I already wrote about the introduction of Electronic Voting System in Pakistan. It has been now confirmed that Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to introduce an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system in phases to ensure transparency in the electoral process held in Pakistan.

Secretary ECP Ishtiak Ahmed Khan said to media that “The commission is committed to implementing the strategic plan, including introduction of EVM,”.

There are currently 175,000 polling booths required for general elections in Pakistan, and the EVMs would cost between Rs1 billion and Rs1.5 billion depending on the type of machine and technology being used. The system will be implemented in different phases, first it will be introduced as a pilot project and then gradually expanded.

The EVM feasibility study committee has approximately completed their workand the preliminary recommendations being drafted. Before finalising its report, the ECP intends to hold an EVM vendor demonstration by the end of this month.

The ECP had invited representatives of major political parties and NGOs to a two-day demonstration on the working of the EVMs.

The demonstrations were given by three international companies: Smartmatic (the Philippines), Dominion Voting (Canada) and Indra Company (Spain).

The ECP claims that major political parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party, and some civil society organisations working on ensuring transparency in the electoral process, has approved the system.

Source: Tribune | Dawn

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