In a significant move, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the ‘8300’ SMS service will now be available at no cost, starting Monday, January 29.
In anticipation of the forthcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has introduced a noteworthy initiative, declaring that the widely-used ‘8300’ SMS service will be provided free of charge beginning Monday, January 29. This development aims to enhance voter accessibility and transparency in the electoral process.
ECP’s Spokesperson, Syed Nadeem Hyder, along with Additional Director General Nighat Sadique and the Project Director of the Project Management Unit, made this announcement during their appearance on Radio Pakistan. They highlighted that voters can now easily obtain information about their constituencies and polling stations by simply sending their computerized identity card numbers to ‘8300’.
It essential for voters to bring their computerized national identity cards (CNICs) to the polling stations for voting, and even expired CNICs or tokens issued for new CNICs will considered valid for casting votes.
To ensure fairness and transparency, ECP has implemented a robust technological mechanism, with the presence of a significant number of international observers invited to monitor the elections, emphasizing the commitment to a fair and unbiased electoral process.
In adherence to the Election Act, ECP’s Spokesperson highlighted a crucial provision mandating a specific time limit for the completion of election results. Presiding officers must submit the election results to the Election Commission by 2 a.m., and any delays will be thoroughly scrutinized and reported by the returning officer. Emphasizing the importance of a swift process, Hyder stated that election results must be finalize by 10 a.m. the following day.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming general elections, these measures designed to not only streamline the electoral process but also to ensure accessibility and transparency, thereby providing voters with a smooth and efficient electoral experience.
Key Points:
- ECP introduces free ‘8300’ SMS service for voters.
- Voters can access constituency and polling station details by sending CNIC numbers to ‘8300’.
- Expired CNICs or tokens for new CNICs deemed valid for voting.
- Robust technological mechanisms in place for fairness and transparency.
- International observers invited to monitor elections for unbiased processes.
- Election Act mandates a specific time limit for result submission to ensure accountability.
- Finalized election results expected by 10 a.m. the day after polling day for a swift process.
 has announced that the '8300' SMS service will now be available at no cost, starting Monday, January 29.){kind=link}