The EVMs have so far been used selectively in a few polling stations in New Delhi and other areas as a future alternative to the cumbersome procedure of stamping ballot papers. ``We are optimistic about the acceptance of the electronic voting machines in Goa, because the people are highly educated,'' Chief Electoral Officer Kewal Sharma told The Indian Express.

However, the authorities are still evaluating the feasibility of installing EVMs in all the 1135 polling stations in the State. ``I have asked for data from all my officers in the field,'' Sharma said.

The Chief Electoral Officer also pointed out that his department is co-ordinating with the Election Commission in order to determine the exact number of EVMs which will be made available toGoa.

Sources say the introduction of EVMs will substantially reduce expenses incurred in printing ballot papers. In addition, counting of ballots will also be simplified, as there is no need to physically count them.

Goa has 40 Assembly segments, of which 21 are in South Goa and the rest in the North. Both Parliamentary constituencies have 640 and 495 polling stations respectively. This is the first time EVMs are being introduced in Goa.