In a distinctive move for the state's democratic process, Rajasthan is set to use custom-made pink electronic voting machines (EVMs) in its upcoming civic body elections. The unique machines have been manufactured by the public sector undertaking, the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), exclusively for the state.
State-Specific Design and Colour
The new EVMs stand out due to their pink colour and are clearly marked with 'SEC Rajasthan' as per the State Election Commission (SEC). This initiative marks a significant step in creating election infrastructure tailored for Rajasthan's specific electoral needs. The deployment of these machines is aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient voting process for the local body polls.
Technical Specifications and Multi-Post Functionality
These are not ordinary EVMs. Designed as multi-post single vote machines, a single EVM unit will facilitate elections for multiple positions simultaneously. According to the election order, the ballots displayed will be for the election of zila parishad member, panchayat samiti member, sarpanch, and panch.
The technical configuration allows for a maximum of four ballot units (BUs) to be connected to one control unit (CU). Each ballot unit for Rajasthan has a total of 16 panels. However, only 15 panels are required for contesting candidates, which includes the NOTA (None of the Above) option. This design ensures the machine can accommodate a competitive field of candidates while maintaining operational simplicity.
Implications for the Upcoming Elections
The introduction of these specially designed EVMs is expected to streamline the voting process in the civic body elections. By enabling votes for multiple posts on a single machine, it reduces logistical complexity and potentially speeds up the voting process for electors. The state-specific branding also reinforces the autonomy and preparedness of the Rajasthan State Election Commission in conducting free and fair local polls. This development highlights the continuous innovation in India's electoral technology, adapting to the layered requirements of grassroots democracy.
