Latest EVMs to be used in Rajasthan polls, says CEC Rawat

For the first time, all 51,796 polling centres across Rajasthan will be equipped with EVM-M3 electronic voting machines along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems for the state's 200 Assembly constituencies, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat said the deployment was aimed at ensuring that the Assembly elections are conducted smoothly and transparently.

"The EVMs and VVPATs are totally reliable, safe and tamperproof," Rawat told reporters during a press conference in Jaipur.

Explaining the security features of the EVM-M3 machines, he said they have a built-in tamper-detection mechanism. If an attempt is made to interfere with the machines, they would automatically switch to factory mode and stop functioning.

The use of VVPAT technology will also allow voters to verify their choice through a printed paper slip generated after they cast their vote. The slip remains visible to the voter for a short period before being deposited in a sealed box, providing an additional layer of verification in the electoral process.

Rawat said the Election Commission was also conducting voter awareness programmes across Rajasthan to familiarise people with the machines and address concerns regarding their functioning and security.

The Election Commission team was in Jaipur for a two-day visit to review the state's preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections, including arrangements at polling stations and measures intended to ensure a smooth voting process.

The large-scale deployment of EVM-M3 machines with VVPATs is expected to strengthen transparency and voter confidence in the electoral process, while the awareness programmes are aimed at helping voters understand how the technology works.