ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja expressed contentment with the Election Day proceedings in a recent interview. While acknowledging minor issues in various parts of the country, Raja reassured the public that the Election Commission of Pakistan had promptly deployed teams to address these concerns.
Responding to queries about internet disruptions, Raja emphasized that such issues would not impact the polling process. He clarified that the ECP’s internal system operates independently of the Internet, guaranteeing the timely transmission of results as planned.
In addressing concerns regarding internet disruptions, Raja highlighted that almost 2 million texts were received daily on the designated 8300 helpline leading up to the elections. This significant response indicated that a substantial portion of the population received their voting details promptly, contributing to the smooth conduct of the electoral process. The Election Commission’s proactive measures and resilience against potential challenges underscored their commitment to ensuring a fair and efficient election.
Shifting the focus to the vote-counting process, it commenced promptly at 5:00 pm on Thursday following the cessation of polling activities. The ECP remained resolute in its decision not to extend the polling duration, emphasizing the non-negotiable conclusion of the voting process at the stipulated time.
An ECP official noted that unofficial results were anticipated to be disclosed around 6:00 pm, offering an initial glimpse into the electoral landscape. The closure of all polling stations at 5:00 pm, as per the earlier announcement, adhered rigorously to the prescribed schedule, with individuals present before the cutoff retaining the privilege to cast their votes.
The day’s polling activities, which began at 8:00 am, unfolded seamlessly across the country until the 5:00 pm deadline. Queues outside polling booths reflected civic enthusiasm, demonstrating a collective eagerness among voters to participate in the democratic process.
