Govt invites opposition to observe preliminary model of electronic voting machine

According to details, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan and Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Information Faisal Javed Khan presented the prototype machine in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Fawad Chaudhry said that the 36 conditions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have been fulfilled in this model of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

“The EVM will produce quick and efficient election results, and the contesting candidates will have no reason to level allegations of rigging. The EVMs are being used in 20 countries of the world. We are inviting opposition members to come and observe the machine and suggest any improvement,” he said.

Fawad Hussain said the EVM model will also be presented before members of bar associations to get their input.

Speaking on occasion, Dr. Babar Awan said that the EVM is an effective way in eliminating rigging allegations.

“There are five proposed EVM models out of which three have been imported and two others are being manufactured in Pakistan. The top electoral body will finalize the model of the machine,” he said adding that under the directions of the Prime Minister, the ECP has been empowered to use EVMs in elections and give right of vote to the overseas Pakistanis.

“The use of machine was also demonstrated before the representatives of the Parliamentary Reporters Association on the occasion,” Dr. Awan said.