Opposition to EVMs out of ignorance, says CEC

He launches EVM fair in eight divisions

FE Team | Published: October 27, 2018 22:51:16

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda said electronic voting machines (EVMs) cannot be used for fraud. Those who are opposing the devices are doing so 'out of ignorance', reports bdnews24.com.
The Election Commission chief made the remarks in response to questions from the media at the launch of an EVM Fair in eight divisions at Khulna's Shibbari intersection on Saturday.
The EC is 'not concerned' by the opposition to the machines from the Jatiya Oikya Front, which includes the BNP, and their calls for the EC to be dismissed and re-formed.
"They are opposing the EVMs without knowing about them. I call on them to learn about the EVMs and then give their opinions without putting up opposition for opposition's sake."
The CEC discussed various aspects of the EVMs, saying that the use of the devices would cut election costs by 60 per cent. As they are not connected to the internet, it will not be possible to hack them, he said. Stolen EVMs cannot be used for fraud because they will not accept votes outside of the designated time.
The CEC said the Representation of the People Order (RPO) will have to be amended for the use of the EVMs. The EC has sent the proposal to the law ministry. If the law is amended the EVMs will be used on a limited basis during the upcoming national parliamentary elections.
Asked about Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder's opposition to EVM use, the CEC said: "Everyone has the democratic right to disagree. Commissioner Mahbub
Talukder can express his disagreement with the Election Commission's decisions. But the other four commissioners are in support of it."
Huda said the schedule for the eleventh national parliamentary election will be announced in November after a meeting with the President.
Asked about the troop deployment for the polls, he said: "Previously troops have been deployed for general elections, but we have not taken any decision regarding their deployment this time."
The EC has organised EVM fairs in eight divisions of the country to raise awareness about the devices.
The events were launched in Rajshahi, Faridpur, Rangpur, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Khulna and Mymensingh by senior EC officials.