In preparation for the 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly General Election, the initial randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units has been successfully completed in the Puducherry and Karaikal districts. This exercise was carried out by the respective District Election Officers using the EVM Management System, in the presence of representatives from recognized national and state political parties. Following the randomization process, the EVMs and VVPATs have been allocated to specific Assembly Constituencies.
The lists were shared with representatives from political parties at the district headquarters. Subsequently, the machines were handed over to the designated Returning Officers. The allocated EVMs and VVPATs have been securely stored in designated strong rooms under the supervision of election authorities and in the presence of political party representatives. Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar stated that after the finalization of the list of contesting candidates, details of the randomized machines will also be shared with all candidates. He added that the process has been carried out in accordance with the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
