Election Commission Updates EVM Protocol in Response to Supreme Court Directive

The Election Commission has modified the protocol for handling and storing SLUs (symbol loading units) following the Supreme Court’s directives. The machines must now be sealed and stored in a strongroom with the EVMs for at least 45 days after the results are declared as per the court’s order. An EVM consists of the ballot unit, control unit, and VVPAT. The SLU is used to load the names and symbols of candidates onto VVPAT or paper trail machines.

The poll authority’s statement on Wednesday indicated that state chief electoral officers have been instructed to establish the necessary infrastructure and provisions to implement the new protocols for handling and storing SLUs. The Commission stated that the revised protocols, as mandated by the Supreme Court, apply to all cases where the symbol loading process in the VVPATs was completed on or after May 1, 2024. Prior to the Supreme Court’s order, the SLUs were handed over to local poll officials. The first phase of the seven-phase polls saw 102 constituencies vote, while 89 seats voted on April 26.

The next phase is scheduled for May 7, and the votes will be counted on June 4.