Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 Feb 2024
In anticipation of the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha – 2024, the Election Commission of India has initiated a Union Territory (UT) level awareness campaign focused on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The objective is to offer citizens a firsthand experience of the voting process and familiarise them with the voting machines.
As per the instructions from the Election Commission, a Mobile Demonstration Van commenced its journey on 19th February 2024, with a scheduled visit to several Polling Stations across the region. Stations including Numbers 33 to 35, 85, 86, 103, 110, 114, 115, 160, 161, and 179 to 186, among others, were covered to create awareness among the general public about the basic features of EVMs & VVPATs.
The primary goal of the awareness programme is to impart knowledge about the fundamental features of EVMs and VVPATs. It aims to elucidate the step-by-step procedure of casting votes and educate voters on how to verify their choices through the VVPAT-Slip. The physical demonstration provided through the Mobile Demonstration Van fosters a deeper understanding of EVM & VVPAT functionality and plays a vital role in dispelling misconceptions, boosting voter confidence, and ensuring a more informed and participative electorate.
Mr. B S Jaglan, IAS, the Chief Electoral Officer of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged all citizens of the region to visit EVM Demonstration Centres and the Mobile Demonstration Van to acquaint themselves with the procedure of casting votes, thereby emphasizing the importance of voter education in the electoral process.