Punjab Local Elections to Use Ballot Papers Amid BJP's Call for EVMs
Ballot Papers To Be Used In Punjab Local Polls, BJP Demands EVMs
Ndtv
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The Punjab Election Commission has decided to conduct municipal elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), prompting protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP claims the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is manipulating the process due to fear of defeat, while the AAP argues that the BJP is diverting attention from its own issues. The elections are scheduled for May 26, with vote counting on May 29.
- 01The decision to use ballot papers was made due to a shortage of EVMs, which are currently deployed in other states.
- 02Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer stated that logistical challenges prevented the timely delivery of EVMs.
- 03The Election Commission has prepared 4,200 ballot boxes for the elections, ensuring one for each polling station.
- 04The AAP accused the BJP of lacking candidates for the elections, while the BJP claimed the AAP's decision was politically motivated.
- 05The counting of votes is set to occur on May 29, 2023.
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The Punjab unit of the Election Commission has announced that the upcoming municipal elections will be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which has sparked significant political controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, has protested this decision, alleging that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is implementing the ballot system out of fear of losing the elections. Jakhar claimed that this move was made without consulting political parties and could lead to manipulation of the vote count. In response, Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab's Finance Minister, accused the BJP of attempting to distract the public from its own shortcomings and asserted that the decision was made to ensure transparency. The Chief Electoral Officer, Raj Kamal Chaudhary, explained that the lack of available EVMs, which are currently in use for elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, necessitated the use of ballot papers. The Election Commission has prepared 4,200 ballot boxes to facilitate the voting process, which is scheduled for May 26, with the counting of votes taking place on May 29.
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The decision to use ballot papers could lead to longer counting times and potential delays in results, affecting voter confidence and the electoral process.
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