ISLAMABAD: Amid significant delays in the announcement of election results of various constituencies following general elections, Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi said that the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) could have averted the current crisis.
Taking to the microblogging platform “X” (formerly Twitter), Dr. Arif Alvi, lamented the lack of EVMs during the recent elections, arguing that their adoption could have ensured swift and transparent results.
Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been…
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 10, 2024
President Alvi recalled the persistent advocacy for EVMs, highlighting their potential to expedite the counting process while maintaining accuracy. He noted that EVMs would have facilitated both manual counting of paper ballots and electronic calculation of votes, providing results within minutes of polls closing.
Expressing disappointment over the failure to introduce EVMs despite extensive efforts, including over 50 meetings at the Presidency, President Alvi stressed that their implementation could have spared Pakistan from the current crisis of delayed and uncertain election outcomes.
In another post, President Alvi advised seeking divine guidance in challenging times, suggesting that when in a difficult situation, it is wise to seek help from Allah and refrain from exacerbating the problem.
If we find ourselves in a hole, wisdom says, ask for Allah’s help and at least, lets stop digging.
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 9, 2024
