Maharashtra polls: EVMs verified as tamper-proof after extensive testing in 10 constituencies
The exercise was carried out by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra following instructions issued by the
Election Commission of India
(ECI) on June 17, 2025. It was initiated based on applications from 10 candidates, of whom eight were present during the verification process. Two did not attend despite having requested the test.
A total of 48 Ballot Units (BUs), 31 Control Units (CUs), and 31 VVPATs were examined in the presence of the candidates or their representatives.
The testing included both diagnostic checks and mock polls, depending on the nature of the request and the constituency.
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In four constituencies — Kopri-Pachpakhadi, Thane, Khadakwasla, and Majalgaon — diagnostic tests were specifically conducted to verify critical hardware components such as burnt memory and microcontrollers. These tests were carried out by authorised engineers from the EVM manufacturer, Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), who certified all the machines as fully functional and fault-free, stated officials
In the remaining six constituencies — Panel, Alibag, Arni, Yevla, Chandgad, and Kolhapur North — both diagnostic tests and mock polls were conducted.
Here, after the diagnostic phase confirmed no faults, mock polls were held to simulate the voting process. The results from the Control Units were then cross-verified with the paper slips from the VVPATs. Not a single mismatch was recorded.
The Majalgaon Assembly segment, which had the highest number of units verified with 18 Ballot Units, underwent both diagnostic and mock poll testing over a two-day period from July 28-29, 2025.
Across all locations, the tests were carried out under strict observation by ECIL engineers, election officials, and candidate representatives, ensuring complete transparency.
"This exercise proves, yet again, that the EVMs are tamper proof," the Election Commission stated in its official report. The verification reinforces public confidence in the integrity and reliability of EVMs at a time when electronic voting systems face scrutiny.
Conducted between July 19 and July 29, 2025, the verification process covered seven districts. The comprehensive testing involved diagnostic verification of burnt memory/microcontroller systems in some constituencies, while others underwent additional mock polls where actual voting was simulated and results cross-checked with VVPAT paper trails.
All 48 Ballot Units, 31 Control Units and 31 VVPATs passed every test conducted by authorized ECIL engineers.
• Thane: Kopri-Pachpakhadi AC (1 BU, 1 CU, 1 VVPAT) and Thane AC (1 BU, 1 CU, 1 VVPAT) tested on July 19
• Raigad: Panel AC (5 BUs, 5 CUs, 5 VVPATs) and Alibag AC (4 BUs, 4 CUs, 4 VVPATs) tested from July 21-23
• Pune: Khadakwasla AC (2 BUs, 2 CUs, 2 VVPATs) tested on July 25
• Yavatmal: Arni AC (1 BU, 1 CU, 1 VVPAT) tested on July 19
• Nashik: Yevla AC (1 BU, 1 CU, 1 VVPAT) tested on July 21
• Kolhapur: Chandgad AC (10 BUs, 5 CUs, 5 VVPATs) tested from July 23-26 and Kolhapur North AC (5 BUs, 5 CUs, 5 VVPATs)
• Beed: Majalgaon AC (18 BUs, 6 CUs, 6 VVPATs) tested from July 28-29
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