The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) convened a high-level meeting to discuss the upcoming elections in the country, where it was announced that the ECP is fully prepared to conduct the elections as per the schedule. The commission has already procured necessary election materials and paper for printing ballot papers. Additionally, they have been diligently working on preparing a draft list of polling stations.
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Chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, the meeting was attended by the ECP secretary and other senior officials of the election supervisory body. The four provincial members of the ECP also participated in the meeting via video link.
As per a statement issued after the meeting, the ECP secretary informed the attendees that the commission is in contact with various departments, including the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), for the preparation, printing, and transportation of electoral rolls. The ECP is set to release notifications for the appointment of district returning officers (DROs), returning officers (ROs), and assistant returning officers (AROs) soon. A database has been established by the ECP for the deployment of polling staff.
The secretary further mentioned that the ECP has procured election materials and ballot paper, which have been securely stored. The draft list of polling stations has also been prepared and will be shared with the ROs upon notification. The final list will be issued in accordance with the law after considering voters’ objections and suggestions.
In accordance with the law, the final date for voters’ registration, deletion of names, or correction is July 13, 2023. To raise awareness among the public, the ECP has launched a campaign on this matter.
The ECP is actively coordinating with provincial and federal governments, as well as other relevant institutions, to ensure that the elections are held on time.
During the meeting, the participants expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far and emphasized the importance of completing the process in a timely manner.
The attendees were also briefed on the upcoming local government (LG) elections in Punjab province and Quetta district. It was highlighted that the Balochistan government needs to issue a notification in line with the Balochistan High Court’s order from December 23, 2022. The ECP will commence work on the demarcation of Quetta once this notification is received.
The meeting instructed the ECP secretary to contact the Balochistan chief secretary on the same day to ensure the prompt delimitation of Quetta district.
In Punjab, the registration of electoral groups is expected to be completed by July 17. Once the caretaker provincial government provides funds and makes necessary security arrangements, the ECP will release the schedule for the LG elections.
The meeting directed the secretary to liaise with the Punjab government to ensure that the local body elections are held in the province as planned.
