The Election Commission says it plans to use electronic voting machines (EVMs) in half of the 300 constituencies in the next national election.
Its Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed, however, told the media on Wednesday (Apr 10) that it’s yet to be finalised, but the Commission has decided to use EVMs completely for elections to the city corporations and municipalities.
“In case of Upazila and Union council polls, the Commission will take into account geographical factors and availability of power,” he said.
His remarks came after the Commission’s meeting on Wednesday, when the guidelines for using EVMs in polls municipalities and union councils got the green light.
“The matter of using EVMs in 50 percent of the constituencies is still a plan as the next election is five years later. But it has to be discussed with political parties,” said EC Secretary Ahmed.
Responding to a query, he said that the Commission has adopted a Tk 38.25 billion, before adding, “We have already procured 150,000 EVMs, which will be used.”