Jamshedpur:A mock poll was successfully conducted during the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for the upcoming Ghatshila Assembly by-election 2025. The process was carried out at the Co-operative College premises under the supervision of the District Election Officer, who also issued necessary instructions to ensure smooth and transparent conduct.
During the commissioning, five percent of the machines were randomly selected for the mock poll, and 1,000 votes were cast to test their accuracy. The results from the electronic count and the VVPAT slips were found to be identical, confirming the reliability of the machines.
Following the publication of the final list of candidates and the second randomization, booth-wise commissioning of Ballot Units (BU), Control Units (CU), and VVPATs was completed. The process included ballot paper preparation, candidate setting, symbol loading, and sealing of the units with address tags and pink paper seals in compliance with Election Commission guidelines. Candidates and their representatives were present throughout the process.
After commissioning, all EVMs and VVPATs were sealed and kept in the strong room under strict security arrangements. On the day of polling, the machines will be transported to polling stations in the presence of candidates or their representatives and under videography.
Deputy Election Officer Priyanka Singh, EVM Cell In-charge Mohammad Mujahid Ansari, and other concerned officials were present during the commissioning and mock poll process.
