Millions likely to lose voting rights if fail to register votes on CNIC address

ECP might shift registration to permanent addresses if voters fail to give any option

ISLAMABAD: Millions of voters in the country could practically lose their right to vote after December 31, if they do not reconcile addresses mentioned in their computerised identity cards (CNIC) and the places where vote is currently registered.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday asked the voters to make sure their votes are registered either at the present or permanent addresses mentioned in their CNICs. As per new election laws, a person shall be deemed to be resident of an electoral area mentioned in the CNIC. This can be either the temporary or permanent address given in the CNIC.

Clause 27 of elections act, 2017 elaborates it. Keeping in view impeding general elections in 2018, a sub clause was added to the provision which would expire on December 31.



On expiry of this time period, all voters registered in electoral rolls at addresses other than the ones given in their CNICs would be struck off. ECP might shift them to their permanent addresses if they fail to give any option. There will be millions of people who would fall in this category across the country.

The ECP, in its press release, also mentioned that forms for correction/change of address tagged “form-21” is available on its website or can be obtained from the office of district election commissioner in every district throughout the country.

The law, however, exempts government servants giving them option to get registered in area of their current posting.

All such voters who would need to change their address would have to submit duly filled form-21 with the office of district election commissioner in person or through their authorised representative.