Islamabad:

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday paid tribute to the Election Commission in Pakistan (ECP) for achieving a significant milestone by reducing the gender gap in election rolls from 11.8% in 2018 to 7.4% in January 2025.

To inaugurate the fifth phase of inclusive women CNIC/Voter Registration Campaign on International Women’s Day 2025, along with all four members of the Election Commission, the Chief Election Commission said that this performance highlights the ECP’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and gender equality in the election process. The progress of the campaign as a testimony to the relentless efforts of the ECP.

Raja highlighted the Electoral Commission’s extensive approach to further narrowing the gender difference in election rolls and called it a common legal responsibility for ECP and Nadra, not just a promotional campaign.

He praised the inauguration of the team and partners for their tireless work to ensure inclusive voter representation in the previous four stages.

The last four phases of the campaign have emphasized the promotion of voting on the same reason for women and other marginalized groups.

Significant measures were taken to increase the inclusion in the electoral process and promote gender equality, marking a crucial step towards ensuring a fair representation of all.

The Commissioner emphasized that democracy thrives when every voice is heard and every citizen is given the opportunity to shape their future through their voice.

By referring to the constitutional mandate of the Electoral Commission, he highlighted the importance of special measures under Articles 25 and Sections 47 and 48 of the 2017 Election Act to ensure the inclusion of women and marginalized groups.

He emphasized the need for collaboration efforts between the Election Commission and Nadra to achieve this goal.