False complaints on EVM will invite legal action: Delhi CEO

Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has said individuals filing false complaints on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be booked. "VVPAT machines are being used for the first time. This will clear all doubts from the minds of voters and political parties about EVMs. If the complaint of EVMs and VVPATs is found to be wrong, an FIR will be lodged against the complainant," said Delhi's CEO Ranbir Singh.

"As per the electoral roll published on January 18, there are 1,36,95,291 voters. Ballot Units are also increased from 24,200 in 2014 Lok Sabha elections to 34,953. VVPAT is 20,435 on total 13,816 polling booths in 7 constituencies in Delhi," he added. In a bid to make elections accessible for everyone including the specially-abled persons, Singh said the EC has introduced a slew of initiatives.

"This year our theme is 'accessible elections' and we have taken various measures in this regard. For example, we will provide transport facilities from doorsteps as well as at the polling booth for specially-abled persons. They can apply through an app and post verification, the service like wheelchair or transport will be provided," Singh said. In order to boost voters' turnout, two Delhi-based sportspersons— Table Tennis Player Manika Batra and Cricketer Rishabh Pant— have been roped in for awareness campaigns.

"There will be all women polling booth where all functions will be carried out by women for symbolising women empowerment. This is for the first time happening in Delhi." "All kinds of media including social media advertisements and news will have to be certified by MCMC (Media Monitoring Committee and Media Certification). Social media expert and a journalist will also be a part of MCMC committee team in order to keep a check on fake news and ads."

Singh continued: "Cvigil app has also been developed to address the problems like fake news, money and liquor distribution hate speech etc. This app can be downloaded on smartphones. The citizens can upload photo or video of any misconduct within 5 minutes. It will immediately reach to the flying squads and action will be taken within 100 minutes of uploading." Delhi will go to polls on May 12 for 7 Lok Sabha seats, and counting of votes will be done on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)