Participatory elections more important than EVM: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said participatory elections are more important to the current commission than using Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in the polling centres. 

“We have given support by analyzing the trial on EVM. We have spent a long time trying to understand EVM at different levels, processes and methods. No one has been able to show that manipulation takes place through it,” he said after meeting with the leaders of the Election Monitoring Forum on Tuesday morning.

He also said, “I have told the Election Monitoring Forum - you do your work. We cannot participate in any of your work.”

Qazi Habibul Awal said, “EVM or ballot does not matter to us. The bottom line is that everyone should strive for a fair, free, and participatory election.”

“Our aim is to use EVM in maximum 150 seats. But so far there is no guarantee. If the government does not find the financial involvement of this project appropriate, it can be cancelled,” he continued. 

It is planned to use EVM in 150 constituencies in the 12th National Elections.