Polling and counting of votes

Correct answer: A, rule-based and official counting. Election results must be prepared from the votes actually recorded and counted by authorised election officials according to prescribed rules. A rumour is unverified information; it cannot show how many valid votes each candidate received. The correct process is: votes are securely handled, counted through the authorised procedure, checked where required, and then the competent authority officially declares the result. A is correct because it describes this lawful process. B is wrong because campaigning happens before voting and does not itself declare the result. C is wrong because voter education helps people understand voting, but it is not the method of counting. D is wrong because a symbol helps voters identify a candidate or party; it does not determine the result. Memory cue: “Votes decide; verified counting declares.”

The correct answer is B: identity verification and indelible ink together help prevent impersonation and repeated voting. First, officials check the voter's identity against the electoral record so that one person cannot easily vote in another person's name. Then ink is applied as a visible mark that shows the person has already voted, making a second attempt more difficult. These safeguards support the principle that each eligible voter should cast one vote and that every vote should be counted only once. A is wrong because the ballot remains secret; these checks do not make a person's choice public. C is wrong because campaigning is governed by separate election rules and the checks do not stop candidates from campaigning. D is wrong because the voter list remains necessary and is used for verification. B is correct because it describes the shared purpose of both measures. Memory cue: identity proves who you are; ink marks that you have voted.

Correct answer: A. VVPAT is connected with the voting machine and produces a paper record showing the selected candidate or symbol for a short period so that the voter can verify what was recorded. This visible confirmation improves transparency and can support later checking under the applicable procedures. It does not mean that the voter’s identity or choice is publicly revealed. A is correct because verification helps the voter feel that the electronic selection has been recorded as intended and strengthens confidence in the process. B is wrong because secret voting requires protection of the voter’s identity and choice. C is wrong because candidates must not be allowed to alter votes. D is wrong because the Election Commission must remain an election-management institution, not become a political party. Memory cue: VVPAT means a visible paper check of the recorded vote, not a public vote.

Correct answer: A. Counting agents represent candidates or parties and observe important stages of counting under the prescribed rules. Their presence gives contestants an opportunity to see whether ballots or votes are handled and recorded properly and to raise a legitimate objection if they notice an irregularity. This does not guarantee that every dispute disappears, but it makes the process more open and independently observed. A is correct because observation reduces suspicion about hidden manipulation and improves confidence in the result. B is wrong because counting agents do not provide unlimited voter education. C is wrong because station appearance has no connection with result transparency. D is wrong because counting agents do not determine a candidate’s age. Memory cue: observers at counting make the result easier to trust.

Correct answer: A. Party agents are authorised representatives who observe the polling process on behalf of candidates or political parties. Their presence creates an additional layer of observation: they can watch whether rules are followed, note unusual events, and raise a formal objection through the proper channel when they believe an irregularity has occurred. They do not control the election or replace election officials. Option A is correct because observation and the ability to report concerns support transparency and accountability. Option B is wrong because only the eligible voter should cast that voter’s ballot. Option C is wrong because the secrecy of the ballot must be protected; agents must not see a voter’s choice. Option D is wrong because official election authorities handle counting and declaration according to the rules. Memory cue: party agents are observers and witnesses, not voters, officials, or result announcers.

Direct answer: A is correct. After a person votes, indelible ink is marked on a finger. Polling officials can then identify that the person has already participated in voting. This makes it much harder for the same person to appear again and vote a second time, which helps reduce multiple or bogus voting. The ink does not record whom the voter selected; the secrecy of the ballot protects that choice. It also does not choose a candidate or increase campaign spending. Therefore, option A is connected with a fair polling process because it supports the principle that one eligible voter should cast one vote. Option B is wrong because the ink does not reveal the vote choice. Option C is wrong because the voter, not the ink, selects among candidates. Option D is wrong because marking ink is an election-control measure, not a campaign expense. Memory cue: indelible ink means “already voted,” not “whom voted for.”