Chittagong, June 13 (IANS) Jamalkhan, this port town’s busy area housing colleges, hospitals and consulates of foreign missions, will be part of Bangladesh’s history when its 25,000 electors cast their votes digitally Thursday.
Numbered ward 21 and having 14 polling stations, Jamalkhan will mark the advent of the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the country.
A mixed feeling of excitement and doubts runs through the electorate, New Age said Sunday.
‘We are excited to be the first to cast vote through digital system. It is an achievement for the people looking forward to a digital Bangladesh,’ said Mohammad Raihan, referring to ‘Digital Bangladesh’ as one of the major goals of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Indrani Kar Mili, a woman voter, said she was exhilarated but also a little concerned over the use of EVMs.
‘I am happy because it is a new and modern system and I am concerned because I am not sure if I will be able to cast my vote correctly as I have no idea about the new machine and how to use it,’ Mili told the newspaper.
The Election Commission Friday conducted mock voting using the country’s first-ever electronic voting machine.
A part of the Jamalkhan area electorate participated at the Public Administration office, National Primary School, Khastagir Government High School and other polling centres.
Sukomal Das, assistant presiding officer of the centre, told reporters: ‘We are showing them [voters] how to do it, but they are pressing the buttons. The process is easy.’
The Election Commission has finalised all preparations for introduction of EVMs. Over 25,000 voters in the area will be able to cast three votes each by the new method – one for a mayoral candidate and two for ward councillors.
The Election Commission last month decided to introduce EVMs after experts from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology agreed to provide technical assistance for smooth operation of the system.
