Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said Awami League is in favour of voting by  Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming national election.

"We are in favour of using EVM in the national election.AL has no objection if EVMs are used in  the upcoming national election," he said.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister,  came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting organised by the Election Commission at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.

Quader said the Awami League believes that the EC's acceptability, neutrality and capacity are important for holding fair and free elections.

"Our party's decision is loud and clear in favour of EVMs. There is nothing to hide here. I am calling for raising the use of EVMs in the upcoming election,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said, "We have discussed with more parties.  Many parties supported the use of EVM. We had no idea about EVM before. Now there is a complete idea. Many have told that they will not go to polls without EVM.”  

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I will take decision after discussion with all,” he added.

The meeting was attended by representatives of nine political parties, election commissioners and senior EC officials.

The Election Commission called 39 political parties for discussion on using EVMs in the national election. Thirteen of the 39 registered political parties were invited to the EC office on June 19 while another 13 parties joined the discussion on June 21.