Voting ‘more important’ than internet access

C’Wealth observers group head expresses satisfaction with the electoral process

ISLAMABAD:

Former Nigerian president Dr Goodluck Jonathan said on Thursday that elections and voting processes had historically functioned without internet dependency, as he visits various polling stations in Islamabad during the general elections.

Leading a 25-member Commonwealth Observers Group, Dr Jonathan stated that the elections had been being conducted even before the availability of the internet access and stressed that casting votes was more important than the availability of internet connectivity.

Various foreign observers, journalists, and stakeholders have been invited by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). During the voting, the Commonwealth Observers Group visited various polling stations in Islamabad, including those in constituency NA-47.

Speaking to the media, Dr Jonathan said that they were satisfied with the polling process. In response to a question, he said that the purpose of their visit was to monitor the electoral process.

Meanwhile, another delegation of the Japanese Overseer group also visited a polling station in NA-48 Islamabad.

The ECP had invited foreign observers and media personnel in a move that promised transparency and open access. The ECP’s had instructed the presiding officers to refrain from barring the entry of media personnel and observers who bear the ECP’s accreditation.

“This signifies a proactive effort by the ECP to foster an environment of openness during the electoral process,” an ECP spokesperson said. “Whether armed with cameras, notebooks, or a keen eye for detail, those possessing the ECP’s accreditation are assured a seamless entry” into the polling stations.