
The challenge for EC in Telangana’s Nizamabad, why it sets a precedent
Why in news?
- EC faced with an unprecedented 185 candidates in Nizamabad which was more than most Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can handle.
- The EC considered going back to paper ballots for the 15.5 lakh voters but, in the end, conducted the biggest ever exercise carried out using EVMs.
More in news
- Nizamabad voting: Getting the EVMs(1) 2nd generation (M2) EVM: This can accommodate 64 names, with 16 names per Ballot Unit connected to it.(2) It briefly led to calls for paper ballots. But this was an opportunity to prove their efficacy.(3) 3rd generation (M3) EVM: This can connect to 24 Ballot Units, with 384 names.
- Challenges:(1) Shortage of machines:
- Electronics Corporation of India Limited, the designated EVM manufacturer in Hyderabad, did not have enough M3 machines.
- An urgent delivery was then sought from Bharat Electronics Limited in Bangalore.(1) Several last-minute adjustments: A warehouse and a college building were arranged at the last minute to store M3 EVMs.(2) Economy of space: At 16 names to a Ballot Unit, the 186 options each EVM needed to connect with an unprecedented 12 Ballot Units.(3) The L-shaped layout led to a new challenge space.(4) Outside every polling station room, a large hoarding depicting symbols against each candidate was placed so that voters could familiarize themselves with the layout
Source
Indian express