EC will decide upon method of voting after review

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has said that many people can express many ideas. The parties can come up with their opinions too. However, after reviewing all aspects, the Election Commission will take the decision on which method the voting will be held. He said that no decision had been taken as yet about using Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) in the next parliamentary election.

The CEC was speaking to journalists on Tuesday after inaugurating a training programme at Agargaon in the capital city.

At the meeting of Awami League's central working committee held on Saturday, party president Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina indicated that EVM would be used for voting in all seats in the next national election. BNP and the other opposition parties are opposed to the use of EVM.

CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said today, Tuesday, the EC at the moment does not have the capacity to conduct voting in all 300 seats with the EVM.

He said, "We have not taken a clear decision as yet about how the voting will be held, how the EVM will be used, how the ballots will be cast, how many EVMs there will be, how many ballots there will be and such matters. The matter is under review."

The CEC said, "Many people can express many opinions. They can express what they want. We have not been able to take a final decision of voting by means of EVM. We have held many meetings so far and a few more will be held in the days to come. We are the ones who will take the decision."

Kazi Habibul Awal said, "We will conduct the election as independently as possible. That is our prerogative. The method of voting is our prerogative too. Many may come up with many ideas. The political parties may give their views. Ultimately we will review all aspects and decide about the method of voting."

When asked about the discussions held concerning EVM, the CEC said, "You all may say that the prime minister had made a statement. Various parties may come up with their views. I do not know whether it was the prime minister who was speaking or the Awami League president. It is not clear. If it is the Awami League president speaking or the BNP head speaking or JSD speaking, it is a different matter."

The decision to conduct the voting with EVM will be taken by the election commission, Kazi Habibul Awal said.