'None of the above' vote to be added to ballots: ECP

If the election does take place and 51% vote none of the above, then the election will be declared null.


Web Desk April 03, 2013
A 'none of the above' box will be available as a voting option on ballot papers this election. DESIGN: EMA ANIS

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) unilaterally decided on Wednesday that a 'none of the above' box will be available as a voting option on ballot papers this election, Express News reported.

It has been decided that these empty boxes will be included in the papers after an approval from the prime minister who on the advice of the president according to the 18th amendment will pass an ordinance.

The commission further said that the president has two weeks to approve this motion and that the list of final candidates will be in by April 19.

If the election does take place and a majority of 51% vote none of the above, then the election will be declared null, and a new election will take place, the ECP was quoted as saying.

The ECP plans on including an empty ballot box in the papers shortly.

Last year a discussion about whether the 'none of the above' option would be included was addressed and discussed in the ECP but an ordinance was never passed.

COMMENTS (48)

Syed Basit | 11 years ago | Reply

It is disappointed news that Election Commission Pakistan has rejected the AC order to give the right of vote for Overseas Pakistani giving reason for on line voting, ECP requires the amendment in the constitution. Experts says without Parliament Executive order can be approved by the President can become the law.

It looks the ECP does not want to take the headache therefore is making false excuses. Please read the below story of ECC.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is in trouble as the house he heads is divided over the issue of scrutiny of the election candidates.

 There are speculations that close circles of CEC Justice (r) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim have even advised him to resign ahead of the May 11 polls, leaving the matter to the caretaker government. I hope this is suffice for every Pakistani abroad what respect and honor is being giving to Overseas Pakistani.

Aina Maria Waseem | 11 years ago | Reply

This option was needed in the last election when PTI was boycotting. It would have been interesting to see how many of us supporters of PTI would have checked on it, just to make a point. Of-course it should be there, for the sake of demographics if nothing else.

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