**Executive Summary**
The Election Commission of India has completed the second randomization of EVM-VVPATs for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and specific bye-election states ahead of polls scheduled for April 9, 2026. This follows the March 15, 2026, announcement of General Elections for five states and bye-elections across six states. The process ensures the transparent allocation of approximately 8.85 lakh units from assembly constituencies to specific polling stations.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**EVM Allocation Framework**
* EVMs are assigned to polling stations via a two-stage randomization process using the EVM Management System (EMS).
* **Stage 1:** EVMs are moved from district-level warehouses to Assembly Constituencies (AC).
* **Stage 2:** EVMs are moved from the AC level to specific polling stations.
**First Randomization Overview**
* Conducted by District Election Officers (DEOs) for all states included in the election schedule.
* Performed in the presence of representatives from National and State recognized political parties.
* Total units allocated: Approximately 8.85 lakh units, comprising Ballot Units, Control Units, and VVPATs.
**Second Randomization Status**
* **Completed:** Conducted by Returning Officers (ROs) for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura.
* **Pending:** Randomization for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the remaining two bye-election states will occur after the last date for withdrawal of candidature.
* **Verification:** These sessions are held in the presence of contesting candidates to ensure transparency.
**Impact Analysis**
**Contesting Candidates**
**Impact**
Candidates are granted oversight of the final allocation of voting equipment to ensure the integrity of the polling process.
**Action Required**
Candidates or their representatives must be present during the second randomization process and should receive and review the lists of randomized EVMs and VVPATs shared by election officials.
**Election Officials (DEOs and ROs)**
**Impact**
District Election Officers and Returning Officers are responsible for executing the EMS-based randomization within their respective jurisdictions.
**Action Required**
ROs in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the remaining bye-election states must schedule and conduct the second randomization following the withdrawal of candidature deadline. All officials must ensure lists of randomized units are shared with all contesting candidates.
**Political Parties (National and State Recognised)**
**Impact**
Recognized parties are involved in the initial stage of equipment distribution to ensure broad oversight.
**Action Required**
Representatives must attend the first randomization sessions conducted by DEOs to verify the movement of units from district warehouses to assembly constituencies.
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India (ECI): The primary regulatory body responsible for announcing election schedules and overseeing the randomized allocation of EVMs and VVPATs.
EVM Management System (EMS): The digital platform used by election officials for the two-stage randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines from district warehouses to polling stations.
General Election to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections 2026: The specific electoral cycle for which the EVM-VVPAT allocation and randomization procedures are being conducted.
Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura: The states and Union Territory where the election processes and specific EVM randomization phases are applicable.
Election Commission
General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and
bye-elections 2026
Second Randomisation of EVM-VVPATs for Assam, Kerala
and Puducherry completed
Posted On: 31 MAR 2026 7:26PM by PIB Delhi
1. Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the General Election to Legislative
Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in 6
states on March 15, 2026.
2. EVMs are allotted to their respective polling stations through a 2-stage randomisation process
through EVM Management System. In the first stage, EVMs are randomly allocated from District
level warehouses to the Assembly Constituencies. In the second stage, EVMs are randomly
allocated from the AC level to the polling station level.
3. As per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the First Randomization was done
through EVM Management System (EMS) by the DEOs in the presence of the representatives of
National and State recognised political parties for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies
of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in 6 states. Around
8.85 lakh units of EVM (Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT) were allocated for use in
elections through the first randomization process of EVMs.
4. Second randomisation of EVMs has been done through EVM Management System (EMS) by the
ROs in the presence of contesting candidates for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies of
Assam, Kerala and Puducherry and bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura
going to polls on April 9, 2026.
5. The list of first and second randomized EVMs and VVPATs will also be shared with all the
contesting candidates.
6. Second randomization of EVMs will also be done for the General Election to Legislative
Assemblies of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in remaining 2 states as per
procedure, after the last date of withdrawal of candidature.
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PK/GDH/RP
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