Date:17/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081761871000.htm

Tamil Nadu

EVMs to be used in urban local body bypoll

Special Correspondent

Elections scheduled for September 5
for 485 vacancies
Votes will be counted on September 7

CHENNAI: For the first time, the State Election Commission will introduce electronic voting machines (EVMs) in local body byelections to wards in urban areas.

Byelections are to be held on September 5 for 485 vacancies in various municipalities, third grade municipalities, district panchayats, panchayat unions, town panchayats and for panchayat president posts and in panchayat wards in the State.

Of these, EVMs will be used in 44 wards in municipalities, third grade municipalities and town panchayats.

In the remaining wards in rural areas, conventional ballot boxes will be used, according to SEC officials.

According to an SEC release, filing of nominations will begin on August 17 and end on August 24. Scrutiny of nominations will begin on August 25.

The last date for withdrawal is August 27.

Counting of votes will be on September 7.

Elections will be held on party basis in municipalities, district panchayats and town panchayats, and it will be on non-party basis for the post of village panchayat presidents and in panchayat wards, according to an SEC notification.