Free & fair elections: Candidates to be allowed to observe transportation & storage of voting machines

Team Udayavani, May 9, 2023, 7:08 PM IST

Image credit: Reuters / File

Mangaluru: In a bid to enhance the fairness and transparency of elections, the Election Commission has taken a new initiative during the Karnataka Assembly election process. Candidates or their representatives will now be allowed to accompany the Central Paramilitary Police Force while transporting the voting machines from the de-mustering stations to the security room.

Moreover, after being placed in the strong room, candidates or their agents/representatives (only one person) will now have the opportunity to stay in the room allotted to them at the same center. This time, they will also be able to view the CCTV footage of the security room directly, adding an extra layer of observation.

Arrangements have also been made for the candidates/representatives to stay till May 13 in a specially designated room at NITK, Mangaluru, which is located in the same campus as the security room.

This new move by the Election Commission is expected to bring more transparency and fairness to the election process. The candidates and their representatives will be able to witness the entire process of transporting and storing the voting machines, ensuring that there is no tampering or malpractice.

The Central Paramilitary Police Force will still provide security during the transportation and storage of the voting machines.