Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 April 2024
The crucial phase of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ election process reached a significant milestone today as the last batch of Polled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines arrived safely from Campbell Bay. These electoral materials, vital for the democratic exercise, were promptly secured in the Strong Room at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) under stringent security measures.
Accompanied by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel and Executive Magistrates, the Polled Materials completed their return journey from Campbell Bay to the Strong Room at JNRM, ensuring their safe custody. This marked the conclusion of the process of receiving Polled EVMs and VVPAT machines from all the Polling Stations across the region.
Following the arrival of the materials from Campbell Bay, the Strong Room was sealed under the vigilant supervision of Mr. B.N Singh, IAS, General Observer, and Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Returning Officer, along with other Election and Police Officials. Adhering to Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, the sealing procedure was conducted transparently in the presence of representatives from various political parties and Contesting candidates.
Security measures have been intensified at JNRM, with a three-layer security arrangement implemented to safeguard the Polled Materials. A continuous 24X7 vigil is being maintained by personnel from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to ensure the integrity and safety of the Strong Room.
This meticulous handling and storage of electoral materials underscore the commitment to conducting free and fair elections in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring the democratic rights of its citizens are upheld.