Immediate steps are required on part of Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure transparency and credibility of the future elections in Pakistan.
A Delegation headed by Mr. Samson Salamat, Director of Centre for Human Rights Education, a human rights organization observing a “Decade for Democracy in Pakistan” called on the Provincial Election Commissioner Mr. Akhtar Hussain Sabir and discussed immediate steps required on part of Election Commission to ensure the transparency and credibility of the elections in future.
[Among the recommendations of the Delegation:]
…The electoral rolls should be updated to make them free from bogus votes and other errors and should not be separated on the basis of religion.
The computerized voter’s lists should be made available at Election Commission of Pakistan’s website at least 6 months prior to any election or should be made available in CDs on a nominal fee.
… Electronic Voting Machines and other forms of modern technology should be introduced to ensure accuracy and efficiency of the electoral process.
The Election Commission should randomly select ballot papers from each constituency after the election and match the thumb impressions on the ballot papers with those in NADRA records to identify false voting and discourage the practice of voter impersonation.
… Election Commission of Pakistan should ensure an easy access to voters for the registration of complaints of any discrepancies found at polling stations and mechanisms for immediate and effective action should be developed. The complaint procedure should be publicized at large to maximize the benefits.
Full Article: EC to ensure transparency and credibility.