EC decides to use EVMs in 150 seats

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in 150 parliamentary seats out of the total 300 in the next general elections to be held either at the end of 2023 or early 2024.

The constitutional body reached the decision during a meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon area of Dhaka on Tuesday noon.

From July 17 to 31, the EC held talks with the country’s 39 registered political parties except nine including BNP to pave the path for holding the next general elections in a free, fair and inclusive manner.

Taking part in the talks, most of the political parties placed their recommendations not to hold the next national polls using the EVMs.

Besides, the ruling Awami League and some of its like-minded political parties gave their opinions in favour of the electronic device.

Awami League during their talks urged the EC to use the EVMs in all 300 parliamentary seats in the upcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, the EC on Monday, in a written statement, underscored the need for active participation of all political parties, especially the big ones in the next general elections.

The EC put its heed to the issue based on the recommendations placed by the country’s registered political parties during their recent dialogue with the commission.

The EC will apprise all of its decision on using the EVMs in the 12th JS polls after examining and reviewing opinions and outcomes of workshops and view exchanges on it, said the statement.

In the statement, the commission said it cannot compel any political party to take part in the election or it will not hatch any such effort.

The EC said it will take all-out measures to create a congenial atmosphere removing all obstacles so that the voters can exercise their franchise without fear and favour.

The EC will be continuing works upholding its honesty, sincerity, courage and responsibility to ensure accurate and neutral election results removing all possible loopholes for vote rigging, it said.

The EC hopes that all executive bodies of the government will extend cooperation to the EC as a statutory duty from their respective positions, it said.