Election Commission Issues Press Note On Unauthorized Mobile Use At Mumbai Counting Center

The Election Commission acknowledged today that an “authorized person’s” mobile phone was used without authorization by a candidate’s aide during the vote count in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency. Ravindra Waikar of the Shiv Sena emerged victorious in this election.

In a media statement, the Election Commission informed that the returning officer has lodged a police complaint regarding this incident.

The allegation suggested that the mobile phone had the capability to receive a one-time password (OTP) for unlocking an electronic voting machine (EVM).

Dismissing these claims, the EC clarified that EVMs do not have OTP functionalities or wireless communication capabilities. The EC condemned the spread of misinformation by certain media outlets and leaders, emphasizing the security measures in place during the electoral process.

The EC emphasized that EVMs operate independently without external connectivity, and the counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) is conducted physically, not electronically.

Following the EC’s statement, Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed concerns about the returning officer’s actions, questioning the transparency of the process.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan raised additional questions about the EVM controversy, including the presence of a mobile phone at the counting center and the origins of the OTP issue.

The EC’s response comes amidst global discussions about EVMs triggered by Elon Musk’s recent remarks on transitioning to paper ballots due to hacking concerns. In India, leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended EVMs’ security, while Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav advocated for a return to paper ballots.