By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: The present government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was determined to introduce reforms in the electoral system with the use of the latest technology to bring transparency and credibility to the election process.
According to the central leadership of PTI, the present government wants to introduce electronic voting machines (EVMs), which would help increase the trust of the people, political parties, and civil society in the electoral process. They said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has invited the opposition to sit with them for having a discussion on electoral reforms and the use of new technology like electronic voting machines to restore elections credibility.
They said that the use of technology in the election process would strengthen the democratic system in the country and satisfy all political parties. They said that unfortunately, no substantive reforms were put in place in the past and added that technology and the use of Electronic Voting Machines are the only answer to reclaim credibility of elections.
Central leader Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Aamir Mehmood Kiani said that the electoral reforms are the only solution to address the objections related to the rigging in the election. He said, “Our government is determined and we will put in place reforms in our electoral system through the use of technology to bring transparency and credibility to our elections and strengthen our democracy.”
He said that PM Imran Khan observed that apart from the 1970 elections, doubts over the credibility of results had been raised in every election. He added for a year now we have been asking the Opposition to cooperate with the government and help reform our present electoral system.
He said, “We should talk on electoral reforms and electronic voting machines, which are the best options to avail to hold a free, fair, and transparent election.” He said that all technical issues can be resolved in the use of electronic voting machines with the start of the dialogue process. He added country needs such technology to make rigging free elections in the country. He said that it was high time that the government and opposition should sit together to have a dialogue on electoral reforms.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill has called upon all the political stakeholders to come forward and sit together with the government for constituting electoral reforms. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was highly supportive and vocal for the last more than two decades to bring transparency and fairness to the country’s electoral system.
He said that the Prime Minister had taken the decision in principle and the next general election would be held on the basis of election reforms. Ahmad Jawad from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that all political parties should support these efforts of the government to ensure transparency in the election process.
Member parliament PTI Sher Ali Arbab said that political consultation is necessary to start using electronic voting machines to hold transparent elections.
