The Karnataka Government has introduced the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the state assembly to provide legal backing for the use of ballot papers in upcoming local body elections. The proposed legislation aims to allow authorities to move away from electronic voting machines and return to the traditional paper ballot system for local polls scheduled later this year. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the draft bill presented in the assembly, concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of electronic voting machines, prompting the government to consider a return to paper ballots. The document states that the decision seeks to revive the “robust secret ballot paper system” as a way to rebuild trust among voters and reinforce the credibility of local election mechanisms.
The proposed legislation highlights that the shift reflects what the government described as a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral safeguards. It also states that the move responds to public concerns surrounding the reliability of EVMs and issues related to voter privacy. By reverting to ballot papers, the government aims to prioritise transparency, anonymity, and trust in the electoral process.
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Earlier, in September, the state Cabinet had recommended that the Karnataka State Election Commission switch from EVMs to ballot papers for local body elections. Following this recommendation, the commission announced that paper ballots would be used in several upcoming civic polls, including elections in five newly created city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
The decision to revisit the voting system came after allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding potential manipulation of EVMs during past elections. Rahul Gandhi had claimed that such manipulation benefited the Bharatiya Janata Party and contributed to his party’s defeat in the Bengaluru Central constituency during the 2024 Indian general election.
The statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill emphasises that the primary aim is to ensure elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. It also highlights the importance of maintaining ballot secrecy and protecting voters from coercion, intimidation, or undue influence. The proposal further references the Supreme Court ruling in Kuldip Nayar vs Union of India as part of the legal framework supporting the initiative to strengthen electoral processes.
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