In a big move ahead of Karnataka’s local elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) is preparing to use ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Karnataka’s Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi assured the public that there’s no issue with conducting elections through traditional ballot papers and that the SEC is ready for the change.
This decision comes after the Congress-led Karnataka government recommended to the SEC that all upcoming local body elections be held using paper ballots. During a press call in Bengaluru, Sangreshi explained that if the government enacts the necessary rules and laws, the SEC will follow through. “If they frame guidelines and bring in a law, we will implement it,” he said.
He also mentioned that using ballot papers at the local level isn’t new—they have been used in gram panchayat elections for the past 20-25 years. People at the village level are already familiar with the traditional voting method, so switching should be smooth and not cause any problems.
Importantly, Sangreshi clarified that the SEC doesn’t need permission from the Central Election Commission (ECI) to use ballot papers. As an independent body, the SEC has the authority to conduct elections as per law and guidelines. “We are committed to holding free, fair, and transparent elections,” he added.
The Karnataka government plans to amend laws and prepare a new voter list to ensure smooth elections with ballot papers. Minister H.K. Patil confirmed that the cabinet has decided to recommend legal changes for this purpose. They aim to update the voters’ list accurately and facilitate a fair voting process.
However, the decision has also sparked criticism from the BJP. BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of using the move as a way to hide electoral fraud. He challenged Congress MLAs and MPs from Karnataka, suggesting they should resign and contest again using ballot papers to prove the fairness of their election victories.
As Karnataka gears up for local elections, the shift back to paper ballots is seen as a step towards transparency. The SEC and government are working together to ensure election processes are conducted smoothly, fairly, and in a manner that respects voters’ trust.
