Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and not ballot papers would be used during the upcoming R.K. Nagar by-polls in Chennai to be held on 21st December, it is reported.

After the last date for withdrawal of nominations ended yesterday, a final list of 59 candidates has been released by the Election Commission. As reported earlier, the seat fell vacant last December with the demise under mysterious circumstances of former chief-minister Jayallaithaa. By-polls were to be held in April this year but were abandoned at the very last moment after corruption cases were unearthed.

It now turns out that 59 candidates are left in the fray. Except registered political parties, others would be treated as ‘independent candidates’ and would be allotted symbols chosen through lucky draw.

It is also informed that as the number of candidates is only 50, polling would be held using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and not the conventional ballot papers. “EVMs can accommodate 16 candidates in one unit; we shall be using four units each in all the polling booths,” Election Commission sources said.