In the wake of ongoing thumb print verification controversy, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has taken proactive initiative by developing electronic voting machine (EVM) solution proposed to be placed on all polling stations across the country. The Nadra claims that the system aims at ensuring transparency and rigging-free elections because each voter will be able to cast only one vote. An official press release issued by the authority says that electronic thumb verification of each voter shall be done at the respective polling station before casting the vote without the use of magnetized ink. The new EVM solution will incur only 40 per cent of total cost of magnetized ink that amounts to Rs 2.5 billion.
The Nadra chairman said that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the political parties would also be taken into confidence relating to the use of EVM enabling voters exercising their right of franchise in an ambience of confidentiality and security. “It is up to political parties and ECP to discuss this solution threadbare and analyse its practicability. I have done my job,” said Tariq Malik. While briefing the media, Malik stated that EVM was a combination of three components involved in vote casting procedures.
A special attention has been paid to ensure convenience for voters keeping in view the sensitivity of security and credibility of proposed system. He said EVM would be installed at each polling station, which also have electronic voter list of respective registered voter only.
Full Article: Nadra develops electronic voting machine.