ECP writes letter to Govt, seeks funds for EVM procurement

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought the government to release funds for the use of modern technology in the upcoming elections, ARY News reported on Thursday.

The election commission has wrote a letter to the government for funds, sources at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs said.

“The ECP will procure over 8,00,000 electronic voting machines,” sources at the ministry said.

The election commission in its letter said that the next general elections will likely to be held in October 2023.

ECP writes letter to Govt, seeks funds for EVM procurement. ” Essential steps will be taken for use of modern technology in elections,” the letter read.

“A warehouse will be required to keep over eight Lac electronic voting machines,” according to the letter.

“A premises will also be needed for data centre, control centre, modern lab, printing and training,” the ministry sources said.

“A year has passed but the Planning Commission didn’t release funds for the building,” the ECP said. “Precious time has lost due to delay in release of funds for the necessary infra-structure,” according to the letter.

“The Planning Commission should release funds promptly for construction of the premises in Sector H-11,” the ECP demands.

“The Housing and Works Ministry should also take measures on priority for construction of the building,” the ECP said.

The ECP has also urged the the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to bring the matter to the concerned authorities.

The election commission has suggested to the government to provide two floors in Kohsar block for storage of EVMs. “In case of delay in construction of the warehouse a government building should also be allocated in its place,” according to the ECP.