EVM M-3 machines to be used in Rajasthan: CEC

With an aim to make polling accessible for all in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said here on Tuesday that EVM-M3 and VVPAT machines will be used.

Rawat said the Election Commission firmly believes that EVM and VVPAT machines are “non-tamperable” and credible. Hence, the machines will be used at 51,796 polling booths across the state.

“We want to ensure that polling is conducted in a fair and transparent manner in across 200 constituencies. Which is why M3-type EVMs, which are equipped with a self-diagnostic system for authentication of the genuineness of the machines, will be used, Rawat told reporters.

With a theme to make polling accessible for all, accessibility observers would be appointed for the first time in Rajasthan during elections, which slated to be held later this year. Also to make booths friendly for women, at least one polling booth in each Assembly constituency would be managed by women.

Expenditure limit

The commission has fixed Rs 28 lakh as an upper expenditure limit to be spent by candidates in the election. “We will also deploy video surveillance teams to monitor expenditure by the candidates,” he said.

To ensure the law is not broken an income tax officer will be also appointed by the commission in coming days.

Moreover, a ‘cVIGIL’ mobile app has been launched through which the citizens can keep a strict vigil on the elections and report unlawful campaign activities and violation of election code of conduct.

“In around 2 hours, the complaints will be resolved,” he added.

The elections will be held in 200 Assembly constituencies of Rajasthan. Out of 200, 141 are general seats whereas 34 and 25 seats are reserved for SC and ST category respectively.

According to the official data till July 31, 2018, there were 475.10 lakh voters, including 248.21 lakh men and 226.89 lakh women have been enrolled in the voting list.

This year around 349 voters from the transgender category will also be included in the list.