Mumbai Civic Polls See Backup System Activation During Vote Counting
Mumbai witnessed the deployment of a backup voting system during the recent civic election vote counting. The Printing Auxiliary Display Unit, known as PADU, was put into action in two specific wards. This device, developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd based in Bengaluru, served as a fallback mechanism when technical issues arose with electronic voting machines.
Technical Glitches Prompt PADU Activation
Civic officials confirmed that PADU was utilized in Ward 125 located in Ghatkopar and Ward 159 in Kurla. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation received these units days before the counting process began. The system was designed specifically for activation when technical problems occurred during the crucial vote tallying phase.
In Ward 125, Shiv Sena candidate Suresh Awale secured victory with 3,568 votes cast in his favor. Meanwhile, in Ward 159, BJP's Prakash Devaji More emerged triumphant after receiving 5,803 votes.
Officials Address Counting Delays
When questioned about potential delays caused by the PADU implementation, an official acknowledged a brief hold-up. "There was no display on the control unit, which is why PADU had to be used," the official explained. "Political party representatives required briefing about the new process, resulting in some delay, but it was not significant."
The municipal corporation employed M3A voting machines manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd for these elections. According to standard procedure, votes recorded on these machines are typically counted by connecting the Ballot Unit to the Control Unit. This connection remains the primary method for vote counting. PADU comes into play only when technical difficulties persist even after connecting these two units.
How the Backup System Functions
The Printing Auxiliary Display Unit performs two crucial functions during technical failures. First, it prints the recorded votes. Second, it displays these votes visually. This dual capability allows the counting process to continue smoothly despite equipment malfunctions.
State Election Commission Approval
Officials emphasized that the use of PADU received formal approval from the State Election Commission. Following the commission's directions, the BMC obtained 140 PADU units before the counting commenced. This arrangement aimed to ensure three key objectives:
- A smooth counting process
- Transparent vote tallying
- Timely result declaration
The backup system was specifically intended to prevent disruptions caused by technical issues during the critical results phase.
Political Controversy Surrounds Implementation
Despite official assurances, the introduction of PADU generated controversy among political stakeholders. The Aam Aadmi Party voiced strong objections to the system's deployment. Party representatives alleged that the device lacked clear sanction through formal State Election Commission guidelines or specific orders. This objection highlights ongoing debates about election technology and procedural transparency in India's democratic processes.
The deployment of backup systems like PADU reflects evolving approaches to election management in urban centers. As cities like Mumbai continue to modernize their electoral infrastructure, such technological safeguards become increasingly important for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
