12 million Pakistanis unable to vote in next elections?
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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has refuted a news report that contained numerous inaccuracies and false information, which incorrectly claimed that approximately 13 million people wouldn't be able to vote in the upcoming general elections.
In a statement, an ECP spokesperson described the news report, featured in a well-known daily newspaper on Friday, as being riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation. The spokesperson clarified that voter registration is determined by the address provided on a person's computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and is not connected to population statistics.
Unlike a census that requires physical presence, voter registration relies on the address specified on the CNIC. Additionally, the election commission has removed the freeze on electoral rolls, effective from September 28, 2023, ensuring the registration of all eligible individuals.
This freeze had been in place since July 20, 2017, as per Section 39 of the Elections Act, 2017. The spokesperson emphasized that the election commission has been actively raising public awareness about voter registration, exclusions, and accuracy through daily media campaigns, and this will continue until October 25, 2023.
Moreover, the election commission has obtained data for over 800,000 individuals who received CNICs from NADRA on October 1, 2023. Data entry is currently in progress, guaranteeing that all these eligible citizens can participate in the upcoming general elections and cast their votes.
Furthermore, the election commission has set October 25, 2023, as the final date for voter registration, exclusions, and verifications. This means that individuals who obtain their CNICs by October 25, 2023, can be assured of their eligibility to have their votes registered.
The spokesperson underlined that the election commission is fully aware of its constitutional and legal obligations, as well as the rights of the voters, and the process of constituency delimitation will not impede on the voters' rights.
