A returning officer from NA-197 in Sindh’s Shahdadkot has raised concerns about the Election Management System (EMS), expressing reservations in a letter to the Qambar Shahdadkot district returning officer. The officer complained about missing records in the EMS, which is slated for use in the upcoming general elections, raising questions about the system’s validity and reliability.
In the letter, the returning officer mentioned that he inputted polling staff details into the EMS, but these details subsequently disappeared. This fault has led to doubts about the effectiveness of the system in ensuring accurate and transparent election processes.
The letter’s timing is noteworthy, coming just a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) claimed to have conducted another successful trial of the EMS. Despite the purported successful trial, the returning officer expressed dissatisfaction with the system’s performance and raised concerns about its ability to facilitate rather than hinder the election process.
The returning officer further stated that despite reaching out to both the ECP and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), he did not receive a positive response. The letter concludes by highlighting the challenges the EMS is posing for returning officers, asserting that the system, intended to streamline the election process, is creating problems instead of providing ease.
The warning in the letter, stating that the returning officer will not be responsible if the issue is not resolved, underscores the significance of addressing potential flaws in the EMS promptly. The letter highlights the critical role technology plays in the electoral process and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that such systems operate seamlessly to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
