Poll Schedule
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is poised to disclose the schedule for the February 8 polls next week, as confirmed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. On Thursday, Raja revealed that the printing and delivery of final electoral rolls have been successfully completed.
The announcement of the election schedule is expected on December 14, coinciding with the appointment of district returning officers (DROs), returning officers (ROs), and assistant returning officers (AROs).
However, the appointment process faced a hurdle as high courts in all four provinces declined to spare judicial officers for DROs and ROs positions. As a result, officers from the district administration will assume these duties, according to an ECP official who spoke anonymously.
CEC Raja, in a message on National Voters Day, emphasized the ECP’s commitment to its constitutional and legal responsibilities. He assured voters of security throughout the election process, emphasizing the protection of voting rights with privacy and transparency.
Encouraging public participation, Raja urged citizens to shape the nation’s future by exercising their right to vote. He cautioned against believing unfounded news and rumors about the elections, stressing the importance of prioritizing children’s futures.
The National Voters Day, observed on December 7, aims to raise awareness about vote registration and encourage citizens to use their ballot power. The first general elections in Pakistan were held on December 7, 1970.
Historically, the involvement of judicial officers in election duties has been a topic of debate, with the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) deciding in 2009 to restrict judicial officers from such tasks. The waiver of this restriction in 2012 stirred controversy, as civil society argued that the ECP should independently manage election operations for credibility. Overall, Chief Election Commissioner announces completion of printing and delivery of final electoral rolls ahead of unveiling poll schedule
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