polling agents or representatives of political parties.

EVMs and VVPATs were deposited at reception centres from where they have been transported to strongrooms according to the respective categories — A, B, C and D. The entire process was conducted under CCTV surveillance and a tight cordon of state and central security forces, in the presence of observers and representatives of political parties, the Chief Electoral Officer added.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that there were legal provisions to initiate stringent action against individuals and parties found guilty of spreading fake news and other acts with the intention to undermine the efforts of the Election Commission of India and the functioning of democracy in the country.