The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has made it clear that the upcoming local body elections in Punjab and Islamabad cannot be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or i-voting. In a meeting led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the ECP expressed its readiness to conduct the polls in Islamabad but highlighted that the Ministry of Home Affairs has yet to issue a notification specifying the number of seats and establishing rules on election expense limits. The ECP called for prompt action from the ministry to ensure a smooth election process.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorically stated that the local body elections in Punjab and Islamabad cannot be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or i-voting. During an important meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, officials confirmed that the ECP is fully prepared to hold the elections in Islamabad but emphasized the need for traditional voting methods due to the absence of necessary legislative provisions and infrastructure for EVM usage.
In the meeting, the ECP officials highlighted that the Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet issued a notification specifying the number of seats for the local body elections in Islamabad. Additionally, no rules have been established concerning the election expense limits. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja directed the ministry to promptly issue the necessary notification and formulate rules by July 12. The election schedule will be finalized and released once the notification and rules are received from the ministry.
The ECP recommended that the Punjab government make amendments to the Election Act 2017 and the Punjab Local Government Act 2022 to ensure the smooth conduct of local body elections in the province. The proposed amendments aim to address any existing legal gaps and provide a suitable framework for the electoral process. The ECP emphasized the importance of timely legislative changes to streamline the election procedures in Punjab and enable efficient administration.
Read More: President Biden Meets with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reiterated the inability to organize local body elections in Punjab and Islamabad through the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or i-voting. The commission emphasized the need for legislative changes to establish an appropriate framework for the elections. The existing laws do not accommodate the use of EVMs, and amending them would be essential to facilitate the adoption of such technology in future elections. The ECP stressed the significance of developing an inclusive and transparent electoral system that inspires public confidence.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has firmly stated that the upcoming local body elections in Punjab and Islamabad will not be conducted through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or i-voting. The ECP awaits a crucial notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs to finalize the election schedule. Moreover, the commission has recommended legislative amendments to the Punjab government to enable the smooth conduct of local body elections in the province. The ECP emphasized the importance of establishing a suitable framework for the elections and ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
