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How an EVM Battery Works
Context:
Opposition raised concerns about the integrity of EVMs during the Haryana Assembly elections, particularly linking battery charge levels to electoral outcomes.
More on News:
- The party raised concerns about discrepancies in results based on the battery strength of the machines, claiming that EVMs with 99% battery indicated victories for the BJP, while those with 60-70% battery favoured Congress.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed allegations from Congress leaders regarding tampering with EVMs in the recent Haryana Assembly elections.
EVMs are powered by alkaline batteries to facilitate their use in areas lacking electricity. Batteries for EVMs are produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).
EVM Functionality:
- EVMs are equipped with alkaline batteries, which are replaced and sealed in the presence of candidates on the day of the election.
- The control unit (CU) of an EVM has a power pack ranging from 7.4 to 8 volts, while the attached Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) unit uses a 22.5-volt power pack.
- Initially, these batteries deliver a voltage of 7.4 to 8 volts, showing a capacity of 99% when above 7.4 volts. As the election progresses, battery capacity diminishes, which could potentially explain variations in displayed percentages.
- The EVM remains functional until the battery voltage falls below 5.8 volts. If the voltage dips below 10%, a replacement warning is issued.
- Notably, alkaline batteries can regain some voltage when not in use, adding complexity to any battery-related claims.
Overview of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):
- An EVM consists of three units: a ballot unit, a control unit, and a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) unit, which allows voters to verify their choices via a printed slip.
- Each EVM is uniquely identified, and the control unit can store election results for an extended period.
- The power status of the CU is monitored and displayed, with indicators for “High,” “Medium,” “Low,” and “Change Battery.”
- A new battery is generally sufficient for an entire election process, and if needed, batteries can be replaced with reserve packs in the presence of polling agents.
- During the counting process, EVMs are unsealed under the supervision of political party representatives. Votes are counted in real-time, and the control unit provides results via a “Results” button, ensuring transparency.
Election Commission Guidelines on Counting:
- The EC has strict guidelines governing the counting process, which must not begin if any pending orders regarding polls exist. Additionally, unauthorised personnel are prohibited from the counting area, maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
- Since 2019, the EC has implemented a system to match VVPAT slips from a randomly selected number of polling stations with EVM counts, with no discrepancies reported to date.
