EVM Allocation Begins for Assam, Kerala and Puducherry Elections

The Election Commission of India has completed the first stage of randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, marking a crucial step in ensuring free and fair elections.

What’s Happening?

The poll body had earlier announced election schedules for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states. Now, preparations on the ground are moving ahead with the allocation of voting machines.

How Are EVMs Allocated?

The process follows a two-stage randomisation system:

• Stage 1: Machines are randomly assigned from district warehouses to Assembly constituencies.
• Stage 2: They are then randomly distributed from constituencies to individual polling stations.

This system ensures transparency and prevents any bias in machine allocation.

Where Has It Been Completed?

The first round of randomisation is now done for:

• Assembly Elections: Assam, Kerala, Puducherry
• By-elections: Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Tripura

These regions are scheduled to go to polls on April 9, 2026.

Transparency Measures in Place

• The process was conducted using the EVM Management System (EMS).
• Representatives from national and state-recognised political parties were present during the process.
• Detailed constituency-wise lists of allocated EVMs and VVPATs have already been shared with political parties.

What Happens Next?

• All machines will be securely stored in strong rooms under strict supervision.
• After the final list of candidates is ready, updated allocation lists will also be shared with all contesting candidates.

Why This Matters

The randomisation process is a key safeguard in India’s election system. It ensures that no single authority can control or predict which machines go where — strengthening trust, transparency, and fairness in the electoral process.

As election dates approach, this step signals that preparations are in full swing across poll-bound states.