The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued fresh instructions to presiding officers at polling booths, warning against any form of interference with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), particularly involving candidate buttons.
Strict checks on candidate buttons
According to sources cited by Hindustan Times, the poll panel has directed officers to ensure that candidate buttons on EVMs remain clearly visible and free from any obstruction. The use of tape, glue, or any other material to cover buttons has been flagged as a serious concern.
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The ECI has also cautioned against the use of chemicals such as colour, ink, or even perfume on the buttons, noting that such actions could compromise the secrecy of votes. These acts, officials said, could be treated as attempts to tamper with the voting process.
"All such cases are likely to fall under Tampering/Interfering with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), which is an electoral offence," ECI told officers, according sources inside the poll panel, HT reported.
Immediate reporting, possible re-poll
Presiding officers have been instructed to promptly report any such incidents to the respective returning officers. The commission has made it clear that it may take strict action if violations are found, including ordering re-polling at affected booths.
The directive comes at a crucial time, with multiple states heading into Assembly elections.
Key polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are scheduled for Thursday, April 23, while Bengal will see another phase of voting on April 29. Meanwhile, Kerala, Puducherry and Assam have already completed their polling earlier this month. Results for all states will be declared on May 4.
Bengal CEO issues separate directive
In a related development, West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has issued instructions aimed at maintaining order during the final phase of campaigning.
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"All political functionaries, party workers, and supporters who are not electors of the concerned constituency and who have been brought from outside shall leave the constituency immediately upon closure of the campaign period (ie, 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll)," the Tuesday order read, according to an ANI report.
"Any laxity, misconduct, partisanship or failure on the part of any officer will be viewed seriously and will invite strict action as per law and the gravity of the lapse," the order further said.
