Multi-post EVMs for civic polls in Kerala mooted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Political parties in Kerala have backed a proposal of the State Election Commission to introduce multi-post Electronic Voting Machines in three-tier local body elections due in September 2015.

The proposal was supported by representatives of various political parties at an all-party meet held here on Monday to work out consensus on various election-related issues.

At the meeting, State Election Commissioner K Sasidharan Nair said introduction of specially designed multi-post EVMs would cost about Rs 35 crore and wanted the state government to provide funds for them.

Local bodies involve village, block and district panchayats and also municipal and corporation councils in respective areas.

The commission also suggested that preparation of photo-affixed electoral rolls would make the conduct of elections transparent and error-free.

The meet also extended support for the proposed Anti-Defacement Bill drafted by SEC to check defacement and vandalisation of public places during campaigning for elections.