New Delhi, Aug 6 - The Election Commission has convened an all-party meeting Friday to discuss the issue of the effectiveness of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) following doubts about their credibility from various quarters.

The meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon.

'In the light of the continuing public debate and the emerging concerns, the Election Commission has invited political parties and petitioners in various courts to discuss their concerns in the presence of technical experts and representatives of manufacturing firms,' said a statement issued by the National Forum to promote verifiability, transparency and accountability in Indian elections.

The forum was launched recently and consists of experts, NGOs and other eminent citizens as its members.

'We welcome this initiative but sincerely hope that the commission examines all the valid concerns and apprehensions expressed by various stakeholders,' said its convenor G.V.L. Narasimha Rao.