E-voting in Gujarat civic polls:Govt issues draft notification

On Wednesday the urban development department of Gujarat issued a draft notification for amendment of Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (Registration of Electors) rules, 1994 to implement the e-voting system for civic elections scheduled in October. The new format of voting, for the first time India will be practiced in municipal corporation elections this year.

-A voter would be able to cast his vote by using internet after an application to the Electoral Registration Officer paying Rs 5.

-On registration of the voter’s name, the election commission will issue a unique biometric e-voter ID Card and personal identification number and/or password as specified by the State Election Commission.

-The State EC will also set up e-voting under mobile polling booths at places like bus stops, colleges, universities, railways stations and airports.

-E-voting option will be available for three days compare to one-day Electronic Voting Machine(EVM) voting. The e-voters who fail to cast their vote through internet can use the EVM.

-Any objection or suggestion about the draft notification could be sent to the principal secretary KC Kapoor before May 25.

-Tenders are already invited for the biometric cards and process is in advance stage.

-Draft notification will be published in the official gazette within 15 days.