Team Herald
MARGAO: Civil society members along with Supreme Court lawyer Adv Mehmood Pracha resolved to fight against what they termed as ‘misuse’ of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and have organised an informative seminar on January 11 at the Our Lady of Grace Church hall in Margao.
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Savio Coutinho, along with other members of the Civil Society including Jack Mascarenhas, Shaik Mansoor, Amancio Fernandes, Lumina Da Costa Almeida, Cristian Carvalho, Iftiyaz Shaik, and John Baptista, held a press briefing on Wednesday to announce the event and encourage public participation.
During the briefing, Coutinho emphasized the growing concern among opposition parties and Indian citizens regarding the use of EVMs and the urgent need for greater transparency in the electoral process.
He stated that the meeting with Adv. Mehmood Pracha, the founder and National Convener of Mission Save Constitution, aims to provide insights into the ongoing battle for electoral reform and the demand for 100% transparency during elections.
Coutinho also criticized the BJP government for suppressing criticism and attempting to stifle whistle-blowers. Adv. Mehmood Pracha, known for his advocacy of electoral reforms, has been at the forefront of challenging the status quo in the courts, including the Supreme Court.
His legal efforts demand the implementation of transparent measures during elections.
Shaik Mansoor pointed out that, apart from the BJP, no other political party supports the continued use of EVMs. Many opposition parties have called for the return of ballot paper voting due to concerns over the integrity of EVMs.
He argued that the BJP, which benefits from the current system, continues to promote the use of EVMs.
