NSUI wants mock drills on EVMs for DUSU polls

The National Students Union of India today demanded mock drills on all EVMs, installation of VVPAT machines, and appointment of party polling agents to ensure fair Delhi University Students Union elections next month.
An NSUI delegation submitted a memorandum to Delhi University's Chief Election Officer mentioning all its demands.
"To encourage greater participation and free and fair DUSU polls, NSUI demands usage of VVPAT machines and at least five per cent of the machine polling should be cross-checked with the paper trail to build confidence among voters," NSUI said in a release.
Polling agents for every candidate contesting the DUSU polls should be allotted and a mock drill on all EVMs should be conducted in front of them to demonstrate if the machines are functioning properly, it said.

ID cards should be issued to all students a week ahead of the polling day or other IDs such as voter ID, PAN, Aadhaar should be accepted instead, to increase the voter percentage, the release said.
Other demands to increase the voter turnout included - EVM-wise counting in front of the candidates or polling agents, extension of voting time, avoidance of excessive deployment of police forces and barricading.
"Excessive presence of police on campus during the election should be avoided at all costs as it intimidates student voters, especially the first-year students. Excessive barricades inhibit voters as many have to travel long distances on foot to cast their vote," the release said.

DUSU elections will be held on September 12.