EC scraps online system, returns to manual press card

The Election Commission (EC) has scrapped its newly-introduced online system for issuing press identity cards and vehicle stickers, reverting to the manual process following technical glitches and strong objections from journalists.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the decision at a press briefing at the commission's Agargaon office on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, journalists met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin and other commissioners, flagging faults and procedural hurdles in the online system. Acknowledging the problems, the CEC assured that the issues would be addressed before the February 12 referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election.
"The online system is not user-friendly. This is a new process and problems have emerged. You are not opposed to digitalisation, but it must be user-friendly. Since this is the first attempt, difficulties are natural. We will resolve the issue," Nasir Uddin said.ss