LAHORE: The largest by-elections are going to being held in Pakistan today (Thursday) on 41 seats, including 15 National Assembly and 26 provincial seats, while the ECP postponed by-elections in NA-25 due to floods and the prevailing law and order situation.
The by-elections were held in four constitutions, including one National Assembly seat NA 129 and three Punjab Assembly seats included PP-142, PP-150 and PP-161 in the provincial metropolis on Wednesday.
According to the ECP the total number of registered voters is 790,097, including 470,318 male voters and 319,779 female voters.
The ECP has also finalised its vote arrangements for 638 polling stations across the city, including 278 male, 267 female and 93 combined polling stations, while the ECP also set up 1,631 polling booths in 638 polling stations. The number of presiding officers is 638, the assistant presiding officers are 1,651 and 1,631 polling officers would also perform their duties in the by-elections.
According to the ECP, army would be deputed at every polling station. Election material like ballet papers, ballet boxes, stamp pads, and other related materials, which would be used on election day have already been delivered at polling stations under the supervision of police and the military. The purpose of the deputation of police and the military is to avoid rigging, disruptive behaviour and violence during the polling.
City and traffic police have also finalised their security plans regarding by-elections in the provincial capital.
These departments would provide a peaceful and safe atmosphere to the citizens on election day.
In this regard, acting CCPO Muhammad Tahir Rai has issued a security plan for the by-elections.
According to this plan, the total number of polling stations is 638, which are divided into three categories A, B and C.
The sensitive polling stations are110 in number and are placed in category “A”. Other polling stations are included in B and C categories. According to the security plan there would be four police officials, volunteers deputed at each polling station.
On the by-election day, there would be more than 7,000 cops and 4,500 soldiers who would perform duty.
Authorities would surround every polling station and every SP, DSP and SHO would be considered duty in-charge and would be responsible for the security during polling.
According to acting CCPO Muhammad Tahir Rai there would be coordination with the DCO and commissioner and SPs would perform their duty as the focal person.
CCPO further said, “We request the administration and public to cooperate with police and in case of any illegal activity inform the police so that there will remain an atmosphere of peace in the city is ensured.”
CCPO added that if any individual would create hurdles or would act in violation against the law a case would be registered against those persons and they would be put behind bars.
Political party workers, leaders and candidates also observed the security arrangements in their constituencies, which have been organised by ECP. They expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
(Daily Times)
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