No legal bar to using EVM in JS polls: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today said the Election Commission (EC) would use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the next Jatiya Sangsad polls as there is no legal bar to using it.

“There is no legal bar to using EVMs in the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election . . . (And) we’ll utilise it as EVMs will make the elections easier and more transparent,” the CEC told journalists after inaugurating a EVM training programme at Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka this morning, BSS reported.

He said, “EVM is a new initiative . . . it will help reduce hassles of voting in ballot and make the elections easier and more transparent. Earlier, the EVM was used in local government elections.”

Huda further said the EVM system is time-saving and less expensive.

Replying to a query, he said, “We will use it on a small scale and the EC will take decision on it in a day or two.”

Referring to the criticisms of different quarters about it, the CEC invited those who are opposing the system to examine the system and let them know the technical sides of EVM.

He also asked the election officers to know the rules and regulations perfectly so that they (officials) can provide necessary trainings to the field levels.

Noting December 30 (Election Day) is a very crucial day for all specially political parties, the CEC said the election commission has taken all-out preparation for the day.

Responding to another question of journalists on recovery of the body of Abu Baker Abu, he said necessary directives were given to the authorities concerned in this regard.