Punjab elections 2027: EVM, VVPAT checking to begin November 12

Chandigarh. Every electronic voting machine (EVM) and VVPAT set for use in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections will be tested in all districts of the state from Thursday, November 12.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Anindita Mitra has asked all recognised political parties to name representatives to watch the process, called First Level Checking (FLC).

What is first level checking?

FLC is a check that the Election Commission of India (ECI) requires before every general election and bye-election. Under its guidelines, authorised engineers of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) test the machines under the supervision of the District Election Officer.

“Only those EVMs and VVPATs which successfully pass the First Level Checking will be used in Vidhan Sabha elections,” Mitra said.

The District Election Officers will supervise the work in each district. The CEO’s office and the ECI will monitor it.

How will the process be watched?

The entire FLC will be webcast live from all 23 locations. Each district headquarters has two display screens, one at the FLC site and one at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, so party representatives can follow the work closely.

The CEO’s headquarters in Chandigarh also has dedicated screens to watch the process live across the state. The ECI has appointed observers to supervise it.

Why parties have been asked to join

Mitra said having party representatives present would make the process more transparent and “build confidence among stakeholders”. She said it would also help ensure the checking is fair and impartial and follows ECI guidelines.

She said all arrangements are in place for a smooth, transparent and orderly FLC.