Coimbatore: The election commission has installed GPS devices in vehicles that will be used to transport electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPATs) and other sensitive materials related to the assembly election.More than 330 trucks, which will carry EVMs and other sensitive materials, were fitted with GPS devices on Tuesday at the Police Recruitment School grounds. Similarly, 330 SUVs assigned to zonal officers were equipped with GPS and walkie-talkie systems.According to an election official, the election commission of India has made it mandatory to install GPS tracking devices in mobile patrolling vehicles and in vehicles transporting sensitive materials. The measure is intended to ensure a free, fair, and transparent polling process by enabling real-time monitoring of election personnel.Election officials and central observers can track the exact location, movement, and speed of vehicles from a centralized EVM control room. All vehicles carrying EVMs and VVPATs, including reserve units, are being fitted with GPS to prevent unauthorised stops or route deviations. In emergencies or in response to reports of malpractice, officials can dispatch the nearest flying squad based on the GPS location.
