Opposition parties to pitch for paper ballots at EC meet on Monday


New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS): Many opposition parties will reiterate their demand for paper ballots for future elections, among other things, in a meeting with the Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday.

The EC has called the meeting with seven national and 51 state recognised political parties to discuss various electoral issues such as electoral rolls, limiting political parties' expenditure and timely submission of annual audited reports by parties among other things.

At least 17 parties, including the NDA ally Shiv Sena, have been pitching for returning to ballot papers.

These include the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party, CPI-M, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), DMK, CPI, YSR Congress, Kerala Congress Mani (KCM) and AIUDF.

"We will raise the issue of ballot papers in the meeting for fair and impartial elections. We want to make it clear that we do not consider EVMs as tamper proof," an opposition leader told IANS.

"Secondly, we would point out that the election expenses of political parties must also be limited along with the candidates," he added.

Although the EC in its official agenda of the meet released to the press has not mentioned simultaneous polls, the issue is likely to come up for discussion.

A majority of opposition parties have already told the Law Commission that they do not consider this proposal as practical or desirable.

The agenda for the meeting includes discussion on how to improve "accuracy, transparency and inclusiveness" of electoral rolls, measures to encourage enhanced representation of women in political process, issues related to expenditure ceiling for parties, timely submission of annual audited reports and election expenditure reports among other things.

Also on the agenda are alternative modes of voting for domestic migrants and absentee voters.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Lily Grace D Silva, Mumbai

    Mon, Aug 27 2018

    Use of PAPER BALLOTS is a must in the coming as well as future elections. Enough damage is made using EVMs and no more this should be allowed.

    Please remember each individual has a right to vote rightly. Who wins is not the question at the moment. If we are honestly voting, God will surely be the guide to all. EVMs are not working at all when an individual go to vote. You will never get the acknowledgment when you press the button.

    So its not required to talk about any parties, instead let us support the Paper Ballots for voting henceforth. God bless.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krishnaprasad, Seattle

    Mon, Aug 27 2018

    It is possible to rig elections if ballot papers are used. Booth capturing is another way to win elections. All those who used to rig elections and win so far are upset as it may be difficult for them to win if only honest votes are cast.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • SD, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 27 2018

    Since the EVM's used in India are rigged.
    We the citizens and the tax payers of India , demand that we use paper ballots for all the upcoming and future elections.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sahil, Mangaluru

    Mon, Aug 27 2018

    Finally 130 crore people rights .

    DisAgree [5] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • LC MADANTHYAR, Madanthyar

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    Only ballot paper voting will save and protect India's democracy ! This is 100% true.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Expose Feku, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    If ballot paper system is implemented then FEKU Modi's party wont even cross 50 seats

    DisAgree [5] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    Now Ballot papers will expose FEKU's fekugiri..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • PINTO, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    I doubt if BJP will permit the EC to go for Ballot Paper voting..

    DisAgree [4] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    I want BJP to get Exposed ...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • geoffrey, hat hill

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    No way Feku would agree, he'd rather migrate to Antigua!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    Finally our prayers are heard ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swamy, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    Here again how many are going to be sold and going to be bought by BJP's black money of Rs100 crores?????. EC would be a cheaper and more reasonable option for BJP.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    We will vote only on Ballot Paper ...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Svt, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 26 2018

    Hahaha

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Opposition parties to pitch for paper ballots at EC meet on Monday



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