Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday announced that electronic voting system will be introduced to ensure utmost transparency in the election process.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the prime minister said that a mechanism will also be introduced for overseas Pakistanis so that they, too can participate in the polling process to elect their representatives.
He said NADRA’s (National Database & Registration Authority) data will be utilised for the electronic voting process in the country for which the Election Commission of Pakistan is being consulted. Khan said a bill for these reforms will soon be introduced in parliament.
The prime minister pointed out that elections in Azad Kashmir and senate are approaching soon, while general polls will be held in 2023. The premier said the prime objective in introducing these reforms was to ensure fair and transparent elections in the country and to enhance the people’s trust in the polling process.
The prime minister also announced plans to introduce a Constitutional Amendment for Senate elections through a show of hands instead of secret balloting to end the sale and purchase of votes. He said the constitutional amendment is not possible without a two-third majority in parliament and for this purpose the government needs other parties’ support as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf does not have the required number of votes to amend the constitution.
Speaking about PTI’s victory in recent election in Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister reiterated his resolve to give provisional provincial status to GB and to fulfill the long desired demand of the people.
“We will give a detailed plan to fulfill our commitment of granting provisional provincial status to GB,” Khan said.
Khan: transparency in election process
