The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued strict directives to presiding officers at polling booths to prevent tampering with candidate buttons on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Officers are instructed to ensure that buttons remain visible and free from any obstruction, including tape, glue, or chemicals like ink or perfume, which could compromise the secrecy of votes. Such actions are classified as EVM tampering and may lead to electoral offences. Officers are required to report any incidents immediately to returning officers. This directive comes ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on April 23, with a further phase in Bengal on April 29. The ECI has emphasized that failure to comply with these directives may result in strict actions, including the possibility of re-polling at affected booths. Additionally, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has instructed that political workers from outside the constituency must leave immediately after the campaign period ends, reinforcing the need for a fair electoral process.