The Election Commission of Pakistan cautioned the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) that it cannot dictate to a constitutional body in a harsh response to NADRA’s request for internet voting.
On August 20 and September 6, NADRA addressed to the ECP about the use of online voting for abroad Pakistanis in the forthcoming general election, to which the Commission answered on September 13.
NADRA said in its letter that the “ECP should consider favourably moving on NADRA’s proposed system as soon as possible, else there may be undesired and uncalled for delays.”
According to the document viewed by Geo.tv, the Commission was “dismayed” by the general tone and tenor of NADRA’s letter, adding that the language used created the impression that the ECP is a subordinate body of NADRA, which is attempting to dictate a constitutional body.
It went on to say that the ECP will fulfil its duties in accordance with Article 218 (3) of the constitution.
“The responsibility and implementation of any new technology is the major duty of the ECP, providing the technology is implementable and feasible within the timescale specified,” it stated.
The Commission also questioned NADRA’s decision to award ECP a new contract for I-Voting at a cost of Rs2.4 billion when the old system for internet voting is already in place.
“NADRA must first tell the ECP of the status of the prior project,” it stressed, questioning why NADRA intended to leave the previous system and why, given that Rs. 66,500,000 had already been spent on it.
“Why should the ECP seek a new contract for Rs2.4 billion if the present system has flaws?” It enquired, “Who is to blame?” “Has NADRA established responsibility?”