ECP seeks probe into RTS failure on polling day

Cabinet Division to submit inquiry report within a month


Our Correspondent August 02, 2018
The inquiry will look to analyse the RTS concept in terms of its implementability, as well as, analysing the project as envisaged by the ECP. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday ordered a probe into the alleged failure of the Result Transmission System (RTS) on July 25 – the polling day.

The electoral oversight body has sent a letter to the Secretary Cabinet Division seeking an inquiry report to be submitted within four weeks.

Moreover, other expert opinion may also be utilised if needed after the ECP gives the green light.

The probe will look to analyse the RTS concept in terms of its implementability, as well as, analysing the project as envisaged by the ECP.

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Similarly, analysing the preparation and finalisation of the project by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) will also be conducted.

An analysis of the quality and extent of training dispensed to various users will also be probed.

The cabinet division will analyse the chain of events that took place on the night of July 25 and thereafter.

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"The direction has been issued in terms of Article 220 read with Article 218(3) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 to constitute an inquiry committee consisting of technical experts from National Telecommunication and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)," the letter reads.

The RTS is a mobile application created by Nadra and employed by the ECP to relay results from polling stations to the election commission.

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The controversy around the system began when the ECP secretary claimed on early hours of July 26 that the system had 'malfunctioned'.

Various political parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, have  demanded a parliamentary commission into the matter while Nadra officials have denied that RTS crashed on the election day.

NADRA clarification

Nadra rubbished reports circulating in the media of its differences with the ECP by saying that the news reports are trying to make the general elections unnecessarily controversial.

With additional input from APP.

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