APROPOS the news ‘1.67 million votes rejected countrywide in 2018 polls’: Fafen’ (Aug 4). The figures tabulated by Fafen speak volumes about the emerging voter trends and the election result.

In my opinion, changes need to be made at the appropriate level and grey areas clarified. It is also important that changes be made in the election laws wherever needed.

The fact that in this election the rejected votes were more than the margin of difference in the votes between losing and winning candidates in 49 National Assembly constituencies and 120 provincial assembly seats is alarming and food for thought.

One is not aware if this was a deliberate attempt by the voter where he did not find any of the candidates to his liking, or a genuine oversight. Thus, the results do not reflect a true picture. In fact it shows that the majority of the constituents of those particular areas have gone unrepresented.

Furthermore, another column ‘none of the above’ should be incorporated in the ballot paper. This will give a say to the voters whose votes have been rejected. This practice is in vogue in some western democracies.

M. Khaled Sufi

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2018