The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) swiftly responded to a misleading news article suggesting that 13 million citizens would be disenfranchised in the upcoming elections.
ECP termed the report “saturated with inaccuracies,”. The ECP spokesperson clarified the registration process and the irrelevance of population statistics to voter registration.
Clarifications on the Voter Registration Process
Voter registration, as emphasized by the spokesperson, relies solely on the address specified on an individual’s computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) rather than physical presence or census data.
The previously imposed freeze on electoral rolls was lifted on September 28, ensuring that all eligible citizens can be registered. This freeze has been active since July 20, 2017, due to the Elections Act 2017 provisions.
Furthermore, with a committed approach to ensuring every citizen’s right to vote, the ECP acquired data for over 800,000 individuals granted CNICs by NADRA as of October 1, 2023. As the data entry process is in full swing, all these citizens can vote in the forthcoming elections.
Upcoming Dates and Assurances from ECP
Marking October 25, 2023, as the final deadline for voter registration and verification, the ECP assures that individuals obtaining their CNICs by this date will have their voting rights secured.
The ECP confirmed that the constituency delimitation process will fully respect and uphold voters’ rights by reiterating its commitment to its constitutional duties and voters’ rights.
