Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: RJD on Saturday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar seeking enhanced security of strong rooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) citing reports of power disruptions, which it said raises concerns about the protocols being followed at these facilities.
In a letter, senior RJD MP and national spokesperson Manoj K Jha said. "The integrity of the electoral process is the cornerstone of our democracy and public confidence in the sanctity of elections depends entirely on the transparent and foolproof security of EVMs."
"Any lapse, perceived or actual, undermines the faith that citizens place in the democratic process," he said.
He said there should be mandatory 24X7 CCTV surveillance of all entry and exit access points to the strong room premises, with real-time monitoring and secure storage of footage.
Jha also said there should be a verification of all existing security protocols to ensure that they align with the Standard Operating Procedures established by the Election Commission for EVM storage and protection.
He said he was writing the letter because of the reports of electricity disruptions at the strong rooms where the EVMs are currently stored. It has raised "serious concerns" about the security protocols being followed at these critical facilities, he said.
"I trust that the Election Commission will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take all necessary steps to ensure that the highest standards of security are maintained at all EVM storage facilities," he added. (ENDS)