EC calls meeting of pol parties on May 12 to discuss EVM/VVPAT issues

New Delhi, May 4: Responding to complaints about the working of EVMs, the Election Commission (EC) has convened a meeting with all recognised national and state political parties on May 12 here to discuss the issue.
After the recent Assembly and MCD elections in which they suffered route at BJP’s hands, the Opposition parties had made representation to the Commission and also to President Pranab Mukherjee to voice their dissatisfaction with the EVMs, following which the EC had decided to have VVPAT with these machines so that voters could see on paper the choice made by them.
In its communication sent this evening to the President of all 7 national and 48 state Political Parties inviting them for the meeting, the EC has also sent status Paper on EVM/VVPAT.
Besides, the agenda will also cover making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.
The ECI has sought written response from all the parties on the above issues by May 7, a release from the national election body said.