ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan today (Saturday) received a detailed presentation and a demonstration of a new locally-made electronic voting machine (EVM).
According to details, the Prime Minister cast a mock vote to test the performance of the EVM. Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz gave a detailed briefing to PM Imran Khan on the features and use of the machine.
“The software of the machine has been developed in accordance with top quality standards,” said Faraz. He said that the machine does not need internet.
PM Imran Khan congratulated the team behind the development of the machine on a successful first run. The Ministry of Science and Technology has also decided to have members of the parliament and the four provincial assemblies inspect the voting machine.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shibli Faraz, addressing a press conference, announced the development of the electronic voting machine and said that the machine was ready to use. “No tampering can be done with the machine since it does not involve the use of the internet,” he claimed.
He asserted that his ministry will ensure that the opposition parties are fully satisfied with the use of electronic voting machine, and that it will be demonstrated before the cabinet, parliament and Election Commission of Pakistan.
PM Imran Khan has repeatedly said that electronic voting is the only way to ensure transparency and prevent rigging in elections. The Opposition, however, has yet to agree to work with the government on electoral reforms, which include the use of electronic voting machines.
