The all new in Karnataka election 2018

Bangaluru, May 12: Apart from the traditional polling and fight to finish campaigning in Karnataka Assembly elections, the state election commission has introduced a number of new steps in this election.

The most innovative things that have been introduced included Pink Booths for women voters and the third generation Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) besides the 'Ethnic polling booths'

According to reports, the M3 EVMs are tamper proof and will be used in five assembly constituencies. The Pink Booths, called ‘Sakhi’ will be established in 450 places to facilitate safe voting for women voters.

Besides, ‘Ethnic Polling booths’ are set up in Mysuru, Chamrajnagar and Uttar Kannada districts.

Thus, from all-women managed pink booths to the use of third generation EVMs, the assembly elections in Karnataka are marked by several firsts.

The country's IT hub saw electoral authorities initiate a slew of initiatives targeting a voting percentage of 75.

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 a PTI report, the Election Commission chose five assembly constituencies in Bengaluru-- Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Shivajinagar, Shanthinagar, Gandhi Nagar and Rajaji Nagar to test the third generation EVMs.

However, election to the Rajarajeshwari Nagar has been deferred owing to large scale malpractices and a row over seizure of over 9,750 voter ID cards from a flat.

The machine, according to sources in the office of the chief electoral officer, has features like display of battery status and digital certification. The machine can report about the malfunction on its own, they said.

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, the sources said.

Adding a riot of colours, the EC has set up ethnic polling booths in Mysuru, Chamarajnagar and Uttar Kannada districts where polling booths match the lifestyle of tribal masses living there.

Like in every election, each booth is equipped with facilities such as wheelchairs for the differently-abled to exercise their franchise easily.