First randomization of voting machines conducted in Trichy

Trichy: The first randomization of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to be used in the nine assembly constituencies of Trichy was conducted on Monday.District election officer and district collector V Saravanan led the process at the election division office in the Trichy district collectorate, with general observers and authorized representatives of recognized political parties present.The event involved the computerized random selection of 7,906 ballot units (BU), 3,541 control units (CU), and 3,810 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units.The randomization was carried out using the EVM management system developed by the Election Commission of India.The election office stated that the process ensures transparency and fairness in allocating EVMs and VVPATs that have successfully passed first level checking (FLC).After completion of the first randomization, the constituency-wise lists of the allocated EVMs and VVPATs were provided to all recognized national and state political parties.These allocated EVMs and VVPATs will be handed over to the respective returning officers and assistant returning officers for use in the election. They will be stored in the strong rooms of the respective assembly constituencies until polling day.The election office stated that once the list of contesting candidates is finalized, the list of first randomized EVMs and VVPATs will also be shared with all contesting candidates.