President promulgates Ordinance to use Electronic Voting Machines in next polls

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Dr. Arif Alvi has promulgated the “Elections [Second Amendment] Ordinance, 2021” paving the way to hold the next general election through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and enabling Overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to vote.

The president issued the ordinance under Article 89 of the Constitution and shall come into force at once.

The Ordinance states that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) shall with the technical assistance of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) or any other authority and agency shall enable the Overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to vote during general elections in the Country of residence.

It further said that the Commission shall procure Electronic Voting Machines for the casting of votes in general elections.

President Dr. Arif Alvi issues Elections (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 under Article 89 of the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/wqGfnwl4B0

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 8, 2021

On May 4, the Federal Cabinet approved two Ordinances – the one aimed at enabling the Election Commission to use EVMs in elections while the other empowering the ECP to take steps to give the Overseas Pakistanis right to franchise – as part of electoral reforms to ensure transparency in polls.

Later on May 6, while chairing a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Emerging Technologies on I-Voting in Islamabad, President Dr. Arif Alvi asked the concerned stakeholders to prepare a prototype of Electronic Voting Machine for presentation to the Federal Cabinet and members of the National Assembly after Eid-ul-Fitr.