The first phase of randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections 2024 was conducted on Friday at VC Room, Mini-Secretariat, Bandipora. The randomization was conducted under the supervision of District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman in presence of Deputy District Election Officer Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat, Nodal Officer EVM Management Mumtaz Pir, ARO 15- Bandipora, ARO 14- Sonawari, while as ARO 16-Gurez joined the process through virtual mode and besides other senior officers and representatives from various political parties were also present.
On the occasion, DEO briefed the participants regarding the process of randomization, ensuring the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The DEO said that randomization helps to prevent any potential bias or manipulation in the assignment of EVMs, thus ensuring that each polling station receives its machines impartially.
The randomization was carried out using dedicated software designed for this purpose to allocate Ballot Units, Control Units, and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for three assembly segments including 14- Sonawari, 15-Bandipora and 16- Gurez. The list of all EVM’s post randomization was handed over to all political parties present in the randomization. On the occasion, it was revealed that subsequent randomization phases will determine the specific allocation of EVMs to polling stations.