ECP chief justifies internet blackout, says "Safety First!"
In response to concerns regarding the internet shutdown on Election day, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja assured the public that the Election Commission has its own robust system in place and emphasized that the Commission is not responsible for the outage.
Speaking to the media, Commissioner Raja stated that the Election Commission would only consider reopening the internet when it is confident that there are no security threats. He reiterated that the Commission's operations are independent of internet connectivity and that its internal systems remain fully functional.
Commissioner Raja underscored that the Commission is in constant communication with the government and has a comprehensive result declaration system in place, regardless of the internet status. He emphasized that the Election Management System (EMS) has multiple workstations allocated for provincial and national constituencies, ensuring efficient operation.
Addressing concerns about mobile phone service suspension, Commissioner Raja questioned the potential risks of reinstating service amidst security concerns, emphasizing that the Commission prioritizes safety above all else.
In reaffirming the Commission's readiness for the elections, Commissioner Raja stressed the importance of voter freedom and urged citizens to fulfill their national duty by participating in the electoral process.
Despite recent security incidents in Balochistan, Commissioner Raja expressed confidence in the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections, urging unity and cooperation from all stakeholders in ensuring a successful electoral process.
