EC's Senior Secretary Md. Alamgir said that EC may reconsider the use of EVM in the upcoming DNCC & DSCC polls if anyone complains in writing about electronic voting machines.
He said this at his office on Wednesday (Jan.1) at the EC Bhavan, Agargaon in the capital.
Asked if it was possible to exclude EVM before the city elections after all preparations, including public notification, he said, "The commission can do that. The Commission has that power. The Commission can postpone the election at any time, postpone it, cancel any election for logical reasons. '
He said, “Many people have commented earlier because they did not know about voting at EVM. But after the votes of Chittagong and various municipalities, no one spoke of the problem or doubt about it. The Commission is inviting them if anyone doubts, they can come to the Commission and see the EVM machines, and they can tell if they can be habituated on the system. Voters can also come to the center to see the mock voting system. However, if someone in writing complains about the EVM to the Commission, the Commission may sit in the meeting. Then can take the decision which will be implemented accordingly. '
Asked about the preparations for voting in EVM, he said, "It has been decided to campaign on EVM. Advertisements about voting in EVM will be available in various national newspapers. You will see it in almost all the magazines within a couple of days. I will then send a letter to the Ministry of Information that it should be aired on all private television, including government television. Also, in the cinema halls, the process of voting in the EVM is shown before the cinema begins. I would request the City Corporation to show EVM on the billboards as well.
And mock vote can be given to any person before any election. He said that all voters can go to their respective centers to practice how to vote.
Md. Alamgir said, "After the publicity that few people are worried about EVM, but they will not be there." I think their confidence will come back. If a candidate wants to recalculate the vote, there is an opportunity in the EVM. They can apply to the Election Commission for recounting of votes. In terms of their application, the technical team will be formed to investigate. If they are not satisfied with the commission's vote count, they can go to court. Then the team will be formed and investigated again. ”
It is to be noted noted that the last time of for filing nomination papers was December 31, securitization will be done on January 2, according to the Election schedule. Candidates can withdraw by January 9, symbol will be allocated on January 10. The voting will be held on January 30. The entire vote will be in the EVM.