EC to Conduct Mock Polls on EVMs Before Bengal Elections

MP, Apr 18, 2026, Kolkata: The Election Commission has decided to significantly scale up mock poll exercises ahead of the Assembly elections, mandating that five per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in every constituency will undergo 1,000 test votes each.

In a notification, the Commission said these EVMs will be selected by candidates or their authorised representatives, who can remain present during the exercise.

A senior official said the move aims to dispel doubts and misconceptions about EVM accuracy. Under the existing protocol, all EVMs are tested with around 50 mock votes. The new measure adds an extra layer of scrutiny by increasing test votes to 1,000 in a sample of machines across each constituency.

The first phase of polling on April 23 will cover 44,378 booths, including 2,960 auxiliary polling stations, across 152 Assembly constituencies, with over 3.60 crore electors.

EVMs undergo two-stage testing before deployment—first in the presence of the District Election Officer and party representatives and then under candidates’ supervision. Machines, along with VVPATs, are sealed and stored in strong rooms.

The Commission has also introduced usability changes, including colour photographs of candidates, larger images, prominent serial numbers, bold numbering for candidates and NOTA, uniform font for names and upgraded 70 GSM ballot paper.