EVMs Declared Tamper-Proof After Intensive Tests Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, the Election Commission has completed extensive testing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in 10 constituencies across the state. Officials confirmed that the machines have been verified as tamper-proof, addressing long-standing concerns among political parties and voters about the credibility of the voting process.

What the Testing Involved

The testing process, known as the first-level check (FLC), was conducted under tight security and full transparency. It included mock polling, random selection of machines, technical inspections, and live demonstrations in the presence of representatives from political parties.

This time, the process wasn’t limited to just major cities like Mumbai or Pune. It was expanded to include Tier 2 and Tier 3 constituencies—such as Jalna, Satara, and Wardha—where public trust in electoral systems is crucial, especially among first-time and rural voters.

Why EVM Trust Still Matters

Even though EVMs have been in use for over two decades, questions about their security continue to surface during every election cycle. Concerns range from possible tampering during transportation to manipulation of internal software.

To counter this, the EC not only allowed observers to be present during the tests but also encouraged parties to file technical objections, if any. So far, no discrepancies have been found, and machines passed both technical and physical security checks.

How Tier 2 Cities Are Responding

In cities like Aurangabad, Nashik, and Amravati, the EC’s visible efforts to build trust appear to be working. Voter awareness campaigns and mock polling booths have started to make a difference in how locals view the process. Local election officers say participation in verification demos was higher this time compared to previous polls.

Residents in these areas often face gaps in information access, and doubts about electoral integrity can discourage voting. Ensuring machine security is just one part—the EC is now also focused on educating voters through door-to-door outreach and school programs.

What Comes Next

With the EVMs cleared and logistics rolling out, the focus will now shift to voter rolls, polling booth setup, and security deployment in sensitive areas. While the debate around electronic voting will likely continue, this round of proactive testing sends a strong message: electoral transparency is being taken seriously.

For voters in Maharashtra, especially beyond the metros, this may be the assurance they’ve been waiting for.