EVMs to be used in next election on small scale: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda today said Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in the next general election on a small scale.

"EVMs could not be reached out to voters due to time constraint. So, EVMs will be used on a limited scale in the next general election," he told a views-exchange meeting with local journalists at the Deputy Commissioner's office ahead of the 11th parliamentary elections.

The CEC, however, said EVMs will be displayed in development fairs across the country in the first week of October where there will be scope of learning how to use those.

He also said journalists and observers cannot stay in polling centres for long for the sake of a congenial atmosphere for voting.

Nurul Huda said unlike previous occasions, journalists will not be allowed to enter secret rooms taking permission from the presiding officers. "Everything will be gone as per the electoral rules," he said.

The Election Commission is committed to holding the 11th parliament elections in a free and fair manner, he said, adding that all necessary measures will be taken to this end.

Replying to a query, the CEC said participation in the polls is political parties' own matter. "The Commission won't sit in discuss with any party in this regard."

He also expressed the hope that the election will be held in December after announcing the schedule in November.