Election Commissioner (EC) Rafiqul Islam has said they may backtrack from their decision to use the digital voting machine (DVM) in the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation polls, if the voters are opting against it.
“We have a plan to use the DVM at one polling centre. But if the voters of Rangpur find this way of voting uncomfortable, we may not go for its use,” he said while talking to journalists after a meeting with the election officials at Rangpur Regional Election Commission Office on Thursday afternoon.
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The Election Commissioner also mentioned that the election officials and the administration will opt for tough line regarding breach of conducts and disorderliness during the electioneering.
When journalists asked him to explain the allegations that the BNP-backed mayoral candidates are not being permitted to bring out processions or hold rallies, Rafiqul said the it is stated in the election rules that rallies and processions can not be arranged unless those are indoor or street rallies.
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“But if the vehicular movement is hampered by outdoor rallies, we won't allow it,” he said.
The election is scheduled to be held on December 21.