ECP shares ballot plan, Senate presses for urgency

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, led by Senator Taj Haider from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has strongly recommended that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) expedite the announcement of the election schedule. The Senate emphasized the urgency of this announcement to eliminate any uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming elections in the country.

During the committee’s briefing session, ECP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan provided valuable insights. He disclosed that the preliminary delimitation of constituencies is slated for publication on September 27, 2023. Nevertheless, he highlighted that approximately 60 days would be necessary to address and resolve any representations put forth.

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In response to this, the committee proposed a reduction in the representation submission period from 30 days to just seven days. This adjustment would facilitate the holding of the general election within a 90-day timeframe.

Ballot Plan

The Senate committee was briefed comprehensively on the preparations and arrangements in place for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. Secretary Khan outlined the extensive scope of the election, encompassing 266 National Assembly constituencies and 593 provincial constituencies.

He revealed that a total of 91,809 potential polling stations would be set up nationwide, categorised as 41,809 normal, 32,508 sensitive, and 17,411 highly sensitive stations.

Secretary Khan also informed the committee of the substantial manpower required, with approximately one million polling staff needed to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections.

In response to queries from committee members about result consolidation methods, Secretary Khan detailed the use of electronic devices equipped with ECP-developed software. These devices will be utilized to transmit snapshots of Form-45 to the returning officers. Additionally, the software includes features for tracking the time and location of these snapshots, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process.