September 28, 2021: Voter registration plays a key role in the democratic system because it makes a person (voter) eligible to participate in electoral processes. Voters’ participation contributes in the successful running of the democracy. Keeping in view the importance of voter registration, the Elections Act 2017 also bounds the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct public awareness programs and media campaigns regarding the importance of maximum voter enrolment and participation in elections. In this regard, ECP initiates voter registration campaign from time to time. ECP has also initiated its fourth campaign of voter registration.
In a bid to enhance the voter registration of transgender people, the Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan (CIP) regional mentor along with members from Multan Region met Mr. Abeer , District Election Commissioner (DEC), Sahiwal at his office. Regional convener along with regional mentor drew his attention towards reducing gender gap in electoral rolls in Sahiwal. DEC stated that ECP started fourth round of women national identity card (NIC) and voter registration in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). He also shared that after the annual revision to be held next month, ECP will launch a door-to-door campaign for voter registration. On this, the CIP representatives requested to include transgender people in the ongoing voter registration campaign in order to ensure their electoral right.
DEC lauded the recommendation of CIP members and assured that they will include transgender people in the campaign. He also shared that in the next month ECP has planned a meeting of District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) regarding the door-to-door campaign,. In the planned meeting, ECP will also invite the newly nominated DVEC members from CIP and will share the details of the campaign with them.
