Only EVMs! CEC Sunil Arora rules out use of ballot papers

Mumbai, Sept 19: Putting all speculations, debates and discussions on the re-introduction of ballot paper and dumping of electronic voting machines (EVMs) the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora confirmed that the elections will be held on EVMs and the ballot paper has become a history.

Arora was in Mumbai on Wednesday on a pre-election tour to assess the preparations for ensuing State Assembly polls due in next month. The official schedule of the election is yet to be announced but it is likely that it will be done in a couple of days.

Arora categorically said that it was not possible to use ballot paper for conducting voting. “The ballot paper is a history now and that may not be possible”, he said assuring that the EVM is tamperproof. It can malfunction but cannot be tampered with, he said interacting with the media on the demand of some political parties and leaders for re-introduction of ballot paper.

Arora said that while ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in the state the election commission will also work towards encouraging voters to cast their votes and thereby to increase the percentage of voting.

In the Lok Sabha elections the state registered 61 percent voting which was less than the national average of 67 percent. Hence, it will be our endeavour to increase the voting percentage in the Vidhan Sabha elections, he said adding that instructions to this effect have been issued to the state election machinery.

Special focus will be on voters in 18-35 age group and directions are issued to speed up the voter awareness program. 128, 216 booth level agents have been appointed in the state and they will assist the election machinery to update the voters’ lists with zero mistake.

Instructions have also been issued to make arrangements for supply of water, electricity etc. qand facilities for the divyang voters at the polling booths.

Rejecting the demand of increasing the poll expenses limit, the CEC said that this was not possible right now. He noted that the state government has taken special efforts to bring down all the 4500 polling booths located at first and second floors to the ground floor.

While fixing the election schedule the EC will consider school vacations, examinations, religious festivals etc., he said adding that code of conduct will in no way affect the relief and rehabilitation works going on in Sangli and Kolhapur districts which were ravaged by the devastating floods.

This meeting was attended by senior deputy election commiussioner Umesh Sinha, Sandip Saxena, dy election commissioner Chandrabhushan Kumar, Sudip Jain, DG Dhirendra Ojha, State CEO Baldev Singh, and Addl CEO Dilip Shinde.