ECI Enforces Strict Protocols on Strong Rooms Amid Controversy

The Election Commission of India has enforced stringent measures forbidding the unauthorized opening of strong rooms with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) before votes are officially counted. This move comes after recent reports of protocol breaches emerged from Perambra constituency in Kozhikode, where officials allegedly accessed a strong room prematurely on Monday.

Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar issued the directive, emphasizing that strong rooms should remain sealed to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The directive warns against opening any rooms, including unsealed ones, for data verification in the ENCORE portal or any other reason, reflecting the Commission's commitment to electoral transparency and security.

The allegations have sparked a political stir, with Congress and the UDF claiming these incidents violate election rules. However, the Kozhikode district administration clarified that the door opened was a 'material room' for verifying polling records in candidates' presence, not the sealed room containing EVMs. The results of the assembly elections held on April 9 in 140 constituencies are expected on May 4.