Expats seek participation in LG polls

The overseas Pakistanis have urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to implement the new law regarding internet voting within 90 days in order to participate in the local government elections, saying it is their due right given by parliament.

Earlier this month, the joint sitting of parliament – senators and members of the National Assembly – passed a law enabling overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes through i-voting during elections in the country.

A delegation of expatriates met the ECP secretary on Tuesday.

The members of the delegation urged the ECP secretary to implement i-voting within 90 days. The secretary assured the expatriates that the system would be implemented soon.

According to a letter submitted by the delegation to the ECP, the expatriates also urged the ECP to issue instructions to the Pakistani missions abroad to take steps regarding i-voting.

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“It is the constitutional responsibility of the ECP to give voting rights to overseas Pakistanis,” the letter said, adding that they would have no option but to protest if the said right was denied to them.

The delegation expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Imran Khan for giving the expatriates the right to vote.

The members were of the view that their right to vote was being politicised, saying that they should be included in the local government elections. The expats believed that the overseas voters could play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.

Earlier, the forum also held a rally outside the ECP where Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Special Aid to the PM on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill, among other federal ministers, were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, SAPM Gill said the government was aware of the issues faced by the Pakistanis living overseas. “The expatriates are demanding their due rights by asking for i-voting.”