New Delhi, March 31 The Election Commission of India has completed the second randomization process of EVM-VVPAT machines for the Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry assembly elections. This process was undertaken to ensure transparency and fairness.
On March 15, 2026, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the general elections to the legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, and by-elections in six states. Voting for these elections is scheduled for April 9, 2026, while counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026.
A two-stage randomization process is carried out through the EVM Management System (EVM). In the first stage, machines are randomly allocated from district-level warehouses to assembly constituencies. In the second stage, random allocation is made from the assembly constituency level to polling stations.
According to the Commission, the first randomization process had already been completed by the District Election Officers (DEOs) in the presence of representatives of national and state-recognized political parties. Approximately 8.85 lakh EVM units (ballot units, control units, and VVPATs) were allocated for the elections.
The second randomization process has now been completed for the general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry and the by-elections to be held on April 9 in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. This process was carried out by the respective Returning Officers (ROs) through the EVM Management System in the presence of the contesting candidates.
The Election Commission clarified that the list of all EVMs and VVPATs involved in the first and second randomizations will be shared with all contesting candidates. This will ensure complete transparency in the process.
The second randomization process will be completed after the last date for withdrawal of candidature for the general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the by-elections to be held in the remaining two states.
This two-step process of EVM-VVPAT randomization is done to completely eliminate any possibility of rigging in elections. The Commission believes that randomly allocating machines ensures fair elections and maintains the confidence of all candidates and political parties.
Simultaneous polling will be held in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9. The Election Commission has directed all preparations to be finalized to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
