Since majority of the population has cellular phones, we can design a system in which phones are used to poll votes
PESHAWAR: Elections in Pakistan typically result in many controversies. Many precious lives are lost due to enmity and general violence. We lost East Pakistan in a similar manner. Large amount of government revenue is spent on elections as well.
On the directives of the PTA, almost all cellular companies have now completed biometric verification of their customers. Since the majority of the population has cellular phones, we can design a system in which these phones are used to poll votes with no need for ballot boxes. An SMS can be used to cast the votes, which is called remote electronic voting. This can also improve the response rate in any future elections.
Voting by the click of a button would simplify the busy lives of voters. Biometric verification should be endorsed by mainstream political parties. A lot of precious lives can be saved along with huge revenues, which can be used for other purposes. This is possible but only if we have the will to conduct fair elections.
Dr Khizar Azam Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2015.
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