The Election Commission is not prepared for using the electronic voting machines (EVM) in all 300 constituencies in the next national elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said today (10 May).
He said this while addressing a training workshop on the occasion of updating the voter list at the Election Commission’s (EC) training building.
“We have not taken any clear decision yet on whether the next general election will be held using electronic voting machines or ballot papers. We will take a decision in this regard later,” he said.
He said the commission has held several rounds of talks and accumulated opinions from peoples of different classes and professions to hold the next general election in an exclusive manner.
“We will fix the process of how the next general election will be held and it is under our jurisdiction to conduct the election in an independent manner,” he added.
The CEC said no decision has yet been made on voting in full EVMs. The commission will consider the views of political parties on EVMs.
Mentioning that the main responsibility of the EC is to conduct fair and impartial elections, the CEC said that the Election Commission is determined to make all types of elections including national elections fair and neutral. The commission has taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth conduct of local elections including the Cumilla City.
Addressing the staff for updating the voter list, the CEC said the work of updating the voter list will start from May 20 across the country. A transparent voter list is a prerequisite for transparent and fair elections. That’s why you have to go from house to house to update the voter list.
In that case, he directed to ensure that no voter is left out.
“We cannot afford to vote in EVMs in all constituencies now,” the CEC said. “We have not yet decided on the 300 seats. The commission has not yet decided on whether the ballot will be in EVMs or not. It is under review.”
