Due to shortage of EVMs, municipal elections in Jharkhand will now be held through ballot paper. This is the first time since 2013 that the State Election Commission has taken this decision. Different colored ballot papers will be used for different posts.
Ranchi: For the first time in Jharkhand, it has been decided to use ballot paper instead of voting machines (EVM) in municipal elections. This is the first time since the introduction of EVMs in 2013 that ballot paper will be used in municipal elections in the state. The State Election Commission said that this change has been made due to shortage of EVMs. Jharkhand does not have the required number of machines. Till now elections were conducted with the help of other states. But other states have refused to provide EVMs. The EVM manufacturing company has also asked for at least one year’s time to make new machines for the state. For these reasons, elections are being conducted through ballot paper.
Ballot papers will be printed in pink and white colors
State Election Commission Secretary Radheshyam Prasad said that in view of the current situation, the Commission has decided to conduct municipal elections through ballot paper and its preparations are almost complete. Different colored ballot papers will be used for different posts. One color will be for the post of chairperson and the other for ward members. Voters will receive two ballot papers and cast their votes in separate ballot boxes. Sources said that the ballot papers will be printed in pink and white colours.
Prasad confirmed that the required number of ballot boxes are available in each district depending on the number of polling stations and more arrangements will be made as per the need. Painting and repairing work of old boxes has also started for smooth voting. To save time and resources and for better security arrangements, this time the Commission has decided to print the ballot paper in Ranchi instead of Kolkata.