Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided not to introduce biometric system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's upcoming local government elections. However, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) insist on using biometric voters' verification system in the polls.
In fact, the local government elections in KPK will be held by using conventional system, the sources said, adding that though the Nadra wanted the ECP to adopt biometric voter verification system, the ECP was of the view that electronic voting machine system was more efficient and less costly, sources maintained.
The ECP officials said that electronic voting machines system was more viable than biometric verification system as each electronic machine would cost Rs 40,000 and it would provide three services - recognition through biometric, processing and issuance of electronic ballot paper as against the biometric which would provide only one service.
Sources further said that the Nadra demonstrated biometric voter verification system during a mock poll conducted at Peshawar and Islamabad. Nadra claimed that the ECP and the PTI-led provincial government of KPK have, technically, accepted the solution.
However, the ECP is reportedly not satisfied with the mock exercises, saying that between 20 and 30 per cent chances of rigging still existed in the system, the sources added.
Sources claimed that the ECP was of the view that since Nadra did not possess the record of thumb impressions of 1.2 million voters of the total 15 million total voters in the KPK, it would open doors for rigging in the polls.
According to the ECP, each biometric machine would cost Rs 30,000 and, as such, it will cost Rs 1.5 billion in KPK. Besides, at least six months will be required to float international tenders for the purchase of biometric verification machines, while around 500,000 operators and trouble shooters will be needed to operate the machines at 50,000 polling booths in KPK.
Currently, there is no provision of `biometric voter verification or electronic voting machines' in the electoral laws (Representation of Peoples' Act - 1976) for conducting elections of national or provincial assemblies. However, a final decision in the regard will be taken by the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms," the sources added.
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