Chairman of the Election Reform Commission Badiul Alam Majumdar has called for political consensus on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), citing ongoing concerns over their reliability and potential for misuse.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Election Commission headquarters on Saturday, Majumdar referred to EVMs as ‘flawed and controversial devices,’ highlighting the contentious debate surrounding their role in the electoral process.
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The Election Reform Commission has so far held 21 meetings to address weaknesses in electoral laws, regulations and processes.
Based on deliberations in the meetings, the commission has formulated several recommendations aimed at ensuring a more transparent and efficient electoral system.
“Our members have also engaged in consultations with diverse stakeholders. We are also gathering feedback through our website, emails, and social media platforms. So far, we have received 364 emails and messages providing valuable insights,” Majumdar said.
Reaffirming the commission’s impartiality, he said, “We have no hidden agenda. Our work is unbiased and not aligned with any political party. We are determined to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated.”
Majumdar condemned the alleged role of intelligence agencies in previous elections, accusing them of unlawful harassment of voters and candidates. “Those responsible for such actions should be held accountable. Such irregularities have no place in a democratic electoral process,” he asserted.
Challenges with EVM USE
The challenges associated with EVMs extend beyond technical issues, encompassing operational inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. The sudden announcement of voting centres, followed by logistical complications, has further eroded public confidence in the electoral process.
Some 60,000 to 70,000 malfunctioning EVMs are currently stored at the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited (BMTF), incurring ongoing warehouse expenses that were not included in the initial project budget.
The Election Reform Commission’s recommendations are expected to contribute significantly to making the electoral process more transparent and inclusive, as stakeholders remain hopeful that these efforts will strengthen the democ*ratic framework of the country.