ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that electronic voting was the only solution to prevent rigging and ensure transparency in the upcoming elections.
He expressed his views while chairing a meeting on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) today (Thursday). The meeting was attended by Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz, Senator Dr. Shehzad Wasim, Railways Minister Azam Khan Swati, Farrukh Habib and Advisor Babar Awan.
The Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the progress made so far in the use of electronic voting machine and legislation in electoral reforms. “We are committed to ensuring transparency in the electoral process of the country,” he added.
Referring to overseas Pakistanis, the Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to complete the process of electoral reforms and electronic voting system for overseas Pakistanis at the earliest.
“Overseas Pakistanis are an asset of the country, they must be involved in the election process. Electoral reforms, electronic voting, and voting process for overseas Pakistanis should be completed soon,” he instructed the concerned officials.
Amendment Bill
Earlier in June, the House had passed the Elections (Second Amendment) Bill which pertains to fair, free and transparent election through the utilisation of technology and modern gadgets.
The bill is also aimed at granting voting rights to the Overseas Pakistanis which may only be possible by vesting exclusive authority in ECP with the technical assistance of NADRA and other agencies. Amendments were sought in section 94 and 103 of the Election Act, 2017 to achieve the aforesaid objectives.
Most major opposition parties have dismissed the proposed electoral reform being vigorously touted and pursued by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The opposition argues that anything that is controlled and operated by others and can be handily used to manipulate electoral results is unacceptable and rejected. They add that they would strongly oppose the introduction of EVMs in parliament.
