The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives to presiding officers at polling booths to prevent tampering with candidate buttons. Sources in the poll panel said the ECI has asked officers to ensure the buttons are clearly visible and not covered with tape, glue, or other materials.
The ECI has also warned against using chemicals, including colour, ink, or perfume, on the buttons to reveal voter secrecy. Such incidents can be considered EVM tampering, an electoral offence.
Presiding officers have been instructed to report any incidents to the returning officers immediately. The ECI has warned that it will take action, including re-polling, if such cases are reported.
The directive comes ahead of Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which are set to take place on April 23 and April 29, respectively.
