The Punjab government on Sunday made it mandatory for the authorities to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the Local Government elections, Aaj News reported.

“The use of EVMs is a must in the Local Government elections and it will be organised by secret balloting,” according to an ordinance issued by the Punjab government. There would be a joint panel comprising the mayor, deputy mayor, and councillor. The candidate would win the election by a simple majority.

It further read that any political party or independent candidate would contest the election in the form of a panel. “Those who would not issue panels for all categories would not be able to contest elections.”

Moreover, 21 years is the age limit for contesting the election for the seat of councillor, 25 for the seat of mayor and deputy mayor, and for youth the minimum age limit would be 18 and maximum 32. The elected members would be obliged to take oath within 60 days after the first meeting of the council.