ISLAMABAD: The PTI government has actively started deliberations on plans to introduce electronic voting (e-voting) on the pattern of India, well informed sources told Business Recorder. Sharing the details, sources said the scheme was discussed in the federal cabinet held on November 3, 2020 wherein different aspects of e-voting were shared by the cabinet members.

While highlighting the importance of fair, free and transparent elections, Prime Minister Imran Khan enquired about introduction of electronic voting (e-voting) as part of electoral reforms. Minister for Narcotics Control, Senator Azam Swati stated that a meeting of all stakeholders was chaired by President Dr Arif Alvi in which directions to IT & Telecom Division were given to proffer recommendations on an electronic voting system, by January 31, 2021.

Minister for Education & Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood apprised the Cabinet of the glitches, which could be encountered in digital voting, and about the reluctance on part of the Election Commission of Pakistan to convert to the e-voting system.

The cabinet members maintained that electronic voting was being successfully used in India and there was no reason that the same could not be replicated in Pakistan. The Prime Minister expressed strong desire to introduce electronic voting to ensure transparency and efficiency in processing election results adding that he wanted his government to be the first in ensuring free and fair elections through e-voting.

A suggestion was given that e-voting, to capture data without real-time verification, was a more viable option. The paper trail could also simultaneously be maintained for satisfaction of the voter. A member pointed out that no tangible progress had been made on giving voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. The members emphasised that Pakistanis living abroad were an asset to the country and their participation in the political process should be ensured.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020