KARACHI:
At present, there are several cases of fraudulent voting that are pending in the country’s high courts. Whenever a party loses an election, it accuses the winning party of cheating. Each party presents its own version of information that accuses the winning party of incorrect counting of votes, fake voters’ registration, and ghost polling stations. The PTI government’s introduction of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to alleviate these claims and ensure a more transparent electoral process has left the opposition agitated yet again.
According to PTI officials, EVM will reduce fraudulent votes because the machines cannot be tampered with. It is being urged that the bye-election in NA-133 Lahore should be conducted through EVM to test the technology and see its outcome prior to the general election in 2023. At this time, it is difficult to certify whether the use of EVMs will be easy or not. Perhaps, there will be a need for another census to ensure the accuracy of numbers.
If the use of EVM proves to be successful in the next general election, then Pakistan will set a new precedent for transparency and representation in the electoral process. Given Pakistan’s current situation, the attitudes and issues that are hurting the country should be avoided and the different bodies should work cooperatively for better reforms for the wider national interest. Transparency in the electoral process will encourage more people to cast their votes and EVM may restore people’s confidence in the electoral process. Although much work needs to be done to ensure a smooth electoral process, the new technology presents hope for a positive change.
Babar Solangi
Radhan
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2021.
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