New Delhi: As the results of the recently concluded parliament elections are nearing, here are the three step procedures which lead to the final verdict.
The whole three-step procedures will be followed for each Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) on the counting day.

* The power switch located in the rear compartment of the control unit will be switched on, then a green light will glow.
* Next, the paper seal over a Result I/Result button is pierced which is followed by the pressing of the Result I/Result button.
* The last step will be the automatic display of the total number of votes polled by each candidate at that polling station.
Once the votes are polled by each candidate at every polling station, including those by postal ballot will be entered in the final result sheet.Then, a grand total of the number of votes credited to each contestant will be arrived soon.

Since there are around 13 Lakhs EVMs involved, a lot of preparation are required to process these stages. The systematic procedures leading to the counting of votes starts early morning with the opening of strong rooms where the EVMs have been stored after polling. This is done in the presence of returning officers, either candidates or their agents, and ECI observers.

Counting commences at 8 am, with the counting of postal ballots. The counting of EVM votes starts only after 30 minutes. In other words, the counting by EVMs will not be started until the postal ballot counting is completed.

The entire process will be video-graphed without compromising secrecy and the video tape will be sealed in an envelope for future reference, if required. The candidates are entitled to appoint a counting agent for each table while counting postal ballots.

The election commission sources said that if the victory margin (EVM and postal) is less than the total number of postal ballots received, there would be a mandatory re-verification of all postal ballots.

Video on counting with electronic voting machine