Dhaka, Nov 16 (V7N)- Badiul Alam Majumdar, Chairman of the Election Reform Commission, has urged for political consensus on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) amid ongoing concerns regarding their reliability and potential misuse.

At a press briefing held on Saturday at the Election Commission headquarters, Majumdar described EVMs as "flawed and controversial devices," underscoring the heated debates surrounding their role in elections.

The Election Reform Commission has conducted 21 meetings to address gaps in electoral laws, regulations, and practices. Based on these deliberations, the commission has proposed several recommendations to ensure a more transparent and efficient electoral process.

“Our members have consulted various stakeholders and collected feedback through our website, emails, and social media platforms. To date, we have received 364 emails and messages offering valuable perspectives,” Majumdar stated.

Reiterating the commission’s impartial stance, he emphasized, “We operate without hidden agendas or political alignment. Our goal is to ensure that previous mistakes are not repeated.”

Majumdar criticized the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in prior elections, accusing them of voter and candidate harassment. “Accountability is necessary for such actions, as they undermine democratic integrity,” he asserted.

Challenges with EVM Use
The issues surrounding EVMs go beyond technical failures, encompassing operational inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. Unexpected announcements of polling centers and logistical difficulties have further shaken public trust in the electoral process.

Approximately 60,000 to 70,000 faulty EVMs are currently housed at Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited (BMTF), accumulating warehouse costs that were not accounted for in the original project budget.

The Election Reform Commission's recommendations aim to bolster electoral transparency and inclusivity, with stakeholders optimistic about these measures strengthening the country’s democratic framework.

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