Dhaka: Election Commission Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed on Monday said Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used in the last three phases of the countrywide upazila elections.

‘The upcoming upazila elections will be held in five phases. The EC has decided not to use EVMs in the first two phases. But, the machines will be used in sadar upazilas from the third phase,’ he said.

The EC Secretary disclosed the decision at a press briefing after the EC’s meeting with law enforcement agencies at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city, reports the UNB.

He said the Commission has taken all-out preparations to use the EVMs instead of traditional ballot papers in the sadar upazilas which will go to polls in the third, fourth and fifth phases of the elections.

Earlier, the EC had a plan to use EVMs in all sadar upazilas across the country. Since it took time to enact rules in this regard, the Commission has reviewed its plan and decided to use the machines in the last three phases.

More than 480 upazilas, out of total 492 across the country, will go to polls in five phases this time.

The EC has so far announced the election schedules for the first three phases.

According to the schedules, 87 upazilas will go to polls on March 10 in the first phase, 129 upazilas on March 18 in the second phase and 127 upazilas on March 24 in the third phase.

Replying to a question, the EC Secretary said the EVMs will not be used in the by-election to Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation, which will be held on February 28.

Meanwhile, elections to the DNCC mayoral post and councillor posts in 18 DNCC new wards and 18 DSCC new wards will be held on February 28 next.