ECI Begins EVM-VVPAT Commissioning for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Phase-1 Polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu and the first phase of polls in West Bengal. This procedural step, initiated on April 16, 2026, was conducted in the presence of candidates, their authorized representatives, and General Observers to ensure transparency. Following the commissioning, a mock poll involving 1,000 votes will be carried out on 5% of the EVMs, randomly selected by candidate representatives. Voting in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, while West Bengal will hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The results for all five states involved in these elections are set to be announced on May 4, 2026. Amidst these logistical preparations, political campaigning continues, with notable activities including BJP leader K. Annamalai supporting an AIADMK candidate in Tiruchirappalli and actor-politician Vijay releasing his party's manifesto. The process underscores the ECI's adherence to strict electoral protocols ahead of the critical voting dates.