The commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming elections began in Kozhikode district on Thursday (April 2, 2026), covering all 13 assembly constituencies. The process, carried out under strict supervision and in accordance with Election Commission guidelines, is expected to be completed on Friday (April 3, 2026).
The commissioning, which primarily ensures the proper functioning of the machines, is being conducted under the leadership of the Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers of the respective assembly constituencies. Representatives of various political parties are also present to ensure transparency and foster confidence in the electoral process.
According to the officials, a key stage of the procedure is the candidate setting process. It involves affixing ballot labels on the EVM ballot units, displaying the names and election symbols of the contesting candidates. Once the labels are verified, the units are sealed in the presence of officials and party representatives.
Following the commissioning process, the prepared voting machines will be securely stored in designated strong rooms under tight security arrangements. They will then be distributed to polling officials a day before polling.
Returning officers from various constituencies confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the process. They said the EVMs used for the voting process are those already tested by a team of electronic engineers at the warehouse in Chathamangalam.
According to Revenue department officials, 3,550 ballot units, 3,550 control units, and 3,830 Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines will be used in the district. They said all steps related to EVM testing, management, and safekeeping will be recorded on camera as part of the security arrangements.
Published – April 02, 2026 06:59 pm IST
