Punjab assembly polls 2027: First level checking of EVMs and VVPATs begins in Ludhiana

As part of administrative preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab in 2027, the first level checking of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPAT machines began in Ludhiana on Thursday.

This checking is being conducted in the examination hall near the Floriculture Department on the campus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). A team of 10 engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is examining the machines.

The District Election Officer stated that this entire exercise is being conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and complete arrangements have been made in the examination hall for this purpose.

To ensure transparency in the checking process and maintain trust, representatives of all recognized political parties have been invited to remain present continuously from the beginning to the end of the checking.

Strict security arrangements have been made outside the examination hall to protect the machines. According to the District Election Officer, no officer or employee is allowed to enter inside the hall without an identity card.

It is noteworthy that the announcement of the next assembly elections in the state is expected to be made in January 2027, with voting likely to take place in the last week of February or early March.

Key developments

• First level checking of EVMs and VVPAT machines begins at PAU Ludhiana
• Checking being conducted by 10 BEL engineers under Election Commission rules
• Representatives of political parties urged to remain present during the process for transparency
• Entry inside the hall banned without identity cards in view of security