#KarnatakaElections: Pink Booths to third-generation EVMs, several firsts in Karnataka
From all-women managed "Pink Booths" to the use of third-generation Electronic Voting Machines, the Assembly elections in Karnataka are marked by several firsts. The country's IT hub saw electoral authorities initiate a slew of initiatives targeting 75% voting. However, election to the Rajarajeshwari Nagar has been deferred owing to large-scale malpractices and a row over the seizure of over 9,750 voter ID cards.
New EVMs can report about malfunction on its own
As the outcry about the alleged vulnerability of the EVMs to tampering grew louder, the Election Commission has come up with the "M3 EVMs" that are tamper proof and stops when attempts are made to meddle with it. According to sources, the machine has features like display of battery status and digital certification. The machine can report about the malfunction on its own.
EC chose five assembly constituencies for 'M3 EVMs'
On a pilot basis, the Election commission chose five assembly constituencies in Bengaluru - Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Shivajinagar, Shanthinagar, Gandhi Nagar, and Rajaji Nagar. Like in every election, each booth is equipped with facilities such as wheelchairs for the differently-abled to exercise their franchise easily.
"Pink Booths" entirely managed by women
In a women-oriented step, 450 "Pink booths" called "Sakhi" have been set up. Sending a message of women empowerment, they are entirely managed by women, right from the returning officer to the security personnel. Adding a riot of colors, the EC set up ethnic polling booths in Mysuru, Chamarajnagar, and Uttar Kannada districts where polling booths match the lifestyle of tribal masses living there.
