Mumbai: Three constituencies in Marathwada could see voting through paper ballot instead of the Electronic Voting Machines on October 15 Maharashtra assembly polls if the total number of candidates in each of them exceeds 63.
These constituencies are Bhokar, Nanded South and Nanded North. At Bhokar, where former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan's wife Ameeta is the Congress's nominee, there are total of 75 candidates in the fray. In Nanded, a whopping 91 candidates -- highest in the state -- have filed nominations while in Nanded North there are 80 candidates.
"If the number in each constituency remains above 63 after the last date of withdrawal of nominations tomorrow, the voting will take place through paper ballot," Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said at a press conference on Tuesday.
An EVM can have names of 16 candidates and only four EVMS can be used per polling station, he said. Sampath is in Mumbai to review the preparations. He also announced that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) will be used in 13 Assembly constituencies.
VVPAT allows voters to verify that their votes have been cast as intended. Due to limited availability, major share of VVPAT system will be given to Maharashtra, Sampath said.
VVPAT will be used in a few constituencies in Nashik (3), Wardha, Aurangabad (3), Amravati (2), Bhandara, Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Ahmednagar districts. Sampath said the Commission was satisfied with the preparations and added that authorities had been asked to ensure a level-playing field.
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