Mon Jan 19 07:31:08 UTC 2026: # Bengaluru Civic Elections to Revert to Ballot Papers, Sparking Debate
The Story:
The State Election Commission of Karnataka has announced that the upcoming civic elections for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), scheduled after May 25, 2026, will utilize ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This decision, revealed by Chief Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi on January 19, 2026, marks a departure from the previous civic elections in August 2015 which used EVMs. While the Commission cited legal permissibility and Supreme Court observations as justification, the lack of a specific reason has raised questions.
Key Points:
* Civic elections for the GBA will be held after May 25, 2026, using ballot papers.
* The last civic elections in August 2015 used EVMs.
* Chief Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi stated the use of ballot papers is legally permissible and cited Supreme Court observations in support.
* Draft electoral rolls for 369 wards were published on January 19, 2026, with the final notification scheduled for March 16, 2026.
* The GBA has a total electorate of 88.91 lakh voters.
* The period for filing claims and objections to the rolls will be from January 20 to February 3.
Key Takeaways:
* The decision to revert to ballot papers for Bengaluru civic elections raises concerns regarding the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process.
* The lack of a clear explanation from the State Election Commission fuels speculation about the underlying motives for this change.
* The large electorate size (88.91 lakh voters) poses logistical challenges for conducting elections using ballot papers.
* The State Election Commission emphasizes their autonomy, similar to the Election Commission of India, in making electoral decisions.
* Despite apprehensions, the Chief Election Commissioner expresses confidence in the successful and efficient conduct of the election using ballot papers.
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