ECP asks voters to register vote on CNIC address

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has asked voters to register their vote on their permanent or temporary address written on their computerized national identity card (CNIC) by March 31.

According to an official of the ECP, votes would be considered as ineffective of all those voters who failed to register their votes on CNIC address with the ECP under the law.

He said that the commission has extended the previous date of December 31 as last date and asked the citizens to avail this opportunity and submit their forms with the respective district election commissioner, registration officer or assistant registration officer.

He said keeping in view the situation and to ensure the right of exercise of casting votes, the ECP while exercising its powers under article 219 (A) of Constitution of Pakistan and section 36 of Elections Act 2017, issued orders for review of electoral rolls.

He said the decision would also help all those voters who could not transfer their votes to register them as voters on CNIC address.

He said estimated eight percent to 10 percent votes of eligible voters are registered with ECP’s electoral rolls other than CNIC address.

He said during review process of electoral rolls, the commission would point out all those votes registered with other addresses and transfer these votes on CNIC temporary or permanent address.

He said during the process, a facility is being offered to voters to transfer their vote on CNIC address with their own choice of temporary or permanent address.

He said voters could register or transfer their votes in respective constituencies till issuing of schedule of National, Provincial or local government elections.

He added after issuing of schedule, there would be no chance of inclusion in voters’ lists.

The official said now voters could get information by sending computerized national identity card (CNIC) number to ECP’s SMS service 8300.

He asked them to contact their respective district office of ECP to ensure registering as voter on CNIC address.

He added that all ECP district information office would remain open on Saturday and Sunday for the purpose.