Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in the upcoming national polls, says Election Commissioner Md Alamgir.

“However, it is yet to be decided in how many constituencies they will be used,” he told the media on Sunday.

He said that the Election Commission will come to a decision regarding the matter next week, he added.

It will be decided on the basis of how many EVMs are there, how many and how much money will be needed, if a new project will have to be undertaken, the supporting manpower and other factors, he said.

“Currently we have enough for 70-80 constituencies but it will depend on our ability,” he added..

He said that the opinions of the political parties will not be taken into consideration while deciding how many constituencies will vote digitally.

Responding to queries on the pros and cons of the EVMs, he said that the advantages overrule the disadvantages.

He said that despite the allegations leveled, no one can prove that the machines can be rigged.

EC Alamgir said that even though the BNP has verbally complained about the digital voting method, they have not given any written complaints which is why it is not being taken into consideration.

Terming the complaints against EVMs as propaganda, he said, “Nearly 80% votes were cast during the union polls.”

He added that the allegations have been investigated and no proof of vote rigging was found.

The commissioner said that EVMs were used in six constituencies during the 11th National Elections and the results were not challenged.

“Several by-polls were held through EVMs. Nobody said they lost because of it of challenged it,” he said.

“The politicians spoke for the EVMs in the various talk shows. They said that vote rigging cannot be done through EVMs,” EC Alamgir said.

Speaking of the disadvantages of the EVMs, he said: “Sometimes the fingerprints don’t match but there is an alternate process for them. Many, especially the elderly get intimidated by the machine and think that it’s slow. In reality those who know how to use it, cast vote in 15 seconds.”
Proposal to give EC power to cancel polls

The new Election Commission has submitted the amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), proposing that the commission be given the power to cancel elections for a constituency in case of massive irregularities.

Under the current RPO, the commission can only stay the polls.

“Our current RPO is enough for fair polls. But there are certain confusions, hence we thought some amendment will be better,” EC Alamgir said.

“In the light of previous elections, we can see that if massive irregularity takes place, then the election will have to be canceled. Which is why we think the commission should have the power,” he added.

He said that if the EC has enough evidence, then then the results can be canceled after an inquiry and committee recommendation.

According to him, this way the political parties can hold them liable.
Decision on constituency area after population census report

The election commissioner said that decision regarding reassigning constituency areas will be taken after the final report of the population is in their hands.

“We are doing homework. As soon as we get the report, we will start reassigning constituency areas,” he said.

He added that they have enough time at hand and work will start a week after the final report is submitted.