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Gujarat Umreth Bypoll: EVMs Secured in Strongrooms Under Strict Protocol

Polling for the Umreth Assembly bypoll in Gujarat concluded peacefully with 59.04% voter turnout. All EVMs and VVPATs were sealed in strongrooms under strict security protocols, including armed guards and CCTV surveillance. Candidates' representatives are permitted to monitor security arrangements with live CCTV feeds. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Key Points: Umreth Bypoll EVMs Secured Under Strict Security

  • EVMs and VVPATs secured in strongrooms after polling
  • Two-tier armed security with CCTV surveillance
  • Voter turnout recorded at 59.04%
  • Counting scheduled for May 4
2 min read

Gujarat: EVMs secured under strict protocol after polling in Umreth bypoll

EVMs and VVPATs from Gujarat's Umreth bypoll sealed in strongrooms with armed security, CCTV. Voter turnout 59.04%. Counting on May 4.

"All contesting candidates have been informed in writing to depute their representatives to monitor the security arrangements - Election Commission statement"

Gandhinagar/Anand, April 24 Electronic voting machines and voter verifiable paper audit trail units used in the by-election to the Umreth Assembly constituency of Gujarat have been sealed and secured in strongrooms following the completion of polling, officials said on Friday.

Polling was conducted across 306 polling stations in the Assembly constituency on Thursday.

After the close of voting, all polled EVMs and VVPATs were transported and stored in designated strongrooms in the presence of contesting candidates or their authorised representatives, as well as Central Observers appointed by the Election Commission.

The process was carried out under videography in line with prescribed procedures.

According to the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sandeep Sangle, the storage follows Election Commission protocols, including a two-tier armed security system with at least one platoon of armed personnel guarding the premises and continuous CCTV surveillance.

Reserve EVMs and VVPATs have been stored separately in a reserve strongroom under similar safeguards.

"All contesting candidates have been informed in writing to depute their representatives to monitor the security arrangements," the statement said, adding that they are permitted to remain outside the inner security perimeter.

A live CCTV display has been provided for their observation.

The strongroom will be opened on the day of counting in the presence of candidates or their representatives and Central Observers under videography.

"Polling in the Assembly constituency was conducted peacefully, with voter turnout recorded at about 59.04 per cent," according to official data released after voting concluded.

Earlier on Friday, voter turnout figures rose steadily from around 25 per cent by late morning to more than 54 per cent by evening before final consolidation.

The by-election was necessitated following the death of sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Govind Parmar in March, after which the seat was declared vacant.

The Umreth Assembly constituency, located in Anand district, has more than 2.45 lakh registered voters and includes both urban and rural polling seats.

The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya Sharma
All these security measures are necessary, but the real test is voter awareness. We need to ensure people understand the importance of every vote, especially in bypolls like this. The EC is doing its job, but citizens also need to participate actively. 🇮🇳
A
Arjun Patel
EVM security is crucial, but let's not forget the VVPAT verification. Every voter should ask for the slip to be checked if they have doubts. The EC allows it, so why not use it? At least in by-elections, we can push for higher accountability.
S
Sneha Desai
Umreth is our district, and it's good to know the strongrooms are under watch. But why only 59% turnout? We need to get more people to the booths, especially women and youth. The EC should also do more awareness campaigns for rural areas. Just saying.
V
Vikram Singh
I appreciate the transparency with videography and candidate representatives. But we need to ensure that the 24/7 CCTV is actually working and monitored properly. A bit more independent observation would boost trust. The EC has done well so far, but let's stay vigilant.

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