Daily Times

On a constitutional petition filed regarding the inclusion of a column stating “None of the Above” on ballot papers, Sindh High Court (SHC) served notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) , Advocate General and Deputy Advocate General to respond by June 21.

The petitioner, lady doctor Dr. Natasha Mustafa is the daughter of a late advocate of Supreme Court Ghulam Mustafa Lakho, who started the campaign for the addition of “None of the above” column to ballot papers almost 13 years ago. Dr. Natasha Mustafa took up her father’s cause after his death. .

Through her counsel Advocate Manzoor Khoso under article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, the petitioner requested the SHC to include an additional column having words “None of the above” on ballot paper.

“Chief Election Commission of Pakistan while printing ballot paper showing serial vise names of contesting candidates should add an extra column at the bottom of the ballot paper in coming general elections of Pakistan 2018. The option “None of the Above” should be included in the ballot papers as it would enhance the scope of political expression and public confidence in the democratic process,” the petitioner urged.

“It is a fundamental right of every citizen in consideration of the Article 19-A of the Constitution, which recognizes freedom of expression. Countries like India, US, Bangladesh, Spain, Columbia, Russia and Chile provide this option in their electoral system,” Dr. Natasha stated in her petition.

On this occasion, talking to the media in presence of her counsel petitioner, Dr. Natasha Mustafa said that the people who normally did not vote would also be engaged in political process and would also exercise their right to vote. “The addition of this option would ensure credibility, enhance accountability and transparency to the electoral process,” said Natasha Mustafa.

Published in Daily Times, June 14^th 2018.