ISLAMABAD: Urging the civil society to step forward now to play their part, Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G Ebrahim said on Tuesday that the electoral rolls have been finalised and would ensure transparent elections.
CEC Ebrahim was briefing the media after the finalisation of the electoral rolls. He said that transparent elections are madatory for the country’s future, adding that if people want change, they would have to play a role in it.
“Vigilance is the price of liberty,” said Ebrahim, adding that people should gauge right now which political party would suit the needs of the country best instead of complaining later.
Ebrahim said that although the electoral process had begun from today and the lists had been finalised, the process would continue till the election date was announced in order to accommodate all those who become eligible to vote after today till the date’s announcement.
“The voting lists have been made extremely transparent,” said Ebrahim. He informed the public about the new checks and balance system initiated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and NADRA.
“You can find out about your voting information from your cell phone,” he said.
“Dial 8300 on your mobile to find out your name, NIC number, your electoral area and even the number your name is on in the voting list!”
Ebrahim said that this initiative would be extremely helpful if people would find out their information now and if there was an error, they could inform the relevant authorities.
“Make sure your name comes on the electoral rolls,” said Ebrahim, reiterating that this was the only way to ensure free and fair elections.
“More than seven million people have taken advantage of the new service,” he said, urging more people to do so.
He accepted that they had made mistakes in the past, but added that now was not the time to complain but the time to act and to be ready.
“We think we are ready, we have done our best,” said Ebrahim. “Our aim is free and fair elections,” he said.
“That is our only goal because that is where future of Pakistan lies. Either you have free and fair elections or you have a physically handicapped Pakistan,” Ebrahim added.
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dear justice sb you are the only ray of hope for the nation but pl beware of any cospiracy
god bless u tanveer khan
Respected CEC you have great name and high stature. Good to know all is running well. But what aobut point raised by Mr Obaidullah Khan. True it is to include Ahamdies in joint electrol roll is not your domain but one can always raise this point. Man with your courage and boldness can do it easily. So why not try it.
At this time we should only concentrate on getting safely to the elections and forget the squabbles for the time being. A democratic government, no matter how bad, completing five years will be one of the biggest political achievements of Pakistan.
And our Best Wishes Sir!
@Nasir Mahmood: You go to army and people will say establishment played its role. Duh...
only revolution is needed and for thislets drag the corrupts on streets MNAS,MPAS etc.
The nation's expectation are very high. Keeping in view the past track record, deploying police at the polling stations will create mistrust hence lessen your credibility. Go to Army.
What about us overcease Pakistanis? Like Nauman said: Are we just used for collecting remittances?
Is there any plan to keep violence controlled on the polling day.. how would you deal with Guns on the polling stations? Is army willing to help?
Name doesnt show up on txt response from ECP (8300). Also they have removed tehsil/zila this time around. Only the Sr. # value is different from when I tested a month ago.
Generally system is called to be based on joint electorate. While the fact is the joint electorate system has been polluted with the following amendment 7B. Status of Ahmadis etc. to remain unchanged.- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Electoral Rolls Act, 1974 (XXI of 1974), the Electoral Rolls Rules, 1974, or any other law for the time being in force, including the Forms prescribed for preparation of electoral rolls on joint electorate basis in pursuance of Article 7 of the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’s Order No. 7 of 2002), the status of Quadiani Group or the Lahori Group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name) or a person who does not believe in the absolute and unqualified finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last of the prophets or claimed or claims to be a Prophet, in any sense of the word or of any description whatsoever, after Muhammad (peace be upon him) or recognizes such a claimant as a Prophet or a religious reformer shall remain the same as provided in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.”
As according to the lastest rules, holders of CNIC will ONLY be allowed to cast their votes, but at the same time NADRA should be prepared to arrange CNIC for those who have not made their CNIC as yet.
I am expecting hue and cry from various political parties on this decision of Election Commission which may lead to postpontment of election date for an indefinite period.
Fakhar ud din G Ibrahim is also puppet planted for Fraud in upcoming election, its history on record PPP govt not well wisher for pakistan.
I have a few of points to make:
Why don't overseas Pakistanis get an opportunity to cast their votes? I'm sure that the embassies and consulates can manage it. Are overseas Pakistanis only for collecting remittance? What has the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) done in order to remove or at least minimize the bogus registrations. I don't understand how ECP was able to achieve this feat in a month after Fakhruddin Ebrahim's appointment! How is ECP going to execute a fair election? I would rather like to see an action plan than relying on the word of mouth. Our police is incapable and should not be given the job!Dear Justice (R) Fakhruddin Ebrahim saheb, The whole nation is counting on you.Let this be a fair,transparent election as per Election Rules.Zero tolerance for deviation please