Archive · 15 Dec 2025
EVM Checks Begin for 2026 Elections
The Election Commission of India has chosen five special officers from different states to help check the electronic voting machines (EVMs) before the next big election in West Bengal.
These officers are from places like Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and the Election Commission itself.
They will make sure the EVMs are working properly.
The Commission also said that from now on, the picture of each candidate will show up on the EVMs so voters can see who they are voting for.
There will be more than 90,000 polling booths in West Bengal for the next election, which is a lot more than before.
Additionally, the first-level checking (FLC) of EVMs and VVPATs has started in Dhubri and Silchar for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
This process ensures that the machines are working correctly and fairly.
Election Commission appoints five nodal officers from outside West Bengal to supervise EVM checks ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Officers are deployed as observers at different FLC venues across the state.
New rule introduced to display candidate images on EVMs for clearer voter information.
West Bengal had over 80,000 polling booths in 2021, expected to increase by over 10,000 for the next election.
First-level checking (FLC) of EVMs and VVPATs began in Dhubri and Silchar from December 11-23, 2025, for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
- Who
- Election Commission of India
- What
- Appointed five nodal officers for EVM checks and initiated FLC of EVMs and VVPATs
- When
- Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections (FLC from December 11-23, 2025)
- Where
- West Bengal, Dhubri, Silchar, India
- Why
- To supervise the First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs and ensure transparency in the election process
- Number of Nodal Officers
- 5
- Purpose
- Supervise First Level Checking (FLC) of EVMs
- Officers' Origin
- Outside West Bengal
- New EVM Rule
- Display candidate images on EVMs
- Expected Polling Booths
- Over 90,000 (increase from 2021)
- FLC Duration
- December 11-23, 2025
- FLC Locations
- Dhubri, Silchar
- EVMs and VVPATs Checked
- 1,939 BUs, 2,094 CUs, 2,094 VVPATs
Sources
Election Commission appoints five nodal officers for EVM checks ahead of West Bengal assembly polls
EC Appoints 5 Nodal Officers for EVM First Level Checking Ahead of Bengal Assembly Polls
EVM-VVPAT first-level checking begins in Dhubri, Silchar for 2026 polls
SIR Draft Roll West Bengal 2025: Here’s how to check your name
