Sat Jan 03 14:33:41 UTC 2026: Summary:
The Kottayam district administration in Kerala, India, has begun inspecting voting machines in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for 2026. The first phase of inspection, overseen by District Election Officer Chetan Kumar Meena, involves checking the functionality of control units, ballot units, and VVPAT machines stored at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium. The process includes removing old seals and ballots and will last approximately 22 days, with only machines passing inspection to be used in the elections.
News Article:
Kottayam Gears Up for Assembly Elections: Voting Machine Inspections Begin
KOTTAYAM, INDIA – January 3, 2026 – With Assembly elections slated for this year, the Kottayam district administration has commenced preparations by initiating the first phase of inspection for voting machines.
The inspection process, under the supervision of District Election Officer and Collector Chetan Kumar Meena, began Saturday at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium in Thiruvathukkal, where the voting machines are stored. Kottayam district has 1,791 polling booths.
“We are inspecting 25% more control and ballot units, and 35% more VVPAT machines than are required, to ensure we have fully functional equipment available for the election,” said Meena.
The comprehensive inspection, expected to take around 22 days, involves stripping old stickers, ballots, and seals to thoroughly examine the functionality of each machine. Only voting machines that pass this initial inspection will be considered for deployment in the upcoming elections.
Officials from the Revenue Department, supported by nine engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited, are conducting the inspections. Deputy Collector for Elections Sheeba Mathew and First Level Checking (FLC) supervisor G Prashanth were also present.
The rigorous inspection process underscores the district administration’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in Kottayam.
First Piper 