With an aim to raise awareness about the proper usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in conjunction with the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities for the upcoming general election to the Lok Sabha-2024, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO) Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant lagged off a mobile demonstration van Thursday at DC and DEO Kohima Office premises.
Addressing a gathering during the flag off ceremony, Ramnikant said the mobile demonstration van was specifically for Kohima Town voters, aiming to enhance awareness and promote voter literacy.
Emphasising the importance of dispelling doubts surrounding EVM functionality, the DC and DEO Kohima urged the people of Kohima to take advantage of the opportunity to clear any apprehension.
Addressing concerns of presence of chips or susceptibility to hacking, he assured the public that the demonstration would showcase the transparency and reliability of EVMs.
Ramnikant also outlined the schedule for the EVM demonstration vehicle, covering various locations in Kohima Town, including Raj Bhavan area, PHQ junction, main town junction, and the secretariat area. He encouraged citizens to visit these points and seek clarification on any doubts they may have, especially with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Stressing the significance of familiarizing voters with EVMs, he said the practical experience gained during the demonstration would ease the voting process on election day.
It may be noted that out of 177 polling stations, 154 locations have already been covered, with a commitment to achieving 100% coverage by the next week. The awareness campaign is not limited to villages but extends to polling station levels, where administrative officers are actively engaging in creating awareness.
It has been informed that physical demonstrations of EVMs and VVPATs would cease after the election announcement. However, digital outreach efforts would intensify, providing information and education through various channel and for hands-on experience. Voters in district headquarters can visit the DC and DEO Office, while at the Sub-Division level, voters have been asked to visit respective ADC and SDO(C) Office under Kohima district.