Candidates pose problem of plenty

The problem is that one EVM can handle only 16 candidates. That means that if the number of contestants remains 52,four EVMs will be needed. In fact,that many EVMs will be needed if the number of candidates remains over 48. Even if Wednesday sees a drastic number of withdrawals,voters will still need three EVMs if the remaining number is over 32,and two if it is over 16.

“Fifty-two candidates remain in the fray for the Pune Lok Sabha seat after the process of scrutiny. However,the final number will be clear after the last date of withdrawal on Wednesday,” said R N Joshi,Pune’s returning officer.

“There is a provision of listing 16 candidates on one EVM,” Joshi said,adding that the number of EVMs on each polling booth will depend on the number of candidates in the fray. Another problem thrown up by the high number of candidates is that symbols are running out. Independent contestants are worried about getting their choice of symbols.

“I have sought a particular symbol from the list of symbols with the Election Commission,but don’t know whether I will get it,” candidate Vikram Bokey said.

The district election office said the process of allotting symbols for non-registered parties and Independents would be done soon after the final list is declared. The final list will be declared in the afternoon,and preparations for polling will begin. Polling is on April 23.

“However,registered political parties have no problem as they have their own election symbol and are also given preference while names were listed on EVMs,” Joshi said. The rest are listed in alphabetical order.

The 2004 elections had only 22 candidates in the fray. Before that,the number was even lower,14 in 1999 and 15 in 1998.

Machines you will need

4

if number of candidates remains 52

4

if 3 or less candidates withdraw

3

if less than 20 candidates withdraw

2

if number of candidates remains 16+

1

only if at least 36 candidates withdraw