Verification of EVM and VVPAT Units

• Context (IE): 11 candidates from the 2024 elections have applied to verify the burnt memory of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units.
• The SC introduced the verification option for losing candidates (2nd and 3rd placed candidates) in the Association for Democratic Reforms vs. Election Commission of India, 2024 case.

“Burnt memory” typically refers to a type of non-volatile memory that is programmed once and cannot be altered afterwards. It’s a form of Read-Only Memory (ROM). A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit.

Guidelines for the Verification Process

• Only second and third-place candidates in an election can apply for verification.
• A maximum of 5% of EVMs and VVPATs from each constituency can be checked.
• If both 2nd and 3rd placed candidates apply, each will be allowed to verify 2.5% of the EVMs and VVPATs.
• Application: Written request to District Election Officer (DEO) within 7 days of result declaration.
• A deposit of Rs 40,000 (plus 18% GST) per EVM set needs to be paid to the manufacturer.
• If tampering is found, the deposited amount will be refunded to the candidate(s).
• The verification process begins 45 days after the result declaration to allow time for filing election petitions. If election petitions are filed, the verification will be delayed until court orders are received.
• ECI will release technical Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the verification process.
• Engineers from the EVM manufacturers will be responsible for conducting the verification.

Administrative SOP

• The District Election Officer (DEO) will oversee the entire verification process.
• Verification will be carried out at the manufacturer’s facilities under strict security measures.
• No electronic devices will be allowed during the verification process.
• The verification results are expected to be available by mid-August 2024.