Voters satisfied with EVM

Voters in six out of 299 constituencies casted votes using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) for the first time in a general election, instead of traditional ballots, in Sunday’s election.

The Election Commission used EVM exercises in six of the 300 constituencies--Dhaka 6 and 13, Chittagong 9, Rangpur 3, Khulna 2 and Satkhira 2 constituencies--in the voting for 11th parliamentary election.
In the capital, Dhaka-6 and Dhaka-13 were two of the constituencies where EVMs were used. Both the constituencies saw impressive turnout and many voters expressed thanks to the new system as balloting had been hassle-free.

Voters arrived in big numbers in centers across Najirabajar, Jatrabari and Rayerbazar, Mohammedpur, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and other areas since morning. Jaber, a first-time voter from Alauddin Road area, was elated. 

“It is so simple,” he said. “I cast my vote by pressing only two buttons.”

Most of the centres finished voting shortly after midday.

Balloting had been peaceful in Central Veterinary Hospital centre in Najirabajar, said Presiding Officer Jahir Uddin Muhammad Babul.

“The turnout met our expectations,” Babul said, adding that polling officials had assisted voters unfamiliar with the EVM system.

In the city’s Rayerbazar area, several young voters told UNB that they were very satisfied with the system as it was completely hassle free and took only few seconds to complete the process.

Ayesha Siddiqua, an employee of an aide agency, said, “I have come to the polling centre early in the morning to cast ballot through EVM and it was a nice experience.

She, however, criticized the Election Commission’s decision to curb vehicular movement in the capital as she had to suffer to come to the polling centre.

But, in the morning, some complains were reported as voters had to facing technical glitches while casting their votes via the machines.

While casting a vote, EVMs identify voters via their IDs, and confirm their identities through a biometric signature—such as fingerprints—which is then matched with a registered voters list, accessed by the presiding office.
Some, Dhaka-13 voters have complained their fingerprints did not match those of the list, leaving them confused about whether their votes had been cast or not.

Mizanur Rahman, a first-time voter, casting her vote from a polling centre in Lalmatia Boys School, said his fingerprints did not match, despite repeated attempts. 

"Now I am unsure whether my vote was cast or not," he said.

Abdul Hye, a 73-year-old voter from Dhaka-13 constituency, told this correspondent, "EVMs might be good for educated people, but those grasping to understand the system are facing problems.”

Meanwhile, polling agents of only ruling Awami League and Jatiya Party were seen at some centres. But no untoward incident was reported till ending of the voting.

Eleven candidates are vying for Dhaka-6 where as many as 2,69,276 voters were expected to exercise their franchise and in Dhaka-13 a total of 3,72,775 listed voters were expected to exercise their voting power. 

Source: unb