Delhi polls: 70 strong rooms set up with three-tier security for safe storage of EVMs

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines used in the Delhi assembly elections have been secured in 70 strong rooms, each equipped with a three-tier security system, an official stated on Thursday.

Delhi residents cast their votes on February 5, and the results are scheduled to be announced on February 8.

According to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R. Alice Vaz, each assembly constituency has a designated strong room, protected under stringent security measures as per the Election Commission of India’s guidelines.

The three-tier security includes Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) guarding the innermost perimeter, while state-armed police are responsible for securing the outer perimeter, the statement noted.

“Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance is in place, covering all sealed doors and corridors, while a double-lock system ensures additional security,” the Delhi CEO added.

Access to these strong rooms is restricted to a single entry and exit point to prevent unauthorized entry, she explained.

Vaz highlighted that the security arrangements are not only stringent but also transparent. Contesting candidates’ agents are permitted to monitor security measures continuously via CCTV footage displayed on monitors at strong room locations.

Additionally, these agents will be granted periodic access to the inner perimeter in batches to maintain transparency and verify that all security protocols are adhered to, she stated.

“We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of security and transparency,” Vaz affirmed.

Strict protocols are in place, including videography of the opening and closing of the strong rooms, ensuring that the process remains uncompromised. All visits by authorized officials will be documented and recorded, she added.

Beyond security measures, strict protocols govern transportation and storage at the strong room sites. No vehicles, including those of VIPs and officials, are permitted inside these areas, further strengthening the security of the EVMs and VVPATs.

A logbook will be maintained to document visits by authorized officials, including general observers, district election officers, and senior police officers, with continuous videography, Vaz mentioned.

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She also confirmed that the scrutiny of election documents had been successfully completed across all 70 assembly constituencies in the presence of independent central observers, candidates, and their agents.

Notably, no complaints were received during the scrutiny, and there was no requirement for re-polling, the CEO added.

A total of 5,000 personnel, including counting supervisors, assistants, micro-observers, and trained supporting staff, will be deployed on Saturday for vote counting, she informed.

To further ensure fairness, five VVPAT machines in each assembly constituency will be randomly selected for voter slip counting, she added.

With vote counting approaching, these arrangements aim to instil confidence in the public that the election results will accurately reflect the people’s mandate, Vaz concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)