Ballot papers and transparent ballot boxes will be used in all 300 constituencies in the next Jatiyo Sangsad (JS) elections, staled for late 2023 or early 2024, said Election Commission Secretariat Md Jahangir Alam. The decision was taken in the 17th meeting of the Election Commission held at the commission secretariat on Monday (Apr 3) with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in the chair, local media reported.
Replying to a question about the Election Commission's earlier decision on using EVMs in 150 constituencies, the EC secretary said in the roadmap the EC had decided to use EVMs at a maximum of 150 constituencies. Tk 1,260 crore was needed to repair the old EVMs, he said, adding that but the finance ministry expressed its inability to pay that amount.
Moreover, Jahangir Alam said many political parties had a difference of opinion about the use of EVMs in the national elections.
