Islamabad: Pakistan’s election commission would start preparations for 2018 general elections from June-July next year, Secretary of Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) Babar Yaqoob Khan said on Tuesday.
Addressing the participants of a five-week interpersonal skills and capacity development training programme for ECP officers here, the secretary said there would be no compromise on credibility and efficiency of election staff.
He said in the past the training of ECP officers was done closer to the general elections. However, this time the commission has decided to train its staff well ahead of elections, he added.
He said the commission is taking training seriously and will help improve professional skills of all who are officiating in the election. Presiding officers will be picked on the basis of eligibility and professionalism, he said.
He said the ECP would celebrate Voter Day on December 7. He said the commission would conduct activities in all provinces to encourage voters to register themselves.
He said the ECP was working on electronic voting machines and biometric system, which would be introduced on trial basis.
He appreciated the volunteer service offering of officers of the federal government for general elections and termed this a positive start. He added such officers would face no pressure from the provincial governments.
He urged the ECP officers to ensure use of latest technology in their offices and take keen interests in the training to improve their professional skills.
