New Delhi/Hassan: Citing apprehensions on the misuse of the electronic voting machine (EVMs), the Congress on March 17, said that the Election Commission should revert to the old practice of paper ballot.
The political resolution adopted at the party’s plenary here, underscored the need for ensuring free and fair elections to retain people’s faith in the integrity of the electoral system.
“The EC has the constitutional mandate to ensure free and fair elections. Both the voting and counting process must remain transparent to retain people’s faith in the integrity of the electoral system,” the resolution said.
“There are apprehensions among the political parties and the people over the misuse of EVMs to manipulate the outcome contrary to the popular verdict. To ensure the credibility of the electoral process, the Election Commission should revert to the old practice of paper ballot, as most major democracies have done”, it said.
EC’s rigid stand on EVM’s is baffling: Devegowda
Meanwhile, Janata Dal (S) Supremo and former prime minister H D Devegowda raising concern said,”The stance taken by the Election Commission (EC) to ‘impose’ EVMs in the state election process despite opposition is baffling.”
Speaking to media, Devegowda said many developed nations were using paper ballot and had not opted for EVMs. The EC should not insist on its use, when doubts are raised on their functioning,with room for manipulation, he opined.
It is difficult to understand EC’s position and attempt to inject fear, he added.
Retired CEC T N Seshan introduced EVMs in the voting process. EVMs used in Gujarat have been brought into the state, Devegowda said, indirectly raising doubts on their credibility.
