ECI Releases Protocol for Symbol Loading Unit Handling

• 02 May 2024

On 1st May, 2024, the Election Commission issued detailed guidelines for the handling and storage of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) in accordance with the Supreme Court's recent directive, ensuring election transparency.

Key Points

• Compliance with Supreme Court Order: Election Commission released protocol for SLU handling and storage as per Supreme Court's April 26 directive.
• Secure Storage: SLUs to be sealed and stored in containers within strongrooms alongside EVMs for a minimum of 45 days post-election.
• SLU Functionality: SLUs upload candidate names and symbols onto Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines.
• State Electoral Officer Instructions: ECI directed State Chief Electoral Officers to establish infrastructure for SLU handling as per new protocol.
• Implementation Date: Revised protocols effective May 1 for all VVPAT symbol loading processes.
• Micro-controller Verification: Supreme Court permits verification of EVM micro-controllers upon requests from second and third-place candidates.