ECP expresses concerns over electoral reforms bill

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed concerns over amendments in the electoral reforms bill in the National Assembly by the government.

The ECP publicised a meeting it held on the bill and detailed its objections in a press release, national media reported. It also compiled a document that gave feedback on each amendment of the bill. The ECP said it had communicated its objections to the parliamentary committee discussing the bill but these objections were not factored into the text that was adopted by the National Assembly.

The ECP said the electronic voting machines (EVMs) require a thorough debate in Parliament. It said there are many issues with the EVMs that remain unaddressed and therefore the ECP cannot guarantee their usage will lead to the holding of free and fair elections. It has similar objections to the right of vote for overseas Pakistanis and also a concern regarding the amendments that will take powers away from the ECP and hand them over to Nadra.