Ranchi, Dec. 13 -- The Jharkhand State Election Commission has announced that the upcoming urban local body elections in the state will be conducted through ballot paper for the first time. The decision has been taken due to the non-availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which have been used in all previous municipal elections in Jharkhand.
Officials said the shift to ballot paper voting will make the election process comparatively more complex, requiring greater caution and effort from polling personnel during voting as well as counting.
The Commission clarified that the EVMs currently available have completed their prescribed life span and are no longer fit for use. Efforts to procure EVMs from neighbouring states, including...