ISLAMABAD, May 8 (NNN-APP) — Pakistani President, Arif Alvi, promulgated an ordinance to allow the use of electronic voting machines in general elections, as well as, permission to Pakistani expatriates to cast their votes in the country’s elections, a statement from the president’s office said.
According to the statement, the president made an amendment in the Election Act of the country, making the Election Commission of Pakistan responsible for procurement of electronic voting machines for use in general elections.
In the ordinance, the president also allowed overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes in the general, as well as, by-elections of the country in future.
“The commission, with the technical assistance of the National Database and Registration Authority, or any other authority and agency, shall enable overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to vote, during general elections, in their country of residence,” said the amended Election Act.
The cabinet approved the amendments for the voting rights to overseas Pakistanis and the use of electronic voting machines, earlier this month.
Earlier, the law allowed extending voting rights, the use of electronic voting and biometric verification machines, as a pilot project in by-elections, which would now be used for general elections in 2023.– NNN-APP
