EC discusses poll reforms with 35 parties

The Election Commission on Saturday held a meeting with six recognised national and 29 state political parties here to discuss issues related to electoral reforms and conduct of elections.

The agenda discussed in the meeting included the use of a totaliser for counting of votes on electronic voting machines (EVMs) which enables taking out results from a group of EVMs as against counting on individual EVMs used in individual polling stations.

"The advantage of using totaliser is that the voting pattern in particular polling stations will not be revealed as the results displayed through totaliser would be the results of the votes polled in a group of polling stations," said a statement.

The other issues discussed in the meeting included the need and process of a multi-phased election, amendment of the format of affidavit for candidates to include a column for declaration of their source of income, and the need to continue the practice of candidates booth near the polling stations on the day of poll.

Among the other issues discussed were the need to maintain high standards in election campaign related speeches and increasing of the security deposit amount for candidates.