ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja wrote a letter to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, urging the government to ensure an uninterrupted power supply without load shedding for a crucial three-day period during the upcoming 2024 elections.
The letter from CEC Sultan Raja specifically requested Prime Minister Kakar to instruct the relevant authorities to provide continuous electricity from February 7 to 9. The emphasis on maintaining an uninterrupted power supply is rooted in the potential difficulties that power disruptions on election night could pose in the seamless compilation of election results.
This appeal comes as part of the broader efforts to facilitate a fair and smooth electoral process. Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had proactively formed a seven-member committee to oversee the comprehensive planning and execution of the upcoming general elections.
The committee, led by Minister of Communications Maritime Affairs and Railways Shahid Ashraf Tarar, includes the chief secretaries of the four provinces.
The committee’s responsibilities encompass evaluating and providing essential support for the requirements associated with conducting general elections. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in making prompt decisions to enhance security measures, ensuring effective control over the law and order situation during the electoral process.
Pakistan is gearing up for the much-anticipated elections scheduled for February 8, wherein the electorate will determine the composition of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The Election Commission of Pakistan previously unveiled the election schedule on December 15, outlining a total of 336 seats in the lower house.
A political party needs to secure at least 169 seats to be eligible to form the next government in the country. The CEC’s proactive approach underscores the commitment to conducting transparent and efficient elections, addressing potential challenges proactively.
