ULB Polls: Independent Candidate Demands VVPAT-Linked EVMs In Odisha’s Sundargarh

Sundargarh: In order to ensure transparency in the voting process in elections to urban local bodies (ULBs), a woman Independent candidate has demanded VVPAT-linked EVMs in the district.

Ninima Patel, a BJP leader, had sought party ticket to contest for chairperson post of Sundargarh Municipality. After her application was rejected by BJP, she filed nomination to contest as an Independent candidate.

Alleging that the BJP did not give her the ticket as she expressed her inability to bear the expenditure for campaigning during the election, Ninima drew attention as she went around the town seeking donation from the voters meet elecgtion expenditure.

“As all major parties are spending huge amount of money in this election, it has emerged as a contest between rich versus poor. Since I cannot afford to fight with my wealthy contenders, I am seeking financial help from the voters,” she said.

Fearing manipulation and rigging in the election by rich contestants and party in power, she raised question why the State Election Commission has not linked the election voting machines (EVMs) to be used for polling with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). She demanded supply of VVPAT-linked EVMs in the polling to ensure transparency in the process.

The VVPAT is an independent printer system attached with EVM that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. It provides feedback to voters by generating a paper slip every time a voter casts his vote. It records the party to whom the vote was made.

The VVPAT slip is kept in a sealed cover. VVPAT slip counting takes place in the VVPAT counting booths under close monitoring of the returning officer and direct oversight of the observer.

Meanwhile, 76 EVMs have reached the district headquarters to be used in ULB polls in 38 booths of 19 wards in Sundargarh Municipality.