'EVMs are not reliable'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14 2012:
Conduct of election through Election Voting Machines (EVMs) is not reliable and using of ballot papers must be brought back to the democratic process of the country, said Yaiskul Apunba Nupi Lup.
In a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today, Lup Convenor Th Yogabala said, although many countries have stopped using of EVMs, the biggest democratic country in the world is still relying on voting machines in its elections.
She expressed apprehension that the ruling party could use its might by manipulating the machines during elections.
Supreme Court had even directed the Election Commission of India after many experts had given their opinions on manipulation of EVMs during elections, she added.
Saying that USA had banned using of EVMs after rounds of controversy, the Convenor said, Ireland and Germany had also already banned conduct of election through EVMs in 2006 and 2009 respectively.
It has been accepted all over the world that ballot papers are the most reliable method for conduct of any election, she added.
Yogabala alleged that winning 42 out of 60 seats by ruling Congress in the election to 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly was the testimony of the fact.
With regards to Yaiskul Assembly Constituency, she added, Elangbam Chand of Congress was placed in serial number one and Hareshwar Goswami of Trinamool Congress in serial number two during filing of nomination and scrutiny.
However, Elangbam Chand moved down to serial number two while Hareshwar Goswami was placed in serial number one in the declaration of results.
Questioning how all these goof up happened, Yogabala urged all concerned to raise voice against use of EVMs in elections.