First-Level Checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units is currently underway in Assam’s Darrang district as part of preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections, election officials said.
The FLC process, being carried out under strict security and procedural guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), aims to ensure that all voting machines are fully functional, error-free and ready for deployment well ahead of the polls. Officials said the exercise is a crucial step to maintain transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
According to district election authorities, the checking is being conducted in the presence of representatives from recognised political parties, who are allowed to observe the process. Engineers authorised by the ECI are examining each EVM and VVPAT unit to verify hardware integrity, software functionality and overall performance.
Any machine found defective during the checking process is being immediately segregated and removed from the election inventory, officials added. Only machines that successfully clear the FLC will be sealed and stored in strong rooms under continuous security and surveillance.
District officials said that all prescribed protocols, including documentation and video recording, are being followed to ensure accountability. The FLC process will continue in phases until all allotted EVMs and VVPATs for the district are thoroughly checked.
The Election Commission has reiterated that early and systematic preparation, including FLC of voting machines, is essential for conducting free, fair and smooth elections. Similar exercises are expected to be carried out across other districts of Assam in the coming months as the state gears up for the 2026 Assembly polls.
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