VVPAT Counting Sequence to remain as per SC approved guidelines : ECI

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on May 22, 2019, made it clear that the VVPAT counting sequence will remain as per the Supre Court (SC) approved guidelines.

A delegation of 22 Political Parties met the Full Election Commission on  May 21, 2019. Amongst other issues which they raised was the request to count VVPATs slips before the commencement of counting of votes polled in EVMs.

Immediately after departure of the delegation, The Commission deliberated on the issue with senior officials dealing with this issue in ECI. After two rounds of in-depth discussions on May 21 and May 22, it has neither been found possible nor feasible to accede to this demand in the overall context especially in view of the judgment of the SC in Writ Petition (C) No.273 of 2019 delivered on April 8, 2019. The said judgement directs that the random selection of VVPATs shall be subjected to the process of slip verification as per the guidelines 16.6 of EVM Manual in force.

There were some other procedural issues like allowing counting agents of candidates along with all Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers on which necessary instructions have already been reiterated and wherever required made more candidate-friendly.

The Commission while thanking all the esteemed Members of the delegation assures them and all the electors of the country that the entire counting especially guarding the strongrooms and counting centres is already being done in an absolutely fair and transparent manner, according to a PIB release.