Elections will happen as planned, says Chief Election Officer Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Election schedule announcement
In the capital city, Islamabad, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to announce the schedule for the eagerly awaited general elections on December 14, as reported on Friday.
Political parties are actively campaigning and making deals to strengthen their positions in the polls, which are scheduled to take place on February 8 next year.
The electoral body has recently published the final list of district boundaries, overcoming a significant obstacle to announcing the polls. It is now in the final phase of appointing district returning officers, returning officers, and assistant officers in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017.
According to Sections 50 and 51 of the Elections Act, a district returning officer is appointed for each district or specified area, and a returning officer is appointed for each constituency in assembly elections.
The provincial election commissioners and the Election Commission Secretariat have provided lists of government officers for election duty. Their appointments will follow election-related training.
Also Read: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto execution review set for Supreme Court
In a message on National Voters Day, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja announced the successful completion of printing and delivering the final electoral rolls. He emphasized the ECP’s awareness of its constitutional and legal responsibilities regarding elections and related matters.
CEC Raja assured voters of complete security, privacy, and transparency throughout the election process. He encouraged the public to participate in the polls to shape a bright future, emphasizing the ECP’s preparedness and commitment.
The Finance Division released Rs17.4 billion to the ECP on Tuesday for poll arrangements, dispelling rumors of election delays.
Last week, the ECP finalized the list of constituency delimitations for national and provincial assemblies, paving the way for the election schedule announcement.
CEC Raja reiterated that elections will occur as scheduled, promising complete security during the polls. He urged people to exercise their right to vote for the country’s and nation’s bright future, cooperating with the ECP for peaceful elections.
Raja reminded the public of the “power of vote,” encouraging them to cast their ballots while considering the future of their children.
National Voters Day, observed annually on December 7, aims to raise awareness about vote registration and encourage voters to use their ballot power to elect representatives.