LHCBA leadership rejects attempts to undermine biometric voting in bar elections

LAHORE: The leadership of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has criticized what it describes as deliberate efforts by opponents to create controversy around the upcoming bar elections, specifically targeting the use of biometric voting systems.

According to LHCBA office-bearers, certain groups are attempting to introduce the so-called 'Form 47 model'—a reference to the disputed results management process in the 2024 general elections—into the bar polls. The LHCBA leadership stated that such tactics are aimed at scrapping the biometric voting system, which was introduced to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Bar officials emphasized that the biometric voting system had been adopted to prevent rigging and irregularities, and asserted that the 'Form 47 model' would not be applicable or effective in the context of bar elections. They maintained that the biometric system is functioning properly and that any controversy is being manufactured to serve specific interests.

The LHCBA leadership further stated that they are committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, and will not allow any attempts to derail the process. They urged all stakeholders to support the biometric voting system and refrain from actions that could undermine the integrity of the bar polls.

The dispute over the voting system comes as the legal community prepares for the upcoming bar elections, with various groups vying for influence within the association. The LHCBA leadership reiterated their stance that the biometric system is in place to uphold the credibility of the elections and rejected any parallels with the general elections' Form 47 controversy.