EC plans to introduce 'finger print identification' system

Bangalore, Sep 30 (UNI) The Election Commission is contemplating to introduce 'finger print identification' for voters using a biometric device, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said today.

Talking to newspersons after inaugurating a state-of-the-art Mass Manufacturing Facility on the premises of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) here, Mr Gopalaswami said however, the idea was still at the conceptual stage.

The proposal to introduce the finger print identification system would help to eradicate the menace of impersonation and bogus voting. If the proposal came into practice, the device would identify the genuine voter and display his or her image on its electronic screen, which would be cross-checked with electoral list.

He said the EC favoured counting of votes after a 'mix up' of voting machines used in a constituency to avoid identification of number of votes polled in each polling stations.

''Several people, especially from areas infested with dacoits, have expressed concern over possible retaliation from candidates after identifying the polling stations which polled less number of votes,'' Mr Gopalaswami said.

For enabling the EC to mix up the machines, the Peoples Representation Act should be amended. ''The EC will take all political parties into confidence before taking a decision on the issue,'' he said.

The EC also proposed some changes in the present process of 'Postal Ballots' for defense personnel. ''Each defense personnel can download the format of the postal ballot through internet and send it to the persons concerned before deadline,'' Mr Gopalaswami said and added that only a meagre 10 per cent polling was taking place with the present system.'' The EC has placed an order for 180,000 EVMs with the BEL and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd for the coming general elections.

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