Poll Body’s Press Note On Mobile Used “Unauthorisedly” At Mumbai Counting Centre

New Delhi: 

The Election Commission today admitted a mobile phone of an “authorised person” was used by the aide of a candidate “unauthorisedly” while votes were being counted in Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat.

The Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Waikar had won from this constituency.

In a statement to the media, the Election Commission said the returning officer has already filed a police case over the matter.

It was alleged that the mobile phone had a capability to receive a one-time password (OTP) for unlocking an electronic voting machine (EVM).

The EC said the returning officer has issued notice to Mid-Day newspaper for “spreading disinformation about the EVM and creating doubts in the Indian electoral system.”

“There is no OTP on mobile phone for unlocking EVM as it is non-programmable and it has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create a false narrative,” the EC said in the press note.

“EVMs are standalone devices without any wires or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system… Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents,” the EC said.

The EC said the counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) is done in a physical form (paper ballot), and not in an electronic form “as is being spread through false narratives.”