Internet or no internet, EMS will work, says ECP

• ECP assures uninterrupted EMS operations despite internet and network connectivity disruptions

ISLAMABAD: In the midst of Pakistan’s election fervour, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a reassuring statement regarding the functionality of the election management system (EMS), emphasising its continuity regardless of internet connectivity.

During a comprehensive briefing, the ECP officials affirmed that the EMS would persist in its operations irrespective of internet availability. This declaration comes as a significant reassurance amid concerns over potential disruptions to the electoral process.

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Elaborating on the system’s resilience, officials explained that while the internet outage might cause delays in result dissemination in certain areas, it would not compromise the integrity of the electoral outcomes. Stressing the paramount importance of security measures, they affirmed that the results, once generated, would remain inviolable.

At the heart of the EMS functionality lies the real-time monitoring of Returning Officers (ROs) across the nation. Through the utilisation of mobile technology, presiding officers are equipped to access EMS, facilitating the creation of Form 45 – a crucial document delineating polling station outcomes. Upon completion, presiding officers will affix a photograph outside the polling station, simultaneously transmitting it to the respective ROs.

To mitigate the impact of potential internet disruptions, a robust contingency plan has been devised. Presiding officers will encapsulate the form’s submission with stringent time and location stamps, effectively locking its authenticity within their mobile devices. In the event of internet unavailability, presiding officers will personally deliver Form 45 to the RO office, ensuring the seamless continuity of the electoral process.

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The Election Commission’s steadfast commitment to preserving the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process underscores the significance of Pakistan’s democratic ideals. With meticulous planning and resilient measures in place, the nation moves forward with confidence, reaffirming its dedication to fair and transparent elections.