Lanong has no faith in EVMs, doubts BJP’s ‘surprise’ claim

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) will demand for ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) because the latter “may not reflect the mandate of the people”.
Speaking to media persons after the party’s general council meeting here on Friday, UDP working president Bindo Lanong said EVMs are manmade and can be tampered.
“At least I don’t (trust) because I want a very transparent election,” he added and pointed out that the Election Commission (EC) will bring the EVMs from neighbouring Assam, which is ruled by BJP.
Referring to BJP leader Nalin Kohli’s recent remark that the saffron party would “spring a surprise”, Lanong said “the claim is fishy”. He was also not happy that the EVMs will be in the government’s custody and not the EC.
On the cumbersome process of counting votes if ballot paper is used, Lanong explained that in the northeastern states, the constituencies are small consisting of about 30,000-40,000 electorate. “As the votes of different constituencies are counted simultaneously all over the state, there will be no problem to declare the results early.”
Among other things, the general council also resolved to oppose the Centre’s “claim” that coal belongs to the government.
He said in Meghalaya land belongs to the people and whatever lies underneath is also theirs.
The UDP leader said in Meghalaya, except gold, silver, oil and natural gas, other minerals like coal and limestone belong to the people.
The party is also expected to be ready with its manifesto in January.
UDP also reiterated that it will not have any alliance with BJP even though it is part of the North East Democratic Alliance led by the saffron party.
During the meeting, the party also announced the names of Donbok Khymdeit from Mawhati, former Congress legislator from Amlarem, and Singal A Sangma from Dalu.