CURATED BY – RAJIV KHARE | CITYCHIEFNEWS

Raipur, This time the urban body elections in Chhattisgarh will be conducted through EVM (Electronic Voting Machine), while ballot paper will be used for three-tier Panchayat elections. The state government has issued a notification in this regard. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the different electoral needs of urban and rural areas.

The dates for urban body and three-tier Panchayat elections in the state can be announced after January 18. The final voter list will also be published on the same day. Earlier this list was to be published on January 15, but it will be extended by three days and will now be released on January 18.

The government has clarified that the use of EVMs in urban body elections has been made mandatory to ensure transparency and accuracy. At the same time, ballot paper will be used in Panchayat elections keeping in mind the traditional and practical needs of rural areas.
Political reactions have also intensified on this decision of the government. Congress has described this move as transparent and strengthening the democratic system. At the same time, BJP has questioned the non-use of EVMs in Panchayat elections and termed it as discrimination against rural voters.

Experts believe that the use of EVMs in urban body elections will not only make the process faster and accurate, but will also reduce the possibility of disputes. On the other hand, the use of ballot paper in rural areas is more suitable for those voters where digital literacy still remains a challenge.

The State Election Commission said that preparations for the elections are going on in full swing. The trial run of EVMs for urban body elections will be started soon. At the same time, the process of printing and distribution of ballot papers for Panchayat elections is also being done on priority.

This balance of EVMs and ballot papers for the upcoming electoral process in Chhattisgarh will not only provide a new direction at the administrative level, but discussions have also intensified in the political corridors. Now all eyes are on the polling dates to be announced after January 18.