ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced to conduct its first pilot project using biometric machines in the upcoming by-elections on 30 polling stations in NA-19 Haripur.
The by-elections in NA-19 Haripur constituency will be held on August 16 as per the directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the ECP said that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Ufone will render technical assistance in this regard.
The ECP said that the launching of pilot project is in line with the desire of political parties which was conveyed through the Electoral Reforms Committee of Parliament to the effect that a test run of biometrics may be conducted in any bye-election to educate general public about its use in electoral activity.
Meanwhile, the electioneering for by-elections in NA-19 Haripur continues in full swing.
The main contest is between Babar Nawaz of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Dr Amir Zaman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The leadership of both the parties are holding public gatherings, corner meetings and engaged in door to door canvassing to garner support for their candidates.
Also read: Supreme Court orders re-election in NA-19 Haripur
On Jun 19, a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja ordered to conduct re-elections in NA-19 Haripur.
