Port Blair, Feb 1: As per the instructions of Election Commission of India, in view of the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024, a UT level awareness programme on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is underway to provide citizens with a firsthand experience of the voting process and familiarity with the machines. The awareness programme which is organised ahead of every General Election to Lok Sabha focuses on imparting knowledge about the basic features of EVMs and VVPATs, elucidating the step-by-step procedure of casting votes, and educating voters on how to verify their choices through the VVPAT slip. Awareness through physical demonstration fosters deeper understanding of EVM & VVPAT functionality and is instrumental in dispelling misconceptions, boosting voter confidence and ensuring a more informed and participative electorate.

The programme includes outreach and awareness activities in all three Districts of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency.   Over 10 EVM Demonstration Centres and around 10 Mobile Demonstration Vans have been set up to physically demonstrate EVM/VVPAT functionality to the public. Office of the CEOs and DEOs are also sharing the updates in press as well as social media platforms to enhance the outreach of this awareness programme.

The Chief Electoral Officer (i/c), Andaman & Nicobar Islands Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS, has requested all citizens especially first time voters of this UT to visit EVM Demonstration Centres as well Demonstration Vans to aware themselves the procedure of casting votes.