ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) categorically refuted reports in some newspapers on Wednesday, giving the impression that the government was pushing a company to buy electronic voting machines (EVMs), which is clearly misleading and in bad faith. .
Contrary to the innuendo, it was the Election Commission of Pakistan which, by letter dated 09.12.2021, requested the MoST to provide 3,900 EVMs as well as project management, support and services to conduct the next local elections of the capital territory of Islamabad (ICT).
In response, the MoST replied in the affirmative to the ECP with a letter dated 10.12.2021. The MoST provided full support and services for the implementation of the EVMs in the upcoming LG ICT elections. Regarding EVMs, the MoST reiterates that the ECP has the obligation and mandate to launch a national or international tender for the supply of EVMs.
The government’s position is that the Request for Proposals (RFP) be finalized and launched by the PCE. Thus, any association or preference for a particular company by the MoST is misleading and incorrect. The ministry has no inclination for any business. In fact, it is the exclusive domain of ECP to select, manufacture and procure any type of EVM from any source through open tendering.
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