TIB wants EVMs for fair polls

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has suggested the use of electronic voting machines (EVM) and installation of closed-circuit cameras at polling stations to prevent rigging.

It unveiled its ‘observations’ on last month’s polls to the Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations on Monday.

“Voters were cheated. There was widespread rigging. We cannot call it a free, fair, and neutral election,” TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman told the media in Dhaka.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, however, trashed the TIB ‘observations’, saying they were ‘biased’.

The TIB also suggested legal amendments and review of affidavits to ensure fair elections.

ATM Shamsul Huda, former chief election commissioner and TIB trustee board member, said there was no scope to ‘manipulate’ the EVM.

“There’s no chance of rigging and [ballot] stuffing if we use EVMs; moreover, no vote would be cancelled,” he said.

Huda claimed the use of EVMs in polls would have prevented malpractices.

Polls data showed, one in every 21 ballots cast in the Apr 28 elections to the three city corporations was invalid.

After the elections, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed the use of EVMs in future elections.

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