SEC proposes use of EVMs in Rural Local Body elections

Tiruchirpalli, Aug 9 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Election Commission has forwarded a report to the Centre, suggesting the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during elections to Rural Local Bodies in the state, according to State Election Commissioner D Chandrasekaran.

Talking to newspersons here yesterday, he said the Commission had sought about Rs 196 crore for the purpose and the request was being considered by the Centre.

''We have already introduced EVMs in Urban Local Body elections.

Tamil Nadu has over 12,600 rural local bodies and conducting elections to them is a massive exercise. In this context, the use of EVMs will be a great help,'' he said.

Mr Chandrasekaran said byelections to 653 posts in various Urban and Rural Local Bodies in the state would be held in September, the schedule of which would be announced soon.

Byelections would be held to 602 posts in Rural Local Bodies and 51 in Urban Local Bodies, he added.

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