PANJIM: Concerned citizens met the Chief Electoral Officer in Panjim to address concerns regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on Thursday. They highlighted that the Chief Electoral Officer would be held responsible if any tampering or manipulation of votes occurs through EVMs in the future.
Expressing opposition to the use of EVMs, they argued that in a small state like Goa, elections could be conducted using the traditional ballot paper method.
Sanjay Barde stated that they attempted to meet the CEO on Wednesday, but they were told to come with a memorandum. So they approached the office again on Thursday. Only after checking the memorandum, they were allowed to meet the CEO, Barde stated. Barde said he raised concern about serious illegalities which maybe conducted during the Parliamentary elections. We are concerned that the person we vote for should get the vote. If there is manipulation of the vote, there should be case filed against those who conduct the election under Section 420 of IPC, Barde said.
“If there is any manipulation of the EVMs on the day of the election, the CEO should be held responsible,” Barde said. We are against voting through EVMs. When ZP, municipality and village panchayat elections are held using ballot paper, why can’t elections in such a small State such as Goa be held using ballot paper?, Barde asked.
