ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is cautiously moving forward in its bid to improve the election process by addressing long-standing concerns over rigging and manipulation. To restore public trust in the system, authorities plan to test a new voting method in the upcoming mayoral elections in Islamabad later this year. The trial will incorporate electronic voting machines (EVMs) alongside blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent results.
Under this plan, the hardware and EVMs will be provided by Rapidev, a Dubai-based company known for handling government projects. Meanwhile, Block360, a partner firm, will introduce the blockchain-based Results Transmission System (RTS), specifically designed for polling station officers. The RTS will allow election officials to record vote counts on a blockchain ledger, ensuring results cannot be altered or manipulated once submitted.
The introduction of EVMs is expected to significantly speed up vote counting and minimize human errors in the process. Government officials are considering conducting trial runs in by-elections before implementing the system nationwide. This cautious approach aims to identify technical and logistical challenges before the next general elections.
However, the transition is not without hurdles. Experts warn that weak digital infrastructure in several regions could hinder smooth implementation. Additionally, a large portion of the population is unfamiliar with digital voting methods, making public education and awareness campaigns crucial to ensure voter confidence.
Political resistance remains another major challenge. In previous discussions about EVMs, some political groups expressed concerns over transparency and accessibility, fearing that digital voting could reduce their control over the traditional election process. These concerns were evident when former Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz stated that EVMs were initially designed for general elections only, not local government elections, due to technical limitations. He pointed out that local government elections require multiple panels, a feature that EVMs do not currently support.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s experiment with digital elections is a step toward modernization. The trials will be closely observed by election experts and political analysts to assess whether this combination of EVMs and blockchain technology can effectively address long-standing electoral issues. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it represents an important effort to enhance transparency and credibility in Pakistan’s democratic process.