EVM glitches disrupt polling in Malappuram,Thrissur

Malappuram: Voting was disrupted after voting machines developed technical snags in several polling stations in Malappuram and Thrissur districts on Thursday.

The EVMs developed problems and voting was stopped in around 300 polling booths in parts of Malappuram and Thrissur. Poll authorities were working to resolve the issues.

In some booths, electronic voting machines (EVMs) were found deliberately damaged with cello tapes and paper stuffed inside them.

The SEC has sought an immediate report from the district collectors.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the Election Commission has taken steps to start polling in the affected booths as early as possible.

IUML state president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal said more polling time or repolling should be allowed in the affected booths.

IUML general secretary K P A Majeed said the issue was 'serious' and the League had asked the EC to give more time for voting.