The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Election Commission of India has introduced new protocols for the handling and storage of symbol loading units (SLUs), crucial components in the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) systems used during elections. This update comes in response to a recent Supreme Court order which mandates that these units be sealed and stored in a secure manner alongside electronic voting machines (EVMs) for at least 45 days following the announcement of election results.
The revised protocols are effective from May 1, 2024, and apply to all instances where the symbol loading process in VVPATs has been completed. The Supreme Court’s decision aims to enhance the security and integrity of the electoral process by allowing for the verification of micro-controllers in EVMs upon request by candidates who finish second and third in the polls.
Previously, SLUs were managed by local electoral officials and engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) or Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), the manufacturers of the ballot and control units, and VVPATs. Post-election, these units were returned to the respective public sector engineers.
To further boost transparency, a feature was introduced allowing candidates or their agents to view the symbol loading process on a TV monitor. This initiative was part of ongoing efforts to increase trust and accountability in the electronic voting process.
Under the new guidelines, all state chief electoral officers are instructed to establish the necessary infrastructure to comply with these enhanced security measures. The storing of EVMs, VVPAT slips, and now SLUs in a secured environment for 45 days post-results provides a window during which electoral outcomes can be legally contested and the mentioned voting records retrieved as evidence in court cases.