As the general elections in Pakistan loom, scheduled for February 8, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has implemented a novel approach to address citizens’ concerns by launching a dedicated WhatsApp helpline. With an impressive 128 million voters set to exercise their franchise across the country, this election is marked by a historic surge in the number of candidates who have filed their nomination papers.
The ECP’s innovative move to establish a helpline on the popular social messaging platform, WhatsApp, serves the purpose of enhancing accessibility and responsiveness in handling election-related issues in the lead-up to the polls. Individuals, particularly those with speech and hearing impairments, can utilize the WhatsApp number 0327 5050610 to submit complaints via video messages, providing an inclusive avenue for citizens to voice their concerns.
In addition to the WhatsApp helpline, the ECP has diversified complaint submission channels, allowing individuals to file complaints through email at complaints@ecp.gov.pk or by calling the dedicated helpline 111-327-000, as confirmed by official sources.
To streamline the process and ensure effective grievance resolution, the Election Monitoring and Complaint Centre (EMCC) has been established by the ECP. Control rooms have been strategically positioned at the ECP’s secretariat, as well as at provincial, divisional, and district levels, aimed at managing the registration and resolution of complaints efficiently.
Staff at the central facility is specially trained to promptly address and resolve issues reported by citizens. The ECP has also urged the public to share footage of any observed violations of the electoral code of conduct in their respective areas for immediate response and resolution.
Beyond these initiatives, the control center is equipped with monitoring capabilities for both social media and electronic media, ensuring comprehensive oversight of election-related content. This multifaceted approach underscores the ECP’s commitment to conducting transparent and accountable elections, with technology playing a pivotal role in facilitating citizen engagement and complaint resolution.
