the goan I network
MARGAO
Yes, they can, but the discretion of allowing the counting of VVPAT slips rests with the Returning Officer, who will be guided by three main considerations while granting any such application. One, whether the total number of votes polled in that polling station is more or less than the margin of votes between winning candidate and candidate making the application. Secondly, whether EVM met with any defect and was replaced at that polling station during poll and whether there was any complaint about VVPAT not printing the paper slips or complaints under rule 49MA by any voter, in that polling station during the poll.
The three main considerations set by the Election Commission, which is expected to guide the Returning officers, whether to accede to the request of candidates for counting of the VVPAT slips, indicate that counting of VVPAT slips may be allowed only in certain circumstances. In effect, it implies that counting of VVPAT slips will be resorted only in particular circumstances and not as a matter of routine.
Throwing light on the confusion surrounding the VVPAT slips and whether all slips will be taken up for counting, Joint Electoral Officer, Narayan S Navti told The
