After conducting the mock poll and clearing the mock poll data, the Control Unit should be switched off to seal its Result Section.
(a) Green Paper Seal
The updated Green Paper Seal comes with self-adhesive stickers on both ends (marked as “A” and “B”) on the white side. Since this new version of the Green Paper Seal sticks to itself, there is no need to use an outer paper strip seal when sealing the Control Unit.
There is a frame inside the door of the inner compartment of the result section of the Control Unit where the Green Paper Seal is placed. Before fixing the Green Paper Seal in this frame, you must sign your full signature just below the serial number of the seal. Candidates or their polling agents who are present and wish to sign should also be allowed to add their signatures. The Presiding Officer must then ensure that the signatures of the polling agents on the paper seal match the ones on their appointment letters.
Insert the Green Paper Seal in the frame provided for it on the inner side of the door of the Result Section in such a way that the Green Color Mark on the white side of the seal comes on top of the Result button and the Red Color Mark on the top of the Print button. Then close the door in such a manner that the two ends of the paper seal project outwards from the sides of the inner compartment. After inserting the Green Paper Seal, the inner door above the result buttons shall be closed. Both Green and Red Colors should be visible through the windows of the inner door after it is closed.
Then, the inner door of the result section shall be sealed with the special tag.
SPECIAL TAG:
The Special Tag, made of a thick card, is used to seal the inner compartment of the result section of the CU (Control Unit) of the EVM.
The Special Tag has a metal-ringed hole near its top-right edge to make it easier to pass a thread through for sealing. There is also a wide slot in the middle of the Special Tag so that the “CLOSE” button remains visible and usable after the tag is placed in the result section compartment.
Before using the Special Tag for sealing, you must write the serial number of the Control Unit (CU) on the front of the Special Tag. Then, sign on the back of the tag. Contesting candidates or their polling agents present at the polling station should be encouraged to sign on the back of the tag if they wish. You should also read out the pre-printed serial number on the Special Tag and ask the candidates or polling agents to note it for their records.
The inner door of the result section must be sealed using the Special Tag. To do this, you need to pass the high-quality thread (provided by the Returning Officer) through the holes in the inner door and the metal-ringed hole of the Special Tag.
If the Special Tag is damaged or torn, it should not be used. In such cases, replace it with a new tag, as there are extra tags provided, similar to the extra Green Paper Seals.
Once the sealing process is done, tie the thread into a knot and secure it with sealing wax on the Special Tag. Ensure the “CLOSE” button fits properly through the slot in the middle of the tag without breaking the seal.
After attaching the Special Tag, close the outer door of the Result Section, making sure that the loose ends of the Green Paper Seal extend out from both sides of the closed door. The Presiding Officer should then seal the outer door using a thread and an address tag.
Next, remove the wax paper from the ‘A’ side of the Modified Green Paper Seal and paste the ‘A’ side onto the outer door of the Result Section. Then, remove the wax paper from the ‘B’ side of the seal and paste the ‘B’ side over the ‘A’ side, ensuring that the serial number of the seal remains clearly visible on top.
Sealing the Drop Box of VVPAT with Thread Using Address Tag
Before the actual polling begins, the lower part of the VVPAT unit, known as the Drop Box, must be sealed with a thread and an Address Tag. Ensure that all mock poll slips are removed from the Drop Box before sealing it to prepare the unit for the actual poll.
EVM and VVPAT Ready for Actual Poll:
The EVM and VVPAT are now fully prepared and ready for use in the actual poll.
Mock Poll in Case of Replacement of EVM
If the Control Unit (CU), Ballot Unit (BU), or VVPAT fails during the mock poll, only the malfunctioning unit should be replaced.
If the CU or BU malfunctions during the actual poll, the entire set—CU, BU, and VVPAT—must be replaced. In this case, conduct a mock poll by casting one vote for each contesting candidate, including NOTA, and follow the mock poll instructions as outlined in para 3.3.5.
If the VVPAT malfunctions during the actual poll, only the VVPAT should be replaced, and no mock poll is required in this situation.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid:
- Failing to press the CLOSE button on the Control Unit (CU) after the mock poll.
- Not matching the mock poll results from the CU with the VVPAT paper slips.
- Forgetting to remove mock poll paper slips from the VVPAT before starting the actual poll.
- Not deleting the mock poll data from the Control Unit.
- Positioning the VVPAT under direct light, which can affect its functioning.
- Placing the VVPAT near an open window, which can lead to tampering or exposure to outside elements.
FAQs: Sealing of Control Unit (CU) and VVPAT After Mock Poll
How do I use the Green Paper Seal for sealing the CU?
The Green Paper Seal is provided with self-adhesive stickers. First, sign just below the serial number of the seal and get signatures from the polling agents. Then place the seal inside the compartment of the CU’s result section, ensuring the loose ends of the seal protrude from the outer door. Remove the wax papers from both sides and paste them on the CU door, making sure the serial number is visible.
3. What is the Special Tag, and how is it used for sealing the CU?
The Special Tag is used to seal the inner door of the result section of the CU. The tag has a metal-ringed hole through which a high-quality thread is passed, sealing the inner door. The Presiding Officer and polling agents should sign on the back of the Special Tag before it is placed in the CU, ensuring the “CLOSE” button remains visible.
4. How should the VVPAT Drop Box be sealed?
The Drop Box of the VVPAT is sealed with a thread and an Address Tag before the actual poll begins. Before sealing, all mock poll slips must be removed from the VVPAT.
5. What happens if the CU or BU malfunctions after sealing?
If the CU or Ballot Unit (BU) malfunctions during the actual poll, the entire set of CU, BU, and VVPAT must be replaced. After replacement, conduct a mock poll by casting one vote for each candidate, including NOTA, and follow the standard mock poll procedures.
6. Is a new mock poll required if only the VVPAT is replaced?
No, if only the VVPAT is replaced during the actual poll, no mock poll is required.
7. What are some common mistakes to avoid during the sealing process?
Common mistakes include:
- Not pressing the CLOSE button on the CU after the mock poll.
- Failing to match the mock poll results between the CU and VVPAT slips.
- Forgetting to remove mock poll slips from the VVPAT.
- Not deleting mock poll data from the CU.
- Placing the VVPAT under direct light or near an open window, which can affect its functioning.
