New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has released a series of instructions for presiding officers stationed at polling booths, focusing particularly on concerns related to interference with candidate buttons on Electronic Voting Machines.
Sources within the poll panel confirmed that these measures are aimed at preventing any form of tampering.
Clear visibility of candidate buttons mandated
According to the directives, polling officials must ensure that candidate buttons on voting machines remain fully visible at all times. The Commission has specifically warned against covering these buttons with tape, glue, or any other substance.
In addition, the use of chemicals such as colour, ink, or even perfume on the buttons has been strictly prohibited. The ECI stated that such actions could compromise the secrecy of votes and would be treated as attempts to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines.
Immediate reporting of violations
Presiding officers have been instructed to promptly report any such incidents at polling stations to the respective returning officers. Sources indicated that the Commission has categorised these acts as serious electoral violations.
"All such cases are likely to fall under tampering or interfering with Electronic Voting Machine, which is an electoral offence," the ECI communicated to officers, according to sources within the panel.
Warning of strict action, including re-polling
The election body has made it clear that it will take firm action in such cases. This could include ordering a re-poll at affected booths if any irregularities are detected.
Directives issued ahead of key assembly elections
The instructions come just days before West Bengal and Tamil Nadu head to the polls. Both states are scheduled to conduct Assembly elections on Thursday, April 23, while West Bengal will also have an additional phase of polling on April 29.
Meanwhile, Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam have already completed their Assembly elections earlier this month. The results for all these states are set to be declared on May 4.
West Bengal CEO orders exit of non-local political workers
As campaigning for the Assembly elections draws to a close, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has issued additional instructions. Political workers, functionaries, and supporters who are not registered voters in a given constituency have been directed to leave the area.
"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, that is 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll," the order issued on Tuesday stated, according to reports.
Strict accountability for officials
The directive further warned officials against any lapses in duty. It stated that any negligence, misconduct, bias, or failure on the part of officers would be taken seriously and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, depending on the severity of the violation.