Electronic machines for Assembly polls

The electronic polling machine has four panels of 16 candidates each. The electorate is supposed to scan the panels with a cursor and press the button against the name and symbol of his or her favoured candidate. The presiding officer will be all-in-all at the polling station. He will verify the names of those casting their votes, put the indelible ink mark on their index finger and set the machine for them.

The negative aspect of this process is the lack of knowledge about its proper usage, which might lead to technical snags and hamper the polling process. Also, in case of allegations of rigging or manipulation, verification could be extremely difficult.

According to sources in the Delhi election office, electronic polling machines were first used in Delhi during the elections to the metropolitan council in the late 1980s. The machines failed to operate at five polling stations and the polling process could begin only after technical personnel set them right.