ECP rejects concerns over i-voting for overseas Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday dismissed concerns over i-voting which will enable overseas Pakistanis to vote in the upcoming by-elections.

Speaking at a press conference, ECP’s spokesperson Nadeem Qasim rejected the claim that the Commission was acting hastily to allow expatriate Pakistanis to exercise their right to franchise through the software.

He said it was a right of the overseas Pakistani to vote and called on political parties to appreciate the electoral body’s efforts in this regard.

Mr Qasim said foolproof voting system has been devised for overseas Pakistanis for the by-elections to be held on 14th of next month.

He said an awareness program has also been started for overseas Pakistanis to educate them about i-voting.

The spokesperson said those possessing National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani (NICOP), Machine Readable Passport (MRP) or are registered as voter in any constituency are eligible for i-voting.

Mr Qasim said this is a pilot project and a report will be submitted in the parliament after its implementation.

He said Saturday is the last day for online registration. The ECP Spokesperson said a website has been launched to help expatriate Pakistanis register themselves as voters.