Aug 12 , 2015
News
ECP to use biometric machines in NA-19 by-polls
APP
ISLAMABA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday announced to use biometric machines during NA-19 (Haripur) by-election at 30 selected polling stations across the constituency. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Ufone will provide technical assistance on August 16, the polling day, said a press release issued here. The conduct of polls through biometric machines is in line with the desire of political parties, which was conveyed through the Electoral Reforms Committee of Parliament (ERCP). It was the recommendation of the ERCP that any by-election may be conducted through biometrics to educate general public about its use in electoral activity by following the ‘principle of evolution’ in a careful manner instead of revolution while introducing new technology in elections. Since, the whole exercise would be performed purely on experimental basis, therefore, the impact of use of biometric machines in bye-elections would not disturb the electoral process in the constituency. To achieve the aforesaid goals, the ECP has already taken all the contesting candidates on board and briefed them comprehensively by sharing with them the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to use biometric machines at 30 selected polling stations.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk