- When was the EVM
introduced in India?
It was first used in 1982 in the bye-election to Parur Assembly Constituency of Kerala for a limited number of polling stations (50
polling stations).
- What are the
unique features of Indian EVMs?
It is a simple machine that can be operated easily by both the
polling personnel and the voters. It is sturdy enough to withstand rough
handling and variable climatic conditions. Being a stand alone machine without
any network connectivity, nobody can interfere with its programming and
manipulate the result. Keeping the erratic power supply position in many places
in the country, the machines have been made to run on batteries.
- Who manufacture EVMs in India?
The two central govt. undertakings i.e. Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics
Corporation of India Limited are the only manufacturers from whom the EVMs are procured by the Election Commission of
India.
- Whether ECI took
the advice of technical expert before approving the EVM?
Yes. Before inducting the EVMs, opinion of the Technical Committee
comprising Prof. S. Sampath, Prof. P.V. Indiresan and Dr. C Rao Kasarbada was obtained. The Committee examined the
machines minutely from all technical angles and unanimously recommended their
use in elections.
- What is the
maximum number of votes which can be cast in the EVM?
An EVM can record a maximum of 3840 votes which far exceeds the
number of voters (usually less then 1400) assigned to a polling station.
- In
some elections large number of candidates contest. What is the maximum number of candidates
which EVM can cater to?
Elections can be conducted through EVMs when the maximum number of candidates does
not exceed 64.
- What will happen
if the number of contesting candidate goes beyond 64?
In such cases poll has to be conducted through conventional
method of ballot papers/boxes.
