Turning Back the Clock: Bengaluru's GBA Elections to Embrace Ballot Papers Over EVMs

Elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority will use ballot papers following the Karnataka Supreme Court's directive to hold the polls by June 30. This decision, spurred by public fears over Electronic Voting Machines, aligns with practices seen in many developed nations.

The Karnataka State Election Commission announced that Bengaluru's Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections will, for the first time in decades, employ ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). This decision was revealed by Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi, following a directive from the Supreme Court requiring local body polls by June 30.

The use of ballot papers comes amid ongoing public concerns about the credibility of EVMs. According to the commissioner, drawing on methods employed by developed countries like the United States, this approach is a legitimate practice under the state's election laws.

Bengaluru's city divisions, now expanded under the GBA, will hold elections across 369 wards, with voter outreach and draft list protocols commencing soon. Adequate security, including CCTV and police arrangements, are planned to mitigate election rigging.

(With inputs from agencies.)