NCP-SP’s Fahad Ahmad, the Anushakti Nagar candidate who lost to NCP’s Sana Malik by a margin of 3,378 votes, has filed a request for the verification of Control Unit, Ballot Unit and VVPAT of two Electronic Voting Machines (EVMS). “To safeguard the trust of people in electoral system of our country. I have filled the request for the verification of 2 CU/BU/VVPAT. ECI is charging Rs. 47,200 for one booth which is huge amount otherwise I would have applied for 13 booths,” Fahad Ahmad, who was in the limelight following the announcements he made right after the conclusion of the counting on November 23.
Sana Malik was polled 49,341 while Fahad Ahmad secured 45,963 in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
As Fahad Ahmad lost lead from Anushakti Nagar assembly constituency, the candidate and his wife and actor Swara Bhasker had questioned the EVM wondering how the machine be 99% charged despite voting taking place all day.
Also Read: “99% Battery Charged EVMs Give Votes Only To BJP”: Swara Bhasker After Fahad Ahmad Loses Lead
“As soon as 99% charged machines were opened in Anushakti Nagar assembly, BJP supported NCP started getting votes, how come? @NCPspeaks,” she said. During the nail biting contest, NCP SP’s Fahad Ahmad was initially leading Anushakti Nagar against rival NCP’s Sana Malik.
To safeguard the trust of people in electoral system of our country. I have filled the request for the verification of 2 CU/BU/VVPAT
ECI is charging Rs. 47,200 for one booth which is huge amount otherwise I would have applied for 13 booths. pic.twitter.com/HogrPrNzwk
— Fahad Ahmad (@FahadZirarAhmad) November 28, 2024
In Indian elections, the Control Unit (CU), Ballot Unit (BU), and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) are integral components of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system, designed to ensure smooth, secure, and transparent voting processes. These elements work together to facilitate voting and enhance trust in the electoral system.
The Control Unit (CU) serves as the central component of the EVM. It is operated by the polling officer and is responsible for managing the overall voting process. The CU controls the functioning of the Ballot Unit, registers votes, and securely stores the vote count. At the end of the polling process, the CU is sealed and its stored data is used for counting votes and declaring the election results. This unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of the election process.
Also Read: Anushakti Nagar Election Result: NCP SP’s Fahad Ahmad Gains Leads Against Sana Malik
The Ballot Unit (BU) is the device used directly by voters to cast their votes. It displays the names of candidates along with their symbols, each paired with a button that the voter presses to make their choice. Once a button is pressed, the vote is recorded electronically and transmitted to the Control Unit. This simple and user-friendly design ensures that voters of all backgrounds can easily participate in the democratic process.
The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is an additional component attached to the EVM system to enhance transparency and voter confidence. After casting their vote using the Ballot Unit, voters can see a paper slip generated by the VVPAT, which displays the name and symbol of the candidate they selected. This slip is visible for a few seconds through a transparent window before being securely stored in a sealed compartment within the VVPAT. The paper trail allows for cross-verification of votes in case of disputes or doubts about the accuracy of the EVM. During recounts or audit processes, these slips can be manually checked against the electronic vote count.
Also Read: Fahad Ahmad: NCP-SP’s Candidate Vs Sana Malik In Anushakti Nagar
Together, the CU, BU, and VVPAT ensure a secure, efficient, and transparent voting process. While the CU and BU streamline the act of voting and vote storage, the VVPAT provides an additional layer of accountability, helping to resolve disputes and reinforce voter trust in the electoral system.