Digital voting machines could be introduced if all parties agree
Says EC secretary
The Election Commission will introduce the digital voting machine (DVM) only after it gets positive responses from all quarters, Election Commission Secretary Muhammad Abdullah said yesterday.
"We must go for the system after satisfying all ... if all want, the commission will cordially try to introduce the voting machines," he told reporters at his EC Secretariat office.
The EC secretary said there is nothing to be worried as the risk-free voting machine having the foolproof security system will prevent any manipulation.
He, however, did not make clear whether the machines will be used in the next parliamentary election fully, partially or not. "If we find a reliable machine and get positive responses from all, it may be possible to use it in the next general election."
It will not be an easy task to hold the entire parliamentary polls only based on the voting machine this time as some four lakh machines will be needed for the same number of booths under 40,000 polling stations across the country, he added.
Abdullah said if the commission finally decides to introduce the voting machine, it needs to hold talks with all, including political parties, civil society and other stakeholders. Voters will also have to be educated about it.
The EC secretary said a committee formed with professors of computer science of different universities is likely to submit its report over the voting machines by this month. EC Additional Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman is the convener of the committee, while Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury is its adviser.
There must be data recovery system in case of damage, battery backup system for a long time. The machine will not work before and after the stipulated time. So, the machine will be safe and secure, he added.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recently told parliament that a plan to introduce "e-voting" in the next national election can be considered to further ensure people's voting right.